KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The KLX 230 is powered by a 233cc, two-valve air-cooled engine.
- The first direct rival to the Hero Xpulse 200 4V.
- The seat is a very slim, off-road style unit.
- 139kg kerb weight makes it 20kg lighter than the Xpulse 200 4V.
The Kawasaki KLX 230 is finally here, well almost! We say that because Team Green is yet to announce the final prices of the motorcycle, which will happen in December. However, bookings have now commenced for a token amount of Rs 5000, and deliveries are set to begin from January 2025.
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Kawasaki KLX 230 Design
The good thing about the KLX 230 is that it doesn't look too different from Kawasaki's other off-road motorcycles. It gets a typically dirt-bike design, with a tall and slim stance, and dual-purpose tyres with spoke rims. The placement of the exhaust pipe is also near the pillion; similar to what we've seen on the Xpulse 200 4V, given that these are dual-sport motorcycles and will cross the occasional water crossing as well.
The seat of the motorycle is also very slim, similar to most dirt-bikes and the front forks also receive covers as well. This is definitely not going to be a motorcycle for two people, so yay singles, we guess?
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Kawasaki KLX 230 Powertrain and Hardware
The KLX 230 is powered by an air-cooled, two-valve, 233cc powertrain, which produces 17.8bhp and 18.3Nm of torque. This is interesting, because despite the higher displacement, the KLX produces slightly lesser power, but more torque than the Xpulse 200 4V. Also, unlike the Xpulse, the KLX comes with a 6-speed gearbox. We can't wait to see how this entire setup comes across on the road and off of it.
Built on a perimeter frame, it makes use of 37mm telescopic forks, along with a pre-load adjustable monoshock with a Uni-Trak linkage system. Suspension travel is said to be 240mm up front and 250mm at the rear, which is quite generous. Braking is taken care of via a 265mm petal disc with a dual-piston calliper up front, along with a 220mm petal disc at the rear with a single-piston calliper. Also, at just 139kg, it is about 20kg lighter than the Hero Xpulse 200 4V.
Also read: The KTM 250 Duke Now Gets A New Paint Scheme!
Kawasaki KLX 230 Equipment
The KLX 230 obviously does not come loaded with features, but it does get dual-channel ABS, and you also get bluetooth connectivity despite the basic LCD digital cluster, with a gear position indicator. However, it is less likely to feature on-board navigation.
Verdict
Having commenced bookings, Kawasaki is taking things at a leisurely pace, with a full price announcement in December. The KLX 230's fate ultimately depends on its pricing, and despite Kawasaki's history, there may be a small glimmer of hope.
