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RIDE REVIEW I 2023 KAWASAKI KLX230 S P90 how high it revs, but hey, it works. As for the dreaded freeway test. Well, it can do it. It's not a mile eater, but you already knew that. I got up to about 72 mph, where it happily cruised without complaint for several miles. But if you're primarily looking for a highway runner, you might want to keep looking. A better test of this little air-cooled 230's mettle is its off-road prowess, and that remains its wheelhouse. As much fun as the responsive and agile nature was on the paved roads, it was even more fun in the light-duty dirt roads. Hopping off rocks and taking the rough way through washouts was an absolute blast. I challenged the KLX to lose its footing, but the low center of gravity and its, um, not-light curb weight help it stay steady and stable. Responsive throttle and adequate brakes also help maintain the comfort of control. The KLX230 S is certainly a begin - ner's friend with steady, predictable roll-on power and that all-important reach to the ground. But it's also a treat for more advanced riders—the little devil horns will pop out real quick and the progressive suspension will in- vite you to push harder than you might think you can on a bike of this size. This is important to note because the low-seat-height factor of the KLX230 S can also be appreciated by more experienced riders who perhaps don't have the mobility they once had to throw a leg over an XR400. Everything about the KLX230 S is easy, fun and capable no matter your size or experi- ence level. Bottom line, you'd be hard pressed to find a more willing and able ac- complice for a greater variety of riding, whether it's dirt, street, highway, back- roads or fire roads, the KLX230 S is a stout companion capable of a good time. CN 2023 KAWASAKI KLX230 S [$4,999 / $5,299 ABS] ENGINE TYPE: 4-stroke single VALVETRAIN: SOHC DISPLACEMENT: 233cc BORE X STROKE: 67.0 x 66.0mm COMPRESSION RATIO: 9.4:1 COOLING SYSTEM: Air STARTING SYSTEM: Electric FUELING: DFI w/ 32mm Keihin throttle body IGNITION: TCBI Electronic Advance TRANSMISSION: 6-speed, return shift w/ wet multi-disc manual clutch FINAL DRIVE: Chain FRAME: High-tensile steel, box-section perimeter FRONT SUSPENSION: 37mm telescopic fork, non-adjustable REAR SUSPENSION: Uni-Trak linkage system and single shock w/ adjustable spring preload FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL: 6.2 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL: 6.6 in. FRONT TIRE: 2.75 x 21 REAR TIRE: 4.10 x 18 FRONT BRAKE: Single 240mm petal disc (265mm for ABS) w/ dual-piston caliper REAR BRAKE: Single 220mm petal disc w/ single-piston caliper WHEELBASE: 53.5 in. RAKE/TRAIL: 27.5°/4.6 in. SEAT HEIGHT: 32.7 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: 8.3 in. FUEL CAPACITY: 2.0 gal. WEIGHT (NO FUEL, CLAIMED): 295.5/297.7 lb. CA model (ABS: 297.7/299.9 lb. CA model) S P E C I F I C AT I O N S