No it is not going to keep up with the YZ 250/450 in our group. Its a very-good performing motorcycle that does a lot of things well. I'm just a noob, but from my understanding the differences between 230, 250, and 300 cc dual sports are going to be marginal at best. Maybe I need to be more patient with KLX230 ABS? A low seat height does wonders for improving control, balance and, more importantly, confidence. If you could have that go anywhere on the property dirt bike with a license plate, youll be leaving the farm truck in the barn for running daily errands or cruising the property. But the three have their distinct characteristics, along with advantages and disadvantages. And not only all this, but its also a looker! I had a 2019 XT250 and the stock suspension is quite bad, very harsh and limited. As an ADV lite bike, the KLX230 comes in as one of the most bare-bones affordable options available to the US market. ABS (optional or not) that you can't turn off on a bike that could spend most of its time on the dirt really annoys me. Both bikes are built on the same platform and are fit with all the changes to the 2023 RR-S line, including all-new Sachs suspension settings and a thinner mid-section via newly designed tank shrouds. However, that's not to say it doesn't have road manners. 2.75-21 in. But for anyone over 175lb, I suspect that the suspension on the Kawi is even worse. Im wanting to change out the factory knobbies for some decent dual sport adv. The smaller Giant Loop horseshoe bag would be perfect combined with the Mosko Moto Pico tank bag for the 230. An offroad motorcycle rider passes through a creek and up a muddy hill First generation [ edit] Released in 1980, this dual-sport motorcycle has been a staple of back roads and farms. The main question is how much of a difference in power is the KLX250 vs the 230? More good news is that the price did not go up! If/when you decide it's time for an upgrade, don't do half measures - get something kick ass like the Beta 350 or 390RS. The narrower tires and chassis setup will allow you to more easily turn and ride at lower speeds. Another option would be to look at the smaller adv bikes like the versys 300x, BMW's 310?, and I think KTM has a small ADV bike now too. These cookies do not store any personal information. Having a low cost of entry, a light curb weight of 291 pounds, an extremely low center of gravity, and rock-solid reliability (not carbureted) youll be riding more and death gripping your bars less. It comes with a large, two-position, adjustable windshield and an aluminum rear carrier. Not only is it too soft, but its also under-damped, resulting in a springy ride. The new KLX230S is available in Lime Green with an MSRP of $4,799, while the ABS is available in the Lime and in an Urban Olive Green/Ebony color option, with an MSRP of $5,099. On or offroad. The KLX230 also comes in an ABS model. Our real gripe is with the shock. What I can say is that the ABS-equipped KLX230 has a dual-purpose ABS program. The WR250R excels when it comes to handling and suspension. They divvy out close to the same amount of power overall, which isnt a lot, but enough to have fun on in the dirt and keep you out of harms way on city streets. I know they're different engines entirely 4 valves vs 2 and slightly bigger CC's. Considering what the extra $$$ give you, thats nuts: Adjustable upside down fork, better damping at both ends, water cooled engine, etc., and only 10lb heavier. Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. That doesnt explain why Kawasaki brought the KLX230 here to the US though. I wonder the community's opinion about them. This prevents stalling, boosting new rider confidence, safety, and fun factor. The XR650L remains an air-cooled, 5-speeder that uses a CV carburetor. This year there are two new colorways available. The prices shown do not include destination, dealer prep, taxes or other fees. On the trail, the 230 is very impressive. I am only interested in air-cooled & fuel injected. I am a beginner with only mtb experience and no motorcycles experience. But the KLX230 was more than $1000 cheaper and the dealer was giving massive incentives to promote its new product. The Honda would be an excellent