2021 Kawasaki KLX230R S Review (20 Fast Facts for Trail Bike Riders)

Having enjoyable on a dust bike is all about confidence. A beneficiant portion of the boldness pie comes from with the ability to safely contact your boots within the grime. I’ve ridden all types of path bikes, from smaller-displacement bikes with not fairly mature ergonomics to leggy 450cc race-ready cross-country bikes. Whereas there’s a tradeoff for all the pieces, measuring a smile is arguably one of the best yardstick for bike choice, and that brings us to the brand new 2021 Kawasaki KLX230R S.

Kawasaki introduced us the KLX230R in 2020 – a welcome addition to the KLX lineup because it crammed the hole between the KLX140R and the equally new full-sized KLX300R. For 2021, Kawasaki provides the brand new KLX230R S an important operate. Let’s have a look at what this KLX230R variant has to supply.

The seat peak of the 2021 Kawasaki KLX230R S is one centimeter shorter than the usual KLX230R. Whereas an inch might appear to be a small unit of measurement, it will probably imply the distinction between safety and harassment. The unloaded seat peak is 35.4 inches, so I can simply graze with each toes flat on the bottom when sitting on the KLX230R S with my 30.5-inch inseam and Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro boots. Good.

Ergonomics stay true to dimension on the KLX230R S. The shorter seat peak doesn’t come on the expense of ergonomics for small adults. As a substitute, the suspension journey on the S model is simply over an inch shorter than on the usual KLX230R. That is the important thing. The rider’s triangle hasn’t modified, so the seating place would not really feel cramped. Whereas the 230R is not as roomy because the KLX300R, it would not really feel like a child’s bike in any manner. The saddle is sturdy, but snug, making it straightforward to maneuver round on the bike. If you need more room, the handlebar clamps might be positioned in a number of positions, with the inventory in a rearward place.

The seat peak of the KLX230R S is greater than half an inch taller than the Honda CRF250F, which has about the identical suspension journey. The 2020 CRF250F is 11 kilos heavier and is $300 costlier. It’s clear {that a} comparative take a look at is so as.

Though the suspension has been shortened from the inventory KLX230R, the S nonetheless gives practically 9 inches of journey at each ends. We took the KLX230R S on rugged single-track trails, up rocky slopes, via a rugged desert panorama strewn with volcanic rock, and thru sandwashes. The suspension dealt with all of it with shocking composure. It’s miles from luxurious – not sufficient room for that within the journey vary – however it’s absolutely succesful.

There is no such thing as a adjustment to the suspension, aside from spring preload for the shock, and that is high-quality. Suspension stability is properly matched to engine energy and anticipated use and works impressively properly in a wide range of situations.

Floor clearance isn’t any downside on the KLX230R S. Buying and selling an inch of floor clearance to the touch your boots when wanted is an efficient commerce for a path bike of this sort. There’s loads of room to experience the S over the type of tough terrain you’d count on from a rider on this bike. In fact, it is by no means a foul concept to put in an additional skid plate if large rocks are a staple of your grime bike weight-reduction plan – punching a gap within the trunks is dear. Whilst you’re at it, take into account a set of hand guards. Kawasaki gives each of its accent arm for a complete of below $100.

The KLX230R S is sort of manoeuvrable, thanks in no small half to the chassis’ low middle of gravity. This manifests itself in a number of methods, from the convenience of slaloming via the chaparral as you fly over the desert flooring on each sunday model, browsing a deep sand wash, working via a rock backyard. Even selecting up the bike after a tilt is much less drama than with a taller steed, because it feels lighter than it’s as a result of shortened peak. Choosing up the leggy Yamaha WR250F and KLX230R S may be very totally different, regardless of the 2 bikes tipping the scales at the very same 254 kilos – leverage is necessary.

Operation is intuitive and the slim chassis is simple to function along with your legs, whether or not sitting or standing. There’s nothing nervous in regards to the KLX230R S; it is simply wanting and with the ability to. You do not want numerous physique English to vary line mid-path if you happen to all of a sudden discover a rock in your path. There might be a bit little bit of wandering from the entrance with the throttle (nearly) locked in, however it’s a predictable looseness that does not trigger any stress when you understand it is not about to crash.

The 233cc air-cooled single has sufficient energy to drag sixth gear satisfactorily. The gearing of the KLX230R S is properly spaced, so you’ll be able to experience at excessive speeds with out feeling overlooked. Heavier riders is likely to be tempted to decrease the transmission a bit, however my 115-pound body was high-quality, as is.

The give attention to low and mid-range torque makes the KLX 230 straightforward to deal with. The ability supply is reliably easy and composed so you’ll be able to navigate technical sections with confidence whereas the rear tire by no means breaks traction. The engine is able to speed up quicker if you happen to run the engine with a wholesome twist of your proper wrist. Give it sufficient throttle and you’ll steer a bit with the rear on pleasant grime roads.

