A comparison of the new KLX230, which Kawasaki unveiled for the first time at the Japan Moto Show, to see how it has evolved from the previous model. It is a rare air-cooled off-road model that is sure to be popular in the future.
Definitely back on sale in Japan, but maybe in the spring or later.
The KLX230 is an off-road model equipped with an air-cooled single-cylinder 232cc engine. It was lined up as a higher-end model of the KLX150, which had gained the top market share in Indonesia, and will be released in Japan in 2019. The engine is a completely new design for global deployment.
The concept was an entry-level off-road vehicle with practical specs, standing close to Yamaha's Serow 250. Yet the 885mm seat height, which is 55mm higher than that of the Serow, was a factor that put off beginners, leading to the launch of the KLX230S in 2022 with a lower seat height of 830mm.
In Japan, it is currently missing from the lineup due to emission regulations that had an application deadline of October 2022, but the fact that it was displayed at the Japan Mobility Show confirms that it will resume sales in Japan in 2024. According to information obtained by the editorial department, it is likely to be released in spring or later.
KLX230 [KAWASAKI] The new KLX230, shown for the first time in the world at the Mobility Show, will be released with an air-cooled single-cylinder engine to fill the gap left by the end of production of Yamaha's Serow 250 in 2020.
KLX230S (2022)[KAWASAKI] The lineup for the Japan version has been narrowed down to the KLX230S, which has a reduced seat height from 885 to 830 mm, but the new model has lost the "S" naming.
The new KLX230 has completely new styling and strengthened suspension.
The new KLX230 has a new style that is instantly recognizable as a new model. The most significant difference is the headlight, which is now LED and more compact. Since the production of the Serow 250 was discontinued without complying with the new headlight regulations, it is significant that this change was implemented.
The new KLX230 is certain to be compliant with the 2040 emission regulations, as the engine must comply with the regulations before it can be released in Japan. The exhaust system has undergone major changes, and there may be some changes in engine specifications. Even so, it is not a high-revving, high-output engine, so there should not be a significant difference.
The focus of attention is the suspension, which from its appearance appears to have been changed to an aluminum swingarm similar to that of the "KLX230R" racer. This evolution has resulted in an improvement in quality as well as weight reduction. The new model is also equipped with an ABS off switch that could not be deactivated on the previous model, a welcome improvement for off-road riding.
KLX230 (2024) [KAWASAKI] It has evolved into a more aggressive style. Everything from the front fender, shroud, fuel tank, side covers, and seat cowl has been redesigned.
KLX230S (2022) [KAWASAKI] Comparing the two models, the volume of the headlight area is very different. The new model is sportier than the previous KLX230, which had a gentle image.
The headlight of the new KLX230 uses LEDs. The shape suggests that it is the same headlight as the KLX230SM, which was also released in Japan in 2022, but the light cowl has a different shape and is probably new.
The headlight of the conventional KLX230 is a multi-reflector type with an old-fashioned bulb. The indicator can be seen changed from a pointed shape to an oval shape on the new KLX230.
The engine of the new KLX230 is noticeably improved with parts in the secondary air supply area of the cylinder head. Parts that appear to be canisters can also be seen on the head.
The conventional KLX230's air-cooled single-cylinder 232cc engine with 19PS/7600rpm was comparable to the 20PS/7500rpm Serow 250. The liquid-cooled, DOHC CRF250L is a step up with 24 PS/9000 rpm.
The exhaust pipe of the new KLX230's engine has been extended downward, and the handling of the engine has been significantly changed.
The conventional KLX230 has a shorter exhaust pipe. In detail, the fuel tank peeking out from the top of the main frame has a different shape on the new model. The 7.4L capacity may make a difference.
The silencer of the new KLX230 appears to be unchanged from the previous model. However, the heat guard has a new shape due to the change in style, and the seat is said to be thicker.
The conventional KLX230 can be seen to have a single piece of seat skin, which is different from the three-dimensional structure of the new model. The rear carrier installed on the KLX230 is optional, and an ETC on-board unit can be installed under the carrier.
The tail lamps and rear fender of the new KLX230 are believed to be the same as the previous model. The blinkers have been changed to an oval shape on the rear as well. The tail cowl appears to be slightly raised.
It is not clear if the factory optional rear carrier for the conventional KLX230 will be compatible with the new model, but the screw holes seem to match. The left side cover is keyed, but the storage space is occupied by a tool.
The new KLX230's swingarm is believed to be aluminum; the one-pot calipers and single-disc brakes are believed to be the same as the previous model. Black rims look cool.
The conventional KLX230's swingarm is made of square pipe, and since the 4.10-18 tire size is the same on the new model, the rim size is also expected to be the same. Unlike the Serow 250, the rear tire is also a tube tire.
The front wheel of the new KLX230 is 21 inches. 2-pot caliper disc brakes are expected to be the same as those of the previous model. It remains to be seen whether ABS can be deactivated only at the rear or also at the front.
The front area of a conventional KLX230. The new model also kept the upright fork, although an inverted fork is available in Indonesia for the SE specification. IRC GP-21 tires are used.
The steering wheel and mirrors of the new KLX230 appear to be the same as the previous model. The addition of a switch on the left switch that appears to be a hazard switch is new. The fuel tank and cap appear to be new.
The steering wheel of the conventional KLX230. The meter uses the same LCD type as the new model. The key cylinder is different in detail, and the new model is thought to be compatible with immobilizers.
Detail comparison of old and new KLX230 (20 photos)
