Kawasaki KLX230 S specifications
Kawasaki · Dual-sport
The KLX230 S is a simple, air-cooled bike. Total Motorcycle lists a 233cc fuel-injected, air-cooled four-stroke engine, a high-tensile steel perimeter frame, full-size wheels, capable suspension, KX-inspired styling and smartphone connectivity, and calls the low 33.2 in seat accessible to a wide range of riders.
The same page describes the supermoto sibling, the KLX230SM ABS, with wider 17-inch front and rear wheels, a 300mm semi-floating petal front disc and stiffer suspension settings, which is the version for pavement.
Kawasaki KLX230 S
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2027 |
| Engine | 4-stroke single, SOHC, air-cooled |
| Displacement | 233cc |
| Bore x stroke | 67.0x66.0mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Sealed chain |
| Front suspension | 37mm telescopic fork |
| Front suspension travel | 7.9 in |
| Rear suspension travel | 8.8 in |
| Front brake | Single 265mm petal disc with a dual-piston caliper and ABS |
| Rear brake | Single 220mm petal disc with single-piston caliper and ABS |
| Front tire | 2.75x21 |
| Rear tire | 4.10x18 |
| Seat height | 33.3 in |
| Wet weight (curb) | 290.9 lb |
| Wheelbase | 53.7 in |
| Rake (caster angle) | 24.6° |
| Trail | 3.8 in |
| Ground clearance | 9.4 in |
| Maximum horsepower | 17 hp |
| Maximum torque | 13.3 lb-ft |
| Maximum torque (at rpm) | 6,400 rpm |
| Ignition | TCBI with Electronic Advance |
| Frame | Perimeter, high-tensile steel |
| Length x width x height | 81.9x33.3x44.9 in |
| Estimated dry weight (dry) | 275.5 lb |
| Starting MSRP | $5,499 |
| Destination charge | $435 |
| Class | Dual-sport |
| Fuel capacity | 2.0 gal |
| Maximum horsepower (at rpm) | 8,000 rpm |
| Rear suspension | New Uni-Trak linkage system and single shock with adjustable spring preload |
| Electronic rider aids | Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) |
| Special features | ERGO-FIT , LCD Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE |
Where the KLX230 falls short
The KLX230's limits are power and suspension. Motocross Hideout says the KLX230R off-road version is versatile for riders of different skill levels, and less likely to stall for a newer rider thanks to a 2-valve engine and a heavier flywheel, but that it lacks the power and suspension for aggressive, fast-paced trail riding on rough terrain. It weighs about 254 lb with fluids in the R version.
Expect used KLX230R prices between $2,800 and $4,500, depending on hours and condition.
Break-in and first service
New KLX230 owners on a Kawasaki owners forum discuss breaking the engine in: engine builders say the first 500 miles are critical for piston ring seating, and one owner changed the oil and filter at 550 miles and added a magnetic drain plug for extra engine protection.
KLX230 S against the XT250, TW200 and CRF300L Rally
Yamaha's XT250 is the closest rival, a 249cc dual-sport at 291 lb against the KLX230 S's 290.9 lb. Yamaha's TW200 is a 196cc fat-tire bike at $4,999 and 278 lb, and Honda's CRF300L Rally is the larger, more expensive alternative at $6,499 and 333 lb. The Kawasaki is lighter than the Yamaha XT250 and the Honda.
Kawasaki KLX230 S — specification reference2027 Kawasaki KLX230 S questions
Is the Kawasaki KLX230 S street legal?
Yes. The KLX230 S is the street-legal version, with ABS and an LCD display with smartphone connectivity. Total Motorcycle distinguishes it from the KLX230SM, which has 17-inch wheels for pavement.
How much power does the KLX230 S make?
Kawasaki rates it at 17 hp from a 233cc air-cooled single. Motocross Hideout says the KLX230R lacks power for aggressive, fast trail riding, though its heavier flywheel makes it less likely to stall for a newer rider.
The 2027 Kawasaki KLX230 S is a 233cc air-cooled dual-sport rated at 17 hp, with a six-speed gearbox, ABS and an LCD display with smartphone connectivity. It has 9.4 in of ground clearance, a 33.3 in seat and a 290.9 lb curb weight, and starts at $5,499 before destination.
It is a street-legal, KX-styled trail bike for a newer rider who wants a light, dependable single that can commute on weekdays and take a fire road on the weekend. It is modest in power and suspension, and it suits riders who value that simplicity.
Other models in this reference: Kawasaki KLX300, Kawasaki KLX140R, Kawasaki KX112.