No power is wasted managing extra energy than you want. The KLX230R S is simple to deal with in any respect speeds – certainly one of its finest options. You may experience a path at a reasonable tempo, and if you happen to’re up in opposition to a steep climb, no downside – simply speed up. The 230 will dutifully carry you up and over the tough patch with out going out of practice. You may don’t have any bother controlling the additional energy you’ve got unleashed. As a substitute, you will get pleasure from aggressive using and feeling how the engine responds to your command.

Relating to lifting the entrance wheel over obstacles, you will discover that the bike is not snappy. The sleek energy supply is normally a function. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to overlook to step on the accelerator and simply carry the entrance wheel over a rock, log or dip. Nevertheless, it may be finished with reasonable to excessive exertion — throttle and physique positioning — to make it occur.

In case you intend to experience aggressively, the inventory Dunlop Sports activities D952 tires on the 2021 Kawasaki KLX230R S must be changed. The rear tire is okay, however the skinny entrance tire will not be confidence inspiring. The entrance may give manner when turning. There simply is not sufficient constant stability and chunk, even on the comparatively gradual speeds of the KLX230R S. The rear tire is sufficient, however a pair of Dunlop Geomax MX53s will slide proper on it and do the bike numerous enjoyable.

Braking can also be affected by the selection of rubber. It is not the 240mm entrance disc’s fault that there’s a lack of security when braking on slippery descents. The D952 doesn’t present a sticky sufficient contact patch. I quickly discovered that I wanted to complement the entrance brake with the rear brake and compression brake on the bike to really feel protected in slowing down my downhill momentum. The texture on the lever and pedal is sweet, so the pair of disc brakes do an ideal job of slowing the bike down in much less demanding situations.

Electrical begin and EFI are nice options. Beginning the KLX230R S requires simply the push of a button – no gas faucet or choke to fiddle with. The ECU might use a bit tweaking because it tends to run unpredictably excessive idle – in all probability an issue attributable to the engine being eligible for a California Inexperienced Sticker. Dynojet can get you a Energy Commander V, if it is value your $400 to repair the issue. The engine by no means hiccuped, sputtered or stalled, whether or not within the excessive desert at 2400 toes above sea stage or within the native mountains (greater than a mile excessive).

In case you fall, flip the bike on and off once more earlier than beginning once more; if you happen to do not, it will not ignite. And if you happen to do not bear in mind to hit the on/off button to show the KLX off on the finish of the day, the battery will drain – it is easy to overlook.

I am not a fan of the pink mild. At any time when I look down whereas driving I see a pink mild – normally not a very good signal. A inexperienced mild from Kawasaki can be much less distracting and extra precisely illustrative. Since there is no such thing as a fuel faucet, a low gas mild comes on when the 1.7 gallon tank must be refilled – it takes numerous driving to show it on.

The Kawasaki KLX230R S is affordable and at occasions plain. There are fairly a couple of exterior brackets and mountings on the KLX230R S, indicating that the components from different bikes have been reused. Prominently noticeable is the transom mount on the clutch perch – not one thing you’ll wish to get right into a tumble. There are additionally mounting tabs on the fork legs for an ABS sensor and reflector—neither current on the S. Riders with toes larger than mine felt the footpegs may very well be taller. The styling is superb although – it is an ideal trying path bike.

Many of the above suggestions and feedback are irrelevant if you happen to purchase the KLX230R S as a tenting bike. It is good, as it’s, for that use. It is all a couple of low seat peak and grownup ergonomics.

The 2021 Kawasaki KLX230R S is a really welcome shock. It jogs my memory how satisfying it may be to go full throttle, wring as a lot out of a motorcycle as potential, as a substitute of using at half throttle and driving a strong engine. Unusually, I discovered myself on the finish of every of my take a look at rides on the KLX230R S suggesting “yet one more experience” as a result of it is a lot enjoyable to experience, and the decrease seat peak of the KLX230R S opens the door for a wider using viewers than its taller practically similar twin.

Images by Don Williams

DRIVING STYLE

2021 KLX230R s Specs:

ENGINE

Sort: Single-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement: 233cc
Bore x Stroke: 67.0 x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.4:1
Valve practice: SOHC; 2 valves
Cooling: Air
Refueling: EFI with 32mm throttle physique
Transmission: 6-speed
Ultimate Drive: Chain

CHASSIS

Body: metal perimeter
entrance suspension; journey: 37mm non-adjustable fork; 8.7 inches
rear suspension; journey: linkage-assisted spring preload adjustable shock; 8.8 inches
Tires: Dunlop Sports activities D952
Entrance tire: 80/100 x 21
Rear tire: 100/100 x 18
Entrance Brake: 240mm petal disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear brake: 220mm petal disc with single-piston caliper

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES