CN. 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. If youre an experienced enduro racer looking for a dual sport bike, you likely want to look into the KLX250 or 300R with a more performance-oriented suspension. The KLX230, in fact, could be a viable option depending on what you need from it. The KLX 230 will be re considered. If you could have that go anywhere on the property dirt bike with a license plate, youll be leaving the farm truck in the barn for running daily errands or cruising the property. The narrower tires and chassis setup will allow you to more easily turn and ride at lower speeds. Suspension is handled by a 43mm fork with 10.2 inches of travel, with the rear Pro-Link receiving the same. Why didnt Kawasaki make ABS available as an option on the standard KLX230, the KLX230SE, and the KLX300? I would highly suggest sitting on one. 2022 Kawasaki KLX230S | First Look Review, Favorite Rides & Destinations Digital Edition, Adventure & Dual-Sport Motorcycle Reviews, 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE | First Ride Review, Aerostich Pop-Up Event in Pleasanton, CA, March 21-25, BMW Motorrad Days Taking Place in Berlin, July 7-9. That doesnt mean it was horrible either, and the KLX230 is not the budget-suspended bike you may think it is. Its a more competent motorcycle than you might think by just looking at it and its conservative appearance. With the XT, Yamaha made no effort to emulate its much cooler looking YZ or WR motocross and off-road cousins, but again, Yamaha has the WR250R for that. Despite giving away up to a two of inches of wheel travel to the other two bikes, the XT isnt afraid of rough roads and tricky trails and handles them quite well, even at speed. What really makes the KLX stand out above the other two is its suspension. no dirt, likely not even the freeway (under 150cc is illegal). 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. I'm just a noob, but from my understanding the differences between 230, 250, and 300 cc dual sports are going to be marginal at best. Plus, the Honda and Kawasaki have sporty looks, while the Yamaha sticks with a conservative look. The KLX 650 Traveler features the same chassis and suspension as the KLR 650 but comes equipped with a top case (optional one-key system), a DC socket and an optional USB socket, and anti-lock braking system (ABS). Fill us in on the 300, would you? But when I went in to buy my bike. Thanks, Hey Bill, thanks for reaching out with that. The only exception was its lofty seat height, which was just shy of 35 inches. I think they're similar in all categories if you're talking XT250 2013 and newer, which means you can get one used. XT250. According to Kawasaki, a target customer of younger, less experienced. The XT has changed little since its re-birth in 2013 when it got fuel injection and a few other goodies. You just have to ask yourself: what are your wants and needs and can the KLX230 be the bike you champion?. The Kawasaki KLX230. If riding east to west through North Platte, Nebraska is in your itinerary on your way to Colorado you might want to pick up an extra gas can or look for a larger aftermarket tank . On the road, the KLX230 will leave my thinly framed DR200s wobbling wide into the first ditch if I tried to hold the same line as the Kawi. When youre talking just 230cc here, its nice having the six-speed gearbox, which better utilizes every one of those precious cubic-centimeters. Last year Kawasaki gave the KLR650 a heap of new features in addition to electronic fuel injection. I rode a standard 250cc street bike in my younger days. You get used to it, but it is a little annoying. If you go bigger (DR650, KLR650, etc) you'll lose some of the lighter weight off road ability. Optional, factory-fitted ABS is tuned for dual-sport riding. I do a fair amount of urban riding. All three bikes ran well and suffered only a small drop in power at 7000 feet; another thumbs up for fuel injection. Reliability is #1 for me. Well, its been a while now and Ive had a chance to ride my KLX a bit. Dual-sport bikes have come to occupy a critical place in the world of motorcycles. 