A test ride of KAWASAKI new off-road model "KLX230" and competition model "KLX230R" was held intended for the media. I would like to share my test ride review.
For beginners and intermediates but the equipment is full-fledged.
▲ KLX230
This KLX230 was born with the concept of "Lightweight sports for everyone to enjoy riding in off-roads". The KLX230 is aimed to make it possible for beginner and intermediate riders to enjoy its all performance. The street model KLX230 is a dual-purpose model for using in on-road and off-road, and equipped with a large headlight, comfortable seat shape, and ABS optimized for off-road.
▲ KLX230R
On the other hand, the "R" of the competition model has been made lighter, and its output characteristics, both suspension of front / rear and tires are changed to be more suitable for off-road sports riding. By the way, the combined body with air-cooled 4-cylinder SOHC 2-valve 232cc engine of torque type in low and middle rev that generates maximum output of 19ps and a high tension steel perimeter frame with a front 21 inches and rear 18 inches wheels are basically common.
Good foot grounding, Persistent engine
I tested riding from the KLX230. The impression of the appearance of the KLX230 was "It had become more compact compared with the big body of the KLX250." The latest design reminiscent of the motocrosser KX series has been incorporated to it. The seat height is 885mm, but when I sat down on it, I could put my heels on the ground firmly thanks to the soft suspensions and the slim body (179 cm in height and 73kg in weight).
The engine started firmly with just one quick push of a self starter. The clutch connection was also smooth, and I departured vigorously with a brisk vibration. I went down the steep slope of gravel and entered the dirt course. Since the engine brake worked very well, the speed control was easy.
Then, as I slowly opened the accelerator on the uphill, the block tires tenaciously grabbed the surface of the road and literaly moved the itself forward. It was a very steep slope, but there was no sign of engine going to stall.
Real sports is to enjoy manipulating.
I was able to fully enjoy the pleasure of the KLX230 in the orbiting course on a moderately moist soil. Just sitting on the seat and driving slowly is also good with peace and comfort, but if getting used to riding and making a rapid pace, the sense of manipulating suddenly comes out. I was able to control as I wanted such as dealing with the road gaps in a standing ride position and coming out from the corner while sliding the rear wheel a little with pulling up the rev in the low gear. I immediately ran out of breath and sweated. Exactly it was real sports. The KLX230 was wonderful to play so much in the safety zone, even though it can't slide the rear tire wildly or jump high like a big-off.
I also tested riding on the street, but the rigidity of the body was higher than it looked. Particularly, the grounding sense of front undercarriage had a good impression. Since the tire is a dual-purpose, there was no concern even during the cornering on the street. What impressed me was the dual-purpose ABS. Usually, block tires cause a sudden tire lock, so the riders will hesitate to perform hard braking. But this model is possible to take full advantage of both front and rear brakes thanks to the ABS.
By the way, I found that ABS works when making a full brake even in off-roads. By the way, when getting used to it, I can make a brake turn. It's clear that the output characteristics and the gearing are matched to both street riding and off-road riding. Considering the peak power, it can just barely handle high-speed cruises, but I think that it is necessary to be divisible it if considering the aim of KLX230.
The difference is obvious, "R" is the best if you want to enjoy in the course.
Next, I tested the KLX230R. The moment I straddle, I realized that the height is different. The stroke amount of the front and rear suspensions are about 30mm longer compared to the KLX230, and it is set to a high load. In other words, it is a more full-fledged off-road model. Since the weight is 115kg which is about 20kg lighter compare to KLX230, the difference is obvious. Even in a quite rocky road, the KLX230R is possible to run like a fling by the tough suspension and full-fledged block tires while dealing with the road gaps.
Since the accelerator response is sharp, it's easy to change the direction by sliding. Not having ABS also make brake turn easy. If you can get a priority of riding on the off-road course exclusively, the "R" is the most enjoyable model. The KLX230R should be a good off road training partner for you thinking that KX is a little over-spec. Of course, it is the machine that has a potential of bringing the step to the next level even if you are an expert.
◆New KAWASAKI KLX230 Development Goal
See KAWASAKI Moto Index Page
See Accessories for KAWASAKI KLX230
See Accessories for KAWASAKI KLX230R
See Accessories for KAWASAKI KLX250
