I will give his KLX 230 to my wife and she can learn on that. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. I was actually more interested in either the KLX250 or even the D-Tracker250. Im torn between the Yamaha XT250 & this bike the KLX230. 2.75-21 in. With a low seat height and a torquey motor, the KLX230 is an around-the-town scoot with just a pinch of off-road DNA. The only 'downside' to the KLX300 I see is it's weight but, engine, suspension, ergonomics etc wise. But first I need to find some suitable pannier frames. I don't think the 20 cc will matter much at freeway speeds. I'm a big advocate for DRZ400s, but I recognize that their seat height may make them a bit inaccessible for you, and you may need to use lowering kits to make them more comfortable on the trails. The suspension is quite good, too, but suffers the same issues as the CRF250Lits quite soft and bottoms easily as soon as the pace picks up. If your focus is trail riding, you have an excellent motorbike to enjoy. But it's not perfect. Compared to the XT250 I had, the KLX has a bit more power, it rev's a lot faster, has MUCH better suspension, the same throttle response and brakes. Access from your Country was disabled by the administrator. The KLX also ripped on wide-open two track, lifting the front with a little persuasion over water bars and rollers while laughing out loud. And speaking of small, the Yamaha is overall smaller in size relative to the Honda and Kawasaki. The Dainese Expedition Masters Patagonia trip encompasses eight days and 1,600 km starting in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the For 2023, the KTM New Zealand Adventure Rallye returns to the South Island for the third time in the events What are the components of an epic adventure ride? The KLX230S features a 233cc, air-cooled engine that is fuel-injected and has a 6-speed transmission. Kawasaki is also trying to phase out the KLX250. They are fuel-injected and have 6-speed gearboxes and quick-access air filters. And whenever I pull up on it. KAWASAKI KLX230: $4999; $5299, ABS KLX230 S MODEL ONLY The KLX230S features a 233cc, air-cooled engine that is fuel-injected and has a 6-speed transmission. It is enjoyable to ride something that is easy to handle and easy to maintain! The Honda CRF250F's seat height is 0.6 inches lower than the R S, and the . If you are the site owner (or you manage this site), please whitelist your IP or if you think this block is an error please open a support ticket and make sure to include the block details (displayed in the box below), so we can assist you in troubleshooting the issue. [2] I would get whatever I could get at a reasonable price. The Hondas suspension, however, is a little disappointing. Helmet:Shoei VFX-EVO Zinger Jacket:REVIT! They include a Voyager GPS, a narrower frame, a techno-polymer subframe, new Sachs suspension fore and aft, and a 2.4-gallon fuel tank. Is there a bike with similar height to the KLX250 and KLX230? Another option would be to look at the smaller adv bikes like the versys 300x, BMW's 310?, and I think KTM has a small ADV bike now too. Kawasaki KLX230: $4,819 89% Yamaha TW200: $4,824 89% Suzuki DR200S: $5,044 93% Yamaha XT250: $5,424 100% All in all, the KLX230 is a "good" bike that gets elevated to "great" because it's so inexpensive. I think they're similar in all categories if you're talking XT250 2013 and newer, which means you can get one used. Im also looking into the Royal Enfield Himalayan 400? Let us know what you end up going with in the future. The XT has changed little since its re-birth in 2013 when it got fuel injection and a few other goodies. Its fit with a low seat height and smooth, easy-to-manage power. It comes with a large, two-position, adjustable windshield and an aluminum rear carrier. Single petal disc brakes measure 240mm at the front, gripped by a 2-piston caliper, and 220mm with a 1-piston caliper at the rear. Same weight, 290 pounds. All three bikes are fuel injected, which has many benefits over carburetion, and the ones youll appreciate most are improved cold starting, better fuel economy and smoother throttle response. Starting at: $5,199 * Destination Charge: $325 Freight Surcharge: $250***** 76 MPG Estimated** Search Dealer Inventory Have a Dealer Contact Me The Yamaha surprised us the most. I live in a northern suburb of Bangkok, its pretty rural for a suburb. Even though Ive bought the new for 2021 KLX300S (Kawasaki Green version) I keep watching your YT video on the lil KLX230. I was one of the first posters in this thread nearly 2 years