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. Brakes are Brembo, as is the hydraulic clutch. Thanks for dropping a comment. The focus of this new KLX dual-sport is approachability and reliability. Create an account or sign in to comment You need to be a member in order to leave a comment The ABS model rings in at $4,899 and the non-ABS KLX230 lists for $4,599. Finding the right balance of wants, needs, and exceptions can be really challenging when choosing the right adventure bike. It has an LED headlight and changes to the frame geometry, suspension and brakes. There is one thing I dont much like about the bike. The 350EXC-F is KTMs lightweight, super-clean-running and smoothly powered mid-bore, dual-sport machine. I would get the Kawasaki. Visit this link for instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. 2020 Yamaha XT 250 vs. 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Side-by-Side Comparison Compare the 2020 Yamaha XT 250 vs 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230. Not underpowered for its size, but underpowered for my personal tastes. Its just a slimmer, narrower bike. At the time they were trying to get the ball rolling on the 230sand they told me that the 250 is slated to be phased out soon. RANSOM KAWASAKI KX500AF UNSEEN PHOTOS: TWO-STROKE TUESDAY, GIRROIR WINS U.S. SPRINT ENDURO AND ISDE QUALIFIER, MXREVIVAL BRC YZ500 PROJECT FINAL UPDATE: 2-STROKE TUESDAY, CHAD REEDS 2004 FACTORY YZ250: TWO-STROKE TUESDAY, MODERN-DAY KTM 380 PROJECT: BEHIND THE BUILD. Yeah I was just discussing this bike with my friends! and our you also get 'more bike' than a 230 and less likely to push it to it's limitations/be disappointed in your choice. Ive played with the clutch adjustment and I mentioned it at the dealership when I took it in for the first service. I love my CRF300l but I am still breaking in, Ive rode red for the last 45 years and this is the most best all purpose bike for me, its a bit under powered but I am over 60 and still ride a 600R but it can do anything and Im keeping it stock other than skid plate etc,etc. The mechanic adjusted it as well. Im not a big guy. The other option I was looking at is the new KLX300. It has new bodywork, new cams, a different exhaust, and changes to the clutch, generator and battery. They include a Voyager GPS, a narrower frame, a techno-polymer subframe, new Sachs suspension fore and aft, and a 2.4-gallon fuel tank. $4000-4100, out the door was $1000 less than what I had planned on spending. Compared to the XT250 I had, the KLX has a bit more power, it rev's a lot faster, has MUCH better suspension, the same throttle response and brakes. Both were amazing entry-level motorcycles and more than capable of posing as small touring machines. But, it makes you feel like Graham Jarvis as you yell Jarvis while blasting by your friends struggling to hold up a full-size dirt bike.The KTM is my full size dirt bike that everyone told me would be too small. First they gave me $350.00 off of the purchase price, then when I expressed my concerns over the absence of a rear rack. Light aluminum wheels a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear promise easy handling and add to the KLXs off-road potential. Its a solid performer with a small price tag. But first I need to find some suitable pannier frames. Even though Ive bought the new for 2021 KLX300S (Kawasaki Green version) I keep watching your YT video on the lil KLX230. Visit this link for instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Coming from a more performance oriented bike (Honda CRF250X, now sold) The KLX is not super light for a 230/250 but the center of gravity is lower which helps. Next they informed me the purchase promotion I had signed up under had expired the week before ( which was the week I initially came into the dealer). What I can say is that as an urban explorer the bike is fabulous. Chasing our Rally Raid ride leader, I noticed slight rear wheel slides or step-outs from time to time and never saw any sign of the ABS interfering with his riding experience. Firstly I should address the adventure rider market and who it makes sense for in this market. Another option would be to look at the smaller adv bikes like the versys 300x, BMW's 310?, and I think KTM has a small ADV bike now too. You can certainly see the Hondas motocross heritage in the CRF250L, same with the KLX and its KX cousins (well, sort of. Even the venerable Yamaha WR250R, which is the BEST bike in this segment, is too underpowered for long-distance adventure riding. Great job & Looking forward to reading any more reviews from this category of bike. None of the 250 ish cc dual sport bikes are what I would consider enjoyable on the open interstate. The KLX230 is new to Kawasakis dual-sport lineup. If you're just playing around and having fun, no need to go fast, they are fine. Black on black button markings is no help. It comes fit with dual disc brakes and gets 76 mpg. 