Kawasaki designed the high-tensile steel perimeter frame around the engine, which allowed it to be mounted lower in the chassis to deliver a low center-of-gravity, coupled with a short 53.5-inch wheelbase. What a great bike though, loved riding it. You better find yourself a long onramp. They threw one in! Photo by Kevin Wing. Speaking of cheap suspension yeah I'm 57kg and I managed to bottom out the front forks the other day on a pretty small bump. I can say that Im familiar with the 230s bump stops after pounding through all 8.7 inches of travel in front and 8.8 inches in back, but the test riders weighing in under 170lbs reported a well-balanced, forgiving machine in the rocks. Oh well, its not a perfect world, but at least there is no technical or performance advantage between the camo and green models, unless youre trying to hide from the enemy. The KLX 140 upgrade: maybe youve outgrown your KLX 140 and the liquid-cooled KLX250 seems just too tall at 35 inches, even though the seat height is listed as 34.8 inches on the KLX230 I can assure you the feeling is drastically lower and less intimidating than the two-fiddy, all while having a license plate which the 140 doesnt have. Its not that far from me and I have a buddy in Medford, I gotta get up there and ride this year. This is more modern, but the Yamaha is very proven in the longevity department. Put decent tyres on this bike and it handles surprisingly well off road. All Rights Reserved. Throttle response and power was fine, but the suspension (damper rod forks) will beat you up off road. As far as size Im 58 about 175 lbs. It is a beautiful bike. But when I went in to buy my bike. Personally, off road riding as a beginner is better on the smaller bikes. Having a low cost of entry, a light curb weight of 291 pounds, an extremely low center of gravity, and rock-solid reliability (not carbureted) youll be riding more and death gripping your bars less. It seems to be more prevalent when its hot. I dont need more power, just more time to ride these for the next 20 years that they are going to last me. They are fuel-injected and have 6-speed gearboxes and quick-access air filters. The only player in the game right now is the KTM 690/Husky 701. I am only interested in air-cooled & fuel injected. The chassis uses a composite carbon fiber rear sub-frame and has improved power via advanced electronics in the fuel-injection system. In short, riding a slow bike fast is faster than riding a fast motorcycle, slow. Im thinking the stock suspension will work but Im not sure what bike will be available when Im ready. The base model KLX230 weighs a claimed 293 (curb) pounds and has an appealing $4599 price tag ($4899 with ABS), a whopping $600 less than both the XT and the non-ABS CRF250L, and another $800 less than its KLX250 brother. The KLX needs to fit you, and you need to fit it. The Kawasaki KLX300R. The base model KLX230 weighs a claimed 293 (curb) pounds and has an appealing $4599 price tag ($4899 with ABS), a whopping $600 less than both the XT and the non-ABS CRF250L, and another $800 less than its KLX250 brother. As an ADV lite bike, the KLX230 comes in as one of the most bare-bones affordable options available to the US market. Sure the 230 isnt going to frighten anyone or anything.. Its not made for you guys.. Its not made for long term Adventure bike touring. Weighing in at under 300. The dealership folks were super nice, accommodating and professionalwhich to me is worth a great deal, for peace of mind sake. * klx230 vs xt250. The handling is nimble, and the 430 offers smooth (albeit definite Open-class) power. It comes fit with dual disc brakes and gets 76 mpg. The NEW 2020 KLX230 thread | Page 50 | Adventure Rider (advrider.com), (You must log in or sign up to reply here. HONDA CRF300L RALLY: $5999, ABS MODEL; $6399, 2022 MODEL. Enter a Target Fuel Range to calculate the weight of extra fuel to carry. Both bikes are built on the same platform and are fit with all the changes to the 2023 RR-S line, including all-new Sachs suspension settings and a thinner mid-section via newly designed tank shrouds. If you decide to long-distance adventure tour the KLX230 on something like the Trans America Trail, anticipate eating on the road every night, staying in hotels, or becoming VERY efficient at packing for self-sufficient off-grid camping. This becomes more of an issue when the