The 2025 model of the Kawasaki KLX230R/S, which is popular among beginners, has been announced in North America and Europe. In addition to the new style that conforms to the new KLX230 that has already been announced, the engine and body have also undergone major changes. An owner of the early model explains.
The seat height is lowered while maintaining the suspension stroke.
Kawasaki's KLX230 series debuted in 2020. It has a full-size body with an air-cooled single-cylinder 233cc engine and is similar to Yamaha's Serow 250, which was discontinued in the same year. However, the concept is a low-priced version of the KX, which is very different from the trekking-oriented Serow.
You might think you could ride with your feet on the ground like the Serow 250, but even the road-legal KLX230 has a seat height of 885mm, making it difficult to reach the ground with your feet. The racer KLX230R has a seat height of 925mm, making it more difficult to ride with your feet on the ground in enduro races. It's closer to a motocross motorcycle.
The 2025 model R-series has been modified to have some rounded corners. The engine is equipped with a balancer like the road-going model, and the intake valve diameter has been reduced from 37 to 33 mm. This has reduced vibration and increased torque at low and mid-range RPMs. On the other hand, power loss and increased weight due to the balancer will be unavoidable.
The rear frame of the chassis has been changed, and while maintaining the suspension stroke, the seat has been lowered from 925 to 905 mm for the KLX230R and from 900 to 875 mm for the KLX230R S. In addition, the front fork down bracket has been made aluminum, making it lighter, which is a point that current model owners will envy.

KLX230R (2025) [KAWASAKI] The photo shows the North American model. The exterior has also been completely redesigned, giving the new model a major makeover. It also features a two-tone seat for the first time, adding a more luxurious feel.

KLX230R (2024) [KAWASAKI] The photo shows the Japanese model. When compared, you can see that the exterior parts have been completely redesigned. The 2025 KX series will be released on August 8, but there will be no domestic announcement of the KLX230R.

The KLX230R (2025) Battle Gray is also continuing. The seat has been lowered, but the silhouette remains unchanged.

Compared to the KLX230R (2024), the side covers are larger. The tail lift also looks different.

The new engine's intake valve diameter has been reduced from 37 to 33 mm, and the ECU settings have been changed to improve ease of handling in the low and mid ranges. It can also be seen that a secondary air introduction device has been added, which was not available in the previous model.

It is also equipped with a balancer, and the dry weight has increased by 4kg from 115 to 119kg compared to the North American specification. The air box has been made smaller by changing the rear frame, but the air intake has been secured.

The new model has a balancer added to the front as shown here. The maximum output has not been announced, but the previous model had the same 19 PS as the road-going model with a balancer, so the new model is likely to have few numerical changes.

The seat height of the KLX230R has been lowered by 20mm.

The seat height of the KLX230R S has been lowered by 25mm.
The fuel tank is now made of keyed steel and has increased capacity.
The new KLX230R's engine has the same specifications as the road-going model, but the fuel tanks, which were previously made separately, are now the same. The new KLX230R's fuel tank has been increased from the previous 6.5L plastic tank to a 7.6L (2 gallons) steel tank. This change increases the range but also increases the weight.
In addition, the new KLX230R's main switch has been changed from the previous button type to a key type, and it can now be locked along with the fuel tank cap. The release states that this is a security improvement, and although it is a racer, it seems to be a necessary change for use overseas.
The new two-tone seat is 6mm thicker for improved comfort, and the handlebars have been moved 25mm forward and 13mm higher to match the change in seat height. The footpegs have also been moved 9mm back for improved control. The new position is consistent with the customization directions of previous owners, so it's nice to see improvements made from the start.
In addition, the caster angle has been made 1.1° sharper for lighter handling, and the style, engine, and chassis have all been updated. In general, it can be said that there are noticeable commonalities with the road version, such as the use of a balanced engine and a steel tank.

The fuel tank of the new KLX230R is announced to be 7.6L for European models and 2 gallons (7.57L) for North America. The material has been changed from the conventional resin to steel, increasing the capacity by about 1L. It is thought to be the same as the road version.

The fuel tank of the new KLX230R has been changed to a tank cap with a key.

The plastic tank on the 2020 KLX230R has a capacity of 6.5 L. The bottom is secured with a band and the cap has no key.

The ignition switch of the new KLX230R has been changed to a key type.

The ignition switch on the 2020 KLX230R is a push button, so there's no need to worry about losing your key.

The handlebars have been moved 25mm forward and 13mm up, and the kill switch is new.

Compared to the new model, the handlebar clamp on the 2020 KLX230R is positioned further forward.

The seat height has been lowered by modifying the frame, while the seat has been made 6mm thicker for a more comfortable, flatter shape.

The rear suspension preload adjustment has been changed from the conventional click type to a screw type.
Main Specifications for 2025 KLX230R/S North America
Overall Length × Width × Height: 2044.7×845.82 x 1198.88/1186.18mm
Wheelbase: 1374.14mm
Seat Height: 904.24/873.76mm
Minimum Ground Clearance: 289.56/269.24mm
Dry Weight: 119.02 kg (115 for 2024 model).(03kg)
Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke, in-line 2-cylinder SOHC 2-valve 233cc
Maximum Output:
Maximum Torque:
Fuel Tank Capacity: 7.57L
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tire: F=80/100-21, R=100/100-18
Price: $5034.29