Based on your review I located a 2023 KLX230S with ABS and bought it. The review mentioned this is a good uncomplicated "beginner" bike. I would also like to add that it might also be called a good "Late in Life bike" as I am in my 70's and it has allowed me to easily have both feet on the ground along with the weight low to the ground coupled with ease of handling and braking.
I just saw this post, and you nailed it! I used to race moto, was never that good, but enjoyed it, so I’m thinking on the same lines on ‘age,’ I’m 59 years old, not in real good health and obviously getting older quicker then I’d like, so, even if the bike was ‘iffy’ performance wise this summer, I’d be growing into it a different way, as I get older. I hope that made sense, but yes, I totally agree with your post.
Got you by a decade and a half. I am happy with my choice of the S model and ABS. I just do not have the arm strength to keep the bike up without the ability to get both feet on the ground. ABS helps when you grab too much brake. Power in the low range is just fine for me so it does not want to rip itself out of your hands, but it will scoot when in the higher RPM range. Farkles are few and far between, but HiVolt out of Thailand has enough for me. I only wish it had a gear indicator. The high idle bothers me sometimes, but there is a fix for that which I am considering. @@MaverickAus
Thanks Ian....I am an older, returning rider (72) and this is right up my alley. Sold my ''05 F650GS as I couldn't pick it up. I'd buy this just on the strength of your laugh during the ride.
It's always more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow! Love these styles of bikes. Everyone in the late 60's , early 70's started out on these "enduro" type bikes. Mostly two strokes but Honda had the XR's👍
She brings up a good point about the back seat passenger maybe grabbing the exhuast. That never occured to me because every motorcycle ive had all had their exhuast down lower
Great review! While others usually just keep on talking about the low power, slowness, limitations, you show exactly why small bikes are so much fun. I've been riding since 20 years and I will always keep some small bikes in my stable.
Hi, bought my 230 s a couple months ago here in Australia -($7700 ride away!!!). It’s my first “dirt bike” having been riding road bikes on and off most of my life. When I first got it I tried not to hate it- not used to the “tall” dirt bike type set up with 18/21 wheels etc. Getting used to it now and really liking it and getting it out more and more on dirt roads and building my confidence. My biggest gripe is definitely the seat or torture device to be more accurate- bike manufacturers everywhere I ask “ Why, why, why!! The fuel figure you gave is way off, as is the fuel gauge. It doesn’t take long to get down to just 2 bars which is a bit disconcerting so I filled her up full and took a spare fuel bottle in my back pack and headed out to see just how far it would go on a tank (7.5 litres)- it just kept going! Mixed riding- hard, easy, hills, flat, it finally ran out at 280 klms !!!!! The low level fuel warning flashed for 110 klms!!!! Also, I have to mention that I got a slighter less tall bike not because of my height- I’m 187 cm( nearly 6’2”) but because I just turned 69 and it’s a bit easier to get my leg over, especially with a bit of camping gear on the back! The light weight is also a huge plus. As you said the world needs more of these types of bikes. Cheers from Oz, keep up the great vids.
Absolutely follow your logic on this vid. Retired dirt track/flat track racer ....Bought a 22 KLX230s 8 months ago for trails and short trips around town. Even raced it in a hare scrambles race. Then 3 weeks ago bought a 23 KLR650b for more touring, service/fire hard roads n such. Planning overnight adventures now
Been watching your reviews for a while but just realized I hadn't subscribed. You earned my sub on this because I started riding about 15 years ago on a similar bike to this and your honesty is apparent here. These smaller displacement dual purpose bikes are very capable for most people and for commuting 5-10 miles one way they are great. They are also fun to take out all day on the weekend in fire roads like you showed here. Thanks for your great reviews!
Thanks so much for doing this review. I've been considering buying this bike but there is so little information on this bike. Yours is the first review I've seen on this model. Really appreciate you doing this. Keep up the great work!
Im a year behind obviously, but, I bought this bike for my wife as her 1st bike. She's 5'2" 110. She wanted to start going on adventure rides with me and my buddy. This was just about the only bike i could find small enough for her to feel comfortable on, and be able to do highway and off-road. Its an awesome little bike, she loves it and is beyond comfortable on it, other than the seat on long pavement rides. The only complaints I have are the suspension and the lack of a tach. Im 220lbs, ive tries to ride it in the dirt and I bottom out the forks with relative ease. The tach would be nice for here to have a better understanding of gear vs speed shes in. Highly recommend the bike, awesome littl guy to have in the stable
Indonesian here. KLX230 was originally designed here, and ironically is the less hardcore option to the smaller, more dirt-focused KLX150, while also being cheaper than KLX250/300. KLX230 will be definitely awkward, especially for Americans, due to the demanding highway minimum speed. But it works perfectly here.
The minimum highway speed in most places in the United States is 45 miles per hour. Bigger problems would be the wind blowing you all over the road and engine vibration.
Thanks for all the great videos! My wife and I are have been looking to purchase 2 enduros for some simple moto-capming and from your videos we've landed on a KLX300 for me, and the KLX230 for her. Your videos have been incredible to learn from and honestly just want to watch. Your engaging content and attention to details doesn't go un-noticed. Thanks again!
My wife and I have our 33rd anniversary this month. (YES, I remembered dear!,) and I genuinely love the little moment when your own lovely anticipates the possibility of simply hugging you as a “pillion.” That’s a beautiful and candid moment! We are fortunate!