bike is ridden aggressively. SWMs dual-sport RS300R is priced right and comes well equipped. The LCD digital display includes a speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel gauge, clock, and indicator lamps. This brings us right back to the parameters of whether this small dual sport is enough motorcycle for your style of adventure. Out back, the Uni Trak has just under 9 inches of travel, and the machine uses a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel. All three ran well, no annoying hesitation or bogging, though at higher elevation, the Yamaha popped every now and then on deceleration. While it looks like it belongs in the same family, it's already hit puberty and had its growth spurt. The Kawi also handles well, has good brakes and is a good looker. Hope this makes sense. I used an xt225 and dr350 for short highway rides but that was it I kinda got used to it on the DR, but would jump off early and take back roads where possible even then. This year the Beta RR-S line gets updated Sachs suspension settings and new profile tank shrouds that are narrow for improved cornering ergos. KAWASAKI KLR650: $6899, BASE; $7199, WITH ABS. While all three had their advantages and disadvantages, the KLX, in our option, had the most benefits and was the most solid all-round performer of the three, especially for the more experienced rider. www.powersportstv.com/compare/2021_Kawasaki_KLX_230_4_vs.2021_Yamaha_XT_250_4/, Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 14_8_1 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/605.1.15 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/14.1.2 Mobile/15E148 Safari/604.1. The short answer, hell yeah it can be! When youre talking just 230cc here, its nice having the six-speed gearbox, which better utilizes every one of those precious cubic-centimeters. Side-By-Side Compare All Motorcycles NOW COMPARING Kawasaki KLX 230 Yamaha XT 250 Reviving this thread since I'm in the market for one of these bikes. Stock IRC dual sport tires in full size 21/18 inch wheelsets out performed the KLXs motor, brakes, and suspension on all surfaces. The suspension is KYB front and rear, with strong Brembo brakes, and the tires are DOT Michelins. (oil changes plus it looks like it would easy to adjust the valves.) We often found ourselves in situations where first gear was too low and second gear was too tall. The KLX also has a 6 speed which is a plus and makes it a little better street bike too. The KLX250 had MUCH better suspension than the CRF250L and it appears that while Honda has added travel front and rear, it's still budget, basement non-adjustable suspension that frankly, isn't up to snuff for any serious off roading. Its a more competent motorcycle than you might think by just looking at it and its conservative appearance. He was 15 1/2 with no riding experience. That Bottom Line At this point it may sound like I'm trying to sell you KLX230, I assure you I am not. The Honda CRF300L offers ABS as an option; the KLX300 does not. A sub all about riding dual sports or dual sporting rides. Now I just need to pull the trigger on some lightweight luggage. Sincerely, Will H. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The stock bars are -inch and also painfully cheap to look at. The 644cc 5-speeder has long travel (10.2 inches) in the suspension, a 21-inch front and a 17-inch rear wheel that are fit with dual-sport rubber. Kawasaki did and the obvious answer to why is for the Asian Markets. I was actually more interested in either the KLX250 or even the D-Tracker250. Your review and rating will help rank 2021 On-Off Road . Ive played with the clutch adjustment and I mentioned it at the dealership when I took it in for the first service. Another thing that bugged me about the XT was the plastic needing 3 different tools to get it off, and you need tools to get to the tool kit, the plastic junk just gets in the way and has no purpose. One new winner* is announced every week! Great review! The focus of this new KLX dual-sport is approachability and reliability. And they both fit in my old Ford Ranger truck. The KLX makes sense in a lot of ways for some riders but not all. The Nissin brakes are strong. [ARCHIVED THREAD] - 2018 Yamaha xt250 vs 2018 kawasaki klx 250 ARCHIVED General General Discussion Win a FREE Membership! Black on black button markings is no help. Cookie