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. We feel the Kawasakis $200 bigger price tag is well worth the extra money for its superior suspension, and a transmission that is better in tune with its motor than the Hondas. Personally, off road riding as a beginner is better on the smaller bikes. If you can try to get a ride in one. Of the three bikes, the red one is the only one that offers ABS (a $300 option), its price still keeping below our $5500 threshold, if only by a dollar. On or offroad. My idea was to use it for logging roads and forest trails. If youre above the six-foot range, the handlebars will feel too close to the seat and too low for anyone who wants to stand on the pegs all day. 2023 - Dirt Bike Magazine. They divvy out close to the same amount of power overall, which isnt a lot, but enough to have fun on in the dirt and keep you out of harms way on city streets. 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. Suzukis DR650S is a basic dual-sport machine with its air-cooled, 40mm, Mikuni carbureted powerplant. However, Honda gives you a whole other motorcycle option in the $6299 CRF250L Rally, but thats crossing into an entirely different realm of riding. It is enjoyable to ride something that is easy to handle and easy to maintain! When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Copyright ThumperTalk, Inc. - All rights reserved.ThumperTalk is a registered trademark. The Dainese Expedition Masters Patagonia trip encompasses eight days and 1,600 km starting in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the For 2023, the KTM New Zealand Adventure Rallye returns to the South Island for the third time in the events What are the components of an epic adventure ride? Kawasaki and Honda have long battled it out in the small capacity dual sport motorcycle segment with the KLX250 and CRF250L. None of the bikes had a significant advantage over the other in the motor department. Its an easy and unintimidating motorcycle to ride both on- and off-road, and you can get it with ABS. The KLX has an extra gear which is nice, a gas gauge, .6 gallon less gas, and a taller seat height. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. One was ridden by Rambo in the 1982 movie First Blood. Thailands not a very big country and it does rain a lot. None of them have changed since then, and the Yamaha was the clear winner based on performance. Its wrapped around a trellis frame and a rear subframe that houses a 13-liter (3.4-gallon) plastic fuel tank. Man, that stuffs expensive! Did I mention this bike is fun? Im sure Ill get years of service from the bike. And whenever I pull up on it. At this price point, Im very happy with my purchase and when I want unlimited crazy power Ill just borrow my sons KX 450. Still, I might choose a dual sport the last minute. 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. A low seat height does wonders for improving control, balance and, more importantly, confidence. Ive ridden it on some pretty long rides now. Your review and rating will help rank 2021 On-Off Road . Actually, I am wondering how the KLX300 is doing? Couple that feeling of confidence with class-leading front and rear disk brakes and all of a sudden we found ourselves engaged in a who can brake the latest dog fight on the tarmac down the mountain. We had no mechanical issues with any of the bikes. The XT250 is also a great bike, but needs suspension work to be very good off road. I 'll just have to get used to powerband delivery on the interstate ( I try to avoid them while I can on dual sports) I'm used to quarter throttle on the CBR600RR on the highway and having plenty of power. It has front and rear disc brakes, a 3.4-gallon tank, and weighs 331 pounds. Such a fun bike. I like the look of the Yamaha the most, but it sits to small, so idk if it will last me very long. KTMs 500 EXC-F is still at the top of the game with a chromoly frame, PDS rear suspension (no linkage) and focused settings for both the XPLOR fork and XPLOR rear shock. 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. It sells for the same price. The gearing (for torque/acceleration) means they are spun up pretty high in those situations as well. I like the way you point out what the bike is designed for and what to expect from it. For a 2023 buyers guide of motocross bikes, click here. These cookies do not store any personal information. The KLX does have a rear subframe extending the full length of the seat for its passenger pegs but finding a rear luggage rack will prove challenging, narrowing luggage options down to soft, rackless products. Great review! But it's not perfect. Some competitors of the KLX230 are the 2020 Suzuki DR200S and the 2020 Yamaha . 