Kawasaki Adds KLX300 DF ABS to 2027 Lineup at $6,299 in the US

Kawasaki has added the KLX300 DF ABS, a new dual-sport version, to its KLX300 family for the 2027 model year. The bike sits below the KLX300 XPL, which was introduced earlier with round LED headlights and a taller windscreen, as a simpler option.

The DF keeps the light, agile structure of the standard KLX300. What sets it apart is black engine and frame parts, hand guards and a rear luggage rack. The body is painted in a grey shade Kawasaki calls Medium Cloudy Gray, and the swingarm is black.

Engine and chassis

The motorcycle uses a 292 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. For 2027, Kawasaki has revised some internal components, raising output from 25 HP to 26.8 HP. Peak power arrives at 8,000 rpm, and peak torque of 24.9 Nm comes at 6,800 rpm. The transmission is a six-speed gearbox with a chain final drive and a conventional manual clutch.

The bike rides on a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear. A 43 mm inverted front fork offers 254 mm of travel, while the rear Uni-Trak suspension provides 231 mm. Kawasaki has not yet disclosed the DF's seat height or wet weight in its official technical specifications.

ABS acts on the front wheel and can be switched off with a button on the left side of the handlebar. The option is intended for riders who want direct control of braking behavior on loose surfaces, but with the system disabled, the risk of wheel lock-up increases. A new LCD instrument panel supports smartphone connectivity. Through Kawasaki's RIDEOLOGY app, riders can view mileage and maintenance data on their phones.

Price and availability

On Kawasaki's US website, the starting price for the KLX300 DF ABS is $6,299. With the $650 delivery charge, the total rises to $6,949, and taxes and dealer fees are not included. The standard KLX300 ABS starts at $5,999, which puts the DF $300 above it. The US list price gap between the DF and the XPL is $200.

Kawasaki Motors Japan has said it plans to bring some members of the updated KLX300 family to the Japanese market in autumn 2027. Kawasaki has not officially announced that the KLX300 DF will be sold in Turkey.