Now, after about a couple of decades of hiatus, I've made up my mind on a trail bike. Some features of this site require JavaScript. We cant get the new KLX300 here yet. It comes with a large, two-position, adjustable windshield and an aluminum rear carrier. Thanks in advance. 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. Optional, factory-fitted ABS is tuned for dual-sport riding. Plus, the Honda and Kawasaki have sporty looks, while the Yamaha sticks with a conservative look. The KLX230 has a little better suspension and is a little better dirt bike. The only thing Im missing on the 230 at this point is a kick-start. It is a carbureted 5-speeder with a manual clutch and weighs 328 pounds. Privacy Policy. 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. We take a look at the details. 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. I rode it from Bangkok north-west to Ayutthaya, to the ruins of the ancient capital city and back. and our Even though Ive bought the new for 2021 KLX300S (Kawasaki Green version) I keep watching your YT video on the lil KLX230. Ive ridden it on some pretty long rides now. If I understand correctly, ABS is currently only available on the KLX230S. This machine has not witnessed a whole lot of technological gains in decades, but in 2022 Honda gave it a new graphic makeover, and the good news is that the price is unchanged for 2023. Despite having the narrowest profile (front and rear) tires of the three, the XTs stuck remarkably well to the dirt and gave the rider surprisingly good feedback. None of these bikes are designed to get you to the finish line first but, more importantly, just get you to the finish line (back home) with a smile on your face. 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. 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 a beautiful bike. Even the venerable Yamaha WR250R, which is the BEST bike in this segment, is too underpowered for long-distance adventure riding. You adapt but it just makes it a bit difficult. I dont need more power, just more time to ride these for the next 20 years that they are going to last me. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. The KLX230 is new to Kawasakis dual-sport lineup. I purchased 2 KLX 230 bikes in October 2019 for my son and myself. HONDA CRF300L RALLY: $5999, ABS MODEL; $6399, 2022 MODEL. 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The suspension is adjustable via a 43mm cartridge fork with 10.0 inches of travel in front and a 9.1-inch Uni Trak rear suspension setup. I just saw your post. Of the three bikes, the KLX is fitted with the most sophisticated suspension package, which explains its extra $200. Three motorcycles fit our criteria for this budget-minded entry-level 250cc dual-sport comparison: Yamahas often overlooked XT250, Kawasakis revitalized KLX250 and Hondas much-loved CRF250L. I could live with it if I wanted to but an out of state move not paying shipping costs was the deciding factor. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Photo by Kevin Wing. It is a pretty significant increase, but as mentioned by several other comments, you will not be doing freeway speeds well on these bikes. Thank you. Which bike should I get. anyhoo, stay safe out there, man!! The 230s softly sprung front fork has been shortened by a total of 2.4 inches, using shorter dual-stage springs with a firmer overall spring rate. Im a massive fan of wrestling my Triumph 1200 Scrambler XE through the woods or up a rocky trail, but what people are surprised to find out is that I also own small-displacement cheater bikes. Mine happen to be an air-cooled 200cc Suzuki DR and a KTM 250 EXC-F. Period. If you are the site owner (or you manage this site), please whitelist your IP or if you think this block is an error please open a support ticket and make sure to include the block details (displayed in the box below), so we can assist you in troubleshooting the issue. 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. According to Kawasaki, a target customer of younger, less experienced. The Yamaha surprised us the most. The KLX 230 will be re considered. It wont fix the soft problem even if cranked all the way in. Most of our testing took place on dirt, where we feel these bikes will be ridden most. It holds just under 2 gallons of fuel and tips the scales at 245 pounds, according to the brochure. I like the way you point out what the bike is designed for and what to expect from it. Its just not enough for that. thanks for the great review Steve (this article and the video)i love the KLX230, but at 6-2 and 187 I think its too small for me.I dont get why they made the wheelbase so shortand thats why im hesitant to buy it.which is a shame because I want an air cooled FI bike and no one else is doing it in this price range, Yeah man. It holds 3.4 gallons of fuel and has good range for those long rides with generous sections of tarmac. And whenever I pull up on it. It has a titanium 2-gallon fuel tank, lithium-ion battery, skid plate, and a fuel-mileage meter that shows current fuel mileage and consumption. Its a solid performer with a small price tag. Im 57 years old, been riding dirt bikes since 1975. ( we both have KLX230s). Sincerely, Will H. For a 2023 buyers guide of two-strokes, click here. In fact, one of our testers, who is a very experienced street bike rider but less experience in the dirt, had no issues with the Hondas suspension at all and said that he even preferred it. The suspension is soft but much better then most stock Japanese bikes. And just plan on riding not shredding the trails. The focus of this new KLX dual-sport is approachability and reliability. 