This morning Kawasaki released their new lineup for 2020, most notable on the list for ADV/DS lovers was the all new KLX230 and KLX230R. The KLX230 is newly designed from the ground up to attract the attention of beginning riders, or riders just switching to the dirt. The KLX230 platform claims to be all new and features an air cooled 233cc single cylinder motor, a six speed tranmission and a curb weight just under 300lbs. ABS will also be offered as an option for a few hundred dollars more.

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Overall the new KLX 230 overlaps the KLX 250 in displacement which has been offered since 2006 (with updates) and still offered in 2020. Other than displacement, the big difference between the 250 and the 230 is going to be in the cooling, air for the 230 and liquid for the 250.

Additionally, the 230 will have more budget friendly suspension on the front wheel, and about an inch less ground clearance. The result is the 230 comes in a couple pounds lighter and about $1,000 less than the 250.

The new KLX230R shares the same engine but has has some differences. The R version has more ground clearance (+1.4 inch), shorter wheelbase (-0.8") and longer travel (+1.1").  Being an off-road version, the KLX230R also lacks headlight, gauges and turn signals while also shaving $200 off the price tag.

We were a little dissapointed to see Kawasaki came out with something so close to a previous model before releasing a successor to the venerable KLR 650. Until it was discountinued in 2018, the KLR 650 was Kawasaki's only dual-sport motorcycle above 250cc. The Versys 650 never recieved a fairly easy 19 inch front wheel upgrade which would have made it a square competitor with Suzuki's successful V-Stsrom 650. Now, Kawasaki's Versys 300 is their closest Adventure offering  and we hope Kawi will get back into the ADV game sooner rather than later.

We have no doubt that the KLX 230 is going to fair well in the market. It looks simple, robust, and very accessible to new riders. The price is also right to start attracting younger riders to the dual-sport world. Non-ABS models will be $4,599 and $4,899 for ABS.

Offical Press Release Details Follow:

Kawasaki’s all-new KLX®230 dual-purpose motorcycle has been purpose-built for serious fun on the street and in the dirt; with its engine, frame, and suspension designed with trail riding in mind. Taking cues from the KX™ line and Kawasaki’s racing heritage, this 2020 street legal, dual-purpose motorcycle has been designed to enable riders to get out of town and enjoy the trails with confidence. The all-new, affordable, capable, and durable KLX230 completes the KLX® lineup, with a motorcycle for every rider in the family.

• ALL-NEW233 cc fuel-injected, air-cooled, four-stroke engine
• ALL-NEW steel perimeter frame
• ALL-NEW long travel suspension
• ALL-NEW large diameter wheels (21”/18”)
• ALL-NEW large headlamp
• ALL-NEW dual purpose ABS

The KLX230 was designed and built to be a lightweight and easily maneuverable motorcycle for a wide range of riders. Utilizing the simple air-cooled engine design along with the easy handling perimeter frame helped keep the KLX230 compact, while the balance between the engine and frame results in optimal trail fun performance.

Asmooth and reliable powerful, 233cc air-cooled engine and compact steel perimeter frame were designed with trail riding in mind. Full-size wheels, long-travel suspension, ample ground clearance, and KX inspired styling and ergonomics all contribute to the off-road capability of the KLX230 motorcycle. Front and rear disc brakes supported by Kawasaki’s first dual-purposeABS provide sure stopping power when riding on trails as well as on-road.

• ENGINE & TRANSMISSION:

• ALL-NEW233 cc fuel-injected, air-cooled, four-stroke engine
• ALL-NEW electric start
• ALL-NEW six speed transmission

The four-stroke air-cooled single cylinder engine offers smooth, reliable and durable performance in a compact package. The engine has a bore and stroke of 67.0 x 66.0 mm, with a displacement of 233cc. The long-stroke offers robust low-mid range torque for smooth and easy handling. A simple SOHC two-valve design was chosen for its easy-to-use power character and reliability.

Fuel injection ensures consistent fuel delivery regardless of outside air temperature or elevation.It also enables the use of an electric starter, for easy starting at the push of a button, whether the engine is hot or cold, and contributes to clean emissions. The fuel injection system utilizes a 32 mm throttle body, which delivers precise response. Exhaust pipe length was selected to contribute to the engine’s low-mid range performance. To match the strong off-road image of the KX-inspired bodywork, the exhaust features a tapered silencer with an oval cross-section.

