Kawasaki is taking a big step forward in making off-road and dual-sport motorcycles more accessible to riders with shorter seams. Last year they offered a version of the KLX230R off-road bike with a short-travel suspension and a lower saddle. This functionality has been extended to the dual sport world with the 2022 Kawasaki KLX230 S, a full size dual sport motorcycle with a seat height of just 32.7 inches. There is a bit more to the story, so now is the time to dig in.
- Lowering reduces the seat height of the KLX230 by 2.4 inches. The 32.7-inch seat height of the S is the same as that of the KTM 390 Duke street bike. Ground clearance is now relatively tight at 8.3 inches.
- Suspension travel at both ends is shortened. Kawasaki has reduced wheel travel by 2.4 inches at both ends. The result is 6.2 inches of travel for the fork and 6.6 inches for the rear wheel.
- Kawasaki did more than just cut the trip. The standard KLX230 has a very smooth suspension, and shortening the stroke would likely result in too much sag. Kawasaki put stiffer double-stage springs in the fork and a firmer spring for the linkage-assisted shock absorber. Although we would have to wait until we ride the KLX230 S to find out, it seems like a smart move and could improve the bike’s handling on dirt and on the street.
- The KLX230 S’s rake and drag are the same as the taller version, although the wheelbase is shorter. The rake stays at 27.5 degrees and the track at 4.6 inches – those numbers work well on the standard KLX230. The shorter fork travel reduces the wheelbase by 0.8 inches. With a lower chassis and shorter wheelbase, the 2022 Kawasaki KLX230 S should be a nimble machine. Oddly enough, the S version weighs a few pounds more than the standard KLX230, making the ABS edition just a few pounds under 300 pounds with the two-gallon fuel tank topped up.
- The ABS version of the KLX230 S gets a larger front disc. The KLX230 S has a 240mm front disc, while the ABS gets a 265mm disc. The ABS system is designed for dual sport driving, so it should be dirt-friendly.
- The engine remains unchanged. The air-cooled, fuel-injected SOHC two-valve engine is a simple engine that runs. We also like the six-speed transmission.
- The 2022 Kawasaki KLX230 S has an MSRP of $ 4,799. Add $ 300 if you want ABS. If you like the Urban Olive Green / Ebony colorway, you’ll need to get the ABS model. The color Lime Green is available for both versions.
We tested the Kawasaki KLX230
2022 Kawasaki KLX230 S (and KLX230 S ABS) Specifications
MOTOR
- Type: Four-stroke single cylinder
- Displacement: 233cc
- Bore x stroke: 67.0 x 66.0 mm
- Compression ratio: 9.4: 1
- Valve system: SOHC; 2 valves
- Cooling: Air
- Refueling: EFI with 32mm throttle body
- Transmission: 6 speed
- Final drive: Chain
FRAME
- Front suspension; travel: 37 mm non-adjustable fork; 6.2 inch
- Rear suspension; travel: shock absorber adjustable in preload with spring assisted by linkage; 6.6 inch
- Front tire: 2.75 x 21; IRC GP-21F tracks
- Rear tire: 4.10 x 18; IRC GP-22R Trails
- Front brake: 240mm petal disc with 2 piston caliper (ABS: 265mm)
- Rear brake: 220mm petal disc with single piston caliper
- ABS: optional ($ 300)
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 53.5 inches
- Rake: 27.5 degrees
- Trail: 4.6 inches
- Seat height: 32.7 inches
- Ground clearance: 8.3 inches
- Fuel tank capacity: 2.0 gallons
- Curb Weight: 296 lbs (ABS: 298 lbs)
- Color: Lime green; Urban Olive Green / Ebony (ABS only)
2022 Kawasaki KLX230 S Price: $ 4,799 MSRP
2022 Kawasaki KLX230 S ABS Price: $ 5,099 MSRP
Kawaski KLX230 S 2022 photo gallery
