I just bought a 2023 KLX230R this summer to get back into riding after 35 years. I was STOKED to see your KLX video a month or so ago and was happy to see this review come out! I've got your 10 balance, body position and power delivery and collection training videos on my phone to review and practice at the park. Thanks for all your work and info sharing!
@@romand123 I haven't seen it on mine, but I've only had it out twice on very bright sunny days. I did make a point to look at the pipe but didn't notice it glowing.
I own 2 of these 230s, they don't weigh 290lbs. With a ricochet skid plate, handle bar risers, acerbise full wrap steel brush guards, big ass aluminum billeted footpegs , a 51 back sprocket, and a full tank of gas it weighs 264lbs. If you want a little more snap that the 51 back sprocket provides remove the air intake snorkel and cut a large opening to let lots of air in, remove the exhaust restrictor and put in an fmf spark arrestor, and add the idle adjuster. The 230 will clear all the obstacles, rock gardens, and climb everything the calabogie riding area has. The best part is they can be maintained with 3 hex head size sockets, and if you drop it in the rocks or take a long down hill tumble there are no rads to break and no rad cooler fans to suck your battery dry. They are extremely durable and damage resistant.
Love it Rich, especially about how important practice and technique are. I took my on road test and while there someone else on a small cc sport bike tested before me and put a foot down during the u-turn, and had problems in the 'slalom' portion as well. Their buddy was waiting for them on there big cruiser, no helmet, and tells the person who just barely passed that the next step is to get a bigger bike. I see so many guys get 300cc 2 strokes or 450 'ready to race' bikes, and then complain about everything from twitchy throttles to tires, and think that is the reason the bike is hard to ride, none will ever admit they need to practice. I have instead watched all your vids, got Chris Birch's series, and just in general will watch riders like Jett Lawrence or Toni Bou to see what techniques they use. I'm not on yourl= level at all, but I am also riding with people who have bikes that are over $10k and have been riding for 20 years, and me with 50 hours on my KLX300r, which is my 1st off road bike, are keeping up with them if not pulling away, and falling much less if not at all compared to them. This has also made riding my crf450rl much easier, as I put most hours on my KLX and spend most of my time practicing. Thank you for your time in making these vids, I def use IRC tires and sing praises of Rich Larson and his awesome content!
I've been riding a Husky 125 for a while now. It has allowed me to learn so much. Most people I ride with ride 300s. They do not leave me behind. I seem to be more confident with my bike than many of them on the more technical sections. My bike is fun, I would not trade it, except for a newer 150.
I can see Kawasaki hiring Rich as an ambassador for their brand! They would be crazy not to do this! You made me want to go out and buy one of these! Good job!
I've owned a 2003 CRF230 for last six years and it's my favorite dirt bike... Reliable fun and basic! Race tech emulators help these forks out immensely and once tuned right are great. Not as fast as all the KTM and other race bikes BUT always gets through all the trails just the same. Great vids!
Great Review, Rich! I did 570 Hours on my KLX 140 to get the Basics in Hard Enduro trained. It was the best choice for me, since I could control it very well. Now I am at a cheap 225 CC 2-Stroke to make my next Steps and be better in riding technical Terrain. A common mistake I always see - the riders start to early on powerful bikes…
Great Video! I love my CRF250f as a trail bike. Haven’t had the courage to try some of these techniques on it, but now that I know it’s possible?!? 😮😂 Thanks for showing us what can be done and explaining what it takes to get there! Enjoying the journey of learning!!
I've always wanted to get all my friends to buy a bike like this, use it in stock form, even playing field for everyone and then go out and ride as a group for giggles.
I’ll second that request. I’ll even add in that if you come to the local San Diego/Imperial deserts, I’ll give you some seat time on mine. You can see how the VE33 does in the desert.
loved this KLX series please do more hard enduro on bikes that aren't made for it its so good to watch. Similar to Carson Brown doing motocross on bikes not made for motocross. very entertaining
Awesome video and bike. Myself and 2 other friends(all experienced older riders with other bikes)have all bought Crf250f's. They're so much fun in the woods. Seems like every ride becomes a "semi" hard enduro ride. It's been a blast.
