Kawasaki has significantly reduced the price of its KLX230, a lightweight dual-sport motorcycle, making it a more attractive option for off-road enthusiasts and daily riders alike. The bike, which was earlier launched at Rs 3.30 lakh (ex-showroom, India), now comes with a revised price tag of Rs 1.99 lakh. This massive price cut of Rs 1.30 lakh is primarily due to localisation, which has brought down production costs while making the bike more competitive in the Indian market.
Kawasaki KLX230 Quick Summary Table
Feature |
Specification |
|---|---|
Price (Ex-showroom, India) |
Rs 1.99 lakh |
Engine |
233cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder |
Power |
19 hp @ 7,800 rpm |
Torque |
19 Nm @ 6,200 rpm |
Transmission |
6-speed gearbox |
Suspension |
37mm telescopic fork (front), monoshock (rear) |
Brake |
Front & Rear Disc, dual-channel ABS |
Fuel Tank |
7.5 litres |
Features |
Monotone LCD, Bluetooth connectivity |
Off-road Variant |
KLX230R S (Rs 1.94 lakh, not road-legal) |
Official Site |
Price Reduction and Market Positioning
Initially, the Kawasaki KLX230 was positioned alongside the KTM 390 Enduro R, a far more powerful motorcycle. The high price of Rs 3.30 lakh placed it in an awkward segment where comparisons with the KTM 390 Enduro R often appeared unfavourable. The new price of Rs 1.99 lakh brings the KLX230 closer to its primary rival, the Hero Xpulse 210, which is priced between Rs 1.76 lakh and Rs 1.86 lakh. This move is strategic, as it makes the KLX230 a more viable choice for enthusiasts looking for an affordable, reliable, and capable dual-sport motorcycle.
Localisation and Mechanical Changes
The localisation process has not only reduced costs but also led to some mechanical changes in the KLX230. These include adjustments to suspension travel and brake specifications to better suit Indian riding conditions.
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Suspension Travel: The front suspension travel has been reduced by 20mm, and the rear by 27mm.
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Braking System: Both ends now feature larger disc brakes for improved stopping power.
Despite these changes, the bike retains its core character, offering a balanced mix of on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Engine and Performance
The Kawasaki KLX230 is powered by a simple yet reliable 233cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This engine produces 19 horsepower at 7,800rpm and 19Nm of torque at 6,200rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. While it may not be as powerful as the KTM 390 Enduro R, the engine provides sufficient performance for trail riding, city commutes, and occasional highway use.
Suspension and Handling
Suspension duties are handled by a 37mm telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear. The reduction in suspension travel improves stability during everyday riding while still maintaining off-road capability. The bike’s relatively lightweight chassis, combined with well-tuned suspension, makes it easy to handle on both paved roads and unpaved trails.
Fuel Capacity and Features
The KLX230 comes equipped with a 7.5-litre fuel tank, providing adequate range for short trail rides and city commuting. In terms of features, the bike keeps things minimalistic but functional:
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Monotone LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity
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Dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety
These features ensure that the bike remains focused on practicality and reliability rather than excessive electronics.
KLX230R S: Off-Road Focused Variant
For riders seeking an even more off-road-oriented machine, Kawasaki offers the KLX230R S variant at Rs 1.94 lakh. Unlike the standard model, this variant is not road-legal and omits features such as the headlamp and instrument cluster. However, it compensates with lighter weight and uncompromising off-road specifications, making it an ideal companion for trail enthusiasts and professional riders.
Competitive Landscape
With the revised pricing, the Kawasaki KLX230 now competes directly with motorcycles like the Hero Xpulse 210. By reducing its price, Kawasaki has not only made the KLX230 more accessible but also improved its competitiveness against rivals in the sub-2 lakh price segment. The localization strategy also highlights Kawasaki’s commitment to adapting to the Indian market, which values affordability without compromising quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the new price of the Kawasaki KLX230?
A. The ex-showroom price is now Rs 1.99 lakh in India.
Q2. What are the key changes in the localised KLX230?
A. The bike has reduced suspension travel (front: -20mm, rear: -27mm) and larger disc brakes at both ends.
Q3. How much power does the KLX230 produce?
A. It produces 19 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 19 Nm torque at 6,200 rpm.
Q4. Is the KLX230 suitable for off-road riding?
A. Yes, it is designed as a dual-sport motorcycle. The KLX230R S variant is even more off-road-focused.
Q5. How does the KLX230 compare to the Hero Xpulse 210?
A. With the revised price, it now competes closely with the Hero Xpulse 210 while offering better suspension and braking features.
Q6. Is the KLX230R S road-legal?
A. No, the KLX230R S is strictly an off-road variant and is not road-legal
Conclusion
The Kawasaki KLX230 is now more affordable and better suited to Indian riding conditions, thanks to localisation and thoughtful mechanical tweaks. With its new price of Rs 1.99 lakh, it becomes an attractive alternative to both entry-level and mid-range dual-sport motorcycles. Whether for city commuting, weekend trail riding, or light off-roading, the KLX230 now offers an excellent balance of performance, reliability, and value.
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