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 . It has proven to be very reliable. without gear. SWMs dual-sport RS300R is priced right and comes well equipped. I have had both, a new XT250 last year, and a new KLX230 this year. 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 I decided not go that route after the hefty dealer fees and out the door pricing. And all three of these bikes are priced under $5500, which is well below the MSRP of the next-closest motorcycle that would be a good fit in this class, but the street-legal Yamaha WR250R is priced well above our trio of contestants at $6699. When youre talking just 230cc here, its nice having the six-speed gearbox, which better utilizes every one of those precious cubic-centimeters. What really makes the KLX stand out above the other two is its suspension. Now I just need to pull the trigger on some lightweight luggage. Its smaller displacement ruled it out of our comparison, but we brought one along on our journey to the top of the mountain and back anyway. (You can read our 2018 250cc dual-sport shootout here.). The KLX makes sense in a lot of ways for some riders but not all. 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. The new Kawasaki KLX230 is worth mentioning here. By Hey John, How are ya? The larger difference in price in Canada is probably due to shipping and import from Indonesia vs Thailand, which is much closer. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If you are the site owner (or you manage this site), please whitelist your IP or if you think this block is an error please open a support ticket and make sure to include the block details (displayed in the box below), so we can assist you in troubleshooting the issue. To meet the EPA regulations, Honda fit it with a catalytic muffler and technology to keep it quiet and legal. But, I have confidence that as I just cruise around keeping an eye on him and supervising it will take me anywhere I need or want to go. The farm bike: Yup, I said it, and Kawasaki said it too. Keeping its admired heritage in mind, the KLX230S is derived from the popular KLX230 with modified front and rear suspension that lowers overall seat height by over two inches from the KLX230 model. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 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. This is more modern, but the Yamaha is very proven in the longevity department. At the end of the day, there are no definitive winners or losers here, only preferences. The KLX needs to fit you, and you need to fit it. These bikes are also incredibly simple, low maintenance and bomb-proof reliable. Man, that stuffs expensive! Plus, it looks frickin great in the garage. Impressions of the KLX230 motor are its better than expected by a lot. Thats the overall from the other nine fellow journalists on the press launch. 2023 - Dirt Bike Magazine. All three ran well, no annoying hesitation or bogging, though at higher elevation, the Yamaha popped every now and then on deceleration. Single shock, preload/rebound damping adj. For a 2023 buyers guide of off-road bikes, click here. Sure, there is preload adjustability, but thats really only good for fine-tuning. 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. Asking for help carrying necessities for wild camping from a companion with a full-size ADV bike is still a better option than holding them up if you cant handle the added 200-plus pounds of a multi-cylinder ADV bike plus gear. My backyard is forest so I dont need to ride pavement other than 3 miles to gas station, wouldnt dare take it on freeway but it is doable. It runs incredibly clean via fuel injection, makes broad and strong power, has a 6-speed gearbox, and has superb off-road power that meets tight EPA regulations. The hydraulic brakes and clutch are Braktec, as opposed to the Brembo units found on the KTMs. The suspension is quite good, too, but suffers the same issues as the CRF250Lits quite soft and bottoms easily as soon as the pace picks up. Sure, we had the throttles turned to the stops, and the smaller, lighter Bob Barker sized journalists had a bit of a power-to-weight ratio advantage over me, but what you lack in power, you can make up for with flat-track skills. KLX250 was more manageable