5'8 210 went with the 230S set the spring to the stiffest setting. No issues. Sat on the 230 at the dealer and even with my weight I still was on my tip toes. Both great bikes just a matter of what one gives you more confidence.
I am 77, 6' @ 210 lbs... Brand new to riding and leaning towards the 230S ABS for two reasons: 1) I am paranoid of the bike tipping on me so I want to make sure my feet are planted on the ground on stops, and 2) I think the 2" less difference would be more comfortable in my being able to swing my leg over the bike to get on. My primary use will be on paved roads running errands, with hopefully some wide dirt road opportunities for fun...no heavy trail riding. Based on your video, the 230 would make more sense, but due top my reservations and use, would the S model be okay?
I just ordered the 230. I'm 5'9"and 140lb. I picked the taller bike because I live in rockies. The trails I ride are real rocky, rutted, and sometimes steep with tree roots. I like to keep a good momentum, so I wanted the suspension travel. I don't like hitting ruts , roots, and rocks and the suspension bottoms out. That was my determining factor. When it comes in and I'm able to hit the trails , I'll know if it was the right decision
Good to know! Sounds like we're getting some new Dual Sport news today! I'll have some comments on what's being introduced later today. Thanks for watching!
I just bought the S. I am 5’ and 120 lbs. female. I have an inseam of 28 1/2. I have also bought a lowering seat from seat concepts. I am picking up Saturday. I am not a novice rider however, I am so little I have to stay with a smaller bike. I have a tw200 presently. I have rode cruiser bikes 650s Vulcan. I love the dual bikes cause I can basically go anywhere. One question. Can this bike do 65mph comfortably? My tw200 is SCREAMING at about 55!!!!! Thanks for the video
I’m 5’8”, 220, I ride my 230s pretty hard in the trails and I don’t bottom out the suspension. I even get on the freeway every once in a while and cruise 65-70. My only complaint is in the soft stuff, not sure If it’s how I ride or my weigh or what but my front end wants to wash out In soft sand
I’m 5’6 190 and the 230s is perfect size, I always wanted a dual sport but didn’t want the stress of not being able to touch the ground in an emergency.
Me Too, 5' 6" & 175lbs but do not worry about this height thing. I'm looking for a 1st bike(dual sport) & all of them have a soft suspension. Kawasaki's do have an adjustment, not a great one but you can adjust how stiff it is & at 190 you'll want it a bit stiffer. Start in parking lots or a rural area, getting on/off a lot of times & after 3-4 hours of getting on -n- off the bike it will all be 2nd nature, just like riding a bicycle.... yup, ohh, a Yamaha XT250 might appeal to you at $5100...? peace
Sure! If you're really heavy, I wouldn't go with the S model as the regular model will sag on the suspension enough that, once you're on the bike, will provide a good ride height, but still give you the amount of suspension travel that you'd want out on the trail.
I’m 6’6” 290 lbs and thinking about getting into riding, what would be a recommended bike for me ? I’ve sat on a few bikes like a R6 and a midsize Harley , I like the feel of the R6 but was uncomfortable with the position and same with the Harley.
It's impossible for me to know what might work for you. There are a number of adventure bikes and sport touring bikes that are good for taller riders. I would say, keep going around and sit on as many styles of bikes that you can and start to identify a class that you like, and that fits you. Once you do that, you'll probably have an easier time narrowing it down to a specific few bikes.
Best way to find out is to go to a dealer and try sitting on a couple. Don’t buy that day though dealers are scammy check the prices of multiple places first
@@PeterLoweOne just so happens I have the 230s and I didn't realize there were so many differences between the two, wish I would have seen your video before I bought my 230s even though I do like it a lot.
I wished they named it a 250, I know it’s stupid, the 230s is likely the best bike for me, but Im looking at a 300 as the manhood compromise. I’m 5’6 and about 150 lbs … like a Jockey, I doubt a 125 would know I’m even there. I’ll just grow my grey beard longer and let it hang out my helmet -“I’m an old man - I can’t sit on a super bike it will shake me apart.” That will keep the Bros at bay, I can whine my way past their wrecks, 1000s hanging from trees along with the 18 year olds who thought the 1000 meant starter bike as it started with a 1.
5'8 210 went with the 230S set the spring to the stiffest setting. No issues.
Sat on the 230 at the dealer and even with my weight I still was on my tip toes.
Both great bikes just a matter of what one gives you more confidence.
I am 77, 6' @ 210 lbs... Brand new to riding and leaning towards the 230S ABS for two reasons: 1) I am paranoid of the bike tipping on me so I want to make sure my feet are planted on the ground on stops, and 2) I think the 2" less difference would be more comfortable in my being able to swing my leg over the bike to get on. My primary use will be on paved roads running errands, with hopefully some wide dirt road opportunities for fun...no heavy trail riding. Based on your video, the 230 would make more sense, but due top my reservations and use, would the S model be okay?
I just ordered the 230. I'm 5'9"and 140lb. I picked the taller bike because I live in rockies. The trails I ride are real rocky, rutted, and sometimes steep with tree roots. I like to keep a good momentum, so I wanted the suspension travel. I don't like hitting ruts , roots, and rocks and the suspension bottoms out. That was my determining factor. When it comes in and I'm able to hit the trails , I'll know if it was the right decision
One thing to note with the ABS models, is that you can pull the fuse to disable the ABS when you get to the trails.
Luckily with the 2024 model 230s you can turn it on and off
I have the S model and I'm looking to change out the springs and damper rods to the regular 230 parts.
to make it taller? (I plan on buying this bike.)
@@manwithamustache1506that was my plan a few months ago. It never happened because it’s pretty costly to switch everything out.
