Dirt bikes are fun, exhilarating things that can take on all the rugged terrain that you can throw at them. Now imagine all of that capability, with the added prospect of using it for your daily commute to the office, short grocery runs, and maybe even a few exciting detours in between. Kawasaki is no stranger to the dirt bike segment, and now they are finally bringing in the KLX 230 dual-sport motorcycle to Indian shores.
Visually, it still looks every bit like a dirt bike, and the compact headlight unit, instrument panel, and tail light section are the only distinguishing factors. It does look slightly tall, but the suspension compressed once I sat on it, and I was able to flat-foot it very easily.
The seating ergonomics are not aggressive, and I found it to be pretty comfortable. The seat cushioning is firm and not too squishy, and I could probably see myself riding for about three to four hours before fatigue starts to kick in. That’s not exactly the case for the pillion setup, because there’s barely enough space to sit and the footpegs are also in a weird position, which is directly behind the rider’s calves.
As an entry-level dual-sport motorcycle, the KLX 230 appeals to both new riders as well as experienced enthusiasts looking for a lightweight and nimble option. I quite liked the bike’s suspension system, featuring a long-travel front fork and the preload adjustable rear mono-shock, which offers excellent handling on the dirt. The suspension setup feels very plush while also offering enough cushioning to handle tough jumps and drops without bottoming out. The lightweight frame makes it easy to handle, enhancing the overall riding experience.
The fuel-injected 233cc single-cylinder engine delivers a smooth and responsive ride, providing ample torque for tackling both city streets and off-road trails. Although this engine has been tweaked to follow emission norms, it still feels just as lively as the KLX 230R S. Throttle response and engine refinement are at par with what one would expect from a true Japanese machine. The 6-speed gearbox adds to that, providing smooth, seamless shifting all throughout the ride.
Taking into consideration the power-to-weight ratio, the KLX 230 feels extremely peppy while also being rider-friendly. The braking feels efficient, with dual-channel ABS that is switchable, and by that, I mean you can switch off the ABS on both the front and the rear! The MRF Mogrip Meteor-X1 tyres do quite a decent job in the dirt, but I have yet to experience it properly on the tarmac, so I’ll reserve my judgement on that.
Another thing that I liked very much is the dedicated switch on the left-hand switchgear to turn the ABS off. It is simple, and I didn’t have to painfully toggle through the menu to find the setting and then turn that off. The instrument panel itself is simple and neatly laid out, and furthermore, it gets smartphone connectivity through an app to check on the battery stats along with other information.
The Kawasaki KLX 230 is quite a fun prospect for riders who want to live the off-road lifestyle while still keeping up with regular, everyday life. I, for one, would love to have one in my garage, and that depends totally on the pricing. Kawasaki is expected to price it between Rs 2.2 and 2.5 lakh, ex-showroom, and considering the quality, functionality, and, of course, the Kawasaki pedigree, is a good deal in my books. So now we wait till December to find that out.
