The Kawasaki KLX230R is a balanced dual-sport motorcycle. It is perfect for both on-road comfort and off-road use. The KLX230R is for riders who love versatility. So, it is a top choice for adventure lovers and beginners. This motorcycle has a rugged build, reliable engineering, and a low price. It proves Kawasaki’s commitment to making bikes for all types of riders.
Kawasaki KLX230R Price
The Kawasaki KLX230R is attractively priced at approximately ₹3.30 lakh (ex-showroom, India). For the global market, its price hovers around $4,899 (USD), making it an affordable choice in the dual-sport category. The pricing reflects the motorcycle’s excellent balance of functionality and features. Though pricier options exist, the KLX230R is best. It has unmatched performance, reliability, and value.
Its price makes it a great entry-level bike. It’s for riders moving from smaller bikes to more adventure-focused motorcycles. Its low price makes it great for experienced riders wanting a second, off-road bike.
Variants
The Kawasaki KLX230R usually has a single, standard variant. But, it is packed with features to handle diverse terrains. Kawasaki may make minor regional adjustments to features. This may include adding ABS or tweaking suspension settings to suit local markets.
The standard variant offers the following:
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Standard Edition:
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Focused on off-road performance with a minimalist design.
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Lightweight frame for easy maneuverability on challenging terrain.
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A suspension system tuned for a mix of trail and moderate off-road use.
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Riders can customize their KLX230R with Kawasaki’s aftermarket parts. These include handguards, skid plates, and luggage. They make the bike more adaptable to specific needs.
Colors
The KLX230R is available in a limited but impactful selection of colors. While colors may vary slightly by region, Kawasaki uses its signature green and some neutral shades. Popular color options include:
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Lime Green: A Kawasaki signature that screams off-road prowess and adventure.
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Ebony Black: For those who prefer a sleek and understated look.
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Pearl White: A clean and classic option that adds a premium touch.
The color schemes are complemented by bold decals, enhancing the bike’s rugged yet modern aesthetics. Regardless of the color, the KLX230R’s design ensures that it looks sharp and adventure-ready.
Mileage
The KLX230R offers impressive mileage for a dual-sport motorcycle. The 233cc single-cylinder engine gives an average fuel efficiency of 35-40 km/l. It depends on riding conditions and terrain.
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City Riding: Approximately 35 km/l in stop-and-go traffic.
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Highway Riding: Approximately 40 km/l, offering excellent range during long-distance rides.
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Off-Road: Fuel efficiency can drop to around 30-35 km/l, depending on the intensity of the terrain.
Its 7.3-liter fuel tank allows for a range of 250-300 km. This makes it great for weekend rides without frequent refueling.
Top Speed
The Kawasaki KLX230R is built for varied terrain, not speed. But, it performs well for its class. The estimated top speed is around 110-120 km/h, depending on factors like rider weight, wind resistance, and terrain.
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On-Road: Reaches its top speed comfortably on smooth highways.
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Off-Road: Speed is optimized for control, not top speed. This ensures safety on tough trails.
Its gearing and engine setup favor a linear power delivery, making it easy to maintain control even at higher speeds on uneven terrains.
Features
The KLX230R packs a host of features that make it versatile and reliable:
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Engine: The 233cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine delivers around 18.1 horsepower and 18.3 Nm of torque. It’s designed for smooth power delivery, making it suitable for both on-road cruising and off-road climbing.
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Suspension: A long-travel system with 37mm front forks and a Uni-Trak rear linkage ensures a plush ride. It absorbs bumps and dips effortlessly.
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Braking: Equipped with a disc brake system for both front and rear wheels. In certain markets, Kawasaki offers an optional ABS for enhanced safety during on-road braking.
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Comfort:
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Comfortable seat height of 925mm, ideal for taller riders and off-road enthusiasts.
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Ergonomically designed handlebars and footpegs for a natural riding posture.
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Lighting: Bright halogen headlight for better visibility during night rides. LED options may be available in select markets.
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Technology: The motorcycle has a simple, functional digital display. It shows speed, odometer, and trip meters.
Full Specifications
Specification | Details |
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Engine | 233cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled |
Power | 18.1 hp |
Torque | 18.3 Nm |
Transmission | 6-speed manual |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 7.3 liters |
Seat Height | 925 mm |
Weight | 115 kg (kerb weight) |
Suspension (Front) | 37mm telescopic forks |
Suspension (Rear) | Uni-Trak linkage system |
Brakes (Front) | 240mm disc |
Brakes (Rear) | 220mm disc |
Tires | Knobby off-road tires |
Design
The Kawasaki KLX230R stays true to its dual-sport roots with a design that emphasizes functionality and style:
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Tall Stance: Ensures excellent ground clearance for off-road obstacles.
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Sculpted Fuel Tank: Designed for better knee grip during off-road maneuvers.
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Knobby Tires: Offer exceptional grip on loose surfaces like dirt, gravel, and mud.
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Minimalistic Bodywork: Reduces weight and makes maintenance easier.
Competitors
The Kawasaki KLX230R faces stiff competition from other popular dual-sport motorcycles:
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Royal Enfield Himalayan: Offers a larger engine and better touring capability but lacks the agility of the KLX230R.
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Hero Xpulse 200/400: A budget-friendly option with good features but less power.
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KTM 250 Adventure: Superior in terms of power and premium features but at a higher price point.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Versatile performance on and off-road.
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Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
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Affordable pricing.
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Low maintenance costs.
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Comfortable ergonomics.
Cons:
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Limited power compared to larger dual-sports.
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Soft suspension may not suit aggressive off-road riders.
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Modest fuel tank capacity for long-distance touring.
Reviews and Ratings
The Kawasaki KLX230R has garnered praise for its reliability and versatility:
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Rider Reviews: Enthusiasts appreciate its lightweight build and smooth engine performance.
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Critic Reviews: Industry experts commend its handling and affordability but point out its limited power as a drawback.
Conclusion
The Kawasaki KLX230R is a great dual-sport bike for beginners and pros. Its low price, versatile performance, and solid engineering make it a top dual-sport contender. It may not be as powerful as some competitors. But, its ease of use, light weight, and off-road ability make it great for adventure-seekers.