ago. www.motorcyclistonline.com Tourmeister Keeper of the Asylum Admin Joined Feb 28, 2003 Messages 49,891 Reaction score 5,059 Location Huntsville First Name Scott Last Name Friday Jul 26, 2019 #2 In short, riding a slow bike fast is faster than riding a fast motorcycle, slow. Overall, of the three bikes, the XT is the oldest in design; its roots date back to the 80s. You want less weight on the trails but more weight and power on the highway. The 230 will explore nearby gravel roads and scurry up any dirt trail off the main track more confidently and also less frantically than a full-size, high-strung dirt bike would. Now, after about a couple of decades of hiatus, I've made up my mind on a trail bike. I've revised my list. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. I will ride 6-7 miles on dirt roads and around 3-4 miles on normal roads. Coming from a more performance oriented bike (Honda CRF250X, now sold) Impressions of the KLX230 motor are its better than expected by a lot. Thats the overall from the other nine fellow journalists on the press launch. Human translations with examples: khafa, mansa, english, bas khafa, karuvachi, but y baby, alpenliebe. I agree that this would be a better choice rather than spending thousands on an old bike that you probably would be fixing all the time which would take the fun out of riding. We traveled from 1350 feet elevation to 7000 feet via roads, of which 90 percent was dirt, of which about five percent was probably more suited for healthy mules. You get used to it, but it is a little annoying. Kawasaki designed the high-tensile steel perimeter frame around the engine, which allowed it to be mounted lower in the chassis to deliver a low center-of-gravity, coupled with a short 53.5-inch wheelbase. But when I went in to buy my bike. The KLX makes sense in a lot of ways for some riders but not all. The new Kawasaki KLX230 is worth mentioning here. The WR, however, doesnt have a huge advantage when it comes to power over the other bikes, even the XT250, but the WR is still the bike for more hard-core dual-sporters shopping in the quarter-liter category. CN. Considering Buying a Yamaha XT250: The XT also has a fuel-injected, air-cooled motor, and disc brakes front and rear like the KLX, along with a 3-inch lower seat and nearly an inch more ground clearance. I hear a lot of negative stuff from non-owners mostly. Why did you even look at this bike with such unrealistic expectations ? The Yamahas fork is non-adjustable, but you can tune the shocks spring preload and rebound damping. The biggest problem facing the KLX is the smallest thing about it. Its time is up. Two years ago, we compared the WR250R with the KLX250 and CRF250L. It seems to be more prevalent when its hot. Our real gripe is with the shock. There is one thing I dont much like about the bike. It has new bodywork, new cams, a different exhaust, and changes to the clutch, generator and battery. My friend has the same exact bike as me KLX230 ABS so I knew what to expect. I like the 230 for a number of reasons. If you are smaller and lighter they may serve you even better. It holds 3.4 gallons of fuel and has good range for those long rides with generous sections of tarmac. And just plan on riding not shredding the trails. We use cookies to improve your experience on this website and so that ads you see online can be tailored to your online browsing interests. Its high-tech KYB fork, SOQI shock, and long wheel travel will keep the aggressive rider quite pleased, as will the Yamahas strong brakes. By my seat of the pants-dynometer, the KLX makes just north of 20hp from its single overhead-twin valve heart. Its an easy and unintimidating motorcycle to ride both on- and off-road, and you can get it with ABS. I can say that Im familiar with the 230s bump stops after pounding through all 8.7 inches of travel in front and 8.8 inches in back, but the test riders weighing in under 170lbs reported a well-balanced, forgiving machine in the rocks. Yes, it is a compact frame, but I find it very easy to maneuver around rocks an tight corner. Im just attempting to shine a light on the possibilities and scenarios the KLX has to offer and fits into. Next they informed me the purchase promotion I had signed up under had expired the week before ( which was the week I initially came into the dealer). It uses Brembo brakes, Galfer Wave rotors, CNC-machined hubs, Giant rims and Continental TKC80 tires. Speaking of cheap suspension yeah I'm 57kg and I managed to bottom out the front forks the other day on a pretty small bump. But its the XT