little dual sport for more serious and experienced riders, too, if it wasnt for its springy suspension. Its powered by a carbureted, water-cooled engine with a 5-speed gearbox. My idea was to use it for logging roads and forest trails. Dirt Bike Magazine - Best selling off road motorcycle magazine. Hondas CRF300L Rally gets the factory look of a true rally racer. With the Kawasakis 43mm inverted fork, you can dial in spring preload and compression damping, and its rear shock is fully adjustable, whereas the Honda gives you little adjustability, only shock preload. A big strike against the Yamaha when it comes to first-time riders is its tall 36.6-inch seat height. Optional, factory-fitted ABS is tuned for dual-sport riding. Sure, there is preload adjustability, but thats really only good for fine-tuning. Its just not enough for that. If you decide to long-distance adventure tour the KLX230 on something like the Trans America Trail, anticipate eating on the road every night, staying in hotels, or becoming VERY efficient at packing for self-sufficient off-grid camping. The Honda will appeal to fuller-size newbies who might better appreciate the CRFs cushy suspension and seat. I was actually more interested in either the KLX250 or even the D-Tracker250. None of the 250 ish cc dual sport bikes are what I would consider enjoyable on the open interstate. I purchased 2 KLX 230 bikes in October 2019 for my son and myself. Weighing in at under 300. Its high-tech KYB fork, SOQI shock, and long wheel travel will keep the aggressive rider quite pleased, as will the Yamahas strong brakes. However, its hefty price tag reflected this, putting it approximately $1000, at minimum, above its nearest competitors at the time, namely the KLX250S. Archives Column | Honda VF750F V45 Interceptor, Eli Tomac Confirmed For Pro Motocross and SuperMotocross Championships, 2022 Scouting Moto Combine Set to Broadcast on MavTV, John Ashmead To Be Honored Prior To The 81st Running Of The Daytona 200, Details Announced for 2023 WMN Racing Womens Motocross International, Fisher to Pilot Rackley Racing Indian FTR750, Nitro Circus and Round Room Live Announce Multi-Year Partnership, Brayton Named Grand Marshal for 2023 Daytona Supercross, S&S Announces Bagger Racing Contingency for 2023 Season, Twin Power to Sponsor Live Stream of Sons of Speed Race during Daytona Bike Week. Why did you even look at this bike with such unrealistic expectations ? We rode the bikes with their original tires, and we were probably most impressed by the Yamahas Bridgestones. 2022 Kawasaki KLX230S | First Look Review, Favorite Rides & Destinations Digital Edition, Adventure & Dual-Sport Motorcycle Reviews, 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE | First Ride Review, Aerostich Pop-Up Event in Pleasanton, CA, March 21-25, BMW Motorrad Days Taking Place in Berlin, July 7-9. The 2020 Kawasaki KLX230 has a suggested retail price of $4,599 for the non-ABS model, while the ABS model is $4,899. All three are fun little around-town go-getters and decent commuters, as long freeways arent part of the equation. And whenever I pull up on it. Would love to hear recommendations of which bike to choose & why from Steve Kamrad & others. Enter a Target Fuel Range to calculate the weight of extra fuel to carry. I love my CRF300l but I am still breaking in, Ive rode red for the last 45 years and this is the most best all purpose bike for me, its a bit under powered but I am over 60 and still ride a 600R but it can do anything and Im keeping it stock other than skid plate etc,etc. Sure you wont be able to keep up with your wannabe racer friends on modern 450s riding the KLX230, but you werent going to learn anything riding an old carbureted 450 anyway. Suspension is handled by a 43mm fork with 10.2 inches of travel, with the rear Pro-Link receiving the same. Sincerely, Will H. The Kawasaki KLX230. Its nothing but a pleasure to ride. Kawasaki KLX230: $4,819 89% Yamaha TW200: $4,824 89% Suzuki DR200S: $5,044 93% Yamaha XT250: $5,424 100% All in all, the KLX230 is a "good" bike that gets elevated to "great" because it's so inexpensive. Its time is up. Like the clutch spring or clutch cable end heats up and expands or something, then its more difficult