Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa…638,000 yen
The basic configuration of the KLX250 Sherpa is almost the same as that of its sister model, the KLX230S, which was developed at the same time. However, it is equipped with features unique to the Sherpa, such as a stack pipe below the headlight, knuckle guards, tapered aluminum handlebars, a skid plate below the engine, and a simply designed split shroud and tank cover.
Qualities that set them apart from their modern rivals
Those who have read this article, “1000km Serious Test Ride,” which has been published once or twice a month since 2020, may know that recently, for the first time in over a decade, my passion for off-road riding has been rekindled, and I have been regularly going on forest road tours. Having previously ridden the Honda CRF250L/<S> and Suzuki V-Strom 250SX on unpaved roads, both of which have been featured in this article, I was impressed by their respective qualities, but that didn’t mean they seemed like the best replacement for my beloved 1997 Honda SL230, which is showing signs of wear and is nearing the end of its life.
The headlights are significantly more compact than the previous model, and the light source has been changed from H4 bulbs to LEDs. The split headlight cover has an atmosphere similar to that of the Super Sherpa, which was once sold by Kawasaki.
The main reason for this is the size of the vehicle. The 1997 SL230’s curb weight and wheelbase were 116 kg and 1340 mm, while the CRF250L/<S> was 141 kg and 1440/1455 mm, and the V-Strom 250SX was 164 kg and 1440 mm. As someone who regularly enjoys the benefits of the SL230’s light weight and compact size on rough roads, I somehow feel a resistance to the size of Honda’s trail bikes and Suzuki’s adventure tourers.
The OHC 2-valve air-cooled single-cylinder engine was originally exclusive to the KLX230 series, but now, with the main parts optimized, it is also installed on the neo-classic on-road bikes W230/Meguro S1.
With these thoughts in mind, I rode on various surfaces, including unpaved roads, and the KLX230 Sherpa (134kg, 1365mm), which Kawasaki began selling at the end of 2024, made me think, “Could this be my next bike?” However, there is also the KLX230S, which shares the same basic design as this model, and there seems to be almost no difference in the ride feel of the two, so I probably would have had the same impression if I had ridden the KLX230S.
There seems to be some disagreement among the public that there should be a clearer differentiation between the KLX230S and Sherpa. But right now, I just 
want to say “thank you” to Kawasaki for releasing such an attractive light trail bike.
Isn’t it all about opening it up and letting it fly?
Well, I’ve written down my passionate personal feelings right from the start, but the truth is that I didn’t have high expectations for the new generation KLX230 series at first. The reason behind this was that I wasn’t really impressed with the first generation KLX230 that I rode in 2020, and its tough character that made me want to say, “The more you open the throttle, the faster you go” didn’t suit my riding style (perhaps to soften this characteristic, the previous generation KLX230S was released in 2022 with shorter front and rear suspension strokes, but I haven’t tried it yet).
However, the new KLX230 Sherpa maintains its off-road performance when the throttle is wide open, while at the same time being incredibly gentle and obedient at low RPMs and speeds. To put it bluntly, like the SL230 or Yamaha Serow, it’s great for enjoying a leisurely ride on forest roads while admiring the scenery, and it’s as easy as a water flea in urban areas. Considering these facts, I think it’s fair to say that the range of the second-generation KLX230 series has expanded dramatically compared to the first generation.
It’s not necessarily for everyone, but…
However, the KLX230 Sherpa is not necessarily a bike that can be confidently recommended to everyone. Oh, this expression may be misleading again, but there are sure to be some people out there who will be dissatisfied in some way. To give some examples, smaller riders and entry-level riders may feel uneasy about the 845mm seat height, and some may find the grip of the on- and off-road oriented tires to be insufficient on comfortable, paved winding roads.
Also, touring riders will likely be bothered by the 7.6-liter gasoline tank capacity and the lack of consideration for cargo capacity, and those who are serious about tackling forest roads and off-road courses may find it lacking in many ways.
However, these elements are not uncommon for trail bikes and are not a flaw specific to this model.In fact, Kawasaki has prepared the KLX250SM with 17-inch on-road tires front and rear, and the KLX250 with 240/250mm front and rear suspension stroke (200/233mm for the S and Sherpa) with a variety of riders in mind, and there are two types of rear carriers available as genuine accessories to solve the problem of loading capacity, so it would be rude to complain about the current configuration of the Sherpa.
As for seat height and grip on paved roads, it is possible to achieve the height and characteristics you prefer by using aftermarket lowering items and on-road tyres, and once it becomes widely known that you can reliably travel over 200km on a single tank of fuel (the average fuel consumption on this trip was 34.1km, so the cruising range is 34.1 x 7.6 = 259.16km), there are sure to be fewer people who will object to the gas tank capacity.
So, while it’s difficult to recommend it to everyone, I’m sure there are many riders who, like me, like the KLX230 Sherpa. After all, there haven’t been any models in the recent trail bike market that are reminiscent of the old SL230 or Serow. However, the KLX230 Sherpa is not a model that recreates a classic bike from the past (apparently the development team didn’t have that in mind), but rather incorporates a unique statement that is unique to modern Kawasaki. Going into the details here would take up an enormous amount of text, so I’d like to share more details in the second installment, which will be published soon.
The seat height of 845mm is a little high in the world of light motorcycle trail bikes. The figures for other models mentioned in this article are CRF250L/<S>: 830/880mm, V-Strom 250SX: 835mm, Serow 250: 830mm, SL230: 825mm. Incidentally, the KLX230, which has a long front and rear suspension stroke, is 880mm, while the supermotard KLX230SM is 840mm.
Main specifications
Model: KLX230 Sherpa
Model: 8BK-LX232A
Length x Width x Height: 2080mm x 920mm x 1150mm
Wheelbase: 1365mm
Ground Clearance: 240mm
Seat Height: 845mm
Caster/Trail: 24.6°/96mm
Engine Type: Air-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder
Valve Type: OHC 2-valve
Total Displacement: 232cc
Bore x Stroke: 67.0mm x 66.0mm
Compression Ratio: 9.4
Maximum Power: 13kW (18ps) / 8000rpm
Maximum Torque: 19N・m (1.9kgf・m) / 6000rpm
Starting Method: Self-starter
Ignition Method: Full Transistor Lubrication Method:
Wet Sump
Fuel Supply Method: Fuel Injection
Transmission Type: Constant Mesh 6-speed
Return Clutch Type: Wet Multi-plate Coil Spring
Gear Ratio
1st: 3.000
2nd: 2.066
3rd gear: 1.555
4th gear: 1.260
5th gear: 1.040
6th gear: 0.851
1st and 2nd reduction ratios: 2.870 and 3.214
Frame type: Semi-double cradle (perimeter)
Front suspension: Telescopic upright type φ37mm
Rear suspension: Bottom link mono shock (New Unitrack)
Front tire size: 2.75-21
Rear tire size: 4.10-18
Front brake: Hydraulic single disc
Rear brake: Hydraulic single disc
Vehicle weight: 134kg
Fuel: Unleaded regular gasoline
Fuel tank capacity: 7.6L
Passenger capacity: 2 people
Fuel consumption rate (MLIT notification value): 45.5km/L (2 people)
Fuel consumption rate (WMTC mode value, class 2-1): 34.7km/L (1 person)