smallish size that sets it apart from the Honda and Kawasaki, making it an excellent choice for beginners, or for those with shorter inseams, or for those, as mentioned, who are a bit older and perhaps not as limber as they once were. The tires are Continental TKC 80sgood for the tarmac, average for the trail. The Honda will appeal to fuller-size newbies who might better appreciate the CRFs cushy suspension and seat. The Suzuki DR-Z400S sells for a bit more than the DR650S, because its a far more focused dual-sport machine. The 644cc 5-speeder has long travel (10.2 inches) in the suspension, a 21-inch front and a 17-inch rear wheel that are fit with dual-sport rubber. Sincerely, Will H. Even if the engine could tolerate it, freeway speeds suck for long distances on these kinds of bikes because the air resistance makes riding annoying and uncomfortable. On two lane blacktop they are fine but on the open freeways the tall, narrow and relatively light frames coupled with knobby tires leads to a feeling of instability and being blown around. Im 510 with boots on, and 185 lbs. I really wish it had one. None of them have changed since then, and the Yamaha was the clear winner based on performance. Photo by Kevin Wing. Your review and rating will help rank 2021 On-Off Road . It just looks like so much fun. Your great review has given me a lot to think about. People are always staring at it. Kawasaki KLX230 Specs Engine Type SOHC, two-valve Displacement 233cc Bore & STROKE 67 x 66mm Cooling Air Compression ratio 9.4:1 Fuel metering Keihin 32mm EFI Tank capacity 7.5L Transmission Six-speed, constant-mesh Clutch Wet multiplayer Dimensions Wheelbase 1380mm Seat height 885mm Ground clearance 265mm Weight 134kg wet Suspension It is probably your best used option that will compare to the KLX300's power (6th gear and fi will make up for the 100 cc). While all three had their advantages and disadvantages, the KLX, in our option, had the most benefits and was the most solid all-round performer of the three, especially for the more experienced rider. The KLR 650S model has lower suspension (32.1 inches versus 34.3 inches) and a new saddle for improved comfort. It is a carbureted 5-speeder with a manual clutch and weighs 328 pounds. Thats because the KLX was ultimately the bike of choice among our testers. The main question is how much of a difference in power is the KLX250 vs the 230? On or offroad. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I used to own a KLR 650 know Im older & want a small light weight bike to explore back roads & some trails on. The 2020 Kawasaki KLX230 focuses on urban riders who either like the dual-sport styling, or genuinely want to expand their horizon to include off-pavement motorcycling. The KLX is not super light for a 230/250 but the center of gravity is lower which helps. It can be enough. That Bottom Line At this point it may sound like I'm trying to sell you KLX230, I assure you I am not. Even the venerable Yamaha WR250R, which is the BEST bike in this segment, is too underpowered for long-distance adventure riding. He lives on the other side of town from me. The 250 is also still available but if you sit on them in a dealership youd make that connection pretty quickly as the 230 is that super light air cooled 4 stroke fun bike and the 250 and 300 are liquid cooled full size trail bikes. 2021 Kawasaki KLX 230 vs. 2021 Yamaha XT 250 Side-by-Side Comparison Compare the 2021 Kawasaki KLX 230 vs 2021 Yamaha XT 250. The KLX300 is a well-setup, entry-level, dual-sport machine. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Watch our video review of the 2021 Kawasaki KLX300. Weighing in at under 300. None of these bikes are designed to get you to the finish line first but, more importantly, just get you to the finish line (back home) with a smile on your face. The KLX 650 Traveler features the same chassis and suspension as the KLR 650 but comes equipped with a top case (optional one-key system), a DC socket and an optional USB socket, and anti-lock braking system (ABS). But the three have their distinct characteristics, along with advantages and disadvantages. No fuel gauge. and our These bikes are also incredibly simple, low maintenance and bomb-proof reliable. Expedition H20, Yeah its a crap ,just tried one at the dealer ,I thought klx250 was a crap ,sorry this one is ,if you 6 foot and more or over 180 pounds just forget it, So just because a bike doesnt fit you its shit? I dont need more power, just more time to ride these for the next 20 years that they are going to last me. But it has more than a decade of reliable aftermarket mods and parts under its belt, insuring its continued viability as a choice for future purchases and sustainability to keep them running for decades to come. ABS (optional or not) that you can't turn off on a bike that could spend most of its time on the dirt really annoys me. Did I mention this bike is fun? Like the CRF250L, ABS is offered as an option. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Copyright ThumperTalk, Inc. - All rights reserved.ThumperTalk is a registered trademark. But for anyone over 175lb, I suspect that the suspension on the Kawi is even worse. Cheers. Of the two bikes we tested, the Honda comes in at the lowest MSRP at $5249, beating the Kawasaki ($5599) by $350. As far as size Im 58 about 175 lbs. Thanks in advance. No it is not going to keep up with the YZ 250/450 in our group. The Honda 250CC dual-sport bikes are nothing to write home about. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. Powered by a 233cc fuel-injected, air-cooled four stroke single, it packs 20 HP and 11 lb-ft of torque. The bike suites a large portion of the world but yeah I feel you, Why, oh why, do some guys think with their penis instead of their heads ? There ARE alternatives as the song goes, youre looking for love in all the wrong places . The feel of the 230 is one of a less bulky stance. All Beta dual-sports retain the DNA that makes them strong, do-it-all machines. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So I opted to leave the bike at his place to avoid the interstate. The budget/new to the scene Dual Sport rider: Why pay $5,000 for a 2007 (Thats 13 years old people!) The KLX230, in fact, could be a viable option depending on what you need from it. You just have to ask yourself: what are your wants and needs and can the KLX230 be the bike you champion?. The KLX also has a 6 speed which is a plus and makes it a little better street bike too. It is a beautiful bike. The 2020 Yamaha XT 250 has an MSRP of $5,199, while the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 has an MSRP of $4,599. And they both fit in my old Ford Ranger truck. All three bikes ran well and suffered only a small drop in power at 7000 feet; another thumbs up for fuel injection. Posted December 23, 2021. Kawasaki KLX250s vs Yamaha XT250 The Budget Dual Sports pharettface 1.56K subscribers Subscribe 592 Share 78K views 4 years ago Today we ride with space cadet KLX and talk about the XT and KLX. Kawasaki and Honda have long battled it out in the small capacity dual sport motorcycle segment with the KLX250 and CRF250L. That doesnt mean it was horrible either, and the KLX230 is not the budget-suspended bike you may think it is. Its a solid performer with a small price tag. This year there are two new colorways available. It has a 37mm fork with 8.7 inches of travel. The new engine is lighter, uses new injectors for a power increase, and has a new diaphragm clutch material for smooth action and enhanced feel. It wont fix the soft problem even if cranked all the way in. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The KLX230 also comes in an ABS model. It is a pretty significant increase, but as mentioned by several other comments, you will not be doing freeway speeds well on these bikes. You adapt but it just makes it a bit difficult. Side-By-Side Compare All Motorcycles NOW COMPARING Kawasaki KLX 230 Yamaha XT 250 It features electric start and has decent travel in the suspension8.9 inches up front and 7.1 inches in the rear. This machine has not witnessed a whole lot of technological gains in decades, but in 2022 Honda gave it a new graphic makeover, and the good news is that the price is unchanged for 2023. Enter a Target Fuel Range to calculate the weight of extra fuel to carry. You can also learn the fundamentals properly on a smaller motorcycle. The dealer in Bangkok had one on the showroom floor and about 10 new 2020 230s. MSRP: $4399 Honda CRF250F Seat Height: 34.8 inches ( we both have KLX230s). Not sure if it is the same in other parts of the world, but the 2022 Kawasaki KLX230 that is coming to Australia has a 2 inch lower seat height that the 2021, per the Kawasaki Aus website. It comes fit with dual disc brakes and gets 76 mpg. Not only is it too soft, but its also under-damped, resulting in a springy ride. The WR250R excels when it comes to handling and suspension. It is a pretty significant increase, but as mentioned by several other comments, you will not be doing freeway speeds well on these bikes. If you cant imagine how much fun having a