Review: 2020 Kawasaki KLX230R

The 2020 Kawasaki KLX230R is a purpose built fun bike for the off road beginner or those after a fuss free basic trail bike. Here's our review... Test: Guy Streeter Photography: iKapture

The new $5,699 Kawasaki KLX230R is the latest fun bike from Team Green. It is powered by an air-cooled fuel-injected 233ccc single, with 14.6kW and 20Nm on tap for a broad spread of useable power and torque. With a 6.6L fuel capacity, a 925mm seat height and KX inspired styling, the KLX230R could be a great option for the young rider or those after a grass roots dirt bike. Here’s our KLX230R review…

The Kawasaki KLX230R is an all-rounder fun bike sure to bring a smile you your dial.

Kawasaki have designed the KLX230R from the ground up to be ‘fun in the dirt’, an entry-level off-road bike that is aimed directly at people wanting to get off road and get into riding dirt bikes. Check our full detailed KLX230R tech feature here. With a seat height of 925mm the KLX230R is best suited to a new rider but can be used right through to the experience rider looking for a bit of fun without stepping in the arena of a full-on race bike like the KX250.  The KLX230R is fun, manoeuvrable, forgiving and a powerful play bike for anyone.

The KLX230R has an air-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder engine with loads of low to mid-range power. You won’t set any world speed records but that is not what this bike is all about anyway.

We were lucky enough to get to ride the KLX on the same day we rode the 2020 KX250 at Willowbank MX park in Queensland and to be honest I think it’s safe to say there was more fun had on this KLX230R than the KX250! The KLX230R has no real surprises to speak of, it handles very well, has enough suspension to get adventurous in all types of terrain and plenty of power for experienced riders to really enjoy, but not too much for an amateur just getting started. The KLX230R is comfortable, for an adult you will be able to put your feet flat on the ground and feel in control of the 115kg machine.

It’s powered by an air-cooled, fuel-injected 233cc four-stroke engine. The electric start feature is perfect for younger and shorter riders, making starting the bike easier and one less thing to worry about. The frame is a high tensile steel perimeter frame construction with a short 1360mm wheelbase, which leads to nimble and quick handling. The KLX230R looks sporty with KX styling with flush seams between the shrouds, seat and side covers to make certain comfort and prevent riders getting caught up. The bike has a 6.6litre tank, which is plenty for hours of riding, and a low-fuel warning lamp.

The front suspension gives enough absorption in most conditions and plenty of traction over smooth dusty conditions. The suspension both front and back gives a solid platform, which is comfortable, forgiving and predictable. The 300mm ground clearance makes this bike perfect for the off-road market. The only detraction that I can see with the KLX230R is the weight but you can’t feel it once on the move.

The KLX230R is not just a fun bike, it could be useful on a farm or as a trail bike, it is handy as a bush run-around and even has a side stand. All up, a fantastic little bike, lots of fun and great value.

TECH TALK
The KLX230R has a four-stroke air-cooled single-cylinder engine that offers smooth, predictable and durable power in a compact package. The engine sports a bore and stroke of 67mm x 66mm with a total displacement of 233cc. The long stroke offers great low to mid range torque and smooth delivery, perfect for beginner and farm applications. The engine is a single over head cam, two-valve design and was formulated for its easy to use power characteristics and great reliability and ease of maintenance.

Fuel Injection makes sure fuel delivery is good regardless of change in air temperature or elevation and for easy starting at the push of the electric start button. A single 32mm throttle-body delivers great throttle response and contributes to its awesome low-down power. The six-speed transmission is very smooth shifting and covers a wide range of conditions perfect for the farm or the trail.

The chassis is a new compact steel perimeter frame, designed for off-road riding use, the frame is designed for great handling and stability, which is ideal for beginner riders and as a working bike on the farm. A short 1360mm wheelbase gives great manoeuvrability, which is perfect for riders that are new to off road riding and for farm applications where you need a bike that works well with limited fuss.

Large diameter aluminium wheels, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear, make riding trails easy and rolling over obstacles on any trail easy to overcome. That and the long travel suspension give great ground clearance of 300mm.  The front suspension is a 250mm travel telescopic fork and the Uni-Trak rear shock gives 251mm of travel. Stopping the bike are front and rear petal disc brakes, which provide awesome stopping power.

Overall the KLX230R is an awesome platform for new riders, families and for fun ride purposes.

2020 Kawasaki KLX230R features at a glance

• Fuel-injected 233cc air-cooled four-stroke single cylinder engine
• Power – 14.6KW@8000rpm
• Torque – 20.6Nm@6000rpm
• Electric start – Simple instruments
• High-tensile steel perimeter frame
• 1360mm short wheelbase
• Lightweight, plastic 6.6L fuel tank
• Large diameter wheels – 21in front / 18in rear
• 240mm petal front disc twin-piston caliper, 220mm rear
• 37mm telescopic forks – 250mm front suspension travel
• Uni-trak rear suspension – 251mm of rear wheel travel
• Colour – Lime Green
• Pricing – $5,699 RRP incl. gst

2020 Kawasaki KLX230R Specifications

www.kawasaki.com.au

Price: $5,699 RRP

Engine: Air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC, two-valve, single-cylinder, 233cc, 67 x 66mm bore x stroke, 32mm throttle-body, EFI, electric start
Power: 14.6kW @ 8000rpm
Torque: 20.6Nm @ 6000rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed, return
Clutch: Wet, multi-disc

Chassis: Tubular high-tensile steel semi-double cradle
Rake: 26.5, Trail: 113mm

Suspension: 37mm telecopic fork, 220mm travel, Uni-Trak swingarm shock with preload adjustability, 223mm travel

Brakes: Single 240mm petal disc, twin-piston caliper, single 220mm rear petal disc, single piston caliper

Wheels: 80/100-21 51M, 100/100-18 59M

DIMENSIONS
Length: 2045mm
Height: 1200mm
Width: 840mm
Weight: 115kg
Wheelbase: 1360mm
Seat height: 925mm
Fuel capacity: 6.6L

2020 Kawasaki KLX230R Gallery