Thank you very much for these 230 videos. I've been considering one for years. I ride a YZ250FX that I love but want something more tame for more difficult jungle rides and long distance rides. I follow some Thai guys who race these bikes and they ride really fast and hard terrain.
I just bought my first ever bike, a 24 klx230r. I rode a good amount growing up but never owned one. So far I love this bike. Looked at the TTR230 but didn’t like the carb and feel. Also a crf250f but there weren’t any available in my area, so went with the KLx and man I’m happy. I wish there was more parts, videos, etc for it though
Hi-Volt Spares out of Thailand (?) seems to be the only vendor for KLX 230R performance parts I've found so far. They have exhaust systems and a plug and play programmable ECU that looks interesting. They also have bolt on solutions to the high idle and backfire issues. Only one 300 cc big bore kit is listed,but that only fits pre 2025 models without the new counterbalance assy. Hope this was of help.
I bought my crf230f a few months ago and it is the perfect machine to practice, now i don't have to worry about dropping my t7 and braking a 200 dollars plastic, with the 230 I can play around like I do with my bicycle.
Great video, Rich! This is what I try to tell new trail riders when they're looking to start on a 300 or similar 50+ HP bike for trail riding. Also, thanks for sharing that reference on the idle screw - that idle speed sounds terrible and it's a shame Kawasaki didn't include an adjuster screw from the factory...
what about klx140rf? have you found out what is hard to do with KLX 140rf? i intend to buy klx140 because i am really a beginner in this dirtbike thing.
@@hargrim6892 The KLX140R F is a great beginner bike. It has noticeably less power than the 230, but it's also lighter and slightly lower to the ground, which can give you more confidence if you have short legs.
Really great review. I'm in WA state and looking to get back into riding after 25 years. Looking at the 2025 model. It has some updates to the rear suspension and brakes. I wish you could test the latest model to see if it's worth the extra money.
just bought my 3rd 230r. ive sold the other two thinking i wanted to move on but i keep coming back to them as a share and buddy bike. not gonna sell this 3rd one.
I bought a Kawasaki KLX140c for trail maintenance, it has 21 & 18 wheels. I added a taller handlebar & seat. I like it so much for tight trails that my bigger bikes sit home in the garage a lot. I still can ride big bikes like XR650R or open class & 250 2-strokes. I just have more fun on a smaller bike, it climbs hills & can jump med sized logs, just not as fast as bigger bikes. I save the big bikes for rides with other riders with big bikes for faster terrain. Everyone needs more than one motorcycle!
The KLX140RF is a lot of fun in the woods too! - That is if you're not too tall or heavy for it. You'd have to be a woman, kid, or smaller sized guy to enjoy it I think.
I wish you had made these videos last year, before i bought a used Beta Evo 300 trials bike... while it is super capable it is super powerful and very "touchy" as to inputs on controls..
Foolishly sold my very well sorted 2003 KDX 220 a few years ago thinking I was too old to play with that sort of toy anymore. I was mistaken (maybe) and am now shopping for a new low maintenance play bike with the KLX 230R and CRF 250F being the only two viable contenders. I do, however, like the six speed transmission on the Kawi as opposed to the five speed on the Honda. The weights are both similar and rather portly. The Honda has lots of aftermarket support, especially if you factor in Brazil's offerings such as Force Cam and Tuscany Racing. This does not appear to be the case with the Kawasaki. Hi-Volt Spares out of Thailand (?) seems to be the only vendor I've found that supports the KLX 230R with a modest assortment of performance parts, though not nearly as much as can be found for the Honda. Tuscany Racing has a pneumatic cartridge insert for the CRF 230F which has 37mm forks similar to the KLX 230. Not sure, but that might also fit the Kawasaki. I hear it does significantly improve the front suspension, though I've no personal experience. What to do, what to do?
Great video. Some day you'll do a Beta Xtrainer video, but for now I just close my eyes and insert Xtrainer every time you say KLX. My guess is the review will be very similar :) People always say jump to a big 300, but those beasts can be a handful and when you look at smaller/less capable bikes everyone puts a stigma on them of being beginner/girls bikes, when they are in fact the perfect bike for some people as they learn. I'm sure 90%+ of people can't use a big 300 to their full potential, and in fact are being held back by them Also thanks for the info on the idle, wife has a KLX140 and I'll check if hers does this, could be too much for her to handle without knowing what to do about it
Haha! One day! But yeah you’re right pretty similar review! The 300s are too much for 99% percent in my opinion… that includes myself! Thanks for watching!!
