Kawasaki launches new KLX230S with more driver-friendly changes

The Kawasaki KLX family of off-road motorcycles are known for their rider-friendly character, nimble handling, and reliability, which makes them an accessible machine for exploring trails. For 2022, the KLX230 will receive an “S” and will receive several changes to make it even more accessible to new and smaller drivers.

The new model is based on the KLX230 platform but has lost some travel to lower the seat height by 2.2 inches so that riders can more easily reach the ground. According to Kawasaki, the bike is still nimble, high-torque, and built specifically for trail riding. To instill additional confidence in riders, Kawasaki will also offer an ABS version of the model, which the brand describes as the “first dual-purpose anti-lock braking system”.

2022 KLX230S highlights

• Shorter two-stage front suspension with 6.2 inches of travel
• Shorter Uni-Trak rear suspension with 6.6 inches of travel
• Lower seat height of 32.7 inches
• Available with Kawasaki’s first multi-purpose ABS

suspension

The front fork has been shortened by a total of 2.4 inches by using shorter two-stage springs with a firmer spring rate than the KLX230, reducing the seat height. A 37mm telescopic fork takes care of the rider in front and offers a total of 6.2 inches of travel, which, according to Kawasaki, increases rider confidence when navigating difficult terrain or driving on the sidewalk. The revised Uni-Trak rear suspension includes a shock absorber with a stiffer spring rate and offers 6.6 inches of travel. The new settings for the front and rear suspension result in a lower overall seat height than on the KLX230.

ergonomics

The frame, seat and tank of the KLX230S motorcycle are designed with a combination of form and function in mind, making the frame easy to grip with your legs and providing excellent chassis control. Thanks to the compact design of the KLX230S and the updated suspension, a low seat height of 32.7 inches has been achieved.

As with the motocross motorcycles of the KX series, the flat design of the tank and seat gives the rider more freedom of movement when changing riding position and makes it easier to sit further forward. When choosing the seat shape and thickness, comfort was also taken into account in addition to multi-purpose driving. The seams between the covers, seat and side covers are all flush and make it easier for the rider to move around on the bike.

engine

The air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine offers smooth, reliable and long-lasting performance in a compact package. The engine has a bore and stroke of 67.0 x 66.0 mm with a displacement of 233 ccm. The long stroke offers a robust low to medium torque range for smooth and easy handling. A simple SOHC two-valve design was chosen because of easy-to-use performance characteristics and reliability.

Fuel injection helps ensure an even supply of fuel regardless of the outside air temperature or altitude. It also allows the use of an electric starter for easy push-button start with a warm or cold engine and contributes to clean emissions. The fuel injection system uses a 32mm throttle body that provides precise response. The length of the exhaust pipe was chosen to add low to mid range performance to the engine and features a tapered muffler with an oval cross-section.

A smoothly shifting six-speed gearbox offers a ratio for a wide range of conditions on trails or roads and at the same time enables more comfortable cruising on long, open straights. A short final gear ratio (46/13) was chosen, which enables the driver to make further progress even in difficult terrain.

chassis

The high-strength steel frame is designed for both dirt and the road and offers the optimal handling that is necessary for pleasant driving pleasure and confident riding. By designing the engine and frame together, the engineers were able to achieve a low engine height, an ideal chassis stiffness balance and a low center of gravity in a compact chassis. The short 53.5-inch wheelbase contributes to the maneuverability of the bike.

Wheels & brakes

Full-size aluminum wheels measuring 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear help the rider navigate a wide variety of terrain. The KLX230S motorcycle is also equipped with Petal disc brakes at the front and rear, which provide plenty of braking power. A 240mm front disc gripped by a dual piston caliper provides strong, easy-to-control braking. When slowing the tail, a lightweight KX-type rear master cylinder with a unified reservoir and single piston caliper grips a 220mm disc.

Styling & instrumentation

The styling of the KLX230S is based on Kawasaki’s KX motocross motorcycles. The bike has a 1.9 gallon fuel tank and an easy-to-read instrument panel that includes an ON / OFF button, indicator light, low fuel warning light, and an FI warning light.

equipment

Drivers can personalize their KLX230S motorcycle according to their needs with numerous original Kawasaki accessories, such as:

Colors and RRP

The 2022 KLX230S is available in lime green with an MSRP of $ 4,799. The 2022 KLX230S ABS is available in Lime Green and Urban Olive Green / Ebony at an MSRP of $ 5,099.

KLX 230S specifications