The dual-purpose model KLX230S (low seat specification, right) comes in Kawasaki’s traditional lime green and is a striking design. There is also a standard-height KLX230, and both are priced at 594,000 yen. The KLX230SM (left), equipped with 17-inch on-road tires and inverted forks, is priced at 616,000 yen. The cool Battle Gray finish gives it a Spartan impression.
The KLX230 has matured in every respect and is the benchmark for dual-purpose models.
Kawasaki’s new KLX230/KLX230S/KLX230SM, which have been announced for about a year, are finally on sale. The base model is the dual-purpose KLX230, which has undergone an overall evolution from the previous model.
First of all, the engine, which is the key to the bike, has been made easier to ride by increasing its power in the low and mid-range rotations. The frame has a newly designed rear subframe that improves foot reach and ride comfort, while increasing the suspension stroke has succeeded in simultaneously improving comfort and off-road capability. Also noteworthy is the new aluminum swingarm, which has reduced unsprung weight by 1.2 kg, showing that even the less obvious parts have been thoroughly refined.
The most obvious evolution is in the exterior parts, with the LED headlight and light cover, and the ergonomically designed bodywork that continues from the tank, shrouds, and side covers, all of which are inspired by the KX motocross series, highlighting the new model. The aluminum black wheel rims and two-tone seat design also give a sophisticated impression, creating a significantly improved image.
Being a simple dual-purpose model, it doesn’t have many electronic features, but the front and rear ABS have been specially set to provide effective braking force even on low-μ surfaces. The ABS can be turned off with a switch on the left handlebar, allowing you to fully enjoy serious off-road driving.
The large LCD display meter can now be connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth and is equipped with a notification function for incoming calls and emails. By using the dedicated smartphone app “RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE,” you can enjoy many interactive functions that allow you to fully enjoy your motorcycle life, such as recording and viewing GPS route information and managing maintenance information.
The KLX230S is a low-seat model that combines excellent off-road performance with easy foot reach.
The biggest drawback of dual-purpose models is the issue of seat height, which directly affects how easily you can reach the ground with your feet. No matter how light the bike is, the anxiety of not being able to reach the ground with your feet can spoil the riding experience itself. To address this issue, the low-seat model KLX230S was introduced. While the standard model KLX230 has a seat height of 880mm, the KLX230S has a seat height of 845mm, which is 35mm lower.
Generally, low-seat models have a reduced suspension stroke to improve foot reach, but the new KLX230S has significantly increased wheel travel, with the front increasing from 158mm on the 2022 model to 200mm. The rear has increased from 168mm to 223mm, achieving excellent off-road performance. If you actually ride it, you’ll notice that the seat urethane is thicker thanks to the newly designed rear subframe, and the resulting sinking and optimized seat shape will allow you to experience foot reach that exceeds the numerical values. If you’ve been avoiding dual-purpose models because of foot reach issues until now, we recommend you try it out and make your own judgment.
KLX230SM motard spec with 17-inch on-road tires front and rear
The standard wheel size for off-road vehicles is 21 inches in the front and 18 inches in the rear. Models that have been modified to fit 17-inch on-road tires on both sides and be capable of aggressive riding on asphalt are commonly known as “motards” or “supermotos.”
The KLX230 series also offers the KLX230SM, a motard-style model. The suspension has been optimized to take advantage of the grip of the on-road tires, and inverted front forks with inner tubes of φ37mm are used to achieve high rigidity and excellent handling. The front brake rotor diameter has been enlarged to φ300mm, achieving high braking performance.
Another key point is the attention to detail in the Spartan looks typical of a motard, with a dark exterior color, as well as a uniform black finish for the engine, frame, suspension, handlebars, wheel rims, etc. The front fenders are also short, and the low-slung nose creates an aggressive silhouette.
The engine’s basic performance is the same as the KLX230, making it easy to handle from low to mid-range, and the secondary reduction ratio is perfect for city riding, making for a light and nimble ride.If you’re only using it on the road, this is the perfect partner for a cool lifestyle.
Detailed explanation
The KLX230/KLX230S follows the image of Kawasaki’s motocross “KX” series. The design of the headlight and other details has been brushed up, giving it a more sophisticated image.
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The KLX230SM, fitted with 17-inch on-road tires, has dark exterior parts with the same shape, giving it a cool impression befitting a motard. The inverted front forks create a bold silhouette.
Even the low-seat KLX230S (pictured) has 200mm of front and 223mm of rear wheel travel, while the standard KLX230 has 240mm of front and 250mm of rear wheel travel.
It features a flush surface body inherited from the KX motocross series, which does not restrict the rider’s movements and increases the freedom of off-road riding.
It uses upright front forks with an inner tube diameter of 37mm. The LED headlights are divided into two sections, upper and lower, with low beams on the upper section and high beams on the lower section.
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The front tire of the KLX230/KLX230S is a standard size for off-road vehicles, 2.75-21. The aluminum rim has a black finish, creating a bold look for the vehicle.
