Kawasaki KLX 230 Review [230R vs 230S Specs & Comparison]

I recently bought a Kawasaki KLX 230 to do some trail riding while visiting Arizona, which is great because I was very curious about this newer dirt bike model. If you’re interested in buying one or want to learn what I like and don’t like about it, keep reading!

In this review, I’ll break down the specs, what they actually mean, how to know if the KLX 230 is right for YOU, what to look for when buying a used model, and a quick comparison vs the CRF250F, KLX140R F, and KLX300R.

What is the Kawasaki KLX 230?

Depending on which model you get, the KLX 230 is an air-cooled 4 stroke dirt bike with a 6-speed manual transmission. The KLX230R is the off-road trail bike model, and the KLX230S is the “street” or dual-purpose model, but there are a few different choices when it comes to street models.

Engine - what to expect

The KLX 230 has a 230 cc 2-valve engine with a 6-speed manual clutch transmission. It’s comparable to the Yamaha TTR230 and Honda CRF250F engines, which are very different from a modern 250cc enduro bike or MX bike engine.

With only 2 valves (one intake and 1 exhaust valve), there are fewer parts to break, but it also makes it produce more off-idle torque, which is great for learning to ride.

The air-cooled engine runs cooler, making it less likely to overheat. With the 2-valve engine and a heavier flywheel weight, it’s also less likely to stall - removing a lot of frustration if you’re a newer rider.

How much Horsepower & Torque does it have?

According to CycleWorld’s dyno test, the KLX230R has just under 18 HP and 14.4 ft. lbs of torque. This is actual “rear wheel horsepower”, whereas power at the crank will be slightly higher (probably close to 22 HP).
That may not sound like a lot of power to you, but this isn’t the number that makes the Kawasaki 230 so good.

It’s the numbers below the ‘peak HP’ that you should pay attention to. Think about it - how much of your time riding this bike will you be at 8000 RPM (where it makes the most power)? Probably 10% or less.

The more important number for trail riding

Most of your time will be riding at 3000-6000 RPM, and that’s where this 233cc air-cooled engine shines. It makes almost 10 ft. lbs of torque at 2300 RPM, which is just above idle. The KX250 MX bike doesn’t make that much until 3500+ RPM, and doesn’t get above 15 ft lbs. Until 7000 RPM.

What does this mean for you? The KLX 230 is very easy to ride at a low RPM, making it smooth and beginner-friendly for learning how to use the clutch and practicing good throttle control.

Where does it need more power?

The only time I could have used more power in the hills of Arizona, north of Phoenix, is on the steep hills.
I like to ride at a lower RPM and use the torque of the engine, but I found myself having to downshift to make it up some hills more easily compared to my modified Honda 230.

Top speed

The top speed of a KLX 230R is about 60 MPH, while the KLX 230S (dual sport) is about 78 MPH. The KLX230S has slightly different gearing so you can cruise at a higher speed on the road, although it loses some acceleration as a result.

This can easily be changed on both models with a simple sprocket change, such as a 15T front sprocket (Amazon) for a higher cruising speed and max speed.

Fuel economy - what to expect

You can expect to get around 70 MPG on the KLX 230 if you’re doing a mix of dual sport and trail riding if you’re easy on the throttle. The slower you ride and the harder you are on the throttle, the lower your fuel economy will be.

Even though the stock gas tank is only 1.7 gallons (2025+ has 2 gallons!) on the trail model and 2.0 gallons on the street model, you can still get over a 100-mile range before needing to fill up if you're conservative with the throttle - that’s better than most dirt bikes. 

Suspension - Soft is good?

The stock suspension is pretty basic and plush, but that’s a good thing for this type of dirt bike. When I say basic, I mean that it’s a simple technology that’s easy to maintain and service because it’s not complicated.

You also have multiple options when it comes to seat height now. Kawasaki offers an “S” model for the KLX 230, meaning it’s a “Short” version with a lower seat height due to the shortened suspension travel.

Yes, you lose some performance, but that’s the compromise for having a lowered dirt bike, which could make or break the deal if you’re a short female or a guy with short legs like me.

Front forks

The front-end is simple - conventional-style (RSU) 37mm forks with up to 9.8 inches of wheel travel (230R off-road model). 37mm diameter forks are smaller than most full-size dirt bikes, so they’re noticeably lighter if you weighed the separately.

However, they will also flex more, making the front suspension feel “mushier”, especially if you weigh over 200 lbs - unless you add (make) an aftermarket fork stabilizer.

Are the forks adjustable?

