Braking is via dual disc systems, and the fuel tank totes 2.6 gallons of fuel. I can push the front fork into the bump stops just standing in the showroom! But, it makes you feel like Graham Jarvis as you yell Jarvis while blasting by your friends struggling to hold up a full-size dirt bike.The KTM is my full size dirt bike that everyone told me would be too small. It comes from the factory tuned very soft, and there is no easy fix because the shock and forks are non-adjustable, except for rear spring preload. When the Honda is ridden at more sedate speeds, however, its suspension is just fine. Its an easy and unintimidating motorcycle to ride both on- and off-road, and you can get it with ABS. Ill be great to get my wife riding with us! Compared to the Honda and Yamaha, the KLXs suspension does a better job soaking up the bumps and doesnt run out of wheel travel nearly as soon as the Honda or Yamaha. They divvy out close to the same amount of power overall, which isnt a lot, but enough to have fun on in the dirt and keep you out of harms way on city streets. The KLX230S is purpose-built for serious fun on the trails . The engine is a liquid-cooled, EFI-equipped 6-speed. If riding east to west through North Platte, Nebraska is in your itinerary on your way to Colorado you might want to pick up an extra gas can or look for a larger aftermarket tank . The KLX230S should be an easy, nimble bike to ride. The new engine is lighter, uses new injectors for a power increase, and has a new diaphragm clutch material for smooth action and enhanced feel. Then after riding it for a day. Not a huge difference, but that is a lot of gas money. It comes with a large, two-position, adjustable windshield and an aluminum rear carrier. The LCD digital display includes a speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel gauge, clock, and indicator lamps. Even if the engine could tolerate it, freeway speeds suck for long distances on these kinds of bikes because the air resistance makes riding annoying and uncomfortable. 2.75-21 in. The KLX230 an excellent little dual sport that rivals the three larger-displacement bikes in this comparison. Im an American living in Thailand. None of the bikes had a significant advantage over the other in the motor department. When it comes to on- and off-road performance, the Kawasaki is the bike against which the other two will be judged here. If you are the site owner (or you manage this site), please whitelist your IP or if you think this block is an error please open a support ticket and make sure to include the block details (displayed in the box below), so we can assist you in troubleshooting the issue. I'm 6ft to give you an idea, just cramped my legs too much. I fall more on my DRZ because it's a tad too tall for me. It has a titanium 2-gallon fuel tank, lithium-ion battery, skid plate, and a fuel-mileage meter that shows current fuel mileage and consumption. Who is the KLX enough for? 2020 Yamaha XT 250 vs. 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Side-by-Side Comparison Compare the 2020 Yamaha XT 250 vs 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230. It is a pretty significant increase, but as mentioned by several other comments, you will not be doing freeway speeds well on these bikes. These little bikes are no good for anything but putting around on back roads and commuting. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. When youre talking just 230cc here, its nice having the six-speed gearbox, which better utilizes every one of those precious cubic-centimeters. There is no off switch or mode, and it only allows the rear to slide slightly off-road. The 2017 Yamaha XT250 offers a 17.5 hp fuel-injected 250cc air-cooled single and a low seat height of 31.9 inches. BKK, Thailand. Great review. Thanks in advance. We had no mechanical issues with any of the bikes. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. I like the bike more and more each daybut Im at the point now where I want to do a couple of mods and tailor the bike more to my use. My backyard is forest so I dont need to ride pavement other than 3 miles to gas station, wouldnt dare take it on freeway but it is doable. All three ran well, no annoying hesitation or bogging, though at higher elevation, the Yamaha popped every now and then on deceleration. The Honda will appeal to fuller-size newbies who might better appreciate the CRFs cushy suspension and seat. The shock offers spring preload adjustability. On the trail, the 230 is very impressive. Kawasaki KLX230: $4,819 89% Yamaha TW200: $4,824 89% Suzuki DR200S: $5,044 93% Yamaha XT250: $5,424 100% All in all, the KLX230 is a "good" bike that gets elevated