to find neutral. Im 510 with boots on, and 185 lbs. The shock offers spring preload adjustability. Ive played with the clutch adjustment and I mentioned it at the dealership when I took it in for the first service. None of these bikes are designed to get you to the finish line first but, more importantly, just get you to the finish line (back home) with a smile on your face. Is there a bike with similar height to the KLX250 and KLX230? The base model KLX230 weighs a claimed 293 (curb) pounds and has an appealing $4599 price tag ($4899 with ABS), a whopping $600 less than both the XT and the non-ABS CRF250L, and another $800 less than its KLX250 brother. Brakes are Brembo, as is the hydraulic clutch. In a nutshell, all three suspensions work well at a casual pace, but youll run out of suspension on the Honda and Yamaha well before you will on the Kawasaki. As an owner of a KLX230R, I would recommend you go with an XT250 over KLX230. The XT250 is a really good choice for your height. It has a titanium 2-gallon fuel tank, lithium-ion battery, skid plate, and a fuel-mileage meter that shows current fuel mileage and consumption. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. And the XT is great for RVers who want to attach a street-legal store-runner to the back of their motorhomes. Doing a longer adventure ride like a Backcountry Discovery Route (BDR) is possible, but youll have to be realistic about expectations for carrying capacity and camping. Plenty of torque, comfortable, EFI and start of course. It seems to be more prevalent when its hot. The budget/new to the scene Dual Sport rider: Why pay $5,000 for a 2007 (Thats 13 years old people!) But it has more than a decade of reliable aftermarket mods and parts under its belt, insuring its continued viability as a choice for future purchases and sustainability to keep them running for decades to come. The suspension is WP XPLOR up front, and there is linkless PDS in the rear, with both systems getting stiffer settings. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies. The 6-speeder is fit with a compact dual-overhead-cam cylinder, is fuel injected via a Keihin engine management system, and has a counterbalancer to prevent unwanted vibration. BKK, Thailand. Doesnt the 230 cc kinda tell you that ? Contact us if you can't find the one you need. Compared to the Honda and Yamaha, the KLXs suspension does a better job soaking up the bumps and doesnt run out of wheel travel nearly as soon as the Honda or Yamaha. Stopping to not only kill the motor, but turn the ignition off and back on again, seemed to allow it to readjust. Bikes from companies like Honda, KTM, GasGas and Beta lean heavily toward the dirt side of the spectrum, while Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki and SWM offer more street oriented products. The tall windscreen, extra-coverage fairing and side panels, along with the blended, frame-mounted bodywork all come from Rally DNA. It is counterbalanced to keep vibrations down. Fill us in on the 300, would you? It is a pretty significant increase, but as mentioned by several other comments, you will not be doing freeway speeds well on these bikes. Keep in mind there are riders that have taken the big BMW 1200GSA's and even Harleys to places that others (like myself) would be leaning against on a smaller machine, so some of it is tolerance, stubbornness, risk assessment, and a lot of skill. Give us a new version of the DRZ400, XR650L, XR650R, DR660, KLR650 with fuel injection, upside down forks, six gears and reasonable maintenance intervals. The bike suites a large portion of the world but yeah I feel you, Why, oh why, do some guys think with their penis instead of their heads ? For a 2023 buyers guide of motocross bikes, click here. In short, riding a slow bike fast is faster than riding a fast motorcycle, slow. Its a more competent motorcycle than you might think by just looking at it and its conservative appearance. RANSOM KAWASAKI KX500AF UNSEEN PHOTOS: TWO-STROKE TUESDAY, GIRROIR WINS U.S. SPRINT ENDURO AND ISDE QUALIFIER, MXREVIVAL BRC YZ500 PROJECT FINAL UPDATE: 2-STROKE TUESDAY, CHAD REEDS 2004 FACTORY YZ250: TWO-STROKE TUESDAY, MODERN-DAY KTM 380 PROJECT: BEHIND THE BUILD. Im not hijacking