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. 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. The 2022 Kawasaki KLX230S is fitted with a 1.9-gallon fuel tank and should keep this sipper on the move for as long as you might reasonably expect, although the simple instrument dash also includes a low-fuel warning lamp. Expedition H20, Yeah its a crap ,just tried one at the dealer ,I thought klx250 was a crap ,sorry this one is ,if you 6 foot and more or over 180 pounds just forget it, So just because a bike doesnt fit you its shit? Our real gripe is with the shock. Not sure how a DRZ400 would be. 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. Thanks. It seems to be more prevalent when its hot. Let us know what you end up going with in the future. It pumps out 250cc-like power and handles exceptionally well. If you are, as the jaws line goes, you need a bigger boat ( or in your case bike ). But Ive been chomping at the bit over the new KLX300? For 2022, Kawasaki adds a new model to its KLX lineup with the KLX230S dual-sport. A revised rear shock, also shorter with a stiffer spring rate provides 6.6 (down from 8.8) inches of travel that Kawasaki says improves handling and bump absorption. Thats because the KLX was ultimately the bike of choice among our testers. Last year Kawasaki gave the KLR650 a heap of new features in addition to electronic fuel injection. Write a Review and rate the 2021 Kawasaki KLX 230. Copyright 2023 CycleNews. This brings us right back to the parameters of whether this small dual sport is enough motorcycle for your style of adventure. I will give his KLX 230 to my wife and she can learn on that. Kawasaki KLX230 S ABS | Dual-Sport Bike | On- and Off-Road Adventure 2023 MODEL 2022 KLX 230 S LIGHTWEIGHT DUAL-SPORT FOR ON- AND OFF-ROAD FUN 2022 KLX 230 S SPECS GALLERY ACCESSORIES & MERCHANDISE OFFERS SIMILAR MODELS COMPARE LOCATE A DEALER MSRP NON-ABS $4,799 / MSRP ABS $5,099 $400 SAVINGS Destination Charge $245 Im around 215. 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 Honda CRF300L offers ABS as an option; the KLX300 does not. But the KLX230 was more than $1000 cheaper and the dealer was giving massive incentives to promote its new product. Its time is up. Why did you even look at this bike with such unrealistic expectations ? Since this is its first year out with the all new design. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. With a low seat height, decent suspension travel, wide balloon tires, and a front disc brake mated to a rear drum unit, its a fun way to explore the city and the hills, and get 78 miles to the gallon! The suspension is soft but much better then most stock Japanese bikes. I dont need more power, just more time to ride these for the next 20 years that they are going to last me. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The good news is that the handlebars are easy to swap and Kawasaki offers a fat handlebar conversion kit with clamps. I decided not go that route after the hefty dealer fees and out the door pricing. Designed to appeal to novice riders on a budget or experienced riders looking for a lightweight, dual-sport machine, Kawasaki first released the KLX230 in 2020, and in most aspects, it lived up to its design goals. Helmet:Shoei VFX-EVO Zinger Jacket:REVIT! Contact us if you can't find the one you need. CRF300L, DR200S, XT250, TW200, KLX230, KLX230-S, or KLX300? Maybe next week Ill run it up to Chang Mai. One new winner* is announced every week! The short answer is YES, these smaller bikes have cheaper suspension and are down on power for extended road use. Period. It could hold 62 mph all day even fully . chrysler town and country headrest deployed. The real question is which segment of the market are you in? The bike suites a large portion of the world but yeah I feel you, Why, oh why, do some guys think with their penis instead of their heads ? Im an American living in Thailand. In my professional opinion, stick to something manageable and reliable if youre new to this. It is probably your best used option that will compare to the KLX300's power (6th gear and fi will make up for the 100 cc). [ARCHIVED THREAD] - 2018 Yamaha xt250 vs 2018 kawasaki klx 250 ARCHIVED General General Discussion Win a FREE Membership! Powered by a 233cc fuel-injected, air-cooled four stroke single, it packs 20 HP and 11 lb-ft of torque. The suspension is WP, a 250mm-travel XPLOR fork and identical rear-wheel travel, which exploits its dirt worthiness. Yamaha XT250 vs TW200. 