Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1531445
P86 RIDE REVIEW I 2025 KAWASAKI KLX230R & KLX230R S Hodges happily shredding around on one—a bone stock one—at Hollister. It's a testament to the KLX230R's ability to be ridden much harder than it was really intended to be. The fork is nonadjustable and the shock is preload-ad- justable only, but that's not a problem because they perform so well right out of the crate. For a single-cylinder small-bore four-stroke, the KLX230R delivers impressive power but, more importantly, controllable power for novices. It launches from a stop smoothly and confidently, and once rolling, it can be ridden at whatever pace you want—slow or fast, it doesn't matter—thanks to its broad powerband and tractable low-end. There isn't much the KLX230R doesn't do well. The brakes are strong and predictable, it shifts gears smoothly, all the control levers are well-placed and operate effortlessly, the tires stick to the ground well and it goes forever on a tank of gas. However, the KLX230R isn't exactly light for its size and power output. It's heavier than a KX450, but its low seat height and diminutive stature make up for it. It's an easy motorcycle to ride that a beginner will conquer quickly. Experienced off-roaders will like it, too, especially on tight single-track trails. In fact, it's almost more fun than a full-size off-road bike in the tight stuff because it is so easy to ride and change directions on, and the suspension is good enough to keep up. You'd be surprised how fast you can zig-zag through the trees on the KLX230R, and so will your friends on full-size bikes. The RS model is even quicker handling in the woods than the R, but you'll feel the shorter travel quicker, depending on your speed and weight. No, I wouldn't race one, but the 230 pegs the fun meter's needle when rid - den in the woods or over any technical terrain. Overall, the KLX230R could be the ultimate off-road play bike. Beginners will like it for its excellent and unintimidating behavior on the trail and for its low seat height (on both models), and more experienced riders will love ripping through the woods on the KLX230 if your only goal is to have a ton of fun without shelling out a ton of cash. CN 2025 KAWASAKI KLX230R ($4999) / KLX230R S ($4999) ENGINE 4-stroke, single-cylinder VALVETRAIN SOHC, 2-valve DISPLACEMENT 233cc BORE X STROKE 67.0 x 66.0mm COMPRESSION RATIO 9.4:1 COOLING SYSTEM Air TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE 6-speed/chain FUEL SYSTEM DFI w/ 32mm Keihin throttle body CLUTCH Wet, multiplate ENGINE MANAGEMENT/IGNITION TCBI electronic advance FRAME High-tensile steel, box-section perimeter FRONT SUSPENSION 37mm telescopic fork, non-adj. REAR SUSPENSION Uni-Trak linkage system, single shock, spring preload adj. FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 9.8 in. / 8.7 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 9.8 in. / 8.8 in. FRONT BRAKE 2-piston caliper, 240mm petal disc REAR BRAKE 1-piston caliper, 220mm petal disc FRONT TIRE 21 in., 80/100 REAR TIRE 18 in., 100/100 RAKE/TRAIL 25.4°/4.2 in. / 24.6°/3.9 in. WHEELBASE 54.1 in. / 53.3 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 11.4 in. / 10.6 in. SEAT HEIGHT 35.6 in. / 34.4 in. FUEL CAPACITY 2.0 gal. WEIGHT (WET, CLAIMED) 262 lbs. / 265 lbs. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S