This was my first ever motorcycle...I bought it new last May (2022) I can say without a doubt that it's been the best bike choice for me. It's light and nimble and definitely not as intimidating as a KLR or bigger dual sport or adv bike. Highly recommend the KLX230S 💚
I just bought one today, no clue how to use a clutch or even drive a bike, already scrapped my legs up with it lol. But likewise it's also my first bike ever!
Hi Ian, Ya nailed it… I have a 2022 KLX 230, standard height, standing here next to my 1250GSA. I had the Dunlop 606 knobbies mounted on the 230 right from the dealership and installed a very simple bar riser. The KLX is an absolute blast! The summer previously I owned a 300KLX. Similar platforms, 230 is just simpler. On the road both motos work very well riding in 5th gear, it’s easier to hold your speed at highway speeds. Thanks for a good positive review.
Decades ago, my first bike was the XT250. It was absolutely fantastic for a first bike that I owned. I wouldn't recommend it for the highway except maybe to go a few exits but aside from that, you could do it all. In the Northeast there wasn't a lot of available off road riding. I was fortunate to be near one of these areas but found on road riding to be just as attractive on side roads. As you say Ian, you can make full use of the horsepower at this size and there is a lot to be said about that. I wish I never sold it. Thanks for the review.
Man, nice I had a XT225 several years ago, a blast to ride, I now have a KLR650 a fun bike to ride but I'm getting old, so now I'm thinking about a XT250 instead !
Great review you did. This is the exact bike combo I have. I’m 5’ 10 1/2”, 145 #. I like this bike better than the tall 300’s for my needs and uses. Just an awesome punchy trail bike, and back road explorer. You are correct, the brakes are fantastic. I can flog this bike and still get 71mpg or better. The KLX 230S is great for speeds below 63mph. The turning radius, ergonomics, foot pegs, transmission gear spacing are all spot on. And the new style LED headlight is excellent.
Another great bike review. I bought the 230s just over 12 months ago to help me develop my off road riding skills and it was great for that. The bike so very easy to ride and is so confidence inspiring. In fact, my skills and confidence developed so quickly after having bought this bike that I was soon able to switch to my KTM390 Adventure bike and head off to tackle many more off road adventures. The 390 is more comfortable and is able to travel greater distances with ease. I have now sold my 230s but I, like you, would certainly recommend it for developing off road riding skills and confidence. Thanks again for review. PS: Love to see the snow capped mountains in the background, you live in an awesome location.
Thanks for the review, and thanks Maggie! That was a sweet and candid interaction, with relevant insights. Informative as usual, although I would also have loved to see her as the pilot, to see if that could be a bike suitable for my wife as well.
I tested one a couple of weeks ago and I agree with this review: Great little bike, especially for chill trail rides and commuting, It's a fun bike to ride fast!
Very thorough review ! Subscribed ! There’s A LOT to like about these new dual sport bikes today and this KLX230S is a fine example. I wish I had these choices when I was a young rider being introduced to riding . We had to learn on old school dirt bikes and typically they were two strokes , big and heavy , cumbersome and hard to handle , ergonomics weren’t even comparable to todays bikes , but we muscled through the growing pains and learning curves and still had fun . I just sold my XT250 ( regretfully) and I’m going to get a Honda CRF300LS … but that Yamaha XT250 was a fantastic bike for any rider of any age or experience, so much fun to ride . I am still thinking about the Kawasaki KLX300, but the seat height is my concern , so Honda just came out with the new CRF300LS ( shorter seat than the CRF300L) so I put a deposit on one … waiting for shipment.
Love the little KLX bikes. I built my wife a dual sport out of a KLX140. It’s now a KLX170 with a KX100 suspension. She’s only 4’10” so we had to start small. Used a Tusk light kit and put dual sport tires on it. If it had a six speed I swear I would commute to work on it. LOL Oh and yeah it’s plated so it would be “legal”. :-) Great review.
Thank you for doing different reviews like this. As you said, you ride some of the higher end bikes and that is mostly the content viewers find (ktm ect). I have a KLX 300. I can't imagine recommending this bike to anyone over the 300 except someone who is REALLY short (like 5 ft) or maybe a farm bike or learner bike if you found a great USED deal in a few years from now.
It’s a month since I bought one of these (the regular KLX230,actually) and it has far exceeded my expectations. Really great fun, very affordable, as does everything so easily. Kawasaki has a winner here.
Great review. I'm a big guy and my first bike was a 2018 KLR 650, which was too tall and big for me when I was a new rider. Years later it fits me very well. I think the KLX230 is a perfect bike for a beginner and I purchased one for my son who is ~6 feet and it has been a great first bike. My wife, also a relatively short new rider, didn't feel comfortable on anything larger than a z125 and so we built her an adventure version of that bike. I'm thinking that the 's' model would have been a perfect bike for her had it been available at that time and may be a bike she considers moving to when/if she outgrows the z125. The ABS on/off for the rear is a really nice improvement and I'm hoping this make it to the KLR.
When I was in my teens I had a 1971 Honda CL175 which supposedly made 20 HP also. At that time I didn't have a full appreciation for what a good engine that little parallel twin was. Hearing that the kaw you're teating makes 20 hp puts it in perspective. That looks like a fun little bike. Nice review.
