The off-road motorcycle segment has seen a new contender with the launch of the Kawasaki KLX 230, which aims to challenge the dominance of the Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 200 4V. Both bikes are designed for off-road enthusiasts, but they come with different specifications and features. Here’s a detailed spec comparison:
Engine and Performance
- Kawasaki KLX 230: Powered by a 233cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, it produces 18.1bhp at 8,000rpm and 18.3Nm of torque at 6,400rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox.
- Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 200 4V: Equipped with a 199cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, it generates 18.4bhp at 8,000rpm and 16.45Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. The Xpulse is paired with a five-speed gearbox.
Chassis and Suspension
- Kawasaki KLX 230: Features a high-tensile steel perimeter frame with a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel. The bike has long-travel suspension with 240mm of travel at the front and 250mm at the rear. It boasts a ground clearance of 265mm and weighs 139kg.
- Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 200 4V: Comes with a tubular steel frame and 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel. The suspension travel is 220mm at the front and 200mm at the rear. The Xpulse has a ground clearance of 220mm and weighs 161kg.
Brakes and Safety
- Kawasaki KLX 230: Equipped with 265mm front disc brake and 220mm rear disc brake, both with switchable ABS for dual-purpose use.
- Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 200 4V: Features 220mm front disc brake and 185mm rear disc brake, with standard ABS.
Fuel Capacity and Features
- Kawasaki KLX 230: Has a 7.6-litre fuel tank, which provides a riding range of approximately 250km. It includes an LCD instrument console with phone connectivity and USB charging port.
- Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 200 4V: Offers a larger 13-litre fuel tank, giving it a longer range. It comes with a digital instrument cluster and USB port.
Price and Availability
- Kawasaki KLX 230: Expected to be priced around INR 2,50,000 to Rs. 2,60,000 and bookings have started at INR 5,000.
- Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 200 4V: Priced at INR 1,45,000 (ex-showroom).
Both motorcycles offer unique advantages, with the KLX 230 focusing on lightweight agility and advanced features, while the Xpulse 200 4V provides a more budget-friendly option with a larger fuel tank and robust build. The choice ultimately depends on the rider’s preferences and requirements.
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