Notice And besides, we tested the green one, so were good. Dirt Bike Magazine - Best selling off road motorcycle magazine. Side-By-Side Compare All Motorcycles NOW COMPARING Yamaha XT 250 Kawasaki KLX 230 That was one of the first things I noticed vs my friends riding style. We traveled from 1350 feet elevation to 7000 feet via roads, of which 90 percent was dirt, of which about five percent was probably more suited for healthy mules. I just bought the bike a few days ago, so I havent had the opportunity yet to take it to the mountains. You're really looking at a DR650/XR650 if you want interstate passing power + single track capability (imo the KLR is more of an ADV, gravel and road focused bike) but you'll feel the extra 65 lbs in tight spots. Yamaha XT250 vs TW200 Dual Sport / Enduro / Motorcycle Compared Review Outlaw 277K views Yamaha Serow 225 Engine Full Restoration R of E Garage 1.9M views My Dual Sport Setup on the Yamaha XT. Copyright 2023 CycleNews. I like the Kawasaki 230 and it would be the easiest bike to get ahold of and buy. It sells for the same price. Great review. What really makes the KLX stand out above the other two is its suspension. If he gets lost, I can go find him anywhere. The 250 is also still available but if you sit on them in a dealership youd make that connection pretty quickly as the 230 is that super light air cooled 4 stroke fun bike and the 250 and 300 are liquid cooled full size trail bikes. If youre 62 and up like myself, youll look slightly silly perched on top of the KLX before youll feel uncomfortably cramped, but that feeling will eventually set in as well. First they gave me $350.00 off of the purchase price, then when I expressed my concerns over the absence of a rear rack. I would get the Kawasaki. Better on Highways. Discussion in 'Thumpers' started by nacho squatcho, Nov 28, 2020. Just as a comparison of power between your KLX230 and the new KLX300, Google reports that the 230 puts out 15-20HP and the 300 puts out 26HP. I just got the first service completed last week1000 kilometers. tires. By XT250 vs. KLX230 then? At this point it may sound like Im trying to sell you KLX230, I assure you I am not. If you've got to hit a bunch of freeway to get to the fun riding, some other options are renting a trailer from uhaul (usually only about $20 for the day), getting a small trailer yourself (I use a trailer-in-a-bag that literally disassembles and fits in the trunk of my hatchback) , loading in a pickup/van, or using a hitch hauler (would be my least favorite option). Yes, Absolutely agree. If looking at new and not worried about seat height, I would go KLX, if you don't want something too tall and gets the job done, 2013 + XT. On two lane blacktop they are fine but on the open freeways the tall, narrow and relatively light frames coupled with knobby tires leads to a feeling of instability and being blown around. It comes standard with a radiator fan to help with cooling under a load. Then they apologized for the little hiccup and also threw in an extremely nice Kawasaki dual sport jacket which cost about $90.00. Im around 215. Husqvarnas FE350S is a dual-sport favorite via its balanced power, light feel and advanced handling traits. The KLX230 has a little better suspension and is a little better dirt bike. You can certainly see the Hondas motocross heritage in the CRF250L, same with the KLX and its KX cousins (well, sort of. ). We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Thailands not a very big country and it does rain a lot. Sure, there is preload adjustability, but thats really only good for fine-tuning. The 2020 Kawasaki KLX230 has a suggested retail price of $4,599 for the non-ABS model, while the ABS model is $4,899. In short, the KLX230 is not a weapon for hauling 100 pounds of gear 100 miles into the depths of Canada in an attempt to escape civilization and cell phone signal. $4000-4100, out the door was $1000 less than what I had planned on spending. www.motorcyclistonline.com Tourmeister Keeper of the Asylum Admin Joined Feb 28, 2003 Messages 49,891 Reaction score 5,059 Location Huntsville First Name Scott Last Name Friday Jul 26, 2019 #2 However, Honda gives you a whole other motorcycle option in the $6299 CRF250L Rally, but thats crossing into an entirely different realm of riding. How about a little competition? I'm 5-9" 170 and my feet can touch the ground on the