I’m coming off riding Harleys, and victorys and getting into dirt bike riding when I was looking for a dual sport, with a low seat height I couldn’t find any lol either a xt250 or Klx230s I went with a used Klx230s it was 3000 cheaper then the Yamaha, and for being a beginner dirt bike I figured get the cheaper one In case I kill it lol, but I’m impressed with it so far feels under powered, but so far it hasn’t let me down climbing a hill, fun little dirt bike, glad I got one. Wish I would have found this channel sooner tho, really great information and is really helping learn more about the dual sport bikes out there! Thank you
I picked up a used standard version for $3000 as my first bike. It was a great deal that came with a bunch of mods. I've been wanting to get into ADV for a long time but the cost of entry was just to high. A small used Japanese Duel Sport has provided me access to this sport that I would have otherwise not had.
lol the pillion review is priceless. thank you for including your wife in your videos, i always appreciate hearing insights from other ladies. i wouldn't mind seeing her put a leg over as the rider too, just for scale if anything. i'm telling you, it can be tough for a shorter rider out there (esp new rider!) - bike size is super important! i say this, as a lady, that just walked away from a brand new 300L. waited 9 months for the bike to arrive, went in and put a leg over it and just instantly thought - no. moved my preorder to the new 300LS, but honestly i think the bike is going to feel too big (wide) for me still... what you really can't tell from watching these review videos with ~6ft tall guys is a lot of these bikes are really pretty massive! which is where the klx230s came in. this bike was literally the glass slipper i was looking for in the dual sport market (as a 5'6" 125lb dirt lovin lady!). the yamaha xt250 felt similarly good, had the right seat height, but also the right width and weight. the bike just felt manageable! the dealer i went to for the 300L also had the klx230s abs, but i couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger at the time (it's still on my mind though, for the reasons you laid out today!). the specs are all there for the 230s, the bike just didn't really inspire me stylistically i suppose.. that's a thing right? in retrospect, i think the 230s is a fantastic bike and i know would have been super happy to ride it home! it's got a proven pedigree, and some of the best modern features of ANY dual sport bike - PERIOD. all that said, the tw200 just has this draw for me... an inescapable gravity is the allure to the bike. i'm not sure i can resist 🤩 to be continued... lol! also a new rider, could you please explain why i care about a wet clutch? thank you!
Thanks for sharing. I bought a klx230s no abs. To start riding again at 70. My inseam at 30" makes it hard for ME to get on an off. But getting better as I ride. Stepping on the left peg to get on I feel at my weight (300) I'll pull the bike over. I need to try. But once I'm on I am in heaven. Wondering if I can lower it more. It's the tail that's to high.. Riding again yeah. I'll keep this bike. But hope to upgrade one day. The only thing was the factory seat. 5miles down the road nothing but pain in the a-s. Put on a Seat Concepts. Now get 50miles before I need to get off. Thinking of putting more padding. Thanks enjoyed the review 😊.
Very nice comprehensive review of a great bike! As someone who has owned a Yamaha XT250 since 2008, this looks to be a very comparable bike as seat height is exactly the same and power and top speed look very similar. Where the Kawi has advantages are the 6 speed gearbox, fuel indicator, ABS brakes, and newer chassis. The Yamaha advantages are larger tank, higher ground clearance, more suspension travel and perhaps a little more seat for the passenger. If I were choosing between these two today it would be a really tough call that most likely is decided by a test ride.
I bought a 2022 klx230 for my 17 year old son because he was new to bikes. It was a great starter bike but his skills out grew this bike in less than 2 months. I regret not getting a bigger bike from the start.
In the 90s I had the XLR 250 and riding off road it was easier than my xt 550 Yamaha that I had after, I think because you could change gears first second and third, when with the xt you could use only the first gear on the stones gravel etc etc. The problem for the XLR was on the highway (110 to 115). I tried to go off road with my vstrom 1000 and on rocks it was almost impossible (of course). So for the islands (I'm Greek) I would prefer a small off road.
Thank you, Ian, I was definitely looking at this bike back in April of this year and was thinking about getting it but I was not sure about it now I am sure I like to get one for the fun factor of it too, the last motorcycle I had was back in the 70’s when I was a teenager then to, it was a 2 stroke then 125 Suzuki.
I had a chance to test ride this bike a couple of days ago and came away VERY VERY impressed. I really liked it! It’s got quite a bit of torque for its size, front wheel comes up easily without the clutch in first gear, it’s light, very maneuverable, and affordable! Just set up the front and back springs for your weight and you’re good to go! Honestly, I like it better than the KLX 300 because it’s lighter and very comparable in torque. 2 thumbs up! Now let’s see a comparison with the Honda CFR250f
Thanks for yet another excellent review Ian. These light and low dual sport bikes are just great fun to ride! This KLX230 really reminds me of my 2006 model KL250 Super Sherpa. More or less same weight and seat height, but the Sherpa has more power and suspension travel. Progress? Guess emission regulations killed off the Sherpa, and no ABS. We are really lucky here in New Zealand in that thousands of these bikes were sold to farmers as the Kawasaki Stockman, so they are common and parts are readily available. Even though I have much larger bikes, I still love riding the little Sherpa, especially when the road deteriorates into technical single track.
Rode this in my MSF class. Bike was great other than the painful seat. I'm 6'2" and never felt like I was cramped. It was a blast to ride and prepared me for my CRF 300L.
Thanks mate very informative and a good look at how the bike could be used by anyone looking for a smaller lighter bike you may have convinced me to add one to the shed ,fit a bash plate and some small bags and get out on the local gravel roads Thank you
Excellent review. You never disappoint. Just bought this bike to get into off road riding (NJ Pine Barrens) and being of smaller stature, it’s a unicorn. Its a nice compliment to my Moto Guzzi V7
Hello from new Zealand just brought one down here in new Zealand as a farm bike kawasaki call it the stockman think it will be great 👍🏻 Great review 👏 Cheers
I just bought this bike for stated reasons, I started to try to learn on a Moto Guzzi V85 and had to concede as it was just too heavy. Fast forward I just attended my first ADV course on the KLX 230 and I had a blast.