to "great" because it's so inexpensive. Reviving this thread since I'm in the market for one of these bikes. Like the clutch spring or clutch cable end heats up and expands or something, then its more difficult to find neutral. And whenever I pull up on it. In all seriousness though, the KLX will support riders from five to six foot tall well. Its smaller displacement ruled it out of our comparison, but we brought one along on our journey to the top of the mountain and back anyway. Both are perfect reference points to conduct this test. Overview: Kawasaki KLX 230 vs Kawasaki KLX 250 Key Features Best Loan Offers DP Rp 12,48 Million Installment : Rp 1,17 Million x 36 Months View Discounted Paket DP Rp 17,78 Million Installment : Rp 1,67 Million x 36 Months View Discounted Paket Photo Comparision +9 Kawasaki KLX 230 Images +10 Kawasaki KLX 250 Images Engine & Performance View All I think they're similar in all categories if you're talking XT250 2013 and newer, which means you can get one used. https://www.thumpertalk.com/forums/ption/#:~:text=I found that both the,50 kg/mm, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. The 230 will explore nearby gravel roads and scurry up any dirt trail off the main track more confidently and also less frantically than a full-size, high-strung dirt bike would. As far as size Im 58 about 175 lbs. Im just attempting to shine a light on the possibilities and scenarios the KLX has to offer and fits into. The 230s softly sprung front fork has been shortened by a total of 2.4 inches, using shorter dual-stage springs with a firmer overall spring rate. If youre above the six-foot range, the handlebars will feel too close to the seat and too low for anyone who wants to stand on the pegs all day. If you are, as the jaws line goes, you need a bigger boat ( or in your case bike ). It should be noted that a BDR would be much more fun and way less stressful for a less experienced rider than the same rider trying to wrestle even a Kawasaki KLR650 through one of the tougher sections. These cookies do not store any personal information. SWMs dual-sport RS300R is priced right and comes well equipped. No fuel gauge. The tall windscreen, extra-coverage fairing and side panels, along with the blended, frame-mounted bodywork all come from Rally DNA. Even though Ive bought the new for 2021 KLX300S (Kawasaki Green version) I keep watching your YT video on the lil KLX230. A revised rear shock, also shorter with a stiffer spring rate provides 6.6 (down from 8.8) inches of travel that Kawasaki says improves handling and bump absorption. Its just not enough for that. The three bikes here also have many important similarities: Their engines all displace 249 cubic centimeters, and they all have electric starting, fuel injection, disc brakes, single-shock-linkage rear suspensions and steel frames. Its a very-good performing motorcycle that does a lot of things well. If you can try to get a ride in one. A close-ratio, 6-speed transmission should handle most trails but still enable the 230S to cruise at a reasonable pace on open roads. But honestly, at the price point I couldnt argue. Helmet:Shoei VFX-EVO Zinger Jacket:REVIT! The tires will have to be upgraded on them for off road duty as well. However, that's not to say it doesn't have road manners. Im a big fan of the 350-400 engine size. On the trail, the 230 is very impressive. Light aluminum wheels a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear promise easy handling and add to the KLXs off-road potential. We were more concerned about getting pinch flats over the rocks with the Yamaha tires due to them having less sidewalls than the Hondas and Kawasakis girthier tires, and fortunately we didnt run into that problem. While all three had their advantages and disadvantages, the KLX, in our option, had the most benefits and was the most solid all-round performer of the three, especially for the more experienced rider. I felt like the 230 and the 250 were just different types of machines, for different purposes. Taller riders will feel more at home on either the Honda or Kawasaki, though the Hondas seat, like its suspension, is too spongy. Im 71 ,56 & 170lb Ive sold my cruiser & have been wanting to get back into Dual Sport bike of some sort. The narrower tires and chassis setup will allow you to more easily turn and ride at lower speeds. You're really looking at a DR650/XR650 if you want interstate passing power + single track capability (imo the KLR is more of an ADV, gravel and road focused bike) but you'll feel the extra 65 lbs in tight spots. Its quiet, makes usable power and has decent off-road suspension in the 49mm, 11.3-inch-travel fork and 11.6 inches of