Kit Palmer | June 18, 2019
Kawasaki has added a new dual sport motorcycle to its lineup—the 2020 Kawasaki KLX230. It features a 233cc fuel-injected, air-cooled, four-stroke engine with a six-speed transmission, an all-new steel perimeter frame, long-travel suspension, 21-inch (front) and 18-inch (rear) wheels, full lighting, disc brakes, and available ABS. Seat height is a low 34.8 inches.
2020 Kawasaki KLX230 Dual Sport
2020 Kawasaki KLX230
The new KLX230 is expected to arrive in dealerships by late summer with an MSRP of $4599.
2020 KLX230: Affordable, Versatile And Fun
2020 Kawasaki KLX230
Click here to read about the off-road-only version of this bike, the 2020 KLX230R.
The following is from Kawasaki:
Kawasaki’s all-new KLX230 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-NEW 233 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.
A smooth and reliable powerful, 233 cc 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-purpose ABS provide sure stopping power when riding on trails as well as on-road.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
- ALL-NEW 233 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 233 cc. 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 off road and street riding, the all-new high-tensile steel perimeter frame offers the optimal handling needed for enjoyable riding in a wide range of environments. The engine and frame were designed together, which helped engineers 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 with 8.7” 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-riding performance.
The KLX230 motorcycle comes equipped with petal disc brakes, front and rear, which provide 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, which offers strong, easy-to-control braking. A 220 mm disc operated by a single-piston caliper slows the rear.
The revolutionary new dual purpose ABS system was carefully tuned for both on-road and off-road use. Designed to assist riders to stop effectively in a short distance in most conditions, dual-purpose ABS offers additional reassurance to riders when braking on a low-traction surface.
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 look to 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 jobs The 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.
ACCESSORIES
Riders can personalize their KLX230 to meet their needs, with numerous Kawasaki Genuine Accessories to choose from, such as: skid plate, frame covers, hand covers, oversized handlebar, handlebar pad, helmet lock, and a rear carrier.
KAWASAKI KLX230 (ABS Edition)
Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $4,899
Availability: Late Summer 2019
KAWASAKI KLX230 (NON-ABS Edition)
Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $4,599
Availability: Late Summer 2019