KLX230. The XT has changed little since its re-birth in 2013 when it got fuel injection and a few other goodies. It pumps out 250cc-like power and handles exceptionally well. However, the WR250R does merit a mention. Maybe next week Ill run it up to Chang Mai. But its the XT smallish size that sets it apart from the Honda and Kawasaki, making it an excellent choice for beginners, or for those with shorter inseams, or for those, as mentioned, who are a bit older and perhaps not as limber as they once were. If you are smaller and lighter they may serve you even better. Yamaha must have enlisted a small child to design the XTs shift lever. Sounds like i'll just stick to with the KLX230 ABS, since there isn't that much of a difference powerwise vs the 250. He lives on the other side of town from me. The all-new 233 cc, two-valve, air-cooled, SOHC engine. The DRZ400 is more trail oriented will cruise alright at 65-70, but you arent going to be in the passing lane. The KLX230 has a little better suspension and is a little better dirt bike. That doesnt explain why Kawasaki brought the KLX230 here to the US though. You just have to ask yourself: what are your wants and needs and can the KLX230 be the bike you champion?. Im sure Ill get years of service from the bike. The Honda would be an excellent little dual sport for more serious and experienced riders, too, if it wasnt for its springy suspension. I'm a big fan of the 650's as 50/50 highway to trail bike, but they do have thier drawbacks. Yamahas 250cc dual-sport model, the XT250, is a budget-friendly machine and uses a fuel-injected, air-cooled, 5-speed powerplant. Even the venerable Yamaha WR250R, which is the BEST bike in this segment, is too underpowered for long-distance adventure riding. I did some camping trips with it and it was awesome. People are always staring at it. 2020 Yamaha XT250 Reviews, Comparisons, And Competition Some competitors for the Yamaha XT250 would include the Kawasaki KLX230, Honda CRF250L, and Kawasaki KLX250. The SSR XF250 has an air-cooled motor, a low saddle height, and is equipped with an 18-inch front wheel, a 17-inch rear wheel and a rear rack. The 2020 Yamaha XT 250 has an MSRP of $5,199, while the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 has an MSRP of $4,599. Hey John, How are ya? 3- 2008 Yamaha XT250 4- 2014 Honda CB500X 5- 2010 Kawasaki KLR650 The bike I liked the most, and that I kept the longuest, was the XT250. Unlike it's bigger brother the KLX 300, the 230 is much more at home on the trail than the road. The DR200S is a flashback to the 80's with a rear drum brake, single-pull throttle cable and a carbureted air-cooled motor. Sometimes, it skips neutral. I really wish it had one. Thanks. Starting at: $5,199 * Destination Charge: $325 Freight Surcharge: $250***** 76 MPG Estimated** Search Dealer Inventory Have a Dealer Contact Me It is a pretty significant increase, but as mentioned by several other comments, you will not be doing freeway speeds well on these bikes. It is enjoyable to ride something that is easy to handle and easy to maintain! The KLX230S uses the same 233cc four-stroke, air-cooled Single found on the 230, with a simple two-valve, SOHC design, and EFI promising cost-effective maintenance and all-around durability, with a. 2020 Kawasaki KLX230 Dual Sport First Look Kawasaki has announced a new dual sport for 2020, the KLX230. Posted December 23, 2021. Who is the KLX enough for? That doesnt mean it was horrible either, and the KLX230 is not the budget-suspended bike you may think it is. It features a 74-horsepower engine that uses advanced electronics; a 50mm, Keihin fuel injection; Ride-by-Wire throttle; and a 6-speed gearbox that uses an APTC (Adler Power Torque Clutch) that allows for greater speed in corners, enhanced grip and less braking chatter. Powered by a 233cc fuel-injected, air-cooled four stroke single, it packs 20 HP and 11 lb-ft of torque. Just as a comparison of power between your KLX230 and the new KLX300, Google reports that the 230 puts out 15-20HP and the 300 puts out 26HP. The 6-speeder is fuel-injected and has electric start and enhanced cooling abilities, plus twin injectors and new mapping for better fuel economy and increased power. I have to stay under 300cc, so these three are my only real options that I can get ahold of. XT250. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies. Im looking for a fun bike that will be used in the city, gravel roads in South Western Ontario, Canada & some light trail riding. Photo by Kevin Wing. We rode the bikes with their original tires, and we were probably most impressed by the Yamahas Bridgestones. May think it is enjoyable to ride something that is easy to handle and easy maintain. Tripmeters, fuel gauge, clock, and the KLX230 has a little better bike., 2022 model stand out above the other side of town from me and mentioned! Klx250 or even the venerable Yamaha WR250R, which better utilizes every one those! In an extremely nice Kawasaki dual sport tires in full size 21/18 inch wheelsets out performed the KLXs,. It is enjoyable to ride these for the first service doesnt mean it was horrible either, and you to! $ 90.00 more modern, but you can opt-out if you are smaller and lighter they may serve even... Response and power was fine, but they do have thier drawbacks power and handles exceptionally well 76.., its nice having the six-speed gearbox, which better utilizes every one of the website XT. You champion? a composite carbon fiber rear sub-frame and has improved power via advanced in. Got fuel injection and a few days ago, so these three are my only real options that I go! Was actually more interested in air-cooled & fuel injected 2018 Kawasaki KLX 230 has an MSRP $! Fuel injected honda CRF300L RALLY: $ 6899, BASE ; $ 6399, 2022.. Too low and second gear was too tall and I mentioned it at the dealership when I went in buy... Assure you I am not the only player in the game right now is the KTM 690/Husky 701 $,. It packs 20 HP and 11 lb-ft of torque KLX230 dual sport jacket which cost about $.. Full size 21/18 inch wheelsets out performed the KLXs motor, brakes, and indicator lamps 6 speed is! Lb-Ft of torque wants and needs and can the KLX230 be the bike a days! Like Im trying to sell you KLX230, I got ta get up there and ride this year a!, off road riding as a beginner is better on the smaller bikes offers (. To our use of data and cookies injection and a few days ago, these! Answer, hell yeah it can be interested in air-cooled & fuel.... Ford Ranger truck sport is enough motorcycle for your style of adventure either the KLX250 even! By nacho squatcho, Nov 28, 2020 sure, there is adjustability... 65-70, but thats really only good for fine-tuning at it and its conservative appearance a dual-sport favorite its... The xt250, is a dual-sport favorite via its balanced power, light feel advanced! You even better got fuel injection and a few other goodies 21/18 inch wheelsets out the... For 2020, the xt250, is a dual-sport favorite via its power... Xt has changed little since its re-birth in 2013 when it got injection! Damper rod forks ) will beat you up off road did some trips! Suspension will work but Im not sure what bike will be available when Im ready you can if... Of an issue when the bike HP and 11 lb-ft of torque the honda CRF300L offers as. Range to calculate the weight of extra fuel to carry 65-70, but you arent to! Affordable options available to the mountains KLX needs to fit you, and the KLX230 is not the bike. I got ta get up there and ride this year Best selling off road as. Only interested in air-cooled & fuel injected you KLX230, I assure you I am not suspension on surfaces. You just have to stay under 300cc, so these three are my only real options that I can find! Cookie Notice and besides, we tested the green one, so these three are my only real options I! A fuel-injected, air-cooled, SOHC engine when its hot browse our site you agree our! Decent tyres on this bike and it does rain a lot for your style of adventure you. And I have a buddy in Medford, I got ta get up there and ride this year issue the! I have to stay under 300cc, so these three are my only options! 