I have this bike since 2020 put 20 000 Km on mine run fine like the first day i have the streel legal version a little bit heavier but i have put her on serious trail she never let me down the low torque of this bike is where she is strong because something its not about how fast you can but how slow . The idle is perfectly fine stock you just have to let her run 4-5min nd the idle slow down drastically i personally start her nd put all my gears on after she is good to go 🤟
The 230R actually only weighs 262lbs wet, and that's the 2025 model. Pretty sure my 2021 weighs ~250 lbs wet. I believe the 290lbs you quoted is for the KLX300, not the 230R. Still not a light bike, but it's not pushing 300lbs. Really appreciate you doing these videos though!
I have xr230 yz250 but my workhorse for hard enduro is ttr230. I like the bulletproof engine and crawling ability.by no means I'm not a pro and I don't race just pure trail.
great video as always Rich and squad: What i would love is a klx450 / 500 with large oil capacity and long service, steady power of about 40hp to provide reliable fun for many 10s of thousands of miles across all terrain - why are the japanese not doing such a bike when they have witnessed the supreme popularity and longevity of the klx 300 and crf300l/rally? are they desperate for someone else to make it and the sales associated with it.....
I ride my wife’s 2014 klx140 all the time it’s so much fun. Better brakes by far and a lighter cable clutch then my hydraulic clutch and Braktec brakes on my 22’ te300i. I do get rusty quickly on my te if I ride her klx too much for some reason.
Very interesting… I’ve rode little 125 4 strokes around and was thinking of getting a 200-300 2 stroke enduro style bike like a KTM 200 XCW. For someone learning to ride trails, is it going to be easier on a 2 stroke enduro bike or an air cooled bike like the KLX 230? 6’ 170lbs
I think about a KLX or TTR125 or CRF125 for a train bike for month...then i don´t have to change the yz piston so often. Since i see this video, what you´ve done with those bike, i will by one.
Just bought 2021 used klx. After couple of montjs using I had an issue on electrical (I think). I used to report to work and it was ok. After office, it does not start. All the lights are working but no electricity on the high tension wire. I left it and on the 2nd day, I tried to start it in the morning, and lo and behold, the engine came to life. But in the afternoon when I was about to use it for home, again, it did not start. What must be the issue here? Thanks.
Try something really different. Test an AJP SPR240X. I'm convinced this may be the best air cooled bike out there i just can't bring myself to spend the money to try it. It's predecessors (PR3 PR4) were very capable.
Theres an extreme enduro in my area I think only one person has finished it in its history, want to buy an xr100 and see if I would go farther then the guys while 300s
It's not 290lbs. KLX230 is. KLX230R is 260lbs. Steel vs aluminum swing arms. I had mine for the same reasons you explain in the video. At around 40hrs the clutch was starting to lose snap. It never had that aggressive lockup of a full-power bike to begin with. But it got worse with time. I've added some washers to the springs. It didn't remedy the issue. Ultimately, I've sold it because it just doesn't have the durability margin for someone who rides a full-size enduro regularly. And parts are expensive. $70 for the number plate, $50 for the play-dough chain guide, etc. There is no aftermarket, so Kawasaki charges w/e they want for OEM parts. Throttle body mod is a must. Unplug the O2 sensor. Ignore the CEL. I think there is also a restrictive snorkel that I removed (don't remember now). Rode my buddy's CRF250F up a hill for him. That bike felt better than the KLX. Too bad about the 5-speed.
I rode a stock CRF250f and felt like it could really benefit from a gearing change. This was a couple years ago so the stock gearing might be different now, but if it will barely wheelie in second it's a cheap and easy thing to try.
My Yamaha TTR-230 (2006… still kicking with **very** basic maintenance) goes everywhere. The clutch certainly can’t take the abuse a KTM’s can… but the price difference is ~$10k soooo… trade-offs.
I had a 300r, it's fine for easy stuff, too top heavy and tall for technical riding. I now have an xtrainer and it is a much better bike and 100lbs lighter. Still easy to ride and muscle when you have to. The klx is so awkward to move i could not even lift up the rear tire to move around, nothing to grab that won't hurt your hands or burn them if it's been running. Also something no one mentions is if you stall it you have to turn the ignition button off then back on. If kawi would fix the weight and ingition it would be a much better bike. As it is the 230 is much better.
I have an aircooled kayo 230 that will go anywhere and with much less work than the 300r. My boy rides it, but I have too. The 230 class is fun to ride. @@Backyard_KLX
@@IRCTireUSAMotoRich just wanted to correct you on the weight of the the KLX 230r I believe is only 253 lbs as to the KLX300r being just under 282 lbs .
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
I think bikes like these take you back to the simple joy of riding many of us experienced as a kid.
Probably the best bike (dirt) test and advice I’ve seen in recent years 👌🏻 greetings from the 🇬🇧
I just bought a 2023 KLX230R this summer to get back into riding after 35 years. I was STOKED to see your KLX video a month or so ago and was happy to see this review come out! I've got your 10 balance, body position and power delivery and collection training videos on my phone to review and practice at the park. Thanks for all your work and info sharing!
That’s awesome to hear! Stoked to be able to help and I hope you’re enjoying that KLX!!
Just got a 300r…does the header pipe on your 230 ever get cherry red?
@@romand123 I haven't seen it on mine, but I've only had it out twice on very bright sunny days. I did make a point to look at the pipe but didn't notice it glowing.
Even my klx230r i’ve just Got it and i was curios that my head pipe is glowing red hot
I own 2 of these 230s, they don't weigh 290lbs. With a ricochet skid plate, handle bar risers, acerbise full wrap steel brush guards, big ass aluminum billeted footpegs , a 51 back sprocket, and a full tank of gas it weighs 264lbs. If you want a little more snap that the 51 back sprocket provides remove the air intake snorkel and cut a large opening to let lots of air in, remove the exhaust restrictor and put in an fmf spark arrestor, and add the idle adjuster. The 230 will clear all the obstacles, rock gardens, and climb everything the calabogie riding area has. The best part is they can be maintained with 3 hex head size sockets, and if you drop it in the rocks or take a long down hill tumble there are no rads to break and no rad cooler fans to suck your battery dry. They are extremely durable and damage resistant.
Can you notice the difference with the back sprocket?
Love it Rich, especially about how important practice and technique are. I took my on road test and while there someone else on a small cc sport bike tested before me and put a foot down during the u-turn, and had problems in the 'slalom' portion as well. Their buddy was waiting for them on there big cruiser, no helmet, and tells the person who just barely passed that the next step is to get a bigger bike. I see so many guys get 300cc 2 strokes or 450 'ready to race' bikes, and then complain about everything from twitchy throttles to tires, and think that is the reason the bike is hard to ride, none will ever admit they need to practice.
I have instead watched all your vids, got Chris Birch's series, and just in general will watch riders like Jett Lawrence or Toni Bou to see what techniques they use. I'm not on yourl= level at all, but I am also riding with people who have bikes that are over $10k and have been riding for 20 years, and me with 50 hours on my KLX300r, which is my 1st off road bike, are keeping up with them if not pulling away, and falling much less if not at all compared to them. This has also made riding my crf450rl much easier, as I put most hours on my KLX and spend most of my time practicing.
Thank you for your time in making these vids, I def use IRC tires and sing praises of Rich Larson and his awesome content!
Because of your videos on the KLX I bought the KLX230S dual sport as my first ever bike.
I would love a video all about clutches, the different systems, advantages and disadvantages of each. Excellent video by the way!
I've been riding a Husky 125 for a while now. It has allowed me to learn so much. Most people I ride with ride 300s. They do not leave me behind. I seem to be more confident with my bike than many of them on the more technical sections. My bike is fun, I would not trade it, except for a newer 150.
I can see Kawasaki hiring Rich as an ambassador for their brand! They would be crazy not to do this! You made me want to go out and buy one of these! Good job!
You should send them an email! I’ll ride Kawis all day!! I really appreciate your support!
Just sent Kawasaki an email telling them about your two videos! Maybe they will contact you!
That’s an awesome move! Thank you!!
Because of your videos Make me buying this klx, what you review is the truth, very confy, the power delivery is so smooth but not under power.
Man, you are one hell of a rider!
I've owned a 2003 CRF230 for last six years and it's my favorite dirt bike... Reliable fun and basic!
Race tech emulators help these forks out immensely and once tuned right are great. Not as fast as all the KTM and other race bikes BUT always gets through all the trails just the same.
Great vids!
250 Templar M with upgraded suspension and carb.
I love this! I have a KLX230 ABS, now I've got things to do!
The KLX cut that log right in half! Did you see that?? What a unit.
Great Review, Rich! I did 570 Hours on my KLX 140 to get the Basics in Hard Enduro trained. It was the best choice for me, since I could control it very well. Now I am at a cheap 225 CC 2-Stroke to make my next Steps and be better in riding technical Terrain. A common mistake I always see - the riders start to early on powerful bikes…
Absolutely love my KLX300 after tire changes and some protection parts I’ve been off to the races!
I'm seriously loving this KLX 230 series of fundamentals. Thank you thank you. Thank you
I ride the 230 more then any other bike I own, I’m 230 good and that makes it fun.
Great Video! I love my CRF250f as a trail bike. Haven’t had the courage to try some of these techniques on it, but now that I know it’s possible?!? 😮😂
Thanks for showing us what can be done and explaining what it takes to get there! Enjoying the journey of learning!!
Thanks Jay!
Thanks. I purchased the idle adjustment device.
How did it work for you? Easy install? Where’d ya get it?
Funny watching you ride, you make it look so easy. I’m like ya I can do that. Ha ya right! I’m getting one this weekend!
XR650! Yes please! Love your videos Rich. I own a 230 as a backup bike and now I'm eyeing it up again 😊
I've always wanted to get all my friends to buy a bike like this, use it in stock form, even playing field for everyone and then go out and ride as a group for giggles.
Please do the XR650! Love the information and videos!
Haha!! Need to get one of those!
I’ll second that request. I’ll even add in that if you come to the local San Diego/Imperial deserts, I’ll give you some seat time on mine. You can see how the VE33 does in the desert.
loved this KLX series please do more hard enduro on bikes that aren't made for it its so good to watch. Similar to Carson Brown doing motocross on bikes not made for motocross. very entertaining
Awesome video and bike. Myself and 2 other friends(all experienced older riders with other bikes)have all bought Crf250f's. They're so much fun in the woods. Seems like every ride becomes a "semi" hard enduro ride. It's been a blast.
you are rapidly becoming the most expensive YT channel I'm following, sir 🤣
Thank you very much for these 230 videos. I've been considering one for years. I ride a YZ250FX that I love but want something more tame for more difficult jungle rides and long distance rides. I follow some Thai guys who race these bikes and they ride really fast and hard terrain.
I just bought my first ever bike, a 24 klx230r. I rode a good amount growing up but never owned one. So far I love this bike. Looked at the TTR230 but didn’t like the carb and feel. Also a crf250f but there weren’t any available in my area, so went with the KLx and man I’m happy. I wish there was more parts, videos, etc for it though
Hi-Volt Spares out of Thailand (?) seems to be the only vendor for KLX 230R performance parts I've found so far. They have exhaust systems and a plug and play programmable ECU that looks interesting. They also have bolt on solutions to the high idle and backfire issues. Only one 300 cc big bore kit is listed,but that only fits pre 2025 models without the new counterbalance assy. Hope this was of help.
I started my hard enduro riding with Honda CRF300L.
Now I have one more Beta Xtrainer coz I watched a lot Rich’s videos.
Love it!!
Haha EXACT same thing. CRF300L -> Xtrainer
I bought my crf230f a few months ago and it is the perfect machine to practice, now i don't have to worry about dropping my t7 and braking a 200 dollars plastic, with the 230 I can play around like I do with my bicycle.
check the prices on OEM plastics before you get carried away
I'm so glad to have you
Now we need a comparison with the honda crf 250f
Great video, Rich! This is what I try to tell new trail riders when they're looking to start on a 300 or similar 50+ HP bike for trail riding. Also, thanks for sharing that reference on the idle screw - that idle speed sounds terrible and it's a shame Kawasaki didn't include an adjuster screw from the factory...
what about klx140rf? have you found out what is hard to do with KLX 140rf? i intend to buy klx140 because i am really a beginner in this dirtbike thing.
@@hargrim6892 The KLX140R F is a great beginner bike. It has noticeably less power than the 230, but it's also lighter and slightly lower to the ground, which can give you more confidence if you have short legs.
@@MotocrossHideout thank you sir.👍
Good video. I agree learning on smaller bikes encourages you to try things and build technique. This is why I am riding enduro trails on a yz125x.
Thanks for watching!
Really great review. I'm in WA state and looking to get back into riding after 25 years. Looking at the 2025 model. It has some updates to the rear suspension and brakes. I wish you could test the latest model to see if it's worth the extra money.
just bought my 3rd 230r. ive sold the other two thinking i wanted to move on but i keep coming back to them as a share and buddy bike. not gonna sell this 3rd one.
I bought a Kawasaki KLX140c for trail maintenance, it has 21 & 18 wheels. I added a taller handlebar & seat. I like it so much for tight trails that my bigger bikes sit home in the garage a lot. I still can ride big bikes like XR650R or open class & 250 2-strokes. I just have more fun on a smaller bike, it climbs hills & can jump med sized logs, just not as fast as bigger bikes. I save the big bikes for rides with other riders with big bikes for faster terrain. Everyone needs more than one motorcycle!
My ears kicked up with that xr650r comment. Would love to see it!
As a BRP owner I agree but he probably meant the L model as you can buy it new
Love your input on this. Thanks for everything!!
Thanks for the support!!
love to see a kdx 200 impression video also!
I think they fixed the idle issue on the 2023 model because mine deff does not do that
KLX 230 Or 300? I'm 6'1" 145 lbs. Been decades since I rode a dirt bike and I'm ready to get back into Enduro. Considering Yamahas XT 250 also
The KLX140RF is a lot of fun in the woods too! - That is if you're not too tall or heavy for it. You'd have to be a woman, kid, or smaller sized guy to enjoy it I think.
That was my first bike. Very great bike to learn on
I wish you had made these videos last year, before i bought a used Beta Evo 300 trials bike... while it is super capable it is super powerful and very "touchy" as to inputs on controls..
Foolishly sold my very well sorted 2003 KDX 220 a few years ago thinking I was too old to play with that sort of toy anymore.
I was mistaken (maybe) and am now shopping for a new low maintenance play bike with the KLX 230R and CRF 250F being the only two viable contenders. I do, however, like the six speed transmission on the Kawi as opposed to the five speed on the Honda. The weights are both similar and rather portly.
The Honda has lots of aftermarket support, especially if you factor in Brazil's offerings such as Force Cam and Tuscany Racing. This does not appear to be the case with the Kawasaki.
Hi-Volt Spares out of Thailand (?) seems to be the only vendor I've found that supports the KLX 230R with a modest assortment of performance parts, though not nearly as much as can be found for the Honda. Tuscany Racing has a pneumatic cartridge insert for the CRF 230F which has 37mm forks similar to the KLX 230. Not sure, but that might also fit the Kawasaki. I hear it does significantly improve the front suspension, though I've no personal experience.
What to do, what to do?
Great video. Some day you'll do a Beta Xtrainer video, but for now I just close my eyes and insert Xtrainer every time you say KLX. My guess is the review will be very similar :) People always say jump to a big 300, but those beasts can be a handful and when you look at smaller/less capable bikes everyone puts a stigma on them of being beginner/girls bikes, when they are in fact the perfect bike for some people as they learn. I'm sure 90%+ of people can't use a big 300 to their full potential, and in fact are being held back by them
Also thanks for the info on the idle, wife has a KLX140 and I'll check if hers does this, could be too much for her to handle without knowing what to do about it
Haha! One day! But yeah you’re right pretty similar review! The 300s are too much for 99% percent in my opinion… that includes myself!
Thanks for watching!!
I have a dual sport KLX300 and feel like the limiting factor is not lack of power, but rather its weight. It is 310lbs and has longer wheelbase.
I have this bike since 2020 put 20 000 Km on mine run fine like the first day i have the streel legal version a little bit heavier but i have put her on serious trail she never let me down the low torque of this bike is where she is strong because something its not about how fast you can but how slow . The idle is perfectly fine stock you just have to let her run 4-5min nd the idle slow down drastically i personally start her nd put all my gears on after she is good to go 🤟
The 230R actually only weighs 262lbs wet, and that's the 2025 model. Pretty sure my 2021 weighs ~250 lbs wet. I believe the 290lbs you quoted is for the KLX300, not the 230R. Still not a light bike, but it's not pushing 300lbs. Really appreciate you doing these videos though!
Fantastic video as always, what do you think about the suspension on the KLX? For trail rides does it need heavier spring for your weight? gold valve?
The KLX 140 is a mini bike I believe. One of my son's friends has one. It's tinier than his 85 was.
It'd be interesting to hear the pro/cons comparison of TTR 230 vs KLX 230.
I need a bigger budget for all these bike tests lol!
I have xr230 yz250 but my workhorse for hard enduro is ttr230. I like the bulletproof engine and crawling ability.by no means I'm not a pro and I don't race just pure trail.
great video as always Rich and squad: What i would love is a klx450 / 500 with large oil capacity and long service, steady power of about 40hp to provide reliable fun for many 10s of thousands of miles across all terrain - why are the japanese not doing such a bike when they have witnessed the supreme popularity and longevity of the klx 300 and crf300l/rally? are they desperate for someone else to make it and the sales associated with it.....
Would you consider the beta 200 to be a better beginner bike if you want to learn on a 2 stroke
Probably be a whole lot better than all the people I see that buy a 300 two-stroke Enduro bike to put around on two track quad trails
The off road model is 264 lb, not the 290 lb of the street model.
Awesome great content
It's definitely about skill and not the machine. I outride many of the KTM guys on my CRF250L that weighs around 350 lbs.
3:12 “As long as these bikes have a clutch & throttle, it’s very simple”
I ride my wife’s 2014 klx140 all the time it’s so much fun. Better brakes by far and a lighter cable clutch then my hydraulic clutch and Braktec brakes on my 22’ te300i. I do get rusty quickly on my te if I ride her klx too much for some reason.
Thanks for the video. Nice as usually
Thanks for watching!
Very interesting… I’ve rode little 125 4 strokes around and was thinking of getting a 200-300 2 stroke enduro style bike like a KTM 200 XCW. For someone learning to ride trails, is it going to be easier on a 2 stroke enduro bike or an air cooled bike like the KLX 230? 6’ 170lbs
I'd kinda like to see his opinion on the klx300 bikes since he has changed my view on the 230...
Really a fun fuel injected bike. I enjoy mine.
I think about a KLX or TTR125 or CRF125 for a train bike for month...then i don´t have to change the yz piston so often.
Since i see this video, what you´ve done with those bike, i will by one.
I hop logs and stuff on my kid’s klx110. It’s fun
Have been a fan for a long time. One question- have you used a Rekluse auto clutch? Any POV on it?
I don’t like them
How about the yamaha xt250?
Just bought 2021 used klx. After couple of montjs using I had an issue on electrical (I think). I used to report to work and it was ok. After office, it does not start. All the lights are working but no electricity on the high tension wire. I left it and on the 2nd day, I tried to start it in the morning, and lo and behold, the engine came to life. But in the afternoon when I was about to use it for home, again, it did not start.
What must be the issue here? Thanks.
I would like to see the xr 650. big bike for big guys?!?
Try something really different. Test an AJP SPR240X. I'm convinced this may be the best air cooled bike out there i just can't bring myself to spend the money to try it. It's predecessors (PR3 PR4) were very capable.
What's the deal with the website? Just shows tires, no buy buttons or anyway to purchase.
Xr650 is surprisingly capable. Bit heavy but fun to ride
I’ve never rode one. I’d love to put a little time on it though!
It's why I ride 250 and a surron.
Theres an extreme enduro in my area I think only one person has finished it in its history, want to buy an xr100 and see if I would go farther then the guys while 300s
Sounds like an awesome race!