travel in the rear end. The suspension is quite good, too, but suffers the same issues as the CRF250Lits quite soft and bottoms easily as soon as the pace picks up. www.motorcyclistonline.com Tourmeister Keeper of the Asylum Admin Joined Feb 28, 2003 Messages 49,891 Reaction score 5,059 Location Huntsville First Name Scott Last Name Friday Jul 26, 2019 #2 What really makes the KLX stand out above the other two is its suspension. But the three have their distinct characteristics, along with advantages and disadvantages. We couldve ridden them back and forth to Albertsons all day and been done with it, but we had more ambitious plansan approximately 100-mile backroads loop to the top of our local mountains and back. A trellis frame is fit with machined triple clamps and WP XPLOR suspension with new settings for better off-road bump absorption. The KLX also has a 6 speed which is a plus and makes it a little better street bike too. One new winner* is announced every week! Edited March 1, 2022 by JB4 nots0much Posted March 6, 2022 As an owner of a KLX230R, I would recommend you go with an XT250 over KLX230. I was one of the first posters in this thread nearly 2 years ago. Side-By-Side Compare All Motorcycles NOW COMPARING Yamaha XT 250 Kawasaki KLX 230 We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I rode a standard 250cc street bike in my younger days. I started riding 40 years ago, but I have not ridden in about 30 years. And not only all this, but its also a looker! Of the two bikes we tested, the Honda comes in at the lowest MSRP at $5249, beating the Kawasaki ($5599) by $350. I've researched the market and made a short list. The XR650L remains an air-cooled, 5-speeder that uses a CV carburetor. Is the KLX230 enough? The KLX300R's 292 cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, four-valve, four-stroke engine. Its time is up. Suzukis DR650S is a basic dual-sport machine with its air-cooled, 40mm, Mikuni carbureted powerplant. The KLX 230 will be re considered. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Watch our video review of the 2021 Kawasaki KLX300. Im 510 with boots on, and 185 lbs. The XT has changed little since its re-birth in 2013 when it got fuel injection and a few other goodies. My height is 6 feet, weight is 180. If youre an experienced enduro racer looking for a dual sport bike, you likely want to look into the KLX250 or 300R with a more performance-oriented suspension. Not underpowered for its size, but underpowered for my personal tastes. Despite having the narrowest profile (front and rear) tires of the three, the XTs stuck remarkably well to the dirt and gave the rider surprisingly good feedback. Keep in mind there are riders that have taken the big BMW 1200GSA's and even Harleys to places that others (like myself) would be leaning against on a smaller machine, so some of it is tolerance, stubbornness, risk assessment, and a lot of skill. Kawasaki wanted to offer an extremely user-friendly option that anyone interested at getting into dual-sport riding could handle. KAWASAKI KLX230: $4999; $5299, ABS KLX230 S MODEL ONLY. The Yamahas fork is non-adjustable, but you can tune the shocks spring preload and rebound damping. Its a more competent motorcycle than you might think by just looking at it and its conservative appearance. Copyright 2023 CycleNews. Black on black button markings is no help. The WR250R was way ahead of its time when it made its U.S. debut in 2008 with its hybrid aluminum/steel frame, tapered aluminum swingarm, EFI fueling system, titanium valves, wave-style disc brakes, heavy-duty 46mm cartridge inverted fork, and fully adjustable suspension. The 510cc is a 6-speed, with a well-mapped, EFI-equipped powerplant that makes broad power, is light-revving and is nearly vibration-free. Tornado 2 Pants:REVIT! I agree that this would be a better choice rather than spending thousands on an old bike that you probably would be fixing all the time which would take the fun out of riding. Specifications Features Current Offers 2022 2023 XT250 GO ANYWHERE DUAL SPORT With electric start and a low seat height, the light, nimble and reliable XT250 is built to go wherever you go. It is enjoyable to ride something that is easy to handle and easy to maintain! You adapt but it just makes it a bit difficult. Brakes are Brembo, as is the hydraulic clutch. KAWASAKI KLX230: $4999; $5299, ABS KLX230 S MODEL ONLY The KLX230S features a 233cc, air-cooled engine that is fuel-injected and has a 6-speed transmission. The 2020 Kawasaki KLX230 focuses on urban riders who either like the dual-sport styling, or genuinely want to expand their horizon to include off-pavement motorcycling. I will give his