Kawasaki KLX230

Among all the Kawasaki dual-purpose motorcycles, the KLX 230 positions itself as the most practical one, thanks to the usable features present on this motorcycle. It has a lean design and small stance, which makes it look quite cool.

The frontal stance of the Kawasaki KLX 230 consists of a small headlamp unit encased in a curvy looking headlamp cowl finished in contrasting silver. The high mounted beak-shaped front fender along with the off-road tall front tyre immediately gives the KLX the dual purpose look.

The Kawasaki KLX 230 carries its tall stance pretty effectively when you view the bike from the sides. The sleek and sharp fuel tank cowl and the black finished fuel tank cap surrounds make it look good, while the almost flat side body cowl finished in silver colour adds to the nice contrast.

The almost flat single-piece seat with a small contour ends up in a slightly longer tailpiece, which itself ends up with a petite tail lamp positioned at the back. The tail lamp, along with a functional rear fender with turn indicators mounted on it, makes it look practical for daily urban usage.

The rear tyre is slightly smaller than the front one, but just like the latter, it is in off-road spec which matches the overall personality of the KLX 230. Also going with the flow of the design is the high mounted exhaust pipe below the side of the tailpiece, which too gets a nicely executed cowl.

Other practical bits to be found in the Kawasaki KLX 230 include a set of rearview mirrors and a fully functional full TFT panel for the instrument console, which shows readouts for speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer and trip meter. The absence of tachometer, though, could have been avoided.

The Kawasaki KLX 230 is meant to be a dual-purpose motorcycle, with equal prowess both in on as well as off the road. The motorcycle is equipped with hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and a centrally mounted monoshock with a rectangular swing arm at the rear.

The suspension bits feel sturdy, with their long travel allowing the motorcycle to cover all off-road tasks with ease. Helping the matters off the road is the presence of off-road tyres. While the overall mechanism is supportive on the off-road terrains, the KLX 230 gets the job done in urban duties as well. However, the ride quality isn’t as plush as other urban commuters. The single petal disc brake setup on both ends too are perfect in their purpose.

The Kawasaki KLX 230 is fitted with a four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected, 233cc engine, which is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox and pumps out a maximum power output of 19.8 PS and a peak torque output of 19.5 Nm. Given the low kerb weight of just 132 kgs, the Kawasaki KLX 230 has a praiseworthy power to weight ratio, which enables the motorcycle to pull off from any gear.

The Kawasaki KLX 230 is an entry-level motorcycle with a bare-bones appeal, so it is expected that it misses out on several modern-day premium safety features. However, the motorcycle packs in ABS as its most premium safety feature.

The Kawasaki KLX 230 pitches itself as an apt proposition for those riders who wish to have a motorcycle that is at home in both on-road as well as off-road terrains. With its light-weighted nature, it is a good beginners bike for off-road motorcycle lovers as well.