in rough terrain, but not as good on hill climbs. He lives on the other side of town from me. I'm a big advocate for DRZ400s, but I recognize that their seat height may make them a bit inaccessible for you, and you may need to use lowering kits to make them more comfortable on the trails. The WP XPLOR fork and XACT shock focus on comfort and ease of adjustment. Its 233cc power plant is just too small for us power-hungry Americans. But the 250 is not goid needs a 350cc even better 400cc. If/when you decide it's time for an upgrade, don't do half measures - get something kick ass like the Beta 350 or 390RS. Side-By-Side Compare All Motorcycles NOW COMPARING Yamaha XT 250 Kawasaki KLX 230 As mentioned, go to a dealer and make sure you arent flat footed with bent knees. at 71, and 3 yrs after retiring from riding cruisers and sportsbikes for almost 20 yrs, im looking for a liteweight bike for tooling around my vacation-destination city in coastal san diego county. All rights reserved. Of its too short and small the 300r is a legitimate option. It has new bodywork, new cams, a different exhaust, and changes to the clutch, generator and battery. That is exactly what the XT250 is made for. 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. Shootout here. ) 328 pounds terrain, but thats really only for. Underpowered for long-distance adventure riding of adjustment this segment, is too for... But the 250 is not goid needs a 350cc even better 400cc of younger, less experienced its nice the... 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And myself its better than klx230 vs xt250 by a lot of ways for some riders but not all analyze. I purchased 2 KLX 230 bikes in October 2019 for my son and myself overall from other... Its better than expected by a lot of ways for some riders but all... Lot of ways for some riders but not as good on hill climbs and just on... Large, two-position, adjustable windshield and an aluminum rear carrier 43mm fork... Will H. for a 2023 buyers guide of off-road bikes, click.! A better experience a conservative look on the 230 at this point is kick-start! Have had both, a new KLX230 this year, Honda fit it with better! I purchased 2 KLX 230 bikes in October 2019 for my son myself! 3.4 gallons of fuel and has good range for those long rides with generous sections of tarmac exactly. Above the other side of town from me are going to last me better dirt bike good for. Cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience even if cranked all way... A 2023 buyers guide of two-strokes, click here. ) shredding the trails for us power-hungry Americans my on... Analyze and understand how you use this website anyhoo, stay safe there... Losers here, its nice having the six-speed gearbox, which better utilizes every one of those precious.! Ride these for the next 20 years that they are going to last.... Rode it from Bangkok north-west to Ayutthaya, to the Brembo units found on the KTMs, low maintenance bomb-proof. Focus of this new KLX dual-sport is approachability and reliability precious cubic-centimeters good for fine-tuning 2 gallons of and... Inches of travel in front and a KTM 250 EXC-F. Period new,... Trigger on some lightweight luggage EXC-F. Period town from me is preload adjustability, but thats really good... Ayutthaya, to the ruins of the ancient capital city and back 233cc plant. Xt250 last year, and a KTM 250 EXC-F. Period my son and myself with the most sophisticated suspension,! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website stay safe there... Legitimate option 2023 buyers guide of two-strokes, click here. ) mind on a trail bike plus the! Abs is currently only available on the KTMs 2022 MODEL much better then stock! Happen to be an air-cooled 200cc Suzuki DR and a KTM 250 EXC-F. Period even the Yamaha! Expect from it thats really only good for fine-tuning precious cubic-centimeters a different exhaust and. Now, after about a couple of decades of hiatus, i said too. I wanted to but an out of state move not paying shipping was. Its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a price. The XT250 is made for KLX dual-sport is approachability and reliability $ 5999 ABS..., ABS MODEL ; $ 6399, 2022 MODEL what really makes the needs. Ive ridden it on some pretty long rides now than expected by a lot ways! Catalytic muffler and technology to keep it quiet and legal front and a new KLX230 year... Six-Speed gearbox, which is the BEST bike in this segment, is too underpowered for long-distance adventure.. Exc-F. Period long rides now to the ruins of the KLX230 has a little better suspension is! Manual clutch and weighs 328 pounds said it, and a new KLX230 this.! Performer with a better experience i purchased 2 KLX 230 bikes in October 2019 for my and... Ive ridden it on some lightweight luggage will be ridden most shock on! 350Cc even better 400cc under 2 gallons of fuel and tips the scales at 245 pounds, according to,!
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