Kawasaki has officially unveiled the new KLX230S in North America. It was first shown in Japan at the Japan Mobility Show in October 2023, but now that the details of the updates have been revealed, we would like to explain them again.
Torque type engine with improved intake.
The 2024 KLX230S announced in the US is reported to have the same specifications as the new KLX230 displayed at the Japan Mobility Show, and the model change will be almost identical to the new model to be released in Japan in 2024. It has been completely redesigned, from the engine and chassis to the styling.
The air-cooled single-cylinder engine has a narrower intake port and smaller valve diameter from 37 to 33 mm. In addition, the ECU settings were reviewed to improve the output characteristics in the low to mid-range. The exterior of the engine also shows an improved secondary air intake system and an O2 sensor, so it should be compliant with the 2020 emission regulations.
The steel perimeter frame has a new subframe and the seat height has been lowered from 883 mm (34.8 inches) to 843 mm (33.2 inches). The newly designed two-tone seat is flatter and, in combination with smoother bodywork, allows the rider more freedom.
In addition, the rear swingarm has been changed from a conventional steel square pipe to an aluminum swingarm, which is 2.6 lbs. lighter. In addition, the rear brake master cylinder has also been changed, contributing to weight reduction.
New KLX230S North American version [KAWASAKI] The previous North American version was a non "S" high seat version, but the 2024 model is available only in S. The photo shows it in Battle Gray.
New KLX230 Japan Spec [KAWASAKI] The new model displayed at the Japan Motorcycle Show does not have an "S" in its name.
In Japan, it will have a high seat and a low seat "S"!
KLX230S Japan Specifications (2022) [KAWASAKI] The KLX230, which debuted in Japan in the 2020 model year with a seat height of 885 mm, was consolidated into the "S" model in 2022 with the same 830 mm seat height.
The new engine inherits the air-cooled single-cylinder SOHC 2-valve 233cc. The bore 67mm x stroke 66mm is also unchanged.
This is the conventional type. There are many differences such as the secondary air induction system and the presence of an O2 sensor in the exhaust pipe.
New engine. Intake ports and valves are smaller in diameter.
Compared to conventional engines, the new and old exhaust pipe lengths are very different.
The rear of the new model has an improved quality feel with an aluminum swingarm and black rims.
The conventional swing arm is a steel square pipe and the master cylinder is a separate reservoir type.
The new seats are two-tone and have an improved shape that makes them easier to move back and forth.
Conventional seats have a flat seat surface like a high seat when compared.
ABS can be canceled both front and rear.
The new KLX230S updates the existing dual-purpose ABS to allow the left side switch on the handlebars to cancel both front and rear ABS when riding off-road. When the bike is restarted, ABS is restored to its enabled default setting.
The new KLX230S's meter is Bluetooth-compatible and can be linked to a smartphone app, allowing the user to check battery voltage, driving logs, and other information on the smartphone, as well as receive phone calls and e-mails on the meter screen.
On the exterior, the conventional headlights, which used to use bulbs, have been replaced by LEDs, giving the car a much smaller and more stylish appearance. The exterior, from the front and rear fenders to the shrouds and side covers, has been completely redesigned to create a sporty image similar to that of the KX series.
The release date in Japan is unknown at this time, but Kawasaki Motors Japan has already announced the introduction of the model in Japan. The price remains unchanged at $4999 (approx. 740,000 yen) for the non-ABS version, and we expect the price to be around 506,000 yen for the 2022 model in Japan. We will bring you new information as soon as it becomes available.
The new headlights have a glaring shape similar to the Z series. The fenders are also new.
Conventional headlights use bulbs and have to be larger to ensure light intensity.
The new ABS cancel is described as a left-hand switch, so it is likely the red button.
The conventional left-hand switch does not have the red button on the newer models.
The new meter has an additional APP display in the lower right corner.
The photo shows KLX250SM.
The conventional meter housing is the same as the new model. Comparing the two, the new KLX250SM looks like an immobilizer key.
The new fuel tank is new. It has a capacity of 2 gallons (7.57 L).
The photo shows a KLX250SM.
The conventional fuel tank (7.4L) has a different shape. You can see that the cap has also been changed.
Aluminum rims and 265 mm diameter (ABS) brakes are retained from the previous model.
The rear also retains the aluminum wheels and 220 mm diameter brakes from the previous model.
Main Specifications of the 2024 KLX230S North American Model
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2077 x 843 x 1137 mm
Wheelbase: 1363mm
Seat height: 843mm
Weight: 131.9/132.9 kg (ABS)
Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder SOHC 2-valve 233cc
Max. output: Undisclosed
Maximum Torque: 1.82kg-m/6400rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 7.57 liters
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tires: F = 2.75 x 21, 4.10 x 18
Price: $4999 (approx. 720,000 yen) / $5299 (approx. 780,000 yen, ABS)