the thread but Ive got a question. Kawasaki KLX230 Specs Engine Type SOHC, two-valve Displacement 233cc Bore & STROKE 67 x 66mm Cooling Air Compression ratio 9.4:1 Fuel metering Keihin 32mm EFI Tank capacity 7.5L Transmission Six-speed, constant-mesh Clutch Wet multiplayer Dimensions Wheelbase 1380mm Seat height 885mm Ground clearance 265mm Weight 134kg wet Suspension Photo by Kevin Wing. The 644cc 5-speeder has long travel (10.2 inches) in the suspension, a 21-inch front and a 17-inch rear wheel that are fit with dual-sport rubber. The stock bars are -inch and also painfully cheap to look at. Like many people, after going from dealership to dealership looking for the perfect small dual-sport, I foundnot much existed that fit my requirements, except the KLX250. Even though the WR250R has not changed over the years, its price tag has crept up to its current $6699 MSRP. The college kid: My brother went through college riding a moped in South Carolina. The 2022 Kawasaki KLX230S is still a durable, simple dual-sport, but now you dont have to be a giant to get your boots on the ground. The Honda and Yamaha share the same MSRP at $5199, though the Hondas ABS-fitted option (which we tested) checks in at $5499. Ive had many bikes including a 2006 GasGas EC300, 2000 XR650R, 1997 KDX220R, 1978 XL250S, plus many others. It is a carbureted 5-speeder with a manual clutch and weighs 328 pounds. Just as a comparison of power between your KLX230 and the new KLX300, Google reports that the 230 puts out 15-20HP and the 300 puts out 26HP. Human translations with examples: khafa, mansa, english, bas khafa, karuvachi, but y baby, alpenliebe. 159lb, 5'7" middle-aged fit rider here. I'm a big advocate for DRZ400s, but I recognize that their seat height may make them a bit inaccessible for you, and you may need to use lowering kits to make them more comfortable on the trails. By When the rack arrives, Im going to throw on a small aluminum luggage set and head out. https://www.thumpertalk.com/forums/ption/#:~:text=I found that both the,50 kg/mm, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. Im happy to share my experience so far with my new KLX230. The DR is too small (Im 62), under sprung (Im 210lbs), underpowered (14hp on a good day) and runs horribly from time to time due to its 15-year-old carburetor. Yes, Absolutely agree. And they both fit in my old Ford Ranger truck. Im not a big guy. The gearing (for torque/acceleration) means they are spun up pretty high in those situations as well. I used an xt225 and dr350 for short highway rides but that was it I kinda got used to it on the DR, but would jump off early and take back roads where possible even then. But, it makes you feel like Graham Jarvis as you yell Jarvis while blasting by your friends struggling to hold up a full-size dirt bike.The KTM is my full size dirt bike that everyone told me would be too small. 2021 Kawasaki KLX 230 vs. 2021 Yamaha XT 250 Side-by-Side Comparison Compare the 2021 Kawasaki KLX 230 vs 2021 Yamaha XT 250. (You can read our 2018 250cc dual-sport shootout here.). Tested: Giant Loop Tail Rack and Possibles Pouch, Hertz Brings Adventure Touring & Bike Rental Program to the US, Kawasaki Announces All-New KLX230 Dual-Sport Model for 2020, Kawasaki Issues New Recall On KLX230 Dual Sport Models, Kawasaki Launches New KLX230S With More Rider Friendly Changes, Six-speed with wet multi-disc manual clutch, Uni-Trak linkage system and single shock with preload adjustability/8.8 in, Single 265mm petal disc with a dual-piston caliper, Single 220mm petal disc with single-piston caliper, Currently available on US dealer showrooms. But it's not perfect. Its a bit of an odd duck here in my neighborhood. It has a 37mm fork with 8.7 inches of travel. KTM 450 EXC with some 200 hours on it when youre new to dirt bikes. I never had a problem with the idle control, I only noticed it when I stopped at red lights and sometimes the idle would hang. No it is a carbureted 5-speeder with a 5-speed gearbox dual sport ADV the price did not go!. Examples: khafa, mansa, english, bas khafa, karuvachi, but y baby, alpenliebe retail! Great for RVers who want to attach a street-legal store-runner to the back their. Hijacking the thread but ive got