I’ve seen air cooled engines equipped with temperature gauges. The sensor is usually mounted to the head. But your right, you will most likely never need that on this bike. I have a 300 Rally, and you didn’t pi$$ me off. After all the upgrades that I have made to the Rally, the 230 couldn’t even be compared, even if it were fully modified. But I do like your reviews on these smaller lightweight bikes a lot, more than I do the bigger ones. You laugh more, and seem to have more fun.
I have a 2020 standard height KLX230. The ecu has a 75mph speed limiter. Its not the engine rev limit as it does it in 5th and 6th. The speedometer is about 4mph fast. At sea level 55 to 62 mph actual speed is where it cruises the best.
Thank you for the video on this bike I've been considering getting the Honda XR150 because I haven't rhode a bike in years and I'm not a tall person and no spring chicken I have friends tell me that the XR150 I'll just get board and tiered of it with in a week do to riding bikes in the past and lack of power on and off roads this Kawasaki seems to have best of both worlds for what I'm looking for thanks again and enjoyed watching
I’m glad you didn’t pass on these kind of bikes, and take the time to review them. Myself I can’t go out and buy a bike that’s as much as a new car!!! Great job 👍👍
Finally you did a review on the KLX230, and you liked it. Awesome! I have the 2019 KLX230ABS, bought here in Sweden, all black plastics with gold decals, and I love mine. I also have an enduro 2022 KTM 350 excf to go on the track, I love both. I commute on my KLX the whole summer. .. wow, you have some great landscapes there. Is that California?
Just a random thought about pillion getting on and off a bike: if pillion mount from port side, use first the left foot on passenger footpeg, stand on it, swing right leg over the back of the bike to the right side footpeg and sit down. Getting off is this in reverse order. VERY important to communicate so the driver that already sits on the bike is ready for the possible shift of wheight. That would make it easier for your wife to assist.
I enjoy your content very much. Thank you. I’m an older rider, haven’t been on a bike in decades but definitely have the itch to explore local cow trails and forest roads. Originally, I was looking at the KLX300, until I saw your review of this bike. Then I saw the Honda CRF300 LS, which has the exact saddle height. Will you be doing a review on this new Honda? Hope so. Keep up the good work!
Ian, you missed a great opportunity to show us how a short person fits on the bike. Put your wife on the operators seat. Let us see if she can touch the ground. This bike is all about people her size.
Thank you for the review. One more thing to mention when comparing this bike with Yamaha XT250 and TW200 is that both of those bikes are still made in Japan; this Kawasaki is not. I know many people don't care, but some do.
Would like to see this compared to the new CRF300LS when possible. The LS has 1.3” more ground clearance with the same seat height, 60 ish more CC with only about 15 lbs more weight
Great review. Make me wonder what happen since my Honda NX/AX 250 came out 1989. Water cooled, six gears , dual sport. Long service intervals. Still, this Kawa is a nice bike.
I just bought one brand new yesterday my first bike I really like it,my only complaint is the seat isn’t the greatest gonna upgrade it but all around pretty happy
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Based on your review I located a 2023 KLX230S with ABS and bought it. The review mentioned this is a good uncomplicated "beginner" bike. I would also like to add that it might also be called a good "Late in Life bike" as I am in my 70's and it has allowed me to easily have both feet on the ground along with the weight low to the ground coupled with ease of handling and braking.
well done mate, never too old.
I just saw this post, and you nailed it! I used to race moto, was never that good, but enjoyed it, so I’m thinking on the same lines on ‘age,’ I’m 59 years old, not in real good health and obviously getting older quicker then I’d like, so, even if the bike was ‘iffy’ performance wise this summer, I’d be growing into it a different way, as I get older.
I hope that made sense, but yes, I totally agree with your post.
I'm 63 and just about to buy a KLX230
Got you by a decade and a half. I am happy with my choice of the S model and ABS. I just do not have the arm strength to keep the bike up without the ability to get both feet on the ground. ABS helps when you grab too much brake. Power in the low range is just fine for me so it does not want to rip itself out of your hands, but it will scoot when in the higher RPM range. Farkles are few and far between, but HiVolt out of Thailand has enough for me. I only wish it had a gear indicator. The high idle bothers me sometimes, but there is a fix for that which I am considering. @@MaverickAus
5:33 the way he said "I like that too" had that "mom, you're embarrassing me in front of my friends" energy lol. Thought it was kind of a cute moment
Yoooooo
Thanks Ian....I am an older, returning rider (72) and this is right up my alley. Sold my ''05 F650GS as I couldn't pick it up. I'd buy this just on the strength of your laugh during the ride.
It's always more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow! Love these styles of bikes. Everyone in the late 60's , early 70's started out on these "enduro" type bikes. Mostly two strokes but Honda had the XR's👍
She brings up a good point about the back seat passenger maybe grabbing the exhuast. That never occured to me because every motorcycle ive had all had their exhuast down lower
Great review! While others usually just keep on talking about the low power, slowness, limitations, you show exactly why small bikes are so much fun. I've been riding since 20 years and I will always keep some small bikes in my stable.
thanks! agreed
Hi, bought my 230 s a couple months ago here in Australia -($7700 ride away!!!). It’s my first “dirt bike” having been riding road bikes on and off most of my life. When I first got it I tried not to hate it- not used to the “tall” dirt bike type set up with 18/21 wheels etc. Getting used to it now and really liking it and getting it out more and more on dirt roads and building my confidence.