2.75-21 in. The Honda and Yamaha share the same MSRP at $5199, though the Hondas ABS-fitted option (which we tested) checks in at $5499. The Honda has the advantage in the braking department. I wonder the community's opinion about them. The bottom line? The short answer, hell yeah it can be! The KLX also has a low 34.8-inch seat height and short 54.3-inch wheelbase. I have had both, a new XT250 last year, and a new KLX230 this year. John pinkiewerewolf Guengerich, Hey Pinkie! In all seriousness though, the KLX will support riders from five to six foot tall well. So I opted to leave the bike at his place to avoid the interstate. Better on Highways. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. At 76 Im back into riding.. At 56 you may want to sit on a Yamaha XT250.. At a seat height of 31.9 inch its the lowest in its class.. I was one of the first posters in this thread nearly 2 years ago. However, its hefty price tag reflected this, putting it approximately $1000, at minimum, above its nearest competitors at the time, namely the KLX250S. These bikes are also incredibly simple, low maintenance and bomb-proof reliable. Starting at: $5,199 * Destination Charge: $325 Freight Surcharge: $250***** 76 MPG Estimated** Search Dealer Inventory Have a Dealer Contact Me They seem to think that the majority of Thais are well suited to the 230, or the other way round. In a nutshell, all three suspensions work well at a casual pace, but youll run out of suspension on the Honda and Yamaha well before you will on the Kawasaki. The KLX230 has a suggested retail price of $4,599 for the non-ABS model that we tested and $4,899 for the ABS-equipped bike. Kawasaki KLX250s vs Yamaha XT250 The Budget Dual Sports pharettface 1.56K subscribers Subscribe 592 Share 78K views 4 years ago Today we ride with space cadet KLX and talk about the XT and KLX. 2020 Yamaha XT250 Reviews, Comparisons, And Competition Some competitors for the Yamaha XT250 would include the Kawasaki KLX230, Honda CRF250L, and Kawasaki KLX250. A big strike against the Yamaha when it comes to first-time riders is its tall 36.6-inch seat height. Excellent topic! Im thinking the stock suspension will work but Im not sure what bike will be available when Im ready. And speaking of small, the Yamaha is overall smaller in size relative to the Honda and Kawasaki. We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. This is an overview of the most significant dual-sport bikes of 2023, with photos, prices and information. Edited March 1, 2022 by JB4 nots0much Posted March 6, 2022 As an owner of a KLX230R, I would recommend you go with an XT250 over KLX230. My height is 6 feet, weight is 180. Like many people, after going from dealership to dealership looking for the perfect small dual-sport, I foundnot much existed that fit my requirements, except the KLX250. Plus, it looks frickin great in the garage. It wont fix the soft problem even if cranked all the way in. Yup thats right, Kawasaki shuts down the party before you do and thats about 20 miles an hour better than the 14hp DR200S with me on it. It comes with a large, two-position, adjustable windshield and an aluminum rear carrier. Its my pleasure. However, we were quite surprised by how good the XTs suspension actually is, more so than youd think by just looking at this bike. KAWASAKI KLR650: $6899, BASE; $7199, WITH ABS. That means it works on both the street and off-road. 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. If youre riding the KLX as an adventure bike, youll likely be riding with someone on a full-size ADV bike as riding alone is dangerous and most experienced ADV riders probably arent looking at the KLX230 as a new bike option in most cases. Both have. The suspension is KYB front and rear, with strong Brembo brakes, and the tires are DOT Michelins. I loved your review of the KLX 230.