RIDE REVIEW I 2023 KAWASAKI KLX230 S
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the spring rates to both the front
and rear suspension."
In other words, the chassis of
the KLX230 S is no mere chop
job from the existing Kawasaki
KLX230 platform. There is far
more that went into the execution
of the mighty "S," and when you
have the manufacturer designing
and testing the overall balance of
the lowering process, rather than
a local suspension guy that may
or may not know what he's doing,
you already know you have that
level of professional execution
on your side. There's so much
more that goes into the overall
balance of a box-stock motorcy
-
cle than most people may realize.
Right down to the torque specs
of the motor mounts, everything
is tuned to offer you the best
possible ride. Now, shorter riders
can rejoice, because this level of
testing, balance and final execu
-
tion has now been done for you!
So, what's the secret? In short,
(pun intended) it's a progressive
shock spring and revised fork
internals. Suspension valving and
spring rates ensure a nice plush
feel at the initial stroke and decent
hold-up throughout the stroke to
help prevent bottoming. Through
-
out our ride in California's Central
Coast, along backroads, highways,
dirt roads and Jeep trails, I intend
-
ed to find out how much bottom-
ing would be prevented.
Inseam-challenged riders will find a lot of confidence
on the KLX230 S in stop-and-go street riding.
