The long-awaited “Sherpa” arrives in North America
Kawasaki has announced the new KLX230 SHERPA for 2025. The slender, outdoor-oriented design is reminiscent of the popular Super Sherpa model from the 1990s and 2000s, adding a new personality to the KLX230 series.
The engine is the same as the KLX230, equipped with a 232cc air-cooled single cylinder.
It is equipped with an air-cooled 232cc SOHC single-cylinder engine, not water-cooled, with a maximum output of approximately 18 PS and a maximum torque that Kawasaki states is “variable, but approximately 1.8 to 2 kg-m.” It is characterized by its tenacity at low and medium speeds, making it suitable for a wide range of riding, from forest roads to cruising. The fuel-injected engine, common to the KLX230 series, combines ease of handling at low speeds with stable performance on the highway.
Lightweight and low-profile, it fits in anywhere
The body uses a perimeter diamond frame, achieving lightweight and well-balanced handling characteristics. The wheels are 21 inches in the front and 18 inches in the rear, with a ground clearance of 240 mm and a seat height of approximately 845 mm. With specifications almost identical to the KLX230 S, the low seat and sleek body design make it easy for even smaller riders to handle with confidence, which is why it is popular.
Comes standard with trekking gear, designed for peace of mind even in the outdoors
It comes standard with equipment designed for outdoor riding. It has reinforced aluminum handguards to protect the hands, an aluminum skid plate to protect against rocks and tree roots, a guard pipe for the LED headlight, and an LCD instrument that can be connected to a smartphone. The ABS is selectable and works on both paved and unpaved roads, and can be deactivated when not in use.
Highly rated as a versatile bike
The lineup includes three colors that blend in with nature: whitish beige, medium smoky green, and medium cloudy gray, all of which are soft earth tones that emphasize an outdoor feel.
In Japan, media reviews have cited its low-speed torque and light body as making it easy to handle for accessing forest roads from the entrance to campsites and for everyday city riding, and its good straight-line stability. It is especially well-received by off-road beginners as a vehicle they can ride with confidence. Meanwhile, while opinions vary slightly on the thickness of the seat, it has also been praised for its light and stable ride, which makes it less tiring to ride long distances.
The KLX230 SHERPA is a modern trekking machine for riders who want to travel between nature and the city. While inheriting the bloodline of the old Sherpa, this serious bike has been rebuilt on the KLX230 platform with improved electronic equipment and fuel efficiency. It’s time for a reevaluation as a multi-purpose bike that can be used by a wide range of riders, from urban enthusiasts to outdoor enthusiasts.
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