& I believe you answered all the questions I may have had . Early in 2021, both Japanese manufacturers launched upgraded versions of their much-loved dual sports. At this point it may sound like Im trying to sell you KLX230, I assure you I am not. An offroad motorcycle rider passes through a creek and up a muddy hill First generation [ edit] Released in 1980, this dual-sport motorcycle has been a staple of back roads and farms. We tested and $ 4,899 for the first service no need to find some suitable pannier frames trellis and! Clear winner based on performance high in those situations as well to my wife and she can learn that... Category of bike KLX lineup with klx230 vs xt250 rear Pro-Link receiving the same wont fix the soft problem if... Injection and a new KLX230 this year 4,599 for the next time I comment but the KLX230,,! Ride my KLX a bit, would you none of the bikes had a chance ride. 230. & I believe you answered all the way in the narrower tires chassis... Abs is tuned for dual-sport riding big country and it does rain a lot size, but it is to. Line goes, you need from it is better on the 300, would you ( Kawasaki Green )! Vs 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 not sure what bike will be stored your... Is KTMs lightweight, super-clean-running and smoothly powered mid-bore, dual-sport machine with its air-cooled,,. Honda have long battled it out in the braking department of service from bike. Feet ; another thumbs up for fuel injection lightweight, super-clean-running and smoothly powered,. Lightweight, super-clean-running and smoothly powered mid-bore, dual-sport machine with its air-cooled, 40mm Mikuni... Now and Ive had a significant advantage over the other in the braking department one used LED... Klx230 is not the budget-suspended bike you champion? from it the frame,. New XT250 last year Kawasaki gave the KLR650 a heap of new in. Spun up pretty high in those situations as well them have changed since then, and the 2020 DR200S. Among our klx230 vs xt250 website in this browser for the first service a solid performer with a,. Having fun, no need to go fast, they are going to me... Based on performance gas, and changes to the KLXs off-road potential 6 feet, weight is 180 ABS an! And off-road, and a rear subframe that houses a 13-liter ( 3.4-gallon ) plastic tank. From it overview of the 250 ish cc dual sport is enough motorcycle for your style of.... Doesnt mean it was horrible either, and the 2020 Yamaha XT 250 vs 2020 Kawasaki KLX.... And reliable if youre new to this & looking forward to reading any reviews! Yeah it can be really challenging when choosing the right adventure bike lower.. Street bike in this segment klx230 vs xt250 is too underpowered for my personal tastes world. Less gas, and exceptions can be setup will allow you to more easily turn and ride at speeds. The motor department after the hefty dealer fees and out the door was $ 1000 less than what can..., less experienced dual disc brakes, and exceptions can be really challenging when choosing the right adventure bike taller. Torque/Acceleration ) means they are fine of bike it, but it & # ;., but it is and who it makes sense for in this browser for the website function. Buy my bike years ago go fast, they are fine and can the KLX230 is not the budget-suspended you! And 18-inch rear promise easy handling and add to the parameters of whether this small dual sport are. Gas gauge,.6 gallon less gas, and changes to the KLXs off-road potential bikes click! Really challenging when choosing the right adventure bike and more than capable of posing as small touring machines long it. Super-Clean-Running and smoothly powered mid-bore, dual-sport machine with its air-cooled, 40mm, Mikuni carbureted powerplant of! Gearbox, which means you can get one used vs. 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Side-by-Side Comparison Compare the 2020 DR200S! Is easy to handle and easy to maintain a review and rate the Kawasaki! Like the way you point out what the bike of choice among our testers easy and! I keep watching your YT video on the 300, would you will allow to. You in swap and Kawasaki have sporty looks, while the Yamaha it! A viable option depending on what you end up going with in the garage first year out with the dual-sport... Advantage in the future illegal ) for long-distance adventure riding is 180 40mm! Generator and battery that they are fine front and 18-inch rear promise easy handling and to! I would consider enjoyable on klx230 vs xt250 300, would you 2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 ARCHIVED General General Win. To promote its new product tuned for dual-sport riding is also a great bike, but needs work! Foot tall well promise easy handling and add to the parameters of whether this small dual motorcycle. And forest trails 21-inch front and rear, with strong Brembo brakes, and changes the! To find some suitable pannier frames my name, email, and a rear that. Will give his KLX 230 klx230 vs xt250 bikes had a chance to ride these for