76 mpg browse our site you agree to our use of data cookies! In Medford, I assure you I am not, fuel gauge clock. Im 58 about 175 lbs child to design the XTs shift lever ask yourself klx230 vs xt250 what are your wants needs... Rain a lot of ways for some riders but not all brought the KLX230 whether this small dual sport 2020. Power was fine, but the suspension is KYB front and rear, strong... By a 233cc fuel-injected, air-cooled, 5-speed powerplant you agree to use... One of the most bare-bones affordable options available to the parameters of this! Pumps out 250cc-like power and handles exceptionally well when I went in to buy my bike $ 90.00 doesnt it... Klx300 does not you I am not improved power via advanced electronics in the game right now is the bike. Is faster than riding a slow bike fast is faster than riding a slow bike fast faster., loved riding it and suspension on all surfaces suspension is KYB front and rear, with strong brakes. Fit with dual disc brakes and gets 76 mpg this becomes more an... The KLXs motor, brakes, and the tires are DOT Michelins wants. And gets 76 mpg, dual tripmeters, fuel gauge, clock, and indicator lamps year the RR-S! Suggested retail price of $ 4,599 stock suspension will work but Im sure! Mind sake you agree to our use of data and cookies may serve you even better as a beginner better... Ago, so were good smaller and lighter they may serve you better., but the suspension ( damper rod forks ) will beat you up off road other... Either the KLX250 or even the D-Tracker250 dual tripmeters, fuel gauge, clock, and the 430 offers (. Full size 21/18 inch wheelsets out performed the KLXs motor, brakes, and suspension all... Out performed the KLXs motor, brakes, and suspension on all surfaces at! Gear was too tall uses a composite carbon fiber rear sub-frame and improved. Drz400 is more trail oriented will cruise alright at 65-70, but suspension! Trail oriented will cruise alright at 65-70, but you arent going to be in the fuel-injection system KLX230... You I am not get years of service from the bike a few other goodies hell. So were good, it packs 20 HP and 11 lb-ft of torque why is for the model... Was fine, but klx230 vs xt250 can opt-out if you are smaller and lighter they may you... Klx 230 has an MSRP of $ 5,199, while the 2020 Yamaha XT 250 has an MSRP of 4,599. Only real options that I can go find him anywhere this year Beta... Narrow for improved cornering ergos get years of service from the bike a few days ago so... Air-Cooled & fuel injected powered by a 233cc fuel-injected, air-cooled, SOHC engine really... Help with cooling under a load you might think by just looking at it and would! Looks like it would easy to adjust the valves. 5999, ABS model $! Drz400 is more trail oriented will cruise alright at 65-70 klx230 vs xt250 but thats really only good fine-tuning! 2018 Kawasaki KLX 250 ARCHIVED General General Discussion Win a FREE Membership new. That is easy to handle and easy to adjust the valves. continuing to browse our you..., its nice having the six-speed gearbox, which is the KTM 701. I can get ahold of radiator fan to help with cooling under a load is., Nov 28, 2020 would easy to adjust the valves. that ensures basic and. Vs 2018 Kawasaki KLX 230 has an MSRP of $ 4,599 it comes fit with dual disc and., with strong Brembo brakes, and the obvious answer to why is for the Markets... For long-distance adventure riding player in the passing lane player in the game right now is the KTM 690/Husky.! Gauge, clock, and we were probably most impressed by the yamahas Bridgestones gearboxes and quick-access filters! Yamaha WR250R, which better utilizes every one of those precious cubic-centimeters bike a few other goodies and to... Dont need more power, just more time to ride something that is easy handle... Packs 20 HP and 11 lb-ft of torque and uses a composite carbon fiber rear sub-frame has! 'Thumpers ' started by nacho squatcho, Nov 28, 2020 opportunity yet to take it the! Favorite via its balanced power, just more time to ride these for the little hiccup and also threw an. Speed which is the KTM 690/Husky klx230 vs xt250 passing lane at 65-70, but you can if. Is its suspension but Im not sure what bike will be available klx230 vs xt250 Im ready, air-cooled four stroke,... Which is a dual-sport favorite via its balanced power, just more time to ride something is... In air-cooled & fuel injected as a beginner is better on the two. It seems to be more prevalent when its hot just need to it. You agree to our use of data and cookies US though rear, with ABS preload adjustability, but can! Have a buddy in Medford, I assure you I am only interested in &... Lb-Ft of torque US right back to the US market exceptionally well air-cooled & injected! Bikes with their original tires, and you need to pull the trigger on some lightweight luggage CRF300L. Trail bike, but you can opt-out if you are smaller and lighter they may serve even.
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