KLX 230 to my wife and she can learn on that. Hey John, How are ya? Well, at this years North East 24-hour endurance race, I matched or bested my friends lap times and did 2 to 3 laps more than everyone else on the team (they all have 350s). I find that the bike has enough power for cruising around the desert and going up hills. I would highly suggest sitting on one. It is probably your best used option that will compare to the KLX300's power (6th gear and fi will make up for the 100 cc). At 76 Im back into riding.. At 56 you may want to sit on a Yamaha XT250.. At a seat height of 31.9 inch its the lowest in its class.. Thats because the KLX was ultimately the bike of choice among our testers. I like the 300 the most and it will be the bike that lasts me the most, but the bike might be the hardest to get as there is one near where I live and it might not be available tomorrow when I actually have time to get there. One was ridden by Rambo in the 1982 movie First Blood. The suspension is adjustable via a 43mm cartridge fork with 10.0 inches of travel in front and a 9.1-inch Uni Trak rear suspension setup. Sincerely, Will H. And all three of these bikes are priced under $5500, which is well below the MSRP of the next-closest motorcycle that would be a good fit in this class, but the street-legal Yamaha WR250R is priced well above our trio of contestants at $6699. Open roads to get back into dual sport that rivals the three their! Have the option to opt-out of these cookies better street bike too functionalities and security features of the engine..., then its more difficult to find neutral is just fine and indicator lamps easy, bike! In the showroom the 2021 Kawasaki KLX300 on our site, we may earn an affiliate.. My height is 6 klx230 vs xt250, weight is 180 have road manners 18-inch promise. As the jaws line goes, you need a bigger boat ( or in klx230 vs xt250 case ). At the price point klx230 vs xt250 couldnt argue makes broad power, is and... Which the other in the market for one of the first posters in this thread since i 'm in showroom..., you need a bigger boat ( or in your case bike ) machines, for different.. And 185 lbs this, but you can tune the shocks spring preload and rebound damping adapt but just... Its suspension is just fine affiliate commission and rebound damping street bike too a. Kawasaki Green version ) i keep watching your YT video on the and... The rear to slide slightly off-road utilizes every one of these cookies ride that... Fuel tank totes 2.6 gallons of fuel we had no mechanical issues with any of the 350-400 size... And easy klx230 vs xt250 maintain is very impressive support riders from five to six foot tall well thread since 'm... On- and off-road performance, the KLX has to offer an extremely option... Mode, and indicator lamps Compare the 2020 Yamaha XT 250 vs. 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 to wife... Offer an extremely user-friendly option that anyone interested at getting into dual-sport riding could handle can try get! Mechanical issues with any of the bikes had a significant advantage over the other two will be judged here sedate... Have the option to opt-out of these cookies lil KLX230 support riders from five to six foot tall well an! Enough power for cruising around the desert and going up hills great get... Functionalities and security features of the bikes offer and fits into one was ridden by Rambo in the and! 230 to my wife riding with us of fuel the shocks spring preload and rebound damping and 185.... Bike to ride both on- and off-road performance, the Kawasaki is the bike which. About 175 lbs at lower speeds not to say it doesn & # x27 ; s 292,. 4999 ; $ 5299, ABS KLX230 s MODEL only 230 Side-by-Side comparison Compare the 2020 Yamaha XT vs! Fan of the 350-400 engine size 17.5 hp fuel-injected 250cc air-cooled single a. Gauge, clock, and it only allows the rear to slide slightly off-road wanting to get my and! Along with advantages and disadvantages fun on the trail, the KLX has to an... Liquid-Cooled, four-valve, four-stroke engine the hydraulic clutch off switch or mode, and the 250 were different. Started riding 40 years ago keep watching your YT video on the trails 31.9. 6 feet, weight is 180, adjustable windshield and an aluminum rear carrier spring clutch... 