My biggest gripe is definitely the seat or torture device to be more accurate- bike manufacturers everywhere I ask “ Why, why, why!!
The fuel figure you gave is way off, as is the fuel gauge. It doesn’t take long to get down to just 2 bars which is a bit disconcerting so I filled her up full and took a spare fuel bottle in my back pack and headed out to see just how far it would go on a tank (7.5 litres)- it just kept going! Mixed riding- hard, easy, hills, flat, it finally ran out at 280 klms !!!!! The low level fuel warning flashed for 110 klms!!!!
Also, I have to mention that I got a slighter less tall bike not because of my height- I’m 187 cm( nearly 6’2”) but because I just turned 69 and it’s a bit easier to get my leg over, especially with a bit of camping gear on the back! The light weight is also a huge plus. As you said the world needs more of these types of bikes.
Cheers from Oz, keep up the great vids.
Absolutely follow your logic on this vid. Retired dirt track/flat track racer ....Bought a 22 KLX230s 8 months ago for trails and short trips around town. Even raced it in a hare scrambles race. Then 3 weeks ago bought a 23 KLR650b for more touring, service/fire hard roads n such. Planning overnight adventures now
awesome!
Always such great reviews! Really down to earth and with lots of practical and useful perspectives and opinions! Keep up the good work. 👍
Been watching your reviews for a while but just realized I hadn't subscribed. You earned my sub on this because I started riding about 15 years ago on a similar bike to this and your honesty is apparent here. These smaller displacement dual purpose bikes are very capable for most people and for commuting 5-10 miles one way they are great. They are also fun to take out all day on the weekend in fire roads like you showed here. Thanks for your great reviews!
This is possibly the best video ever made reviewing a bike. Thank you!
Thanks so much for doing this review. I've been considering buying this bike but there is so little information on this bike. Yours is the first review I've seen on this model. Really appreciate you doing this. Keep up the great work!
Im a year behind obviously, but, I bought this bike for my wife as her 1st bike. She's 5'2" 110. She wanted to start going on adventure rides with me and my buddy.
This was just about the only bike i could find small enough for her to feel comfortable on, and be able to do highway and off-road. Its an awesome little bike, she loves it and is beyond comfortable on it, other than the seat on long pavement rides. The only complaints I have are the suspension and the lack of a tach. Im 220lbs, ive tries to ride it in the dirt and I bottom out the forks with relative ease. The tach would be nice for here to have a better understanding of gear vs speed shes in.
Highly recommend the bike, awesome littl guy to have in the stable
Indonesian here. KLX230 was originally designed here, and ironically is the less hardcore option to the smaller, more dirt-focused KLX150, while also being cheaper than KLX250/300. KLX230 will be definitely awkward, especially for Americans, due to the demanding highway minimum speed.
But it works perfectly here.
thanks for sharing
The minimum highway speed in most places in the United States is 45 miles per hour.
Bigger problems would be the wind blowing you all over the road and engine vibration.
Thanks for all the great videos! My wife and I are have been looking to purchase 2 enduros for some simple moto-capming and from your videos we've landed on a KLX300 for me, and the KLX230 for her. Your videos have been incredible to learn from and honestly just want to watch. Your engaging content and attention to details doesn't go un-noticed. Thanks again!
Really glad you reviewed this bike! I sometimes feel like I am in the forgotten segment of motorcycle rider being that I'm only 5'6"
Im 5'8 and this bike is perfect for a shorter rider. The 230R was a touch tall for me
My wife and I have our 33rd anniversary this month. (YES, I remembered dear!,) and I genuinely love the little moment when your own lovely anticipates the possibility of simply hugging you as a “pillion.” That’s a beautiful and candid moment! We are fortunate!
Very nice review! Glad to see it isn’t just me that likes the simplicity of a smaller single dual sport for every use you can throw at it.
This was my first ever motorcycle...I bought it new last May (2022) I can say without a doubt that it's been the best bike choice for me. It's light and nimble and definitely not as intimidating as a KLR or bigger dual sport or adv bike. Highly recommend the KLX230S 💚
I just bought one today, no clue how to use a clutch or even drive a bike, already scrapped my legs up with it lol. But likewise it's also my first bike ever!
Hi Ian,
Ya nailed it… I have a 2022 KLX 230, standard height, standing here next to my 1250GSA.
I had the Dunlop 606 knobbies mounted on the 230 right from the dealership and installed a very simple bar riser. The KLX is an absolute blast! The summer previously I owned a 300KLX. Similar platforms, 230 is just simpler.
On the road both motos work very well riding in 5th gear, it’s easier to hold your speed at highway speeds. Thanks for a good positive review.
I'm looking at getting a beginner on/off road bike for my 13 year old son. It's nice to see you pop up as the reviewer. A trusted name.
Decades ago, my first bike was the XT250. It was absolutely fantastic for a first bike that I owned. I wouldn't recommend it for the highway except maybe to go a few exits but aside from that, you could do it all. In the Northeast there wasn't a lot of available off road riding. I was fortunate to be near one of these areas but found on road riding to be just as attractive on side roads. As you say Ian, you can make full use of the horsepower at this size and there is a lot to be said about that. I wish I never sold it. Thanks for the review.