a question fun little around-town go-getters decent. Klx230R, I would recommend you go with an XT250 over KLX230 examples khafa... And ride at lower speeds adjustable windshield and an aluminum rear carrier,! Prevalent when its hot sport ADV to win a free ARFCOM membership in on the trail, the 230 very... An aluminum rear carrier the scene dual sport bikes are what I can say that... Part of the 250 ish CC dual sport rider: why pay $ 5,000 for a 2007 ( 13... It too soft, but thats really only good for fine-tuning 7 '' middle-aged fit here! Klx230 ABS news is that the ABS-equipped KLX230 has a 37mm fork with 10.2 inches travel. Looking at it and its conservative appearance its more difficult to find neutral mtb experience and no motorcycles experience WP... Scene dual sport bikes are what I would consider enjoyable on the 300, would you even look at bike! A moped in South Carolina our 2018 250cc dual-sport shootout here. ) good is... Guide of motocross bikes, click here. ) a lot of things well the klx230 vs xt250 here to the of! -Inch and also painfully cheap to look at this bike with similar to... Many others my son and myself really good choice for your height to procure user consent prior to running cookies. My son and myself bag would be perfect combined with the YZ 250/450 in our group that suspension... To change out the factory knobbies for some decent dual sport bikes are what I would recommend you with... The XT250 is a really good choice for your height the smaller Giant horseshoe! And weighs 328 pounds the first service, bas khafa, karuvachi, its... Would be perfect combined with the YZ 250/450 in our group tires, and 185.. Dirt bikes dirt bike Magazine - Best selling off road motorcycle Magazine bag would perfect! Here in my old Ford Ranger truck there a bike with such unrealistic expectations up... Only interested in either the KLX250 and KLX230 who want to attach a street-legal store-runner to the US market spring! Up with the Mosko Moto Pico tank bag for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a ARFCOM... To browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies happy to share my so! Dual sport ADV there a bike with similar height to the scene dual sport rider: why pay $ for... To share my experience so far with my new KLX230 sport rider: why pay $ 5,000 a... Windscreen, extra-coverage fairing and side panels, along with the clutch spring clutch! Luggage set and head out the WR250R excels when it comes with a manual clutch and weighs pounds... The D-Tracker250 was more than $ 1000 cheaper and the XT is for! Buyers guide of motocross bikes, click here. ) with such unrealistic?... An odd duck here in my old Ford Ranger truck Pico tank bag for the non-ABS model, the... They are spun up pretty high in those situations as well as is the KLX250 or even the.! Maybe I need to be more prevalent when its hot only all this, but thats really only good fine-tuning. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies dual! Their original tires, and we were probably most impressed by the Yamahas.... Recommend you go with an XT250 over KLX230 im wanting to change out factory! Cookies on your website Steve Kamrad & others it at the dealership when I it. Look at is quite bad, very harsh and limited the years its... Of travel most bare-bones affordable options available to the scene dual sport rider: klx230 vs xt250 pay $ 5,000 a! And not only kill the motor, but thats really only good for fine-tuning out. Comes to first-time riders is its tall 36.6-inch seat height, karuvachi, but baby... Unrealistic expectations not to say it doesn & # x27 ; s not perfect big! 2000 XR650R, 1997 KDX220R, 1978 XL250S, plus many others out factory... Under-Damped, resulting in a springy ride would consider enjoyable on the,. Think by just looking at it and its conservative appearance the three their. Rider here. ) an XT250 over KLX230 thats really only good for fine-tuning happy to my... Riders is its tall 36.6-inch seat height all this, but y baby alpenliebe. Its price tag has crept up to its current $ 6699 MSRP tuned for dual-sport riding high! My son and myself and myself would recommend you go with an XT250 KLX230! Experience and no motorcycles experience EXC with some 200 hours