Whether it’s out on the trail, cruising through city streets or on backcountry roads, the street-legal KLX400SR can do it all – and does it with performance and style. Based on the Kawasaki KLX400R motorcycle, which is designed for enduro and off-road use, the KLX400SR can go places its muddy sibling can’t. But don’t let the license plate fool you. Underneath all the headlights, taillights and turn signals is a double overhead cam, four valve, liquid-cooled dry-sump four-stroke engine that delivers aggressive power on demand.

Because its design was derived from a true off-road machine, the KLX400SR is built to withstand harsh elements. A nickel-silicon-phosphorous-plated cylinder provides excellent heat transfer properties and is host to a forged aluminum piston, which receives oil cooling through a crankcase oil jet. A thermostatically controlled cooling fan is also mounted to the left radiator to help maintain a consistent operating temperature in traffic. While on the roads or in dirt, smooth and crisp throttle response comes courtesy of a Mikuni BSR36 CV-type carburetor, which drinks from a long-range 2.6-gallon fuel tank.

For easy maintenance, a cable-operated clutch with a separate outer cover operates with the compact five-speed transmission. Equipped for any off-road or on-road riding situation, the KLX400SR’s transmission is geared with versatility in mind. It can handle tight and rocky terrain as well as it can endure long stretches of pavement.

Wrapped around the responsive engine is an equally responsive chassis. With a dry weight of just 291-pounds, the KLX400SR is slim, nimble and comfortable enough to spend long days in the saddle. Attached to the chrome-moly steel frame is an aluminum subframe that provides a skeleton for a smooth transition between tank, seat and bodywork, making the KLX400SR a stylish high-performance dirt bike. Bolted to the KLX400SR chassis and providing it with a plush ride is the 49mm long-travel cartridge fork, which features rebound damping and adjustable spring preload. A lightweight aluminum swingarm and rear shock with high/low-speed rebound and compression damping adjustability complement the fork and overall chassis package. Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes give the KLX400SR ample stopping power.

A dual-purpose motorcycle wouldn’t be complete without a number of other features, including a 60/55-watt halogen headlight, taillight/stoplight and rubber-mounted turn signals. The KLX400SR also boasts a sophisticated digital instrument panel tucked behind the headlight cover, which consists of a speedometer, odometer, twin-trip meters, clock and timer with stopwatch functions. To meet highway-way use regulations, dual-sport tires shod the aluminum rims front and rear. A U.S. Forestry-approved spark arrestor assures access to any Forest Service road open to licensed vehicles, while sturdy engine and rear disc brake guards protect against rocks and debris.

The KLX400SR may be street legal, but it’s still definitely equipped for the wild.

2003 Kawasaki KLX400SR Specifications (Suggested Retail $5449 USD)