Kawasaki’s new KLX230 is purpose-built for serious dirt fun, with both its engine and frame designed from the beginning with trail riding in mind. The all-new 233cc air-cooled, 4-stroke Single engine delivers ample low-mid range torque, and its simple construction makes it ideal for trail runs. The all-new compact perimeter framer was designed to offer the handing stability needed for confident trail riding. KX inspiration can be found in the slim ergonomics and aggressive styling. The new, highly capable dual purpose machine (with 21″/18″ wheels) – equipped with Kawasaki’s first dual-purpose ABS – is powerful, light, and manoeuvrable, making it an ideal partner for attacking the trails.
Providing a light, manoeuvrable package was a key consideration. Designing the simple air-cooled engine concurrently with the easy handling perimeter frame helped keep the KLX230 compact, while the balance between the engine and frame results in performance that can be enjoyed by a wide range of riders.
37mm telescopic forks combined with the New Uni-Trak® mono-shock rear suspension provide superb road-holding and outstanding shock-absorption for excellent off-road performance. The on-road and off-road abilities of the KLX230 add to the joy of riding.
The relaxed position makes the bike easier to ride and control. The footpegs are positioned close to the bike’s centreline for a slim riding position conducive to both on and off road riding. Narrow tank design gives riders maximum comfort and control without sacrificing capacity.
In addition to a powerful engine and compact frame that were both designed with trail riding in mind, the KLX230’s large-diameter wheels, long-travel suspension and ample ground clearance all contribute to its plentiful off-road capability. Front & Rear disk brakes provide great stopping power when riding on the trail.
Long-stroke engine offers robust low-mid range torque, pulling strongly and facilitating low-speed control. Fuel injection delivers precise response, further facilitating control. Overall the new engine’s ample power is complemented by smooth torque that creates an easy-to-handle character and delivers a linear acceleration. Further, the simple construction afforded by air-cooling makes it ideal for trail riding.
Designed from the start for off-road riding use, the all-new perimeter frame offers the handling stability needed for confident trail riding. Extensive feedback from Kawasaki test riders helped achieve the highly accommodating balance between engine and frame that enables a wide range of riders to enjoy the KLX230.
Designing the engine and frame together allowed greater design freedom. Great care was taken to minimise engine height, which allowed an optimal frame line to achieve the ideal rigidity balance as well as keeping the seat height at an appropriate level. The relatively short wheelbase contributes to the bike’s easy, manoeuvrable handling – another welcome feature for new and intermediate riders.
Together with fuel injection, electric start offers hassle-free starting at the push of a button.
Long-travel suspension front and rear (220mm / 223 mm) greatly contributes to the KLX230’s ability to soak up bumps on the trail. And with 265mm of ground clearance, riders are more easily able to clear obstructions they encounter.
Styling cues taken from Kawasaki’s KX motocross machines give the bike an agile, aggressive image to match its trail-riding prowess.
The revolutionary new system, jointly developed with Bosch, was carefully tuned to enable both on-road and off-road use. Designed to assist riders to stop effectively in a short distance in either situation, dual-purpose ABS offers additional reassurance to new an intermediate rider when riding on a low-friction surface.
Choosing air-cooling and a simple SOHC 2-valve design for the engine afforded numerous benefits. Air-cooled engines require fewer parts than their liquid-cooled counterparts, so can greatly contribute to a lighter, more compact chassis. A simple SOHC single-cylinder configuration offers an easy-to-use engine character that lends itself to trail riding, while also ensuring the necessary reliability and durability.
Large-diameter aluminium wheels, measuring 21” at the front and 18” at the rear, efficiently overcome obstacles encountered on trails, greatly contributing to trail-riding performance.
Smooth-shifting six-speed transmission offers a gear for every situation, and is particularly effective when riding on long straights.
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Model | 2020 KLX230 (KLX230ALF) |
| Engine Type | 4-stroke, air cooled, single cylinder |
| Displacement | 233 cm³ |
| Bore X Stroke | 67.0 x 66.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Valve System | SOHC 2 valve |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection Keihin 32 x 1 |
| Ignition | Digital Advance |
| Starting | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Frame | |
|---|---|
| Type | Perimeter, high-tensile steel |
| Wheel Travel Front | 220 mm |
| Wheel Travel Back | 223 mm |
| Tyre | |
|---|---|
| Front | 2.75 - 21 45P |
| Rear | 4.10 -18 59P |
| Suspension | |
|---|---|
| Front | Leading axle 37 mm telescopic fork |
| Rear | New Uni Trak with adjustable preload |
| Brakes | |
|---|---|
| Front | Single 265 mm petal disc with twin-piston caliper. ABS (effective dia. 241mm) |
| Rear | Single 220 mm petal disc, with a single-piston caliper. ABS (effective dia. 186mm) |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| L x W x H | 2,105 x 835 x 1,165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,380 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 265 mm |
| Seat Height | 885 mm |
| Curb Mass | 134 kg (includes full fuel tank, all fluids at optimum levels) |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.5 litres |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Colour/s | Lime Green |
| Warranty | 24 Months Unlimited Kilometres |