There’s no way to easily adjust the stock forks unless you do some internal changes. They’re nice and plush, but you may want to install stiffer fork springs with some heavier weight fork oil (Amazon) if you’re a heavier rider or will be riding it aggressively.

Rear shock

The only thing you can adjust on the stock rear shock is the preload, which is extremely important to getting your suspension balanced (on any dirt bike). Increasing the preload raises the back end, which is needed if you’re a heavier rider.

When the rear end squats too low, the suspension will be unbalanced, causing your dirt bike to handle poorly and have less front-end traction - this makes it easier to slide out, as well as turn at low speeds.

A stock KLX230 is good for 150-180 pound riders, so you may have to get a heavier-duty shock spring if you weigh more or are an aggressive rider if you want the most comfortable ride.

Suspension wheel travel differences/comparison

Just need a quick comparison of the suspension specs on each model?
Here’s the wheel travel on each KLX230 model:

KLX230R	9.8”
KLX230R S	8.7”
KLX230 (Dual Sport)	8.7”
KLX230 S	6.2”
KLX230SM	8.0”

Handling - where does it handle well?

The KLX230R handles well, especially at lower speeds and tight trails, but it’s a bit different compared to the Honda and Yamaha trail bikes in its class.

Since the seat height is taller and the wheelbase is shorter, it almost feels like a giant pit bike. It turns quickly, which is great for tight woods riding, but it’s not quite as stable.

This will be most noticeable at higher speeds on trails that are whooped out or climbing up steep hills. The KLX 230R will rock back and forth more, and it’s more likely to wheelie riding uphill. It’s not a huge difference, but it was noticeable to me after riding it versus the CRF250F and TTR230.

Wheelbase comparison

The wheelbase is 53.5-54.3”, which is a fairly important dimension if you care about handling. Why? Because wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and rear wheels, affects how a dirt bike turns.

In comparison, the KLX300R has a 56.7” long wheelbase, and the KX450 has a 58.5” wheelbase. This means that the KLX230 is several inches shorter in length, giving it a much smaller turning radius - the distance it takes to turn around.

Weight Comparison

The 1st Gen (19-24) comes in at 254 lbs, with the Californa model at 258 lbs, which seems heavy, but it’s actually not compared to the average trail bike weight.
That’s about 10 lbs lighter than the CRF250F. It’s not that noticeable when riding unless you ride each bike back-to-back, and the KLX230R feels slightly top-heavier due to the taller seat height.

Stop paying so much attention to the weight numbers!

A lot of people pay too much attention to weight numbers these days. I wouldn't say I like a heavy dirt bike, but 5-10 lbs is not going to make much difference, especially if you’re a beginner.

For example, the KLX230R weighs about 254 lbs with all the fluids to ride, then they see the KX250X has a 230 lb weight - “Wow, 20 lbs lighter, I should go with that!”

What they forget is that’s the weight without fuel, so it’s actually 240+ lbs, not to mention it’s much taller and top-heavy feeling.

The moral of this story? While weight is important, it’s not everything. It shouldn’t cause you to buy a totally different type of bike that isn’t right for you.

Here are the differences in KLX230 weight between each model:

KLX230R	254 lbs/263 lbs (CA model)
KLX230R S	254 lbs/263 lbs (CA model)
KLX230 (Dual Sport)	291 lbs/293 lbs (CA model)
KLX230 S	296/298 (CA Model), ABS: 298/300 (CA model)
KLX230SM	296/298 (CA Model), ABS: 298/300 (CA model)

Tire type & size comparison

One of the biggest differences between all of these KLX230 motorcycles is the tires. The KLX230SM is the only one with different size wheels and tires (17”), but the type of tire is completely different.

These are the differences between the KLX230 models in their tires:

• KLX230R: Knobby tires for off-road use only. Best traction for trail riding in dirt
• KLX230S: DOT tires - rounded knobbies for on and off-road. Decent traction in dirt & on pavement
• KLX230SM:  Full street wheels & tires - Same as a street bike. Best for roading on the road/asphalt

Seat Seat height - what size rider is the KLX230 for?

the overall seat height as well as an additional model that’s “shortened” for shorter riders.

KLX230R "Trail Bike" seat height specs:

• 2019-2024: 36.2” (92cm)
• 2025+ 230R: 35.6” (90.4cm)
• 2025+ 230R S: 34.4” (87.4cm)

KLX 230 "Dual Sport" seat height:

• KLX230 S (Dual Sport): 33.3" (84.6cm)
• KLX230SM (Supermoto): 33.1" (84.1cm)

What does this mean if you’re a new rider? The 1st gen with the 36.2” seat height is better if you’re 5’8”-6’0” tall, depending on your inseam length. However, if you’re taller, the cockpit might feel cramped while sitting with the stock footpegs and handlebars.

