quote:
Originally posted by Hoghead
apparently the book is included at 230K
Better make sure this is true. It might have changed meanwhile, but when I looked into buying a KLX300 about two years ago, the book/plate/registration was definitely NOT included in the sticker price of Bht230K.
After some bargaining two of the Kawasaki dealers in CNX lowered their price to respectively Bht200K and Bht210K. The dealer on Chang Moi road was willing to sell their showroom model for Bht200K and could arrange a plate/book for Bht60K.
Finding it rather strange that Kawasaki would officially sell a model assembled in Thailand without a book (and at a relatively high price), I asked one of my staff to call the Marketing Dept at the factory in order to confirm the dealer's story.
The dealer on Chang Moi Rd told me that Kawasaki had obtained an exemption from the Thai authorities to sell a limited number of KLX300R's (which are normally only destined for export) in the domestic market for 'sporting' purposes, i.e. to be used on tracks only.
The Kawasaki marketing manager confirmed this story, and added that they had obtained only a very small quota (20 if I remember well) that they were allowed to sell for 'sporting/racing' purposes in the domestic market.
The Thai authorities had not even allowed the local Kawasaki factory to present the KLX300R for homologation, as that would have opened the door to buyers obtaining registration/book/plate.
At the time of my call, the marketing manager said that of the initial quota, only six KLX300R's remained in stock at the factory (and probably a few more at dealers throughout Thailand).
I really don't understand why the author of this article tries to present the 'official introduction' as news. The KLX300R is 'Made in Thailand' (and has been for a number of years, just like the KLR650 which is also made here), and was already 'officially' lined up in their model range for sale in Thailand in 2005.
Earlier this year I noticed the KLX300R was not featured anymore in the official Kawasaki Thailand online catalog:
http://www.kawasaki.co.th/ka/product.html
On another note, passing off the 2008 model as 'new' (see opening line of article) is rather disingenuous, as the 'new' 2008 KLX300R is, apart from the graphics, absolutely no different from the model launched in 1997! For 11 years, Kawasaki has been cranking out the exact same bike, as evidenced by the article's accompanying photo's and specs. Makes you wonder about the credentials (or ignorance) of the 'reporter' who posted this article...
Azoulay, ne regrettez pas votre choix, la DR-Z400 est beaucoup plus performante que la KLX300R (mais aussi plus lourde!). Au prix de Bht230K plus Bht60K pour la plaque/l'immatriculation, la KLX300R n'est plus une bonne affaire a mon avis! For those of you who have forgotten most of their school French: The DR-Z400 offers a lot more performance than the KLX300R albeit a fair bit heavier. For Bht290K, it's not such a good deal anymore.
Especially if you consider that in bone stock version, the KLX300R is a notoriously slow bike, even compared to the standards applicable at the time of its launch in 1997! The culprit is the constant vacuum carb, which is not conducive to a spirited ride. It requires a new pumper carb and an aftermarket exhaust system (muffler & header pipe) to free up those ponies!
However, it's not all bad, as the KLX300R is relatively light, has a very nimble chassis and fairly decent stock suspension, and as such it offers a good base for upgrading.
But adding the cost of a pumper carb and pipe to the already hefty Bht290K brings the KLX300R in a price range where there's other interesting offers, like Azoulay's plated DR-Z400 or XR400's.
There's quite a few second-hand KLX250R's imported from Japan around, and Thai enduro riders often retrofit them with the cylinder of the KLX300R. Apart from a smaller barrel, the KLX250 is exactly the same bike/engine, but has the advantage of having an electric starter! I don't understand why Kawasaki keeps on making the KLX300R as a kickstart-only model, while the KLX250 has the magic button!
Oh well, the mysterious ways of Japanese marketing strategies...
Just adding my two euro-cents' worth...
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