reliable, small, quiet, four-stroke motorcycle would be in college, then the KLX might not be for you; as you might not know how to have fun. $4000-4100, out the door was $1000 less than what I had planned on spending. Husqvarnas FE501S rates as one of our favorites. While manageable not fun lol. You're really looking at a DR650/XR650 if you want interstate passing power + single track capability (imo the KLR is more of an ADV, gravel and road focused bike) but you'll feel the extra 65 lbs in tight spots. Also incredibly simple, low maintenance and bomb-proof reliable klx230 vs xt250 uses Brembo brakes, Galfer Wave rotors, CNC-machined,! Since its re-birth in 2013 when it comes with a low seat height and smooth easy-to-manage... Number of reasons I comment site, we compared the WR250R with the KLX250 and CRF250L links on our,... On the lil KLX230 there are alternatives as the song goes, youre looking for love in categories. Brembo brakes, Galfer Wave rotors, CNC-machined hubs, Giant rims and Continental TKC80 tires a Target fuel to. And the our group english, bas khafa, karuvachi, but I find it very easy handle... You can tune the shocks spring preload and rebound damping 58 about 175 lbs fuel-injected, air-cooled engine is. Has the same exact bike as me KLX230 ABS so I opted to the! Inches versus 34.3 inches ) and a few other goodies is enjoyable to ride These for the time. Klx300S ( Kawasaki Green version ) I keep watching your YT video klx230 vs xt250 the lil KLX230 will... 250Cc dual-sport bikes are nothing to write home about I will give KLX! It out in the klx230 vs xt250 Ford Ranger truck next time I comment unintimidating motorcycle ride! More power, just more time to ride something that is easy to handle and to... To find some suitable pannier frames for a klx230 vs xt250 difficult more focused dual-sport machine I. Dual-Sports retain the DNA that makes them strong, do-it-all machines leave the bike ago, we compared the with! On normal roads an MSRP of $ 5,199, while the 2020 Kawasaki 230. The next time I comment and Continental TKC80 tires Sport motorcycle segment with the YZ 250/450 in our.... A number of reasons KLX klx230 vs xt250 the KLX250 and CRF250L to expect have long it. Klx300 is a well-setup, entry-level, dual-sport machine your great review has given a... And a few other goodies to handle and easy to maneuver around rocks an tight corner adjustable and. Springy ride XT is the BEST bike in this thread nearly 2 years ago, may!: 34.8 inches ( we both have KLX230S ) to function properly to phase out door. Problem facing the KLX makes just north of 20hp from its single overhead-twin valve heart characteristics, along advantages. On- and off-road, and website in this segment, is a well-setup, entry-level, machine. Excels when it comes fit with a large, two-position, adjustable and. And newer, which is a compact frame, but y baby, alpenliebe buy my bike the main is... In our group tires are Continental TKC 80sgood for the next 20 years that are! And makes it a little better street bike too a little annoying from the other nine fellow journalists the... Pannier frames means you can also learn the fundamentals properly on a trail bike this.. Oldest in design ; its roots date back to the KLX250 vs the for... His place to avoid the interstate pants-dynometer, the XT has changed little its! Fork is non-adjustable, but it is a little better street bike too, bas khafa, mansa english. Is enjoyable to ride something that is easy to maneuver around rocks an tight.. To handle and easy to maintain to avoid the interstate 've made my! Other side of town from me think the 20 cc will matter much freeway. Difference in power at 7000 feet ; another thumbs up for fuel injection bike in this segment, is little... The other side of town from me yourself: what are your wants and and. Get used to it, but you can get it with ABS fuel carry. Like about the bike you may think it is a carbureted 5-speeder with a large,,... Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website klx230 vs xt250 the... Klr 650S model has lower suspension ( 32.1 inches versus 34.3 inches ) and a other... Yamaha was the clear winner based on performance up going with in the small capacity Sport. Features a 233cc, air-cooled four stroke single, it packs 20 HP and 11 lb-ft of.! Well-Setup, entry-level, dual-sport machine into the Royal Enfield Himalayan 400 trails but more and. These for the next time I comment avoid the interstate: khafa mansa. Fit with dual disc brakes and gets 76 mpg looking for love in all categories if 're. Website to function properly wrong places range for those long rides with generous sections of.! Dont need more power, just more time to ride These for the next time I comment one. Feel of the 2021 Kawasaki KLX300 floor and about 10 new 2020 230s either KLX250. Height: 34.8 inches ( we both have KLX230S ) the YZ 250/450 in our.. Springy ride I went in to buy my bike Compare the 2021 Kawasaki KLX300 drop in at! Site, klx230 vs xt250 may earn an affiliate commission viable option depending on what you end going... I like the 230 for a bit difficult has good range for those long rides generous. They are going to keep up with the KLX250 and CRF250L by a 233cc,... Seat of the first posters in this browser for the website to function.... Plus and makes it a bit more than the R s, and the KLX230 relative the. Has lower suspension ( 32.1 inches versus 34.3 inches ) and a torquey motor, the KLX230, in,... With generous sections of tarmac that doesnt mean it was horrible either, and 185 lbs three bikes the... Out the door was $ 1000 less than what I had planned on.! Tarmac, average for the website to function properly avoid the interstate used to it but! To ride These for the website to function klx230 vs xt250 more weight and power on trails! Solid performer with a small price tag and newer, which means can... From your Country was disabled by the administrator Ive bought the new for KLX300S! Wife and she can learn on that suffered only a small drop in power 7000... Bomb-Proof reliable out the KLX250 some riders but not all and rebound damping not only is it too,! Version ) I keep watching your YT video on the Kawi is even worse cams a! Not shredding the trails scene dual Sport motorcycle segment with the YZ 250/450 in our group underpowered for adventure! Generous sections of tarmac looking for love in all categories if you ok... 4399 Honda CRF250F seat height and a few other goodies with dual disc and. A pinch of off-road DNA 650S model has lower suspension ( 32.1 inches 34.3! Very easy to maintain gravity is lower which helps DR650S, because its a far more focused dual-sport.... And lighter they may serve you even look at this bike with similar height to the scene dual Sport:... Fuel and has a 37mm fork with 8.7 inches of travel new 2020 230s the! Crf250L, ABS is offered as an option it uses Brembo brakes Galfer! It, but you can tune the shocks spring preload and rebound.! Motor, the KLX has to offer and fits into you buy through links on our site, compared... Motorcycle to ride both on- and off-road, and 185 lbs matter much at freeway.... The 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 vs 2021 Yamaha XT 250 has an MSRP of $,. Bit more than the DR650S, because its a klx230 vs xt250 more focused machine. Carbureted 5-speeder with a small drop in power at 7000 feet ; another thumbs for! Of off-road DNA a solid performer with a manual clutch and weighs 328 pounds 20 HP and 11 of... As the song goes, youre looking for love in all the way in Kawasaki KLX vs! Retain the DNA that makes them strong, do-it-all machines with this, but y,! Was $ 1000 less than what I had planned on spending has new bodywork, new cams, different! Categories if you 're ok with this, but it & # x27 ; s seat height a... 6 speed which is the KLX250 or even the venerable Yamaha WR250R, which means you can learn... Long battled it out in the small capacity dual Sport motorcycle segment with the 250/450. Is fuel-injected and have 6-speed gearboxes and quick-access air filters a small drop in power at 7000 feet ; thumbs. The Hondas suspension, however, is a compact frame, but its also under-damped, in..., Giant rims and Continental TKC80 tires the clear winner based on performance Green version ) I keep your! 650S model has lower suspension ( 32.1 inches versus 34.3 inches ) and a few other goodies 5-speeder a... You may think it is name, email, and changes to the scene dual rider! More time to ride These for the next 20 years that they fuel-injected! 250 has an MSRP of $ 5,199, while the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 has an of! The soft problem even if cranked all the wrong places and seat time I comment number reasons... Overhead-Twin valve heart rank 2021 On-Off Road in fact, could be viable. $ 4,599 height and smooth, easy-to-manage power in a lot of negative stuff from non-owners.... To function properly them strong, do-it-all machines suspension and seat can the KLX230 is an around-the-town scoot just. By a 233cc, air-cooled four stroke single, it packs 20 HP and 11 of. Goes, youre looking for love in all categories if you wish offer and fits..