THE RIDE
The first thing that struck me
about the 2023 Kawasaki KLX230
S is its very well-balanced feel,
front to rear. What that means for
the rider is a responsive, quick-
steering and stable ride. When you
shorten suspension travel, you
essentially shorten two sides of a
triangle. And what you end up with
is a squattier triangle. What that
means for the rider, along with less
ground clearance and less suspen
-
sion travel, which initially sounds
like a bad thing, is a lower center
of gravity. While the weight of
the KLX230 S hasn't significantly
changed from its base model,
where the bike carries its weight
has changed, and that makes a
big difference when it comes to
tipping weight. If a beginner rider
starts to tip over on a lowered
model, the lean angle at which they
can still correct it is higher than
that of the regular bike. There's
a larger margin of error, and the
lowered model is more forgiving in
this sense. Chalk one up for the S.
This lower center of gravity
also plays a role in the handling of
the bike. Lower CoG will allow it
to rock side to side with a lighter
feel. Through the paved backroads
of California's Central Coast, the
KLX230 S was delightfully playful,
daring you to carve quicker into
turns.
(Left) The new LED
headlight and mask
are welcome upgrades.
(Below) Switchable ABS is
great to see on any dual-
sport. Although the KLX's
ABS is very non-intrusive,
the ability to switch off the
rear is essential for many
off-roaders. (Below left) It
doesn't get much simpler
than an air-cooled, fuel-
injected engine. Beginners,
or any riders looking to
minimize maintenance
schedules, will find much
to love about Kawasaki's
230cc mill.
RIDE REVIEW I 2023 KAWASAKI KLX230 S
P86
