2023 Kawasaki KLX230/S First Look Preview

Kawasaki has pulled the wraps off of its 2023 dual sports, the KLX230 and KLX230 S. The main changes on these new models are revised engine tuning, LED lighting, and updated styling. Riders of the 2023 KLX230 S ABS now have the capability of disabling rear ABS as well.

The 233cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine’s revised ECU lowers fast-idle speed, which in turn reduces engine noise during warmup. The ECU changes also boost performance at high altitudes and improves throttle response when the mercury drops. In other words, bring on those cold mountain rides. The engine is still fuel injected, with a 32mm throttle body, and is mated to a six-speed transmission and chain final drive.

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Kawasaki says that the generator’s capacity has been optimized to suit a new LED headlight. This new headlight is shorter, front to back, than the outgoing lighting equipment and now sits above a reshaped front fender. From the cockpit riders will still be reading the bike’s vitals from an LCD display.

The KLX230 S is the more approachable KLX thanks to its shorter dimensions. The base model’s seat height is 34.8 inches whereas the S is brought down to 32.7. This reduction is possible because of the shorter suspension travel; the 37mm telescopic fork goes from 8.7 inches of travel (on the base model) to 6.2 inches of travel (on the S model) and the preload-adjustable Uni-Trak shock goes from 8.8 inches to 6.6, respectively.

The KLX230 and KLX S have the same braking components, namely a 240mm petal disc up front and 220mm disc at the rear. The S model also has an ABS version which is equipped with a larger 265mm front disc and new disable-ABS feature. A switch on the left handlebar deactivates rear ABS for tire slides on the trail. When the bike is turned off and on again, the system resets to full ABS.

Both the KLX230 and KLX230 S are available now for $4,999. The KLX230 S ABS has an MSRP of $5,299.