Man, nice I had a XT225 several years ago, a blast to ride, I now have a KLR650 a fun bike to ride but I'm getting old, so now I'm thinking about a XT250 instead !
Great review you did. This is the exact bike combo I have. I’m 5’ 10 1/2”, 145 #. I like this bike better than the tall 300’s for my needs and uses. Just an awesome punchy trail bike, and back road explorer. You are correct, the brakes are fantastic. I can flog this bike and still get 71mpg or better. The KLX 230S is great for speeds below 63mph. The turning radius, ergonomics, foot pegs, transmission gear spacing are all spot on. And the new style LED headlight is excellent.
It’s great to see you so excited about a entry level bike! Great video!
thanks!
Another great bike review. I bought the 230s just over 12 months ago to help me develop my off road riding skills and it was great for that. The bike so very easy to ride and is so confidence inspiring. In fact, my skills and confidence developed so quickly after having bought this bike that I was soon able to switch to my KTM390 Adventure bike and head off to tackle many more off road adventures. The 390 is more comfortable and is able to travel greater distances with ease. I have now sold my 230s but I, like you, would certainly recommend it for developing off road riding skills and confidence. Thanks again for review. PS: Love to see the snow capped mountains in the background, you live in an awesome location.
Perfectly timed, i have been eyeing a 230s for a couple of weeks now.
Thanks for the review, and thanks Maggie! That was a sweet and candid interaction, with relevant insights. Informative as usual, although I would also have loved to see her as the pilot, to see if that could be a bike suitable for my wife as well.
I always enjoy your reviews. Maggie made me laugh at “ it’s like sitting on a stick”. Great stuff Ian!
Thanks for the review Ian. This looks like such a fun little bike!
You really do the best reviews. They are super thorough and I love that you include a discussion of maintenance.
Thank you!
I tested one a couple of weeks ago and I agree with this review: Great little bike, especially for chill trail rides and commuting, It's a fun bike to ride fast!
Very thorough review ! Subscribed !
There’s A LOT to like about these new dual sport bikes today and this KLX230S is a fine example.
I wish I had these choices when I was a young rider being introduced to riding . We had to learn on old school dirt bikes and typically they were two strokes , big and heavy , cumbersome and hard to handle , ergonomics weren’t even comparable to todays bikes , but we muscled through the growing pains and learning curves and still had fun .
I just sold my XT250 ( regretfully) and I’m going to get a Honda CRF300LS … but that Yamaha XT250 was a fantastic bike for any rider of any age or experience, so much fun to ride .
I am still thinking about the Kawasaki KLX300, but the seat height is my concern , so Honda just came out with the new CRF300LS ( shorter seat than the CRF300L) so I put a deposit on one … waiting for shipment.
Love the little KLX bikes. I built my wife a dual sport out of a KLX140. It’s now a KLX170 with a KX100 suspension. She’s only 4’10” so we had to start small. Used a Tusk light kit and put dual sport tires on it. If it had a six speed I swear I would commute to work on it. LOL Oh and yeah it’s plated so it would be “legal”. :-) Great review.
Thank you for doing different reviews like this. As you said, you ride some of the higher end bikes and that is mostly the content viewers find (ktm ect). I have a KLX 300. I can't imagine recommending this bike to anyone over the 300 except someone who is REALLY short (like 5 ft) or maybe a farm bike or learner bike if you found a great USED deal in a few years from now.
It’s a month since I bought one of these (the regular KLX230,actually) and it has far exceeded my expectations. Really great fun, very affordable, as does everything so easily. Kawasaki has a winner here.
Another great real world review, thanks! Appreciate you pull no punches and give candid impressions.
my pleasure!
@@BigRockMoto you’re to motorcycles what “Alex on Autos” is the automobile industry.
Great review. I'm a big guy and my first bike was a 2018 KLR 650, which was too tall and big for me when I was a new rider. Years later it fits me very well. I think the KLX230 is a perfect bike for a beginner and I purchased one for my son who is ~6 feet and it has been a great first bike. My wife, also a relatively short new rider, didn't feel comfortable on anything larger than a z125 and so we built her an adventure version of that bike. I'm thinking that the 's' model would have been a perfect bike for her had it been available at that time and may be a bike she considers moving to when/if she outgrows the z125. The ABS on/off for the rear is a really nice improvement and I'm hoping this make it to the KLR.
When I was in my teens I had a 1971 Honda CL175 which supposedly made 20 HP also. At that time I didn't have a full appreciation for what a good engine that little parallel twin was. Hearing that the kaw you're teating makes 20 hp puts it in perspective. That looks like a fun little bike. Nice review.
Been waiting for this review since you announced it!
I’m coming off riding Harleys, and victorys and getting into dirt bike riding when I was looking for a dual sport, with a low seat height I couldn’t find any lol either a xt250 or Klx230s I went with a used Klx230s it was 3000 cheaper then the Yamaha, and for being a beginner dirt bike I figured get the cheaper one In case I kill it lol, but I’m impressed with it so far feels under powered, but so far it hasn’t let me down climbing a hill, fun little dirt bike, glad I got one. Wish I would have found this channel sooner tho, really great information and is really helping learn more about the dual sport bikes out there! Thank you
I love this video, thanks for your hard work man
Knocked it out of the park again! Thanks for another great review. 🙂
I just bought the bike today. Thank you for this. Very helpful
Very happy with my purchase, great bike !!! 😊
Thanks for the Yamaha TW 200 mention! 13 h.p. of fun!
Great review. Will be looking at getting a KLX 300 and have some fun!