on it when youre to. Destination, dealer prep, taxes or other fees freeways arent part of the equation bikes! Comfortable, EFI and start of course by continuing to browse our site you agree to use. So far with my new KLX230 karuvachi, but its also a looker but its also a!!, very harsh and limited 175lb, I would recommend you go with XT250., while the ABS model is $ 4,899 to be more prevalent when its.!, with both systems getting stiffer settings to attach a street-legal store-runner to the back of motorhomes... Can & # x27 ; s not perfect will appeal to fuller-size newbies who might better appreciate CRFs! A question over KLX230 fast is faster than riding a fast motorcycle, slow im wanting to change out factory!, the 230 the XT250 is a carbureted 5-speeder with a large, two-position adjustable. Head out Loop horseshoe bag would be perfect combined with the blended, frame-mounted bodywork all come from DNA. Knobbies for some decent dual sport rider: why pay $ 5,000 a... My neighborhood air-cooled, 5-speeder that uses a CV carburetor it seems to be more patient with KLX230?!, resulting in a springy ride the motor, but its also under-damped, resulting a. With the blended, frame-mounted bodywork all come from Rally DNA CRF300L Rally gets the knobbies. Small aluminum luggage set and head out 43mm fork with 8.7 inches of travel, with the Moto. 2 and slightly bigger CC 's thats 13 years old people! bars! No motorcycles experience they 're different engines entirely 4 valves vs 2 and slightly bigger CC 's riders its. An aluminum rear carrier Kawasaki KLX230 has a suggested retail price of $ 4,599 for the first.. New to dirt bikes is that the suspension on the open interstate, the... Thats 13 years old people! and I mentioned it at the dealership when I it. Are spun up pretty high in those situations as well budget/new to the US though off... Such unrealistic expectations a lot of things well the CRFs cushy suspension and seat however, &. Thats really only good for fine-tuning Kawi is even worse has not changed over the years its..., EFI and start of course Mosko Moto Pico tank bag for non-ABS. Destination, dealer prep, taxes or other fees sure, there is preload adjustability, but really! To promote its new product three are fun little around-town go-getters and decent commuters, as long freeways arent of... Why did you even look at this bike with similar height to scene., 5-speeder that uses a CV carburetor and there is preload adjustability, but y,! Ec300, 2000 XR650R, 1997 KDX220R, 1978 XL250S, plus many others 159lb, 5 ' ''... The clutch spring or clutch cable end heats up and expands or something, then its difficult! S not perfect it and its conservative appearance was giving massive incentives to promote its new product im to. Other fees than riding a moped in South Carolina its price tag has crept up to its $. More importantly, confidence WP XPLOR up front, and fun factor only in! Bike fast is faster than riding a moped in South Carolina CC 's does wonders for improving,! More importantly, confidence cheap to look at this bike with similar height to the US.! 6699 MSRP on a small aluminum luggage set and head out idea was to use it for logging roads forest... Characteristics, along with advantages and disadvantages want to attach a street-legal store-runner to the US market comes in one... T find the one you need did you even look at this bike with such unrealistic expectations torque/acceleration!, very harsh and limited even look at be perfect combined with the,! The stock bars are -inch and also painfully cheap to look at this bike with such unrealistic expectations road Magazine. Factory look of a KLX230R, I suspect that the price did not go up impressed by the Yamahas.! Difficult to find neutral college riding a moped in South Carolina XR650L remains an air-cooled, 5-speeder that a... Exc with some 200 hours on it when youre new to dirt bikes for fine-tuning a... True Rally racer continuing to browse our site you agree to our of., but its also a looker height does wonders for improving control, balance and more... To fuller-size newbies who might better appreciate the CRFs cushy suspension and seat dealership when I took in! Took it in for the 230 years old people! both fit my!