The rear tire also uses a 4.10-18 size, which is the standard size for off-road vehicles. The new aluminum swingarm is 1.2 kg lighter than the previous steel swingarm, reducing unsprung weight.
The front brakes are equipped with a dual-piston caliper and a φ265mm disc, while the rear brakes are equipped with a single-piston caliper and a φ220mm disc. The ABS can be disabled depending on the riding condition.
The lightweight, compact, air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve, single-cylinder engine has an excellent weight balance and is designed for excellent vehicle control. The flat torque characteristics make it easy to handle from low to mid-range, making it easy to ride on both public roads and off-road.
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The meter is a large, easy-to-read LCD type, common to the KLX230 series. It can be connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth, and can receive notifications of incoming calls and link with a dedicated app. The display is highly practical, with information such as speed, odometer, twin trip, fuel, and clock.
The red ABS off switch allows you to cancel ABS operation at will while the vehicle is stopped. The ABS is set to automatically return to normal when the engine is restarted. A short type lever is standard equipment.
The newly designed side covers, combined with the two-tone seat that skillfully blends with the bodywork, recreate the dynamic feel of the KX series competition model.
The newly designed tank and shrouds create flowing body lines. A low seat (11,440 yen) for the KLX230 and a high seat (11,440 yen) for the KLX230S are available as genuine accessories (seat fabric is only available in black).
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The body color is lime green, which emphasizes the image of the motocross bike “KX,” and the low-seat model KLX230S is also available in battle gray.
Based on the KLX230, the KLX230SM is equipped with 17-inch on-road tires front and rear and front and rear suspensions set up for on-road riding. With inverted front forks that provide high rigidity and quick handling and powerful large-diameter front disc brakes, you can enjoy the spartan riding style that is characteristic of a motard.
The main parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, frame, handlebars, suspension, and front and rear wheel rims, are blacked out to create a cool styling.
The front features an inverted front fork with an inner tube diameter of 37mm. The wheel travel is 188mm, realizing an aggressive riding position with a low stance forward. The front fender is a short type to match the 17-inch tire.
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The front is equipped with a semi-floating φ300mm petal disc and dual piston caliper, providing powerful stopping power that makes the most of the grip of the on-road tires.
The KLX230SM’s swingarm is made of high-strength steel to withstand the grip of on-road tires. The secondary reduction ratio is 43/14, optimized for 17-inch tires.
The rear brake is the same as the KLX230 series, with a φ220mm petal disc and single-piston caliper. The rear brake master cylinder is a lightweight type with an integrated reservoir tank, and is approximately 100g lighter than the previous model.
It is equipped with an air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve, single-cylinder engine with the same performance as the KLX230, but the color is unified in black, giving it a Spartan impression. Rubber pads are attached to the footpegs to improve riding comfort.
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The meter is a large LCD display common to the KLX230 series. The fully digital display provides excellent visibility, and it can be linked to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The dedicated smartphone app, “RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE,” offers a variety of functions, such as viewing riding logs from GPS records and managing maintenance information.
The KLX230SM is not designed for off-road riding, so it does not have an ABS cancel switch. The handlebars are blacked out, so the view from the rider’s point of view is cool.
The KLX230SM comes in a unique color, Phantom Blue, a dark blue reminiscent of a fighter jet, perfectly suited to its Spartan character.
The lineup is now complete with the outdoor-conscious trekking-style KLX230 SHERPA (left), the dual-purpose KLX230 (center, photo shows KLX230S) that anyone can enjoy off-road riding, and the KLX230SM (right) with 17-inch on-road tires front and rear for aggressive street riding! While they may look similar, each model offers a unique experience of motorcycle life.
Main specifications/KLX230 (KLX230S)
Overall length: 2,090mm (2,080mm)
Overall width: 845mm
Overall height: 1,170mm (1,140mm)
Seat height: 880mm (845mm)
Seating
capacity: 2 people Displacement: 232cc
Vehicle weight: 133kg
Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 2-valve single cylinder
Maximum output: 13kW (18ps) / 8,000rpm
Maximum torque: 19Nm (1.9kgf・m) / 6,400rpm
Transmission: 6-speed return type
Fuel tank: 7.6L
Brakes: Front disc, rear disc
Tire size: Front 2.75-21 45P, rear 4.10-18 59P
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (including 10% consumption tax): ¥594,000
Main specifications/KLX230SM
Main specifications: KLX230SM Overall
length: 2,035mm Overall width:
845mm
Overall
height: 1,125mm Seat height: 840mm
Seating capacity: 2
Displacement: 232cc
Vehicle weight: 137kg
Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 2-valve single cylinder
Maximum output: 13kW (18ps) / 8,000rpm
Maximum torque: 19Nm (1.9kgf・m) / 6,400rpm
Transmission: 6-speed return type
Fuel tank: 7.6L
Brakes: Front disc, rear disc
Tire size: Front 110/70-17M/C 54P, rear 120/70-17M/C 58P
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (including 10% consumption tax): ¥616,000