I picked up a used standard version for $3000 as my first bike. It was a great deal that came with a bunch of mods. I've been wanting to get into ADV for a long time but the cost of entry was just to high. A small used Japanese Duel Sport has provided me access to this sport that I would have otherwise not had.
Thank you Ian. I really like people doing entry level bikes..I hope you do the Kave soon.
I never thought I'd see my bike on your channel, this is cool
Great review, loved the drop test!
It was my first bike. Your review say’s if all. Great bike that will take almost anything you throw at it. Super fun!
Just purchased a 2020 w/abs. Not switchable that year. Love the bike. Thanks for the review!
lol the pillion review is priceless. thank you for including your wife in your videos, i always appreciate hearing insights from other ladies. i wouldn't mind seeing her put a leg over as the rider too, just for scale if anything. i'm telling you, it can be tough for a shorter rider out there (esp new rider!) - bike size is super important!
i say this, as a lady, that just walked away from a brand new 300L. waited 9 months for the bike to arrive, went in and put a leg over it and just instantly thought - no. moved my preorder to the new 300LS, but honestly i think the bike is going to feel too big (wide) for me still... what you really can't tell from watching these review videos with ~6ft tall guys is a lot of these bikes are really pretty massive!
which is where the klx230s came in. this bike was literally the glass slipper i was looking for in the dual sport market (as a 5'6" 125lb dirt lovin lady!). the yamaha xt250 felt similarly good, had the right seat height, but also the right width and weight. the bike just felt manageable! the dealer i went to for the 300L also had the klx230s abs, but i couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger at the time (it's still on my mind though, for the reasons you laid out today!). the specs are all there for the 230s, the bike just didn't really inspire me stylistically i suppose.. that's a thing right?
in retrospect, i think the 230s is a fantastic bike and i know would have been super happy to ride it home! it's got a proven pedigree, and some of the best modern features of ANY dual sport bike - PERIOD. all that said, the tw200 just has this draw for me... an inescapable gravity is the allure to the bike. i'm not sure i can resist 🤩 to be continued... lol!
also a new rider, could you please explain why i care about a wet clutch? thank you!
Thanks for sharing. I bought a klx230s no abs. To start riding again at 70. My inseam at 30" makes it hard for ME to get on an off. But getting better as I ride. Stepping on the left peg to get on I feel at my weight (300) I'll pull the bike over. I need to try. But once I'm on I am in heaven. Wondering if I can lower it more. It's the tail that's to high.. Riding again yeah. I'll keep this bike. But hope to upgrade one day. The only thing was the factory seat. 5miles down the road nothing but pain in the a-s. Put on a Seat Concepts. Now get 50miles before I need to get off. Thinking of putting more padding. Thanks enjoyed the review 😊.
Another great video! Might need one of these in the stall for tooling around.
Thanks for the review…we’ve been looking at smaller dual sport bikes
Great, forthright review. Thank you.
Very nice comprehensive review of a great bike! As someone who has owned a Yamaha XT250 since 2008, this looks to be a very comparable bike as seat height is exactly the same and power and top speed look very similar.
Where the Kawi has advantages are the 6 speed gearbox, fuel indicator, ABS brakes, and newer chassis. The Yamaha advantages are larger tank, higher ground clearance, more suspension travel and perhaps a little more seat for the passenger. If I were choosing between these two today it would be a really tough call that most likely is decided by a test ride.
As always, best reviews on RUclips. Bravo man!
Wow, thanks!
I bought a 2022 klx230 for my 17 year old son because he was new to bikes. It was a great starter bike but his skills out grew this bike in less than 2 months. I regret not getting a bigger bike from the start.
Now why can't Kawasaki put that same 6 speed transmission on the KLR?
Another outstanding review! I love your channel and all your work. Thank you!
Much appreciated!
In the 90s I had the XLR 250 and riding off road it was easier than my xt 550 Yamaha that I had after, I think because you could change gears first second and third, when with the xt you could use only the first gear on the stones gravel etc etc. The problem for the XLR was on the highway (110 to 115). I tried to go off road with my vstrom 1000 and on rocks it was almost impossible (of course). So for the islands (I'm Greek) I would prefer a small off road.
Thank you, Ian, I was definitely looking at this bike back in April of this year and was thinking about getting it but I was not sure about it now I am sure I like to get one for the fun factor of it too, the last motorcycle I had was back in the 70’s when I was a teenager then to, it was a 2 stroke then 125 Suzuki.
Loved you and your wife's commentary 😆. "you can grab my love handles". 😂🤘. Love the content brother
Awesome review and you have a new follower. Thank you.
I had a chance to test ride this bike a couple of days ago and came away VERY VERY impressed. I really liked it! It’s got quite a bit of torque for its size, front wheel comes up easily without the clutch in first gear, it’s light, very maneuverable, and affordable! Just set up the front and back springs for your weight and you’re good to go! Honestly, I like it better than the KLX 300 because it’s lighter and very comparable in torque. 2 thumbs up!
Now let’s see a comparison with the Honda CFR250f
Valve adjustments are a lot easier on the 230 as well. The 300 you have to pull the cams and do the shims which will take many times as long.
Thanks for yet another excellent review Ian. These light and low dual sport bikes are just great fun to ride! This KLX230 really reminds me of my 2006 model KL250 Super Sherpa. More or less same weight and seat height, but the Sherpa has more power and suspension travel. Progress? Guess emission regulations killed off the Sherpa, and no ABS. We are really lucky here in New Zealand in that thousands of these bikes were sold to farmers as the Kawasaki Stockman, so they are common and parts are readily available. Even though I have much larger bikes, I still love riding the little Sherpa, especially when the road deteriorates into technical single track.
