Key highlights
- Kawasaki KLX 230 new variants unveiled globally
- KLX 230 Sherpa S becomes a new affordable iteration
- Kawasaki KLX 230 DF is focused on off-road adventures
Kawasaki has expanded the KLX 230 motorcycle lineup with the addition of two new variants called Sherpa S and DF. Read the complete details of these new variants below.
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Kawasaki KLX 230 Sherpa S and DF details
Speaking of the Sherpa S, it is a more accessible variant that features a road-focused setup. It has been changed heavily in comparison to the India-spec model.
The first change on the Sherpa S is the lowered seat height of 825.5 mm. It has been achieved by lowering the suspension, which now stands at 157.4 mm travel at the front and 167.6 mm travel at the rear.
Mind you, it still uses the 37 mm telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. However, with the lowered height and less suspension travel, its ground clearance has also reduced to 213.3 mm.
Meanwhile, the DF variant offers what the Sherpa S do not. It is an iteration that has been specifically crafted for adventure seekers, as it gets more suspension travel and a raised seat height.
The front suspension travel on the DF variant is 198 mm, while the rear suspension travel stands at 221 mm. This means it has a higher ground clearance of 238.7 mm and a higher seat height of 845.8 mm.
In addition to the raised suspension and more ground clearance, the DF variant also offers a small engine guard and a small luggage rack at the rear.
Both of the new variants are powered by the durable 233cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, which develops 17.8 bhp and 18.3 Nm of peak power and torque. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission without any slip/assist clutch.
Our verdict
The KLX 230 is a popular entry-level adventure/trail motorcycle internationally. Its lightweight and peppy engine combo is loved by new users. However, it has been priced exorbitantly in India due to the CBU route, which has resulted in a sticker price of Rs 3.30 lakh (ex-showroom).