The seat height is about the same as the larger KLX300R model. The difference is that the bike itself is narrower, shorter, and softer, so it will still feel smaller when you sit on it.

Model year history & changes

Since the KLX230 is still a newer model, the only big changes have been the addition of new model options, such as a lowered seat height, a supermoto bike, and a special edition package on the dual sport.
2025 Update: The KLX230R and 230R S models have a slightly lower seat height and updated ergonomics, as well as minor engine updates

These are all the different Kawasaki KLX 230 models and how they differ:

• KLX230R: Trail bike
• KLX230R S: Trail bike w/ lower seat height
• KLX230: Dual sport bike
• KLX230 S: Dual sport bike w/ lower seat height
• KLX230 SE: Special Edition dual sport bike (different styling)
• KLX230 SM: Supermoto bike

KLX230 vs KLX230R vs KLX230R S differences

There are several different Kawasaki 230cc options based on the type of riding you’re doing and you’re height. The main difference is that the KLX230R is the off-road trail bike model, while the KLX230 and 230 S models are street legal dirt bikes with all the accessories for legally riding on the road.

There is also the KLX230 SM model, which is a supermoto bike with street wheels & tires.

Here are the differences between the KLX 230 trail bike and the dual sport bike models:

• Fuel capacity
• Weight
• Seat height
• Lighting
• Physical dimensions/Chassis geometry
• Wheelbase
• Suspension/wheel travel

Which is better for trail riding?

If you haven’t figured it out, the KLX230R model is the best Kawasaki 230 dirt bike for trail riding. The 230R and 230R S (shorter) models are the off-road version with full knobby tires for riding in the dirt, sand, and mud.

Reliability - how long will it last?

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance dirt bike, this is it. The KLX230R is extremely reliable, but only if you do proper maintenance.

This means regular oil changes, cleaning the air filter, and proper chain tension for the most part. The Kawasaki 230 can last hundreds, if not thousands, of hours before needing an engine rebuild.

Any common issues?

There are no major issues, but a couple of things that I don’t like are the variable idle and slightly lean EFI tune from the factory. The variable idle increases the idle speed (about 3000 RPM instead of 1500).

That’s nice for beginners learning to use the clutch, but it makes the bike want to keep accelerating when coming into a corner at a lower RPM, which is annoying and can be dangerous.

There’s a little bit of popping on deceleration, and some people complain of the head pipe glowing red, which are signs of lean fuel mixture. I haven’t seen the head pipe glowing on our bike, but bringing it to your dealer, or an EFI fuel tuner can solve this ($$$), or just keep it stock, and it will run best.

KLX 230 Specs & Dimensions

Just need the OEM specification? Here are from the Kawasaki website for the 2025 models:

	KLX230R / S (Trail Bike)	KLX230 S (Dual Sport)
Engine	233cc air-cooled 4-stroke	233cc air-cooled 4-stroke
Transmission	6-speed manual clutch	6-speed manual clutch
Seat Height	35.6” / 34.4” (90.4/87.4cm)	33.3" (84.1cm)
Suspension Travel	9.8” / 8.7”	7.9"/8.8" (Front/Rear)
Weight (*Wet)	262 / 264 lbs (CA)	278 ABS / 275 lbs (*Dry)
Wheelbase	54.1” / 53.3”	53.7"
Horsepower	18 HP @ 7700 RPM
Torque	14.4 ft. lbs @ 6000 RPM	13 ft-lbs. @ 6400 RPM
Top Speed	60 MPH	75 MPH
Fuel Capacity	2.0 Gal.	2.0 Gal.
Price (New MSRP)	$4,999	$4,999/$5,299 (ABS)

Here are the specs for the 2019-2024 KLX 230 models:

	KLX230R/KLX230R S	KLX230/KLX230 S
Engine	233cc air-cooled 4-stroke	233cc air-cooled 4-stroke
Transmission	6-speed manual clutch	6-speed manual clutch
Seat Height	36.2”/35.4”	34.8”/32.9”
Suspension Travel	9.8”/8.7”	8.7”/6.2”
Wheelbase	53.5”	54.3”
Weight	254 lbs (262 lbs CA model*)	291 lbs/297 lbs (w/ ABS)
Horsepower	21 HP	21 HP
Top Speed	60 MPH	78 MPH
Price (New MSRP)	$4,749	$4,999/$5,299 (ABS model)

Who's it for?

The KLX 230 is made to be an entry-level dirt bike, but how do you know exactly who it’s good for? Here are some practical types of people that would be a good fit.