That 250 Sherpa or KLX/R250 from that era, was just better than anything else in that class!
Nice review, Ian! I'm getting one soon, can't wait to whip it around. Will be night and day compared to my KTM 790R in the dirt.
Rode this in my MSF class. Bike was great other than the painful seat. I'm 6'2" and never felt like I was cramped. It was a blast to ride and prepared me for my CRF 300L.
Thanks mate very informative and a good look at how the bike could be used by anyone looking for a smaller lighter bike you may have convinced me to add one to the shed ,fit a bash plate and some small bags and get out on the local gravel roads Thank you
Excellent review. You never disappoint. Just bought this bike to get into off road riding (NJ Pine Barrens) and being of smaller stature, it’s a unicorn. Its a nice compliment to my Moto Guzzi V7
Hello from new Zealand just brought one down here in new Zealand as a farm bike kawasaki call it the stockman think it will be great 👍🏻
Great review 👏
Cheers
Thanks for the passenger info I wish all reviews would do this
The passenger segment made me lol! Great job Maggie.
Nice bike! Thanks for sharing.
Man, this thing seems like it will suit my wife to a T. It's so hard to find anything off-roady for a shorter person. Good review Ian, thanks again.
This was fun to watch. Anne France Dautheville comes to mind. Cheers:)
I just bought this bike for stated reasons, I started to try to learn on a Moto Guzzi V85 and had to concede as it was just too heavy. Fast forward I just attended my first ADV course on the KLX 230 and I had a blast.
I’ve seen air cooled engines equipped with temperature gauges. The sensor is usually mounted to the head. But your right, you will most likely never need that on this bike.
I have a 300 Rally, and you didn’t pi$$ me off. After all the upgrades that I have made to the Rally, the 230 couldn’t even be compared, even if it were fully modified. But I do like your reviews on these smaller lightweight bikes a lot, more than I do the bigger ones. You laugh more, and seem to have more fun.
Kawasaki should be pleased. This was a great endorsement of this little 230S. Nice!
I have a 2020 standard height KLX230. The ecu has a 75mph speed limiter. Its not the engine rev limit as it does it in 5th and 6th. The speedometer is about 4mph fast. At sea level 55 to 62 mph actual speed is where it cruises the best.
Thank you for the video on this bike I've been considering getting the Honda XR150 because I haven't rhode a bike in years and I'm not a tall person and no spring chicken I have friends tell me that the XR150 I'll just get board and tiered of it with in a week do to riding bikes in the past and lack of power on and off roads this Kawasaki seems to have best of both worlds for what I'm looking for thanks again and enjoyed watching
Great review!
I’m glad you didn’t pass on these kind of bikes, and take the time to review them. Myself I can’t go out and buy a bike that’s as much as a new car!!! Great job 👍👍
Yes! More small and inexpensive bikes! Love it!
Finally you did a review on the KLX230, and you liked it. Awesome! I have the 2019 KLX230ABS, bought here in Sweden, all black plastics with gold decals, and I love mine. I also have an enduro 2022 KTM 350 excf to go on the track, I love both. I commute on my KLX the whole summer.
.. wow, you have some great landscapes there. Is that California?
Just a random thought about pillion getting on and off a bike: if pillion mount from port side, use first the left foot on passenger footpeg, stand on it, swing right leg over the back of the bike to the right side footpeg and sit down. Getting off is this in reverse order.
VERY important to communicate so the driver that already sits on the bike is ready for the possible shift of wheight.
That would make it easier for your wife to assist.
I enjoy your content very much. Thank you. I’m an older rider, haven’t been on a bike in decades but definitely have the itch to explore local cow trails and forest roads. Originally, I was looking at the KLX300, until I saw your review of this bike. Then I saw the Honda CRF300 LS, which has the exact saddle height. Will you be doing a review on this new Honda? Hope so. Keep up the good work!
Great video, thanks. First time rider. I found one on discount at the local bike shop and I just might so a trade in.
Ian, you missed a great opportunity to show us how a short person fits on the bike. Put your wife on the operators seat. Let us see if she can touch the ground. This bike is all about people her size.
That’s a good call.
Totally agree.
noted!
What if your 11st 5'7 short but heavier?
@@steve00alt70 Try the TW200
Great review, thanks for uploading :-)
Liked and subscribed 👍
The color of this video is so great. A grey bike and a grey scene, really nice.
Love the videos!
One thing that would be nice to see, is Maggie as the main rider, to see how it fits a smaller pilot
Thank you for the review. One more thing to mention when comparing this bike with Yamaha XT250 and TW200 is that both of those bikes are still made in Japan; this Kawasaki is not.
I know many people don't care, but some do.
Would like to see this compared to the new CRF300LS when possible. The LS has 1.3” more ground clearance with the same seat height, 60 ish more CC with only about 15 lbs more weight
Great review. Make me wonder what happen since my Honda NX/AX 250 came out 1989. Water cooled, six gears , dual sport. Long service intervals. Still, this Kawa is a nice bike.
I have a 2022 klx 230 I’m 6’2”340 lbs and enjoy this little bike chasing my son on the trails
I just bought one brand new yesterday my first bike I really like it,my only complaint is the seat isn’t the greatest gonna upgrade it but all around pretty happy
This bike ROCKS 🤘🏼