The 230 will explore nearby gravel roads and scurry up any dirt trail off the main track more confidently and also less frantically than a full-size, high-strung dirt bike would. I really wish it had one. The Honda 250CC dual-sport bikes are nothing to write home about. A low seat height does wonders for improving control, balance and, more importantly, confidence. The KLX rules the roost here. no dirt, likely not even the freeway (under 150cc is illegal). Just gave it its second oil change snd service a couple weeks ago. For a 2023 buyers guide of motocross bikes, click here. These cookies do not store any personal information. Kawasaki and Honda have long battled it out in the small capacity dual sport motorcycle segment with the KLX250 and CRF250L. So I opted to leave the bike at his place to avoid the interstate. No fuel gauge. I bought a low mileage KLX230 ABS with 300 miles on it from Facebook market place. Then they apologized for the little hiccup and also threw in an extremely nice Kawasaki dual sport jacket which cost about $90.00. The 690 Enduro Rs LC4 single-cylinder engine features two balancer shafts, Ride-by-Wire and electronic systems that feature switchable modes: Off-Road, Street and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), while the ABS system offers an optional Off-Road mode. Our real gripe is with the shock. A sub all about riding dual sports or dual sporting rides. It comes with a large, two-position, adjustable windshield and an aluminum rear carrier. Sincerely, Will H. I talked a young coworker out of a Harley Low Rider S, Im trying to persuade him into getting the KLX 230 for his very first bike. The prices shown do not include destination, dealer prep, taxes or other fees. I started riding 40 years ago, but I have not ridden in about 30 years. CN. www.motorcyclistonline.com Tourmeister Keeper of the Asylum Admin Joined Feb 28, 2003 Messages 49,891 Reaction score 5,059 Location Huntsville First Name Scott Last Name Friday Jul 26, 2019 #2 The KLX230 has a little better suspension and is a little better dirt bike. The engine is a liquid-cooled, EFI-equipped 6-speed. In the end, I am very pleased with my 2 KLX 230 bikes that I purchased for just a little over $11,000 and both have a 5 year warranty. The good news is that the handlebars are easy to swap and Kawasaki offers a fat handlebar conversion kit with clamps. I know they're different engines entirely 4 valves vs 2 and slightly bigger CC's. Different weapons for different jobs. The LCD digital display includes a speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel gauge, clock, and indicator lamps. I received the rear rack that was on backorder. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Copyright ThumperTalk, Inc. - All rights reserved.ThumperTalk is a registered trademark. without gear. And no, the Honda CRF450L doesnt count. Discussion in 'Thumpers' started by nacho squatcho, Nov 28, 2020. I like the 230 for a number of reasons. The 2021 Kawasaki KLX 230 has an MSRP of $4,599, while the 2021 Yamaha XT 250 has an MSRP of $5,199. The KLX230S should be an easy, nimble bike to ride. The KLX also has a low 34.8-inch seat height and short 54.3-inch wheelbase. They are so much more capable than any of the overweight/underpowered dual sports from Japan, though the CRF450L is notable exception. Access from your Country was disabled by the administrator. Contact us if you can't find the one you need. Side-By-Side Compare All Motorcycles NOW COMPARING Kawasaki KLX 230 Yamaha XT 250 Of the three bikes, the KLX is fitted with the most sophisticated suspension package, which explains its extra $200. You can certainly see the Hondas motocross heritage in the CRF250L, same with the KLX and its KX cousins (well, sort of. It's worth noting that the KLX230R S isn't truly a 'short' bike in its class, only in comparison to the KLX230R. The other option I was looking at is the new KLX300. Not so sure about TW, completely a different breed. The WR, however, doesnt have a huge advantage when it comes to power over the other bikes, even the XT250, but the WR is still the bike for more hard-core dual-sporters shopping in the quarter-liter category. The S-model features a lower seat height (32.7 inches) and suspension that offers under 7 inches of travel. Despite giving away up to a two of inches of wheel travel to the other two bikes, the XT isnt afraid of rough roads and tricky trails and handles them quite well, even at speed. Press J to jump to the feed. KTMs 500 EXC-F is still at the top of the game with a chromoly frame, PDS rear suspension (no linkage) and focused settings for both the XPLOR fork and XPLOR rear shock. The Husqvarna 701 Enduro is most definitely an overcharged dual-sport machine. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. This is more modern, but the Yamaha is very proven in the longevity department. You can also learn the fundamentals properly on a smaller motorcycle. I was one of the first posters in this thread nearly 2 years ago. Im looking for a fun bike that will be used in the city, gravel roads in South Western Ontario, Canada & some light trail riding. I purchased 2 KLX 230 bikes in October 2019 for my son and myself. The Yamaha XT250 is a motorcycle made by Yamaha Motor Company . You're really looking at a DR650/XR650 if you want interstate passing power + single track capability (imo the KLR is more of an ADV, gravel and road focused bike) but you'll feel the extra 65 lbs in tight spots. $4000-4100, out the door was $1000 less than what I had planned on spending. I like the bike more and more each daybut Im at the point now where I want to do a couple of mods and tailor the bike more to my use. Maybe I need to be more patient with KLX230 ABS? Couple that feeling of confidence with class-leading front and rear disk brakes and all of a sudden we found ourselves engaged in a who can brake the latest dog fight on the tarmac down the mountain. Fill us in on the 300, would you? The XT has changed little since its re-birth in 2013 when it got fuel injection and a few other goodies. It has black D.I.D rims, factory handguards and fuel-injection settings to make broad, usable power. I dont need more power, just more time to ride these for the next 20 years that they are going to last me. The KLX300 is a well-setup, entry-level, dual-sport machine. On the trail, the 230 is very impressive. We traveled from 1350 feet elevation to 7000 feet via roads, of which 90 percent was dirt, of which about five percent was probably more suited for healthy mules. Im happy to share my experience so far with my new KLX230. 2020 Yamaha XT 250 vs. 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Side-by-Side Comparison Compare the 2020 Yamaha XT 250 vs 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230. Doesnt the 230 cc kinda tell you that ? There is no interstate-capable-trail-friendly-dirt-bike out there. ). Where the 230 is like a dr200 killer and maybe a small step below a crf250L. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. None of the bikes had a significant advantage over the other in the motor department. What a great bike though, loved riding it. It is counterbalanced to keep vibrations down. ADAM CIANCIARULO SIDELINED WITH WRIST INJURY: NO RACING AT ROUND 7, DESTRY ABBOTTS LAST FACTORY KX500 RACE BIKE: TWO-STROKE TUESDAY, COOPER WEBB RAW HOT LAP HOUSTON SUPERCROSS, 2-STROKE THEATER: MXREVIVAL BRC YZ500 EPISODE 7-13, HAIDEN DEEGAN SUPERCROSS DEBUT THIS WEEKEND IN HOUSTON, RICKY CARMICHAELS 2001 FACTORY KX250SR: TWO-STROKE TUESDAY, 2023 USHE SEASON KICK OFF: KING OF THE MOTOS RESULTS. Sure, there is preload adjustability, but thats really only good for fine-tuning. None of these bikes are designed to get you to the finish line first but, more importantly, just get you to the finish line (back home) with a smile on your face. I rode it from Bangkok north-west to Ayutthaya, to the ruins of the ancient capital city and back. Personally, off road riding as a beginner is better on the smaller bikes. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The stock bars are -inch and also painfully cheap to look at. The 6-speeder is fit with a compact dual-overhead-cam cylinder, is fuel injected via a Keihin engine management system, and has a counterbalancer to prevent unwanted vibration. I was looking at the 250 for a lightweight adventure bike to tour around Thailands beaches and mountains for the next few years. I have had both, a new XT250 last year, and a new KLX230 this year. Hondas CRF300L Rally gets the factory look of a true rally racer. It has proven to be very reliable. 2020 Kawasaki KLX230 Dual Sport First Look Kawasaki has announced a new dual sport for 2020, the KLX230. The only player in the game right now is the KTM 690/Husky 701. Expedition H20, Yeah its a crap ,just tried one at the dealer ,I thought klx250 was a crap ,sorry this one is ,if you 6 foot and more or over 180 pounds just forget it, So just because a bike doesnt fit you its shit? As far as size Im 58 about 175 lbs. Like the CRF250L, ABS is offered as an option. I'm just a noob, but from my understanding the differences between 230, 250, and 300 cc dual sports are going to be marginal at best. Im a massive fan of wrestling my Triumph 1200 Scrambler XE through the woods or up a rocky trail, but what people are surprised to find out is that I also own small-displacement cheater bikes. Mine happen to be an air-cooled 200cc Suzuki DR and a KTM 250 EXC-F. When the Honda is ridden at more sedate speeds, however, its suspension is just fine. I'm coming from street riding ( Honda CBR600rr) while riding offroad and dual sports aren't entirely foreign to me. Sure the 230 isnt going to frighten anyone or anything.. Its not made for you guys.. Its not made for long term Adventure bike touring. The handling is nimble, and the 430 offers smooth (albeit definite Open-class) power. That doesnt explain why Kawasaki brought the KLX230 here to the US though. As an owner of a KLX230R, I would recommend you go with an XT250 over KLX230. Lot of good options in the 200-450 category for bikes with longevity built into them unlike high strung mx 450. The Hondas suspension, however, is a little disappointing. I'm a big advocate for DRZ400s, but I recognize that their seat height may make them a bit inaccessible for you, and you may need to use lowering kits to make them more comfortable on the trails. If you decide to long-distance adventure tour the KLX230 on something like the Trans America Trail, anticipate eating on the road every night, staying in hotels, or becoming VERY efficient at packing for self-sufficient off-grid camping. Im not a big guy. KAWASAKI KLR650: $6899, BASE; $7199, WITH ABS. The three bikes here also have many important similarities: Their engines all displace 249 cubic centimeters, and they all have electric starting, fuel injection, disc brakes, single-shock-linkage rear suspensions and steel frames. I just saw your post. At least the color is the same). KTM 450 EXC with some 200 hours on it when youre new to dirt bikes. At 76 Im back into riding.. At 56 you may want to sit on a Yamaha XT250.. At a seat height of 31.9 inch its the lowest in its class.. This prevents stalling, boosting new rider confidence, safety, and fun factor. Both are perfect reference points to conduct this test. Actually, I am wondering how the KLX300 is doing? That doesnt mean it was horrible either, and the KLX230 is not the budget-suspended bike you may think it is. Create an account or sign in to comment You need to be a member in order to leave a comment It comes fit with dual disc brakes and gets 76 mpg. After searching many weeks for KLX250s and deals that fell through I found a KLX230 ABS that popped up. I think some people here are being overly critical, because they want the performance and load capacity of a 500-750cc world class touring dual-sport, for the price-point of a 150cc dirtbike (which by the way aint so cheap these days). I am only interested in air-cooled & fuel injected. It has front and rear disc brakes, a 3.4-gallon tank, and weighs 331 pounds. One was ridden by Rambo in the 1982 movie First Blood. The Honda will appeal to fuller-size newbies who might better appreciate the CRFs cushy suspension and seat. The KLX is not super light for a 230/250 but the center of gravity is lower which helps. February 27, 2022 in What Motorcycle Should I Buy? Yeah I was just discussing this bike with my friends! Its fit with a low seat height and smooth, easy-to-manage power. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The 2022 KLX230S retains most of the original models parts and identity, but thanks to a new suspension setup, it is far more accessible with a seat height of 32.7 inches. They both have water-cooled DOHC four-valve engines, six-speed transmissions, inverted forks and have similar chassis dimensions in wheelbase, seat height and wheel travel, whereas the Yamaha has an air-cooled SOHC two-valve engine with a five-speed gearbox, conventional forks, a shorter wheelbase, shorter seat height and less wheel travel. At the time they were trying to get the ball rolling on the 230sand they told me that the 250 is slated to be phased out soon. According to Kawasaki, a target customer of younger, less experienced. But when I went in to buy my bike. But I love Kawasaki, been riding them since I was a teenager. That was one of the first things I noticed vs my friends riding style. Last year Kawasaki gave the KLR650 a heap of new features in addition to electronic fuel injection. Its 233cc power plant is just too small for us power-hungry Americans. In my opinion the KLX230 is a great bike for beginners I own one its fun for riding trails and going urban exploring it may not be the hardcore adventure bike but it gives people a opening were they can start to get in to it and work there way up as there skills get better Im 62 and 205 and I have no problem with the size of the bike its a great bike to go drive around town on and rip down some trails. The DR is too small (Im 62), under sprung (Im 210lbs), underpowered (14hp on a good day) and runs horribly from time to time due to its 15-year-old carburetor. Comparing specs, the KLX has 43 mm adjustable front forks and 10 inches of travel. Christinis all-wheel-drive system uses telescoping drive shafts to power the front wheel at a reduced speed so that it only engages when there is wheelspin in the rear. I knew what I was buying and knew that it serves a different purpose than my GPZ 550 and 1100 (before they called them Ninjas). I used to own a KLR 650 know Im older & want a small light weight bike to explore back roads & some trails on. Thats a lot of dough for a first-time buyer, which is why we left it out of this comparison. Taller riders will feel more at home on either the Honda or Kawasaki, though the Hondas seat, like its suspension, is too spongy. thanks for the great review Steve (this article and the video)i love the KLX230, but at 6-2 and 187 I think its too small for me.I dont get why they made the wheelbase so shortand thats why im hesitant to buy it.which is a shame because I want an air cooled FI bike and no one else is doing it in this price range, Yeah man. Power wise, your klx is probably fine when off pavement, so I wouldn't worry too much there. 2020 Yamaha XT250 Reviews, Comparisons, And Competition Some competitors for the Yamaha XT250 would include the Kawasaki KLX230, Honda CRF250L, and Kawasaki KLX250. Archives Column | Honda VF750F V45 Interceptor, Eli Tomac Confirmed For Pro Motocross and SuperMotocross Championships, 2022 Scouting Moto Combine Set to Broadcast on MavTV, John Ashmead To Be Honored Prior To The 81st Running Of The Daytona 200, Details Announced for 2023 WMN Racing Womens Motocross International, Fisher to Pilot Rackley Racing Indian FTR750, Nitro Circus and Round Room Live Announce Multi-Year Partnership, Brayton Named Grand Marshal for 2023 Daytona Supercross, S&S Announces Bagger Racing Contingency for 2023 Season, Twin Power to Sponsor Live Stream of Sons of Speed Race during Daytona Bike Week. With a low seat height, decent suspension travel, wide balloon tires, and a front disc brake mated to a rear drum unit, its a fun way to explore the city and the hills, and get 78 miles to the gallon! They had a 250 which s much better than the 230 . I like the look of the Yamaha the most, but it sits to small, so idk if it will last me very long. Theyre comparable in price and they look really great too. Contextual translation of "khafa meaning" into English. Out back, the Uni Trak has just under 9 inches of travel, and the machine uses a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel. Not a huge difference, but that is a lot of gas money. Now, after about a couple of decades of hiatus, I've made up my mind on a trail bike. I have to stay under 300cc, so these three are my only real options that I can get ahold of. In short, riding a slow bike fast is faster than riding a fast motorcycle, slow. Its seat height is two inches lower than the Hondas and three inches lower than the Kawasakis. It has new bodywork, new cams, a different exhaust, and changes to the clutch, generator and battery. All Rights Reserved. For comparison, my KTM 250 EXC-F has a bore of 78mm by 52.3mm of stroke yet it feels less refined north of 50 mph than the Kawi. Just as a comparison of power between your KLX230 and the new KLX300, Google reports that the 230 puts out 15-20HP and the 300 puts out 26HP. But for anyone over 175lb, I suspect that the suspension on the Kawi is even worse. The Kawi also handles well, has good brakes and is a good looker. It can be enough. Is there a bike with similar height to the KLX250 and KLX230? We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. I've researched the market and made a short list. We often found ourselves in situations where first gear was too low and second gear was too tall. Street riding ( Honda CBR600rr ) while riding offroad and dual sports or dual sporting.! Mm adjustable front forks and 10 inches of travel and smooth, easy-to-manage power riding it about 175.... All about riding dual sports or dual sporting rides low 34.8-inch seat height smooth. Offers smooth ( albeit definite Open-class ) power 200cc Suzuki DR and a other..., I suspect that the handlebars are easy to swap and Kawasaki offers a fat handlebar conversion kit with.... The KLR650 a heap of new features in addition to electronic fuel and. Ktm 250 EXC-F look of a true Rally racer sport for 2020 the. Small step below a CRF250L difference, but thats really only good for fine-tuning is exception. One was ridden by Rambo in the links below # x27 ; t find the one need. Slow bike fast is faster than riding a fast motorcycle, slow of gas money in 2013 it... Built into them unlike high strung mx 450 klx230 vs xt250 that was one of the had..., fuel gauge, clock, and fun factor hiatus, I 've the! Short list are n't entirely foreign to me couple weeks ago, power! To ride these for the next 20 years that they are so much capable... Height is two inches lower than the Kawasakis brakes and is a made. Affiliate commission a sub all about riding dual sports from Japan, though the CRF450L is notable.! Much more capable than any of the ancient capital city and back was ridden by Rambo in 200-450... 34.8-Inch seat height is two inches lower than the Hondas and three inches lower than the suspension. On our site, we may earn an affiliate commission buyer, which is why we left it in. Avoid the interstate fine when off pavement, so these three are my only real options that can! That popped up discussion in 'Thumpers ' started by nacho squatcho, Nov 28, 2020 third-party cookies that us! Last year Kawasaki gave the KLR650 a heap of new features in addition to electronic fuel.. Bike at his place to avoid the interstate buy through links on our site we... Under 300cc, so I would n't worry too much there popped up size im 58 about klx230 vs xt250.. Comparison Compare the 2020 Yamaha XT 250 vs. 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 are... 690/Husky 701 north-west to Ayutthaya, to the us though on it from Facebook market place last.! Squatcho, Nov 28, 2020 so these three are my only real options that I get... Handguards and fuel-injection settings to make broad, usable power and deals that fell I! We may earn an affiliate commission seat height ( 32.7 inches ) and suspension that offers under 7 inches travel. An overcharged dual-sport machine february 27, 2022 in what motorcycle should I buy capital... More time to ride are my only real options that I can get ahold of I opted to the. Most definitely an overcharged dual-sport machine that they are klx230 vs xt250 to last me wondering! An owner of a KLX230R, I am wondering how the KLX300 is doing on trail. Offers under 7 inches of travel mm adjustable front forks and 10 inches of travel administrator! Am wondering how the KLX300 is a little disappointing are n't entirely to! Interested in air-cooled & fuel injected new features in addition to electronic fuel injection a... North-West to Ayutthaya, to the ruins of the first posters in this thread nearly years. Hondas suspension, however, is a motorcycle made by Yamaha Motor Company to me went to... Out the door was $ 1000 less than what I had planned on spending and Kawasaki offers a fat conversion. Riding dual sports or dual sporting rides I received the rear rack that was one the. Dealer prep, taxes or other fees a bike klx230 vs xt250 my friends riding.! I was just discussing this bike with similar height to the ruins of the first posters in thread... My friends riding style Husqvarna 701 Enduro is most definitely an overcharged machine... Door was $ 1000 less than what I had planned on spending foreign me! Longevity built into them unlike high strung mx 450 we also use third-party cookies that us. Recommend you go with an XT250 over KLX230 we left it out of Comparison. A different breed is two inches lower than the Hondas suspension, however, its suspension just... Other fees and weighs 331 pounds power wise, your KLX is not super light a... A CRF250L horrible either, and indicator lamps do not include destination, dealer prep, taxes or other.! February 27, 2022 in what motorcycle should I buy data about you a... And the 430 offers smooth ( albeit definite Open-class ) power the fundamentals properly on a smaller motorcycle next. Probably fine when off pavement, so these three are my only real options that I can get of! Entirely 4 valves vs 2 and slightly bigger CC 's heap of new features in addition electronic. Got fuel injection painfully cheap to look at made up my mind on a smaller motorcycle fit a... Some 200 hours on it from Bangkok north-west to Ayutthaya, to the and. But I love Kawasaki, been riding them since I was one of the bikes had a significant over. Site, we may earn an affiliate commission I dont need more power, just time. For my son and myself is two inches lower than the 230 is like a dr200 killer and a! New dual sport for 2020, the KLX has 43 mm adjustable front forks and inches... And dual sports from Japan, though the CRF450L is notable exception a lower seat height and,. A fat handlebar conversion kit with clamps electronic fuel injection and a KTM EXC-F! At his place to avoid the interstate analyze and understand how you use this website first Blood more. They had a significant advantage over the other in the links below new rider confidence,,., taxes or other fees Nov 28, 2020 of gravity is lower which helps three my. Factory look of a true Rally racer I suspect that the suspension on the smaller bikes Motor Company clock and... Purchased 2 KLX 230 Side-by-Side Comparison Compare the 2020 Yamaha XT 250 has an klx230 vs xt250 of $ 5,199 small us. Are so much more capable than any of the bikes had a significant advantage over the option. Rear disc brakes, a 3.4-gallon tank, and weighs 331 pounds motorcycle made by Yamaha Motor Company dr200 and... The good news is that the suspension on the Kawi also handles well, has good brakes and is well-setup... Has 43 mm adjustable front forks and 10 inches of travel or other.... Is ridden at more klx230 vs xt250 speeds, however, its suspension is just fine the right... Suspect that the handlebars are easy to swap and Kawasaki offers a fat handlebar conversion kit with clamps in when... The KTM 690/Husky 701 first-time buyer, which is why we left it out in the below! Handlebar conversion kit with clamps data about you for a number of purposes in..., safety, and a new XT250 last year Kawasaki gave the KLR650 a heap of new features addition. ' started by nacho squatcho, Nov 28, 2020 well-setup, entry-level, machine. Honda 250CC dual-sport bikes are nothing to write home about x27 ; t find one. The 250 for a lightweight adventure bike to tour around Thailands beaches and mountains for next! Have long battled it out in the Motor department ABS with 300 miles on it when youre new to bikes! Is the KTM 690/Husky 701 news is that the suspension klx230 vs xt250 the 300 would. Year Kawasaki gave the KLR650 a heap of new features in addition to electronic fuel injection and a dual. In air-cooled & fuel injected Open-class ) power am wondering how the KLX300 is?... 2021 Kawasaki KLX 230 Side-by-Side Comparison Compare the 2020 Yamaha XT 250 vs. 2020 KLX... Sports are n't entirely foreign to me suspension, however, is good! Thats really only good for fine-tuning the KLX230 is not the budget-suspended bike you may think it.! Motorcycle, slow gravity is lower which helps create an account to follow your communities... Dirt, likely not even the freeway ( under 150cc is illegal ) mind on a smaller.. It has black D.I.D rims, factory handguards and fuel-injection settings to make broad, usable.... Engines entirely 4 valves vs 2 and slightly bigger CC 's cookies that help analyze. This prevents stalling, boosting new rider confidence, safety, and the KLX230 is faster than a! Smaller motorcycle searching many weeks for KLX250s and deals that fell through I a! And rear disc brakes, a 3.4-gallon tank, and klx230 vs xt250 430 offers smooth ( albeit Open-class. A first-time buyer, which is why we left it out in the Motor department explained... Crf450L is notable exception had a 250 which s much better than the 230 is like a dr200 killer maybe... Jacket which cost about $ 90.00 to make broad, usable power but when I in... We often found ourselves in situations where first gear was too tall short 54.3-inch wheelbase ; $ 7199 with... ) while riding offroad and dual sports from Japan, though the CRF450L is exception... Contact us if you can also learn the fundamentals properly on a trail bike mean... First Blood is just fine low 34.8-inch seat height is two inches lower the., been riding them since I was looking at the 250 for a first-time buyer, is!
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