It has a low ground clearance and 115kg seems heavy when you lift the bike up from a fall
It's not 290lbs. KLX230 is. KLX230R is 260lbs. Steel vs aluminum swing arms.
I had mine for the same reasons you explain in the video. At around 40hrs the clutch was starting to lose snap. It never had that aggressive lockup of a full-power bike to begin with. But it got worse with time. I've added some washers to the springs. It didn't remedy the issue. Ultimately, I've sold it because it just doesn't have the durability margin for someone who rides a full-size enduro regularly. And parts are expensive. $70 for the number plate, $50 for the play-dough chain guide, etc. There is no aftermarket, so Kawasaki charges w/e they want for OEM parts.
Throttle body mod is a must. Unplug the O2 sensor. Ignore the CEL. I think there is also a restrictive snorkel that I removed (don't remember now).
Rode my buddy's CRF250F up a hill for him. That bike felt better than the KLX. Too bad about the 5-speed.
Dang dude, you tractored right up to the dam. Anyone who's been there knows that slab is slippery as greased ice. I've never made it.
It’s ready for Hard Enduro !
Those tires double as a chainsaw ! 😯
We don’t recommend that. 😂
@@IRCTireUSAMoto😂
8:16 mine does not idle that high
I have a 2023 klx 230
Nice!
Is the rpm adjustment screw really a must have mod to ride it normal n practice techniques can i do these thing without it.
We desperately need a Pro to race one of these in a hard enduro. Pleassse
Who is doing KOM on one?
What’s ur opinion on the crf250f for hard enduro training
Yep, it's a bike
@@mrvolts9262I mean yeah but I can barely get the front wheel up past idle in 2nd
Everything I said in this video would be the same. 👍
@@IRCTireUSAMoto ok thx
I rode a stock CRF250f and felt like it could really benefit from a gearing change. This was a couple years ago so the stock gearing might be different now, but if it will barely wheelie in second it's a cheap and easy thing to try.
The off-road version of the bike weighs 254 lb. The street legal version of the bike weighs 290 lb. 6:27
Interesting!!
And the street legal one is a gutless wonder
Marielle Stravenue
My Yamaha TTR-230 (2006… still kicking with **very** basic maintenance) goes everywhere. The clutch certainly can’t take the abuse a KTM’s can… but the price difference is ~$10k soooo… trade-offs.
Love it!!
Cool
The bike simply has an IACV, like a car. It is compensating, controlling the bypassed air around the throttle blade.
Which size tires (front/back) should I select for the VX40 and VX35?
110 vx40 90/90 vx30 👍
I am from the netherlands. Where can I buy IRC tires here in europe?
We currently don’t distribute to Europe. But we’re working hard to expand.
🤘🏴☠️🤘
Sauer Prairie
So soft suspension ,doesn't love those long jumps.
KLX230r weight 253 lbs . KLX300r 282 lbs.
Can’t wait to see you on the xr650r
🙌🙌
How does this stack up against the klx300R?
I’ve never rode one apart from doing a brief wheelie on a 300. I’m sure they work just as good!
I had a 300r, it's fine for easy stuff, too top heavy and tall for technical riding. I now have an xtrainer and it is a much better bike and 100lbs lighter. Still easy to ride and muscle when you have to. The klx is so awkward to move i could not even lift up the rear tire to move around, nothing to grab that won't hurt your hands or burn them if it's been running. Also something no one mentions is if you stall it you have to turn the ignition button off then back on. If kawi would fix the weight and ingition it would be a much better bike. As it is the 230 is much better.
@@HereWyoming cool thanks that’ helps, the new 2025 klx 230 just got a keyed ignition, don’t know why they did the cheesy push button.
I have an aircooled kayo 230 that will go anywhere and with much less work than the 300r. My boy rides it, but I have too. The 230 class is fun to ride. @@Backyard_KLX
👍
🙌🙌
@@IRCTireUSAMotoRich just wanted to correct you on the weight of the the KLX 230r I believe is only 253 lbs as to the KLX300r being just under 282 lbs .
The xr650 seems a little too capable. Maybe stick with the Kawi and do a klx650 🤣 That would be hilarious.
That’s the move 😂