The first new dirt model from Kawasaki in a long, long time shows there are signs of life at Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Set to hit our shores some time in August, the all-new KLX230 should be a hit with entry level trail and dual-sport riders.

OK, so a 230cc dual-purpose bike might not exactly get you up in the morning, but the 230 is a very important machine in a manufactures line-up. Honda and Yamaha both have a 230cc trail bike that caters for entry level trail riding and farm use. It isn't designed to break records and checks off its design brief with scores of A+. And I don’t know many riders who haven’t swung a leg over a 230 during their time. It’s like a right of passage almost.

Kawasaki have seen the fruits of the CRF230 and TT-R230 labour and have smartly decided to get on the train. But they went one step further and created a 230 that has far more applications than that of the Honda or Yamaha.

Making it a dual-sport machine that is road register-able allows the KLX230R to not only be used as a trail bike, but as an adventure bike too. They fitted the engine with EFI and make it look cool (for an entry level bike). We think that was a super-smart idea that will appeal to a lot more buyers. The stock tyres don’t look all that great for trail riding, but with the wheel sizes 21/18 you have more than enough DOT approved, knobbly rubber to choose from. Strip off some excess road plastic and it looks to be a capable machine. We are pretty keen to swing a leg over ourselves and it is great to see Kawasaki bringing out another dirt model. Hopefully a sign of things to come.

Now - all the technical info from Kawasaki New Zealand.

“Kawasaki’s new KLX230 was purpose-built for serious dirt fun, with both its engine and frame designed from the beginning with trail riding in mind. The all-new 233cc air-cooled, 4-stroke Single engine delivers ample low-mid range torque, and its simple construction makes it ideal for trail runs. The all-new compact perimeter framer was designed to offer the handing stability needed for confident trail riding.

KX inspiration can be found in the slim ergonomics and aggressive styling. The new, highly capable dual purpose machine (with 21″/18″ wheels) – equipped with Kawasaki’s first dual-purpose ABS – is powerful, light, and manoeuvrable, making it an ideal partner for attacking the trails.

Providing a light, manoeuvrable package was a key consideration. Designing the simple air-cooled engine concurrently with the easy handling perimeter frame helped keep the KLX230 compact, while the balance between the engine and frame results in performance that can be enjoyed by a wide range of riders.”

ENGINE

Long-stroke engine offers robust low-mid range torque, pulling strongly and facilitating low-speed control. Fuel injection delivers precise response, further facilitating control. Overall the new engine’s ample power is complemented by smooth torque that creates an easy-to-handle character and delivers a linear acceleration. Further, the simple construction afforded by air-cooling makes it ideal for trail riding.

Choosing air-cooling and a simple SOHC 2-valve design for the engine afforded numerous benefits. Air-cooled engines require fewer parts than their liquid-cooled counterparts, so can greatly contribute to a lighter, more compact chassis. A simple SOHC single-cylinder configuration offers an easy-to-use engine character that lends itself to trail riding, while also ensuring the necessary reliability and durability.

We already know how fantastic and reliable air cooled 230cc engines are so it is nice to see Kawasaki join in on the fun. And making it road legal is a stoke of genius, making this 230 much more versatile compared to the Honda or Yamaha. And it’s Fu… — We already know how fantastic and reliable air cooled 230cc engines are so it is nice to see Kawasaki join in on the fun. And making it road legal is a stoke of genius, making this 230 much more versatile compared to the Honda or Yamaha. And it’s Fuel Injected.

CHASSIS

Designed from the start for off-road riding use, the all-new perimeter frame offers the handling stability needed for confident trail riding. Extensive feedback from Kawasaki test riders helped achieve the highly accommodating balance between engine and frame that enables a wide range of riders to enjoy the KLX230.

Designing the engine and frame together allowed greater design freedom. Great care was taken to minimise engine height, which allowed an optimal frame line to achieve the ideal rigidity balance as well as keeping the seat height at an appropriate level. The relatively short wheelbase contributes to the bike’s easy, manoeuvrable handling – another welcome feature for new and intermediate riders.

SUSPENSION

Long-travel suspension front and rear (250 mm / 251 mm) greatly contributes to the KLX230’s ability to soak up bumps on the trail. And with 300 mm of ground clearance, riders are more easily able to clear obstructions they encounter.

The ø37 mm telescopic fork handles suspension duties up front. Its long 220 mm of travel contributes to controllability even on rough terrain and the Uni-Trak® mono-shock rear suspension provide superb road-holding and outstanding shock-absorption for excellent off-road performance. The on-road and off-road abilities of the KLX230 add to the joy of riding.

Large-diameter aluminium wheels, measuring 21” at the front and 18” at the rear, efficiently overcome obstacles encountered on trails, greatly contributing to trail-riding performance.

Looks just as comfortable on the road as it does the dirt.

FRAME & SWINGARM

Designed from the start for off-road riding use, the all-new perimeter frame offers the handling stability needed for confident trail riding. Extensive feedback from Kawasaki test riders helped achieve the highly accommodating balance between engine and frame that enables a wide range of riders to enjoy the KLX230.

Designing the engine and frame together allowed greater design freedom. Great care was taken to minimise engine height, which allowed an optimal frame line to achieve the ideal rigidity balance as well as keeping the seat height at an appropriate level. The relatively short wheelbase contributes to the bike’s easy, manoeuvrable handling – another welcome feature for new and intermediate riders.

ELECTRONICS

Together with fuel injection, electric start offers hassle-free starting at the push of a button.

The revolutionary new system, jointly developed with Bosch, was carefully tuned to enable both on-road and off-road use. Designed to assist riders to stop effectively in a short distance in either situation, dual-purpose ABS offers additional reassurance to new an intermediate rider when riding on a low-friction surface.

Finally a decent looking exhaust that doesn’t make you want to throw it in the rubbish straight away. The pillion pegs could be more for looks as 230ccs isn’t a lot when going two up. The EFI engine might prove us wrong though.

Big digital dash will be great for touring, though could succumb to damage during trail riding.

ERGONOMICS

The relaxed position makes the bike easier to ride and control. The footpegs are positioned close to the bike’s centreline for a slim riding position conducive to both on and off road riding. Narrow tank design gives riders maximum comfort and control without sacrificing capacity.

Styling cues taken from Kawasaki’s KX motocross machines give the bike an agile, aggressive image to match its trail-riding prowess.