I have the same plan, I own the S but don’t want to buy a new bike so I’m going to switch over to the R forks and rear shock
I know you have to review and help sell everything JG carries but I always return for all of your Dual Sport, Adventure, and Supermoto reviews.
Good to know! Sounds like we're getting some new Dual Sport news today! I'll have some comments on what's being introduced later today. Thanks for watching!
Just gotta sell my current dirt bike and im picking one of these up from jim gilberts! very excited
Nice! Congratulations! You'll love working with the team there!
I just bought the S. I am 5’ and 120 lbs. female. I have an inseam of 28 1/2. I have also bought a lowering seat from seat concepts. I am picking up Saturday. I am not a novice rider however, I am so little I have to stay with a smaller bike. I have a tw200 presently. I have rode cruiser bikes 650s Vulcan. I love the dual bikes cause I can basically go anywhere. One question. Can this bike do 65mph comfortably? My tw200 is SCREAMING at about 55!!!!! Thanks for the video
I was also curious about cruising speed. Have you had a chance to try it out yet?
Bout 60 Al I get out of mine lol
They just announced a new 2024 ZX6R, hope you can take a look at it when JG gets their hands on it!
Yes! I did a video yesterday where I dug into the announcement. As soon as the new vehicles show up, I'll get them on video.
Why no ABS available on the KLX230? Tall people can benefit from ABS as well.
It’s does have abs option for 300 more
@@michaelota5167only S short model.
Is there a way in the programming to lower the idle i feel like they are excessively high
There is I don’t remember exactly but it is cheap to do. Look up a tutorial on RUclips and you’ll find out quick
@jacksonburch554 i ended up buying the manual adjuster it works amazing
@@madebydoug awesome! I may be getting a 230s soon so I’d definitely have to do that as well
@jacksonburch554 it was my only complaint I love the bike
5’9 and 200lbs with 31” inseam, first time rider but will be riding mountain trails, 230R-S or 230R?
The 230s has a shorter swingarm?
I’m 5’8”, 220, I ride my 230s pretty hard in the trails and I don’t bottom out the suspension. I even get on the freeway every once in a while and cruise 65-70. My only complaint is in the soft stuff, not sure
If it’s how I ride or my weigh or what but my front end wants to wash out In soft sand
That's pretty normal for Dirt bike riding speed is your friend in sand
Great vid thanks mate!
does the s have tubeless tires?
Great comprehensive review
Thanks for watching!
I’m 5’6 190 and the 230s is perfect size, I always wanted a dual sport but didn’t want the stress of not being able to touch the ground in an emergency.
Me Too, 5' 6" & 175lbs but do not worry about this height thing. I'm looking for a 1st bike(dual sport) & all of them have a soft
suspension. Kawasaki's do have an adjustment, not a great one but you can adjust how stiff it is & at 190 you'll want it a bit
stiffer. Start in parking lots or a rural area, getting on/off a lot of times & after 3-4 hours of getting on -n- off the bike it will
all be 2nd nature, just like riding a bicycle.... yup, ohh, a Yamaha XT250 might appeal to you at $5100...? peace
What would you recommend for a short but heavier rider?
Sure! If you're really heavy, I wouldn't go with the S model as the regular model will sag on the suspension enough that, once you're on the bike, will provide a good ride height, but still give you the amount of suspension travel that you'd want out on the trail.
It would be for my wife. She’s 5ft 5 inches and around 210 lbs. I am 6 foot 210 lbs and ride a crf300L.
@@aknmtbr oh, that's not heavy. She may want to try the S
Does the klx230 and the klx230r have the same seat height?
www.kawasaki.ca should have all the specs. I can’t remember off the top of my head.
I’m 6’6” 290 lbs and thinking about getting into riding, what would be a recommended bike for me ? I’ve sat on a few bikes like a R6 and a midsize Harley , I like the feel of the R6 but was uncomfortable with the position and same with the Harley.
It's impossible for me to know what might work for you. There are a number of adventure bikes and sport touring bikes that are good for taller riders. I would say, keep going around and sit on as many styles of bikes that you can and start to identify a class that you like, and that fits you. Once you do that, you'll probably have an easier time narrowing it down to a specific few bikes.
Best way to find out is to go to a dealer and try sitting on a couple. Don’t buy that day though dealers are scammy check the prices of multiple places first
@ I just bought the KLX300R because the 230 didn’t have enough power lol
@@qjason508 hell yeah how do you like it
@ I love it
I'm 6'6" and 360 lbs, which do you recommend more the KLX230 or KLX 300?
The 300 would be better for you. Don't rule out the KLR either!
Thank you for this
Thanks for watching!
5.8 above i feel 230 is good enough , i m 5.9, 230s is low for me
What’s your inseem
great video
Thanks for watching!
@@PeterLoweOne just so happens I have the 230s and I didn't realize there were so many differences between the two, wish I would have seen your video before I bought my 230s even though I do like it a lot.
Hi, late again!
1st
I wished they named it a 250, I know it’s stupid, the 230s is likely the best bike for me, but Im looking at a 300 as the manhood compromise. I’m 5’6 and about 150 lbs … like a Jockey, I doubt a 125 would know I’m even there. I’ll just grow my grey beard longer and let it hang out my helmet -“I’m an old man - I can’t sit on a super bike it will shake me apart.” That will keep the Bros at bay, I can whine my way past their wrecks, 1000s hanging from trees along with the 18 year olds who thought the 1000 meant starter bike as it started with a 1.
It would be nice to buy one but Wear I live you have to travel 200 miles to buy even one!
Worth the drive?