Summary
- The 2023 Kawasaki KLX 230 is a light dual-sport bike, with basic amenities and traditional dual-sport characteristics.
- With its high tensile steel frame, big wheels, long travel suspension, and an upright riding position, the KLX 230 provides easy maneuverability and predictable handling. It's an affordable and functional choice for dual-sport enthusiasts.
One thing that can be taken for granted is that most big and heavy 'dual-purpose' Adventure motorcycles never really leave the pavement, and if they do, it's for a short stretch of a smooth dirt road that will take them to their final destination. And there's good reason for that. Those heavy, bulky things are awfully difficult to handle off-road. And the rider best be in shape should the need to lift one up from the ground present itself. The truth is, for a bike that is truly going to be used as a dual-purpose motorcycle, then it's best to forget about the big GS's of the world.
The 2023 Kawasaki KLX 230 fits the bill nicely. It's a real light dual-sport bike designed to provide an enjoyable, albeit not too exciting, riding experience for the rider, both on tarmac, or on the trails. The Kawa offer basic amenities such as an electric starter and electronic fuel injection. Other than that, it has all the dual-sport characteristics that are much appreciated by that crowd. And there's no denying Kawasaki makes some of the best motorcycles in the market, even at the entry level, which is the case for the KLX 230. In this article, we're going to take a closer look at the KLX 230, its specs and features, and see if it is indeed a good choice for a dual-sport motorcycle.
All information regarding technical specifications and features of the KLX 230 were provided by Kawasaki. Fuel economy data was sourced from user info from Fuelly.com. 0-60 MPH time and top speed are estimates based on YouTube video runs linked in the article.
Kawasaki KLX 230 Engine And Performance
Weight is at the core of every performance machine. Heavy bikes tend to offer good stability and a planted feel on the highways, but while off-roading that completely changes for the worst. If a rider is taking his or her motorcycle on an off-road incursion, it's best that the bike is as light as possible. The 2023 Kawasaki KLX 230 tips the scales at only 291.1 pounds wet (293.3 pounds CA model), that is with a full tank of gas and all standard equipment.
2023 Kawasaki KLX 230 Engine Specs
Engine | 4-Stroke single, SOHC, air-cooled |
Displacement | 233cc |
Bore x Stroke | 67.0 x 66.0mm |
Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 |
Fuel System | DFI with 32mm Keihin throttle body |
Ignition | TCBI Electronic Advance |
Transmission | 6-speed, return shift with wet multi-disc manual clutch |
Final Drive | Chain |
Dirt Rider put a 2021 model on a dyno, and got 17.3 horsepower @ 7,800 RPM and 13.3 pound-feet of torque @ 6,300 RPM. 0-60 MPH time is estimated at just over 10 seconds according to a YouTube rider testing his KLX 230, and that is saying something since another more heavy set rider reached a max speed of about 60 MPH on his KLX 230. So the bike is quite agile off the line, and the six-speed transmission is close ratio, helping to keep the engine in the power band. But like all small displacement four strokes, the KLX performance won't be blowing anyone away.
Kawasaki KLX 230 0-60 MPH
Kawasaki KLX 230 Top Speed
These videos show the road performance of the KLX 230 well. It's no rocket, for sure, but what needs to be taken into consideration here is how light it is and the purpose for which it was built, a true, useful dual sport motorcycle.
Kawasaki KLR 230 Chassis And Suspension
Being a dual-sport, truly meant for on and off-road use, the KLR employs a high tensile steel frame, big wheels, ideal for going over off-road obstacles, knobby tires and long travel suspensions (8.7-inches front, 8.8-inches rear), responsible for a ground clearance of 10.4-inches. Seat height is 34.8-inches, and the ergonomics of the bike are typical of the segment, which is to say the bike provides an upright, commanding riding position, which also makes it easier for the rider to ride standing up. The big wheels and suspensions soak up the obstacles with a natural ease, better than most heavyweight adventure motorcycles.
If a change in trajectory is necessary, the light weight of the KLX 230 makes it easy to toss it around from side to side, lift the front wheel to overcome an incoming obstacle, trail brake into a corner, and pretty much anything else in between. The KLX 230 lightweight design just makes it easier to maneuver, whether on or off-road, and if the customer is indeed a dual-sport enthusiast, the Kawa KLX 230 is a very good choice. And it's affordable too at a starting MSRP of $4,999 for the 2023 model. Stopping power is provided by single hydraulic discs front and rear.
Design And Aesthetics
Designed to be primarily functional, the KLX 230 doesn't disappoint when it comes to its style. Granted, it looks like most dual-sport or dirt-bikes do, but there's something about the clean and minimalist look that Kawasaki managed to imbue on the bike that is a testament to modern engineering. The way the seat is designed, in a sleek single piece that allows the rider to move his body weight back and forth comfortably, the height of the bike and distance between the wheels and fenders, the high tailpipe and air intake, the modern halogen headlights, and small fuel tank, all show the bike's true potential.
The 2.0 gallon fuel tank should be good for about 140 miles of range, according to data from 180+ fuel-ups from Fuelly.com, which showed an average fuel economy of 71.8 MPG. The KLX 230 is a motorcycle to be enjoyed either as a commuter for people who live in more rural areas, or as a fun bike, able to explore the vast wildernesses of America with relative ease.
Why Choose The KLX 230
A lot of beginner riders feel 125-150cc dual-sport bikes, although being light, just don't offer an acceptable performance. The KLX sits in a displacement range that is able to provide a few extra ponies without adding too much weight to the package. Even if a rider is coming from a smaller, even lighter bike, he will soon find out that the weight of the KLX 230 is very well distributed and riding it feels just as if riding a smaller displacement motorcycle, with the added benefit of a little extra oomph.
Big Adventure Bikes Don't Always Do Well Off-Road
That paired with the excellent suspensions, off-road sized wheels and knobby tires, comfortable and ergonomic controls and riding position, and an incredible fuel efficiency help make the KLX 230 a great beginner dual-sport bike that also can be the go-to choice of more experienced riders looking for a true no nonsense, hassle-free dual-sport experience. With all that in mind, one should not consider the KLX 230 if his or her riding habits involve some or a lot of highway riding. Its top speed just won't cut it and even if maintaining a constant 60 MPH, the bike will feel busy and stressed, to the point that the rider will eventually fell the same, and that's no fun.