Kawasaki has raised eyebrows of off-road enthusiasts with the road testing of its dual-sport bike, the KLX230. The motorcycle was spotted testing recently under heavy camouflage.
A Glimpse of the KLX230
The KLX230 is a relatively simple dual-sport bike that has gained popularity overseas. The bike is designed with a narrow dirt bike-like profile, raised front fender, and a motocross-style handlebar. It’s a rugged machine, perfect for our roads.
The KLX230 S variant, which is being tested in India, comes with a purpose-built steel perimeter frame chassis and a proper 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel set-up. It also features long travel suspension with a telescopic fork and a monoshock.
Power and Performance
The power for the KLX230 comes from a simple air-cooled, 2-valve engine that displaces 233 cc. While Kawasaki does not list official power and torque figures on its international websites, it is expected to deliver around 19-20 hp. This puts it on par with, if not slightly higher than, the Hero Xpulse 200 4V.
To comply with Indian regulations, the KLX230 S’s engine will need to be BS6 Stage 2 compliant. The bike will also feature ABS, although it remains to be seen whether this will be a single or dual channel system.
Localisation and Pricing
The KLX230 is expected be heavily localised in India, just like the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Kawasaki W175. This localisation should help Kawasaki price it competitively. Despite localisation, it is expected to be priced somewhere in the range of the INR 2.5 lakh to INR 2.7 lakh mark (ex-showroom).
The Competition
The KLX230 is set to rival the Hero Xpulse 200 4V. While the Xpulse has an edge in terms of suspension travel, the KLX230 has a big advantage in weight. It is expected to weigh around the 140 kg mark, while the Xpulse weighs in at 159 kg.
Also Read: Kawasaki discontinues Ninja 400 in India