A smooth-shifting six-speed transmission covers a wide range of street-riding conditions and allows for more comfortable cruising on the highway, while also effective when trail riding. A 45/14 final gear ratio was selected for an ideal balance for both road and trail riding.
 

• CHASSIS:

• ALL-NEW steel perimeter frame
• ALL-NEW 37 mm telescopic long travel fork
• ALL-NEW Uni-Trak® long travel suspension

Designed from the start for offroad and street riding, the all-new high-tensile steel perimeter frame offers the optimal handling needed for enjoyableridingina wide range of environments. The engine and frame were designed together, which helpedengineers achieve a low engine height, ideal chassis rigidity balance, and a low center of gravity, all in a compact chassis. The short 54.3” wheelbase combined with the high 10.4” ground clearance contributes to the bike’s maneuverability, allowing riders to more easily navigate the trail.

A large, 37 mm diameter telescopic fork handles suspension duties up front; equipped with8.7” long of travel suspension offers controllability on a variety of terrain. At the rear, the new Uni-Trak® rear suspension with 8.8” of wheel travel provides great road holding ability and bump absorption. The single rear shock absorber with pressurized nitrogen gas is adjustable for preload, allowing riders to set the bike up for their weight or a passenger. 

• WHEELS &BRAKES

• ALL-NEW large diameter wheels
• ALL-NEW large diameter disc brakes
• ALL-NEW Bosch dual-purpose ABS

Full-size aluminum wheels, measuring 21” at the front and 18” at the rear, make it easier to overcome obstacles encountered on trails, contributing to exciting trail-ridingperformance.

The KLX230 motorcycle comes equipped with petal disc brakes, front and rear, whichprovide sure stopping power. On non-ABS models, a 240 mm front disc gripped by a twin-piston caliper offers strong, easy-to-control braking. Slowing the rear, a single-piston caliper grips a 220 mm disc. ABS equipped models utilize a 265 mm front disc, gripped by a twin-piston caliper, whichoffers strong, easy-to-control braking. A220 mm disc operated by a single-piston caliper slows the rear.

Therevolutionary new dual purposeABS systemwas carefully tuned for both on-road and off-road use. Designed to assist riders to stop effectively in a short distance inmost conditions, dual-purpose ABS offers additional reassurance to riders when braking on a low-tractionsurface.

• ERGONOMICS:

• ALL-NEW low seat height
• ALL-NEW KX™ inspired ergonomics

The frame, seat, and tank of the KLX230 motorcycle were designed with a combination of form and function in mind, making the frame easy to grip with the legs,offering superior chassis control. Thanks to the compact design of the KLX230, a low seat height of 34.8” was achieved.

Similar to the KX lineup of motorcycles, the flat design of the tank and seat gives the rider greater freedom of movement when changing riding positions, and facilitates sitting farther forward. In addition to trail riding, cruising comfort was also a consideration when deciding the seat shape and thickness. The seams between the shrouds, seat and side covers all fit flush, making it much easier for the rider to move around on the bike.

STYLING & INSTRUMENTATION
• ALL-NEW KX™-inspired styling
• ALL-NEW LCD display instrumentation
• ALL-NEW large, bright headlamp

The KLX230 takes its styling cues from Kawasaki’s line of KX motocross motorcycles,giving the bike an agile, aggressive lookto match its trail-riding prowess. A two-gallon fuel tank allows the good times keep rolling over the course of a long day. Brightness was a priority when designing the headlamp of the KLX230; the large-size 60/55 watt lamp offers excellent illumination for riding at night or on covered trails. A pair of passenger footpegs enables easy two-up riding. The KLX230 motorcycle is also equipped with a lockable toolbox compartment, located in the left side cover, which features everything necessary for quick, on-the-spot maintenance jobsThe toolbox utilizes the Kawasaki One-key system, which means that the side cover panel is conveniently unlocked with the ignition key.An all-digital instrument panel offers at-a-glance information care of a large, easy-to-read LCD display screen. Features include: speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, clock, and indicator lamps.

 • Price (MSRP) and Availability:

KAWASAKI KLX®230 (ABS Edition)
Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $4,899
Availability: Late Summer 2019

KAWASAKI KLX®230 (NON-ABS Edition)
Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $4,599
Availability: Late Summer 2019

KAWASAKI KLX®230R
Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $4,399
Availability: Late Summer 2019

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