The KLX230R or KLX230S is an excellent motorcycle if you’re:

• Upgrading from the KLX140
• A teen or adult looking for your “first dirt bike/motorcycle”
• You want a lightweight dual sport/ADV bike
• On a budget but want a new bike
• Wanting a reliable play bike that’s easy to ride & maintain
• Going to ride on and off-road and don’t need a lot of power

Is the KLX 230 the right dirt bike for you?

The KLX230R is a pretty versatile bike because it has a lot of potential for riders of different skill levels, but it definitely lacks power and suspension for more aggressive and fast-paced trail riding on rougher terrain.
Here are some strengths and weaknesses of this bike:

Pros:

• Smooth, predictable power - It’s very easy to ride and learn how to use the clutch
• Multiple size options with a lowered seat height if you’re short (under 5’7”)
• Fuel injection - no messy carburetor to deal with when dirty or re-jetting
• Electric start - no more kick it over on the side of a hill
• Low maintenance - If you want to ride way more than work on your bike, this is a great choice
• Plush suspension - more comfortable for low-speeds
• Quiet - less likely to annoy neighbors with the stock exhaust
• 6-speed - Wide ratio transmission is good for low-speed trails and high-speed gravel roads
• Fuel efficient - ride longer between fuel-ups
• Smaller chassis - handles better at low speeds/tight sections
• Affordable for a new “first dirt bike/motorcycle”
• Cheaper to buy on the used market compared to a Honda
• Over 10 lbs lighter than the CRF250F trail bike

Cons:

• Not a lot of power - if you weigh 240+ lbs or want a lot of “snap”, you might be disappointed
• Soft suspension - you’ll start getting bucked around and bottom out on whooped-out trails riding 20+ mph, especially if you weigh over 200 lbs
• No back-up kick-start
• Variable idle - idles very high and isn’t adjustable unless you get an aftermarket part
• Worse resale value compared to a Honda

Which is better for you?

Maybe you want a KLX 230 but you’re not sure which model is right for you. Here’s a quick breakdown between the trail, dual sport, and supermoto bikes:

You should get the KLX230R if you:

• Want to ride off-road only
• Are new to motorcycles/dirt bikes

You should get the KLX230 S (Dual sport) if you:

• Want to ride on road & off-road legally
• Are new to motorcycles/dirt bikes

You should get the KLX230SM if you:

• Want to ride on the road/commute

How much does the KLX230R cost?

MSRP is $4,999, but most dealers have extra fees, such as destination, assembly, etc. Add tax on top of that, and it will probably be close to $6,000 for your “out-the-door” price unless you shop around.

What about used model prices?

You can expect to find a used KLX230R for $2800-$4500 on the used market, with the price greatly depending on the hours/condition since they haven’t changed much.

For some reason, the value of used Kawasaki dirt bikes goes down faster than other name brands, such as Honda and Yamaha. That makes them harder to sell, but that’s good if you’re looking to spend less on a used dirt bike!

KLX230R vs CRF250F

Power and size are the biggest differences. The CRF250F has about 2 HP more than the KLX230.

The Honda has a lower seat height but a longer wheelbase. The makes it more stable and also slightly easier to touch the ground if you have short legs like me.

KLX230R vs KLX300R

The KLX300R has noticeably more power, feels bigger, and weighs more than the KLX230R. This makes the KLX 230 better if you’re a smaller/shorter rider and don’t need the extra power, while the KLX300R is the better choice if you’re a bigger/heavier rider because it will accelerate better and feel more stable.

This is, of course, comparing it to the current 2019 and newer KLX 300R with EFI and electric start. The 2007 and older models are noticeably lighter because they’re kick-start only with a carburetor.

KLX230R vs KLX140R F (140G full-size wheels)

The KLX230R kind of feels like an oversized KLX140. It’s slightly bigger and has noticeably more power. If you want more power and can handle a bike that’s a couple of inches taller with an extra 20 lbs, the 230 is a good upgrade. Also, the EFI is a big difference because the KLX140 still has a carburetor, which can be finicky from the factory.

Best mods

The KLX230R doesn’t really need anything to have fun and start building your trail riding skills. But if I were to upgrade it, these would be my first mods”

• Uncork - open up the intake and exhaust
• Remove the pair valve system (EPA-related)
• EFI tuned properly
• Suspension mods - send them to Bruce Triplett for affordable re-valve

Choose The RIGHT Bike With Confidence

Would you like personalized guidance with all of your bike-buying questions answered in less than an hour, rather than spending days or weeks researching only to still be unsure about which bike might be best for YOU? I offer 1-on-1 consulting so that you can choose, find, and buy the right bike based on yo