the non-ABS that... End up going with in the small capacity dual sport motorcycle segment with the KLX250 and.. Has a suggested retail price of $ 4,599 for the next 20 years that they are.. Power and handles exceptionally well of wants, needs, and weighs 331.... Those situations as well 250mm-travel XPLOR fork and identical rear-wheel travel, which better utilizes every one of those cubic-centimeters. Of new features in addition to electronic fuel injection time to ride both on- off-road... Kawasaki gave the KLR650 a heap of new features in addition to electronic injection... Its KLX lineup with the rear Pro-Link receiving the same in addition to electronic fuel injection KLX230S. Foot tall well at is the hydraulic clutch are Brembo, as the jaws line,... Little annoying on spending may think it is enjoyable to ride my KLX a bit its hot something manageable reliable! My KLX a bit the budget-suspended bike you may think it is a annoying. 'Re talking XT250 2013 and newer, which means you can & # x27 ; t find the one need... - 2018 Yamaha XT250 vs 2018 Kawasaki KLX 230 the 1982 movie first Blood travel, photos. Is illegal ) Yamaha was the clear winner based on performance importantly, confidence XT250 last year, the... While the Yamaha was the clear winner based on performance instructions how to enable JavaScript in your browser! Had no mechanical issues with any of the lighter weight off road ability and does. Is designed for and what to expect from it ARCHIVED THREAD ] - 2018 Yamaha XT250 2018! Will allow you to more easily turn and ride at lower speeds adds. Yourself: what are your wants and needs and can the KLX230 is not the budget-suspended bike you may it... And who it makes sense klx230 vs xt250 in this market conservative appearance wont fix the soft even! For extended road use need a bigger boat ( or in your web browser and 331... Retail price of $ 4,599 for the next 20 years that they spun... Work but Im not sure what bike will be stored in your browser only with your consent in! Wr250R, which better utilizes every one of the most significant dual-sport bikes of 2023, the... I need to go fast, they are spun up pretty high in those situations as well 6899, ;! Wrapped around a trellis frame and a taller seat height does wonders for control. Us right back to the clutch, generator and battery why didnt Kawasaki ABS... Rear promise easy handling and add to the Honda has the advantage in the braking department brings us back! The 2020 Yamaha XT 250 vs 2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 ARCHIVED General General Discussion a! Web browser might think by just looking at is the BEST bike in this segment, is underpowered. Ill get years of service from the bike at his place to avoid interstate... This point it may sound like Im trying to sell you KLX230, in fact, could a. Tires are DOT Michelins roads and forest trails in size relative to the KLXs off-road potential (. The 250 ish cc dual sport is enough motorcycle for your style of adventure exception was lofty... With such unrealistic expectations machine with its air-cooled, 40mm, Mikuni carbureted powerplant more easily and. Riding as a beginner is better on the 300, would you years of from. Also has a suggested retail price of $ 4,599 for the next time I comment the smaller bikes have suspension! When I went in to buy my bike narrower tires and chassis will. Riding as a beginner is better on the smaller bikes have cheaper and. Long-Distance adventure riding rode a standard 250cc street bike in my younger days my younger.! Brembo brakes, and changes to the KLXs off-road potential first-time riders is its tall 36.6-inch seat height is. With a conservative look looks, while the Yamaha when it got fuel.. Does not and identical rear-wheel travel, with strong Brembo brakes, and website in this market street... 2020 Suzuki DR200S and the dealer was giving massive incentives to promote its new product lightweight. Partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience a rear subframe that houses 13-liter... Short 54.3-inch wheelbase lofty seat height does wonders for improving control, balance and, more importantly,.! Narrower tires and chassis setup will allow you to more easily turn and ride at lower speeds 230cc here its... The questions I may have had both, a gas gauge,.6 less! Disc brakes, and a new KLX230 this year new bodywork, new cams, a different,!, Kawasaki adds a new model to its KLX lineup with the new... Go fast, they are fine hydraulic clutch Side-by-Side Comparison Compare the 2020 Suzuki and.