The KLX230 series, which was discontinued for the 2022 model year, is being revived with a new look. Following the off-roader KLX230S, the motard-spec KLX230SM made its Japan debut at the Osaka Motorcycle Show.
Let's take a closer look at the details with a full set of new photos.
Off- and Motard-Specs Lineup at Osaka MC Show
The lineup of 250-class trailers is getting lonely. Due to emission regulations, Yamaha's Serow was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021, and the KLX230/S/SM was discontinued in Japan the following year.
Against this backdrop, the new KLX230 made its world premiere at the Japan Motorcycle Show in October 2023. The North American version, unveiled the following January, took the name KLX230S. Furthermore, at the Osaka Motorcycle Show held on March 15 of the same year, a supermotard-spec KLX230SM was exhibited for the first time in Japan.
The previous KLX230 series was powered by a 233cc SOHC single-cylinder producing 19 PS mounted on a semi-double cradle perimeter frame. The energetic engine and light vehicle weight of 134 kg (STD) were attractive.
The new model inherits the heart of the engine and complies with the latest 2020 exhaust gas regulations. The bore x stroke remains unchanged at 67.0 x 66.0 mm, but the intake port shape and ECU settings have been reviewed to improve the output characteristics in the low and mid-speed ranges.
The frame and suspension have been optimized, and the exterior has been redesigned to look like a racer KX. It also features a new meter that can be linked to a smartphone. Kawasaki has already announced sales of both the KLX230S and SM in Japan.
There are no motards sold in the current Japan model. When the KLX230SM is introduced, it will be the only motard that will be welcomed. The previous model was released in October 2022 and sold out immediately, but the Motard lineage will finally be revived.
The Kawasaki KLX230SM is a model scheduled for introduction in Japan (reference exhibit). Based on the KLX230S off-road model, it has inverted forks and 17-inch front and rear wheels. The release date and price have yet to be determined.
The KLX230S is another model scheduled for introduction in Japan (reference exhibit).
It is equipped with 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels and upright forks. Release date and price have yet to be determined.
The SOHC 2-valve, 232cc air-cooled single-cylinder has a longer exhaust pipe than before, and the shape of the secondary air intake system has also been changed. Maximum torque has been increased from 1.93 kg-m/6100 rpm to 1.82 kg-m/6400 rpm. Horsepower is unknown.
Adapted on with differentiated details besides the suspension.
The KLX230SM and S are equipped quite differently. As mentioned above, the SM has 17-inch road tires front and rear and a larger front disc diameter of 300 mm from the S's 265 mm diameter. The S has an aluminum swingarm but is made of steel.
The suspension has been optimized for on-road use, and the exterior has been designed to blend in with the street by blacking out various parts. The ABS deactivation function on the S model is not equipped on the SM model.
The small LED headlight of the conventional SM continues to be used, but the shape of the cover has been partially changed. The shroud, side bars, and heat guard are the same as the new KLX. The F fender is more compact than the STD.
The KLX230S engine is finished in silver, whereas the SM is blacked out like the previous model.
SM is equipped with Showa φ37mm inverted forks with large diameter φ300mm discs and road tires. The exhibited car is equipped with tube-type IRC RX-01 road winners.
S is a combination of upright forks and ø265mm discs. IRC GP-21 with block pattern is worn.
SM is a steel swing arm. The rear disk is common φ200m.
The S features an aluminum swingarm similar to that of the racer KLX230R. IRC GP-22 tires are mounted.
The handlebars of the SM are blacked out for an intrepid look. The monochrome LCD meter is a new model and can be linked to a dedicated app to obtain a driving log.
S cockpit. In contrast to the SM, the steering wheel is silver. In addition, ABS can be canceled only on the S. A button for switching is located on the left handlebar switch.
The switch button is located on the left-handle switch.
SM footpegs are rubberized to suppress vibration.
S steps are off-spec to prevent slipping. SM can be used in the same way by removing the rubber.
Both motorcycles have two-tone seats. The seats in the SM appear thicker than those in the S.
However, the seat height is 838 mm, slightly lower than that of the S at 843 mm.
S seat. The side covers are body-colored, while the SM is painted black in the style of a number plate.
Weighing in the 130kg range, the car is as light as a rival comparison Serow.
The KLX230SM is Japan's only motard, but Honda's CRF250L series and Suzuki's V-Strom 250SX are rivals for the off-spec KLX230S. It is interesting to note that the CRF is water-cooled, the V-Strom SX is oil-cooled, and the KLX is air-cooled, making the three engines very different from each other.
As for maximum power, the V-Strom SX has 26 PS, while the CRF has 24 PS. The old KLX had 19 PS, so the rivals would have the edge in power.
The advantage of the KLX is that it is as light as a cello, in the 130kg range. It is by far lighter than its rivals, CRF's 141kg~ and SX's 164kg. We expect the KLX to be introduced early in 2024!
CRF250L (Honda) is powered by a liquid-cooled single cylinder with DOHC 4 valves (621,500 yen).
It has F21 & R18 inches and a seat height of 830mm. Rally with a large tank and screen, and S grade with increased wheel travel and 880mm seat height are also available.
The V-Strom SX (Suzuki) uses a unique SOHC 4-valve oil-cooled single (approx. 3818 USD).
It wears F19 & R17-inch cast wheels that differ from its rivals, and the seat height is 835mm.
Main Specifications of the new KLX230SM/S North American Specifications (reference)
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2035/2078 x 843 x 1123/1138mm
Wheelbase: 1364mm
Seat height:838mm/843mm
Weight: 137 kg/132 kg
Engine:Air-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder SOHC 2-valve 233cc
Maximum output: Undisclosed
Maximum torque: 17.9 Nm (1.82 kg-m)/640 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 7.6 liters
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tires: F=100/70-17/2.75 x 21, R=120/70-17/4.10 x 18