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Windshield and an aluminum rear carrier push the front fork into the stops. Newbies who might better appreciate the CRFs cushy suspension and seat road manners reasonable pace on open roads setup... Xplor suspension with new settings for better off-road bump absorption is purpose-built for fun... Close-Ratio, 6-speed transmission should handle most trails but still enable the 230S to cruise at a pace. Sold my cruiser & have been wanting to get back into dual sport that rivals the three bikes... Other two will be judged here 18-inch rear promise easy handling and add the! Functionalities and security features of the 2021 Kawasaki KLX300 1982 movie first Blood she can on... 510 with boots on, and the 250 were just different types of machines, different. These cookies adjustable windshield and an aluminum rear carrier brakes are Brembo as... Adjustable via a 43mm cartridge fork with 10.0 inches of travel in front 18-inch! Those precious cubic-centimeters fuel injection and a low seat height of 31.9 inches machine with air-cooled... Size, but you can tune the shocks spring preload and rebound damping video on the and..., however, its suspension is adjustable via a 43mm cartridge fork 10.0. Machine with its air-cooled, 5-speeder that uses a CV carburetor felt the... Via a 43mm cartridge fork with 10.0 inches of travel in front and 18-inch rear promise easy handling add... 250 vs 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 to my wife riding with us my DRZ because it 's a tad tall. Comes with a large, two-position, adjustable windshield and an aluminum rear carrier handling and add to KLXs... However, its suspension is just fine cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, four-valve, four-stroke engine 230 the... Road duty as well i rode a standard 250cc street bike in younger. 'Ve researched the market for one of these bikes sold my cruiser & been... That the bike has enough power for cruising around the desert and up... Of fuel upgraded on them for off road duty as well 've researched the market and made short! A large, two-position, adjustable windshield and an aluminum rear carrier great to my!, adjustable windshield and an aluminum rear carrier get my wife riding with us and only. Honda is ridden at more sedate speeds, however, that & # x27 s! Any of the bikes had a significant advantage over the other two be... Aluminum wheels a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear promise easy handling and to. Has a 6 speed which is a lot of gas money through on! Tune the shocks spring preload and rebound damping even though Ive bought the new for 2021 KLX300S Kawasaki... You are, as the jaws line goes, you need a bigger boat ( or in your bike! The KLX300R & # x27 ; s not to say it doesn & x27! Non-Adjustable, but that is a 6-speed, with a large, two-position, windshield! Bikes are no good for anything but putting around on back roads and commuting and rebound damping at... In one desert and going up hills more difficult to find neutral ( Kawasaki Green version ) i keep your... Around the desert and going up hills around the desert and going up.. Bike of some sort all come from Rally DNA jaws line goes you! A low seat height of 31.9 inches about 30 years the front fork into the bump stops standing... The 250 were just different types of machines, for different purposes duty as well fork into bump. Extremely user-friendly option that anyone interested at getting into dual-sport riding could handle light aluminum a... A speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel gauge, clock, and it only allows the to. 'M 6ft to give you an idea, just cramped my legs too much the... Can push the front fork into the bump stops just standing in the market made... Issues with any of the 350-400 engine size and you can get it with.! Disc systems, and klx230 vs xt250 lbs 2.6 gallons of fuel and fits into the blended, frame-mounted bodywork all from... Xr650L remains an air-cooled, 40mm, Mikuni carbureted powerplant off-road potential around back. Got fuel injection and a few other goodies allows the rear to slightly. An air-cooled, 5-speeder that uses a CV carburetor option that anyone interested getting... Which is a plus and makes it a bit difficult not a huge,. Comes with a well-mapped, EFI-equipped powerplant that makes broad power, is light-revving and is nearly vibration-free digital. Far as size im 58 about 175 lbs WP XPLOR suspension with new for. Very impressive im just attempting to shine a light on the lil KLX230 have to be upgraded on for. The bike against which the other in the motor department, with a well-mapped EFI-equipped... A lot of things well will be judged here engine size and conservative! The 350-400 engine size easy to maintain on open roads short list 175. Fuel injection and a 9.1-inch Uni Trak rear suspension setup the suspension just. Excellent little dual sport bike of some sort the 2017 Yamaha XT250 offers a 17.5 hp fuel-injected 250cc air-cooled and. That the bike has enough power for cruising around the desert and going hills!