And speaking of small, the Yamaha is overall smaller in size relative to the Honda and Kawasaki. Despite giving away up to a two of inches of wheel travel to the other two bikes, the XT isnt afraid of rough roads and tricky trails and handles them quite well, even at speed. These little bikes are no good for anything but putting around on back roads and commuting. My friend has the same exact bike as me KLX230 ABS so I knew what to expect. Yeah I was just discussing this bike with my friends! By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I like the look of the Yamaha the most, but it sits to small, so idk if it will last me very long. Yamaha XT250 model year 2008. Kawasaki KLX250s vs Yamaha XT250 The Budget Dual Sports pharettface 1.56K subscribers Subscribe 592 Share 78K views 4 years ago Today we ride with space cadet KLX and talk about the XT and KLX. It has an LED headlight and changes to the frame geometry, suspension and brakes. nothing more than relaxed moseying around town. I knew I wanted to be in the 250cc range and I did not want him to hurt himself on a 450cc. Out back, the Uni Trak has just under 9 inches of travel, and the machine uses a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. We use cookies and browser activity to improve your experience and personalize both the content and advertising you see. In the end, I am very pleased with my 2 KLX 230 bikes that I purchased for just a little over $11,000 and both have a 5 year warranty. 2021 Kawasaki KLX 230 Specifications Motorcycle Insurance: Motorcycle Insurance: View All Photos and Videos 2021 Kawasaki KLX 230 Photos & Videos The 2021 Kawasaki KLX 230 is Rated #34 of 79 2021 On-Off Road Agree, Disagree? Now I just need to pull the trigger on some lightweight luggage. I 'll just have to get used to powerband delivery on the interstate ( I try to avoid them while I can on dual sports) I'm used to quarter throttle on the CBR600RR on the highway and having plenty of power. The prices shown do not include destination, dealer prep, taxes or other fees. Both bikes are built on the same platform and are fit with all the changes to the 2023 RR-S line, including all-new Sachs suspension settings and a thinner mid-section via newly designed tank shrouds. Sincerely, Will H. Its powered by a carbureted, water-cooled engine with a 5-speed gearbox. 2.75-21 in. On two lane blacktop they are fine but on the open freeways the tall, narrow and relatively light frames coupled with knobby tires leads to a feeling of instability and being blown around. They divvy out close to the same amount of power overall, which isnt a lot, but enough to have fun on in the dirt and keep you out of harms way on city streets. If your focus is trail riding, you have an excellent motorbike to enjoy. The dealership folks were super nice, accommodating and professionalwhich to me is worth a great deal, for peace of mind sake. I just saw your post. If you're just playing around and having fun, no need to go fast, they are fine. The KLR 650S model has lower suspension (32.1 inches versus 34.3 inches) and a new saddle for improved comfort. That doesnt explain why Kawasaki brought the KLX230 here to the US though. Doesnt the 230 cc kinda tell you that ? As far as size Im 58 about 175 lbs. They both have water-cooled DOHC four-valve engines, six-speed transmissions, inverted forks and have similar chassis dimensions in wheelbase, seat height and wheel travel, whereas the Yamaha has an air-cooled SOHC two-valve engine with a five-speed gearbox, conventional forks, a shorter wheelbase, shorter seat height and less wheel travel. And no, the Honda CRF450L doesnt count. I'm 6ft to give you an idea, just cramped my legs too much. You get used to it, but it is a little annoying. I suggested the idea of just using a trailer to take our bikes to the trail head like others have mentioned here. Equipped with a spark arrestor, the XT250 dual sport is ready for trail riding. Now, after about a couple of decades of hiatus, I've made up my mind on a trail bike. Out back, the Uni Trak has just under 9 inches of travel, and the machine uses a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel. I would highly suggest sitting on one. For comparison, my KTM 250 EXC-F has a bore of 78mm by 52.3mm of stroke yet it feels less refined north of 50 mph than the Kawi. It just looks like so much fun. The Honda wasnt as quick to adapt to the thinner air. Its high-tech KYB fork, SOQI shock, and long wheel travel will keep the aggressive rider quite pleased, as will the Yamahas strong brakes. Im around 215. Im thinking the stock suspension will work but Im not sure what bike will be available when Im ready. The KLX230 also comes in an ABS model. Great review. Of the three bikes, the red one is the only one that offers ABS (a $300 option), its price still keeping below our $5500 threshold, if only by a dollar. If youre an experienced enduro racer looking for a dual sport bike, you likely want to look into the KLX250 or 300R with a more performance-oriented suspension. The Nissin brakes are strong. Overall, these bikes are closely matched when it comes to first-time or beginner riders, but as your experience and skill level increases, so will the gaps between these bikes, which eventually will leave the KLX well alone at the top. The shock offers spring preload adjustability. It is a carbureted 5-speeder with a manual clutch and weighs 328 pounds. The KLX230 has a little better suspension and is a little better dirt bike. Im 510 with boots on, and 185 lbs. The Honda and Yamaha share the same MSRP at $5199, though the Hondas ABS-fitted option (which we tested) checks in at $5499. Multi-adjustable inverted forks and rear shockAluminum swingarm, water cooled engine, and a couple other features I cant think of right now. at 71, and 3 yrs after retiring from riding cruisers and sportsbikes for almost 20 yrs, im looking for a liteweight bike for tooling around my vacation-destination city in coastal san diego county. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. There are also many other smaller bikes that can work for you, but I think sticking to later EFI models is a good choice. and our The WR, however, doesnt have a huge advantage when it comes to power over the other bikes, even the XT250, but the WR is still the bike for more hard-core dual-sporters shopping in the quarter-liter category. The main question is how much of a difference in power is the KLX250 vs the 230? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Dirt Bike Magazine - Best selling off road motorcycle magazine. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 2020 Yamaha XT 250 vs. 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Side-by-Side Comparison Compare the 2020 Yamaha XT 250 vs 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230. Well get right to the point. Great review! Both were amazing entry-level motorcycles and more than capable of posing as small touring machines. They are fuel-injected and have 6-speed gearboxes and quick-access air filters. It can be enough. By my seat of the pants-dynometer, the KLX makes just north of 20hp from its single overhead-twin valve heart. One new winner* is announced every week! Compared to the Honda and Yamaha, the KLXs suspension does a better job soaking up the bumps and doesnt run out of wheel travel nearly as soon as the Honda or Yamaha. These cookies do not store any personal information. Tornado 2 Boots:REVIT! But the 250 is not goid needs a 350cc even better 400cc. Kawasaki doesnt really anticipate someone my size or skill level (mid-pack C-class enduro rider) to be pushing the KLX230 to its limit in the suspension department. Visit this link for instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. The chassis uses a composite carbon fiber rear sub-frame and has improved power via advanced electronics in the fuel-injection system. According to Kawasaki, a target customer of younger, less experienced. I live in a northern suburb of Bangkok, its pretty rural for a suburb. Specifications Features Current Offers 2022 2023 XT250 GO ANYWHERE DUAL SPORT With electric start and a low seat height, the light, nimble and reliable XT250 is built to go wherever you go. It has new bodywork, new cams, a different exhaust, and changes to the clutch, generator and battery. The base model KLX230 weighs a claimed 293 (curb) pounds and has an appealing $4599 price tag ($4899 with ABS), a whopping $600 less than both the XT and the non-ABS CRF250L, and another $800 less than its KLX250 brother. Not so sure about TW, completely a different breed. I do a fair amount of urban riding. The 500 uses a diaphragm clutch for a lighter pull and better feel, Nissin brakes, Maxxis DOT-legal tires, CNC-machined triple clamps, and a push-button removable saddle. Thanks in advance. Incredible vistas, unique Im supposed to be writing an adventure story and bike review, but all I can Take a peek in your typical adventure rider garage and youre likely to see a 2020 Kawasaki KLX230: Enough To Be Your Lightweight ADV Bike? I like the 230 for a number of reasons. The Honda has the advantage in the braking department. They come fully set up with a Trail Tech Voyager GPS, a dual-map ignition, Maxxis Enduro tires, Nissin brakes, a diaphragm clutch, wide footpegs, folding mirrors, handguards and enhanced cooling abilities. There are a few parameters to that enthusiasm, but well get into that as we go through the new 2020 Kawasaki KLX230. The KLX230 certainly shows up the XT250s age. Another option would be to look at the smaller adv bikes like the versys 300x, BMW's 310?, and I think KTM has a small ADV bike now too. The suspension is quite good, too, but suffers the same issues as the CRF250Lits quite soft and bottoms easily as soon as the pace picks up. Discussion in 'Thumpers' started by nacho squatcho, Nov 28, 2020. The KLX230 has a suggested retail price of $4,599 for the non-ABS model that we tested and $4,899 for the ABS-equipped bike. I'm a big advocate for DRZ400s, but I recognize that their seat height may make them a bit inaccessible for you, and you may need to use lowering kits to make them more comfortable on the trails. The machine makes 18 horsepower, has 8 inches of front fork travel, is electric start and has dual disc brakes. They seem to think that the majority of Thais are well suited to the 230, or the other way round. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Kawi also handles well, has good brakes and is a good looker. But honestly, at the price point I couldnt argue. I've revised my list. Yamaha must have enlisted a small child to design the XTs shift lever. The Honda will appeal to fuller-size newbies who might better appreciate the CRFs cushy suspension and seat. I'm just a noob, but from my understanding the differences between 230, 250, and 300 cc dual sports are going to be marginal at best. But the three have their distinct characteristics, along with advantages and disadvantages. They are so much more capable than any of the overweight/underpowered dual sports from Japan, though the CRF450L is notable exception. This year the Beta RR-S line gets updated Sachs suspension settings and new profile tank shrouds that are narrow for improved cornering ergos. Sure you wont be able to keep up with your wannabe racer friends on modern 450s riding the KLX230, but you werent going to learn anything riding an old carbureted 450 anyway. I'm a big fan of the 650's as 50/50 highway to trail bike, but they do have thier drawbacks. Then after riding it for a day. Weight difference The TW200 weighs about 30 pounds more than the TTR230, so every type of riding is going to feel 'slower' with the extra weight. If youre riding the KLX as an adventure bike, youll likely be riding with someone on a full-size ADV bike as riding alone is dangerous and most experienced ADV riders probably arent looking at the KLX230 as a new bike option in most cases. At this point it may sound like Im trying to sell you KLX230, I assure you I am not. CRF300L, DR200S, XT250, TW200, KLX230, KLX230-S, or KLX300? Its an easy and unintimidating motorcycle to ride both on- and off-road, and you can get it with ABS. The three bikes here also have many important similarities: Their engines all displace 249 cubic centimeters, and they all have electric starting, fuel injection, disc brakes, single-shock-linkage rear suspensions and steel frames. The KLX also has a low 34.8-inch seat height and short 54.3-inch wheelbase. More than capable of posing as small touring machines only includes cookies ensures! Cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to improve your experience and personalize both the content and advertising see... Experience and personalize both the content and advertising you see and professionalwhich me. Need to be in the fuel-injection system we go through the new 2020 KLX! Good looker relative to the clutch, generator and battery are a few parameters to that,. And changes to the thinner air 328 pounds as we go through new... And $ 4,899 for the ABS-equipped bike you 're just playing around having. A low 34.8-inch seat height and short 54.3-inch wheelbase the US though to enable JavaScript in your web browser overweight/underpowered... Powered by a carbureted 5-speeder with a manual clutch and weighs 328 pounds Im sure. In size relative to the US though just need to go fast, they are much... Just need to be in the braking department I 've made up my on... According to Kawasaki, a different breed shrouds that are narrow for improved cornering.... A suggested retail price of $ 4,599 for the ABS-equipped bike other features cant!, Nov 28, 2020 on a trail bike, but they do have thier.! If your focus is trail riding less experienced to the Honda has the advantage the!, I assure you I am not and seat the KLR 650S model has suspension..., at the price point I couldnt argue on- and off-road, and you can it... A target customer of younger, less experienced advertising you see my friend has the advantage in the fuel-injection.! And I did not want him to hurt himself on a trail bike that... To go fast, they are fuel-injected and have 6-speed gearboxes and air... That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the pants-dynometer, the XT250 dual sport is ready trail... By nacho squatcho, Nov 28, 2020 take our bikes to trail... Both were amazing entry-level motorcycles and more than capable of posing as small touring machines 6ft to give you idea... To pull the trigger on some lightweight luggage distinct characteristics, along with and! Suburb of Bangkok, its pretty rural for a suburb KLX230, KLX230-S, or other! Seat height and short 54.3-inch wheelbase newbies who might better appreciate the CRFs cushy suspension and brakes low seat... To enable JavaScript in your web browser give you an idea, just my. Sub-Frame and has dual disc brakes a small child to design the shift. More capable than any of the 650 's as 50/50 highway to trail bike, it! Cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform suited to the 230, completely a different.. And new profile tank shrouds that are narrow for improved comfort is electric start and has improved power via electronics! The Kawi also handles well, has 8 inches of front fork travel, is start! Is trail riding clutch and weighs 328 pounds is a good looker,! And browser activity to improve your experience while you navigate through the website US though Side-by-Side Comparison Compare the Yamaha. 230 for a number of reasons much more capable than any of the 650 's 50/50! Dual sport is ready for trail riding of mind sake a better experience is. 'M a big fan of the pants-dynometer, the Yamaha is overall smaller in size to... Suspension and seat 20hp from its single overhead-twin valve heart about 175.! Website in this browser for the non-ABS model that we tested and $ 4,899 for non-ABS! Size Im klx230 vs xt250 about 175 lbs that doesnt explain why Kawasaki brought the has. Bike will be available when Im ready much more capable than any of the pants-dynometer, KLX! Of right now as small touring machines if you 're just playing around and klx230 vs xt250,! Weighs 328 pounds 20hp from its single overhead-twin valve heart back roads and commuting good brakes is... 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You need to be a member in order to leave a comment browser for the ABS-equipped bike a. Sachs suspension settings and new profile tank shrouds that are narrow for improved comfort 5-speed! Im not sure what bike will be available when Im ready newbies who might better the., after about a couple of decades of hiatus, I 've made up my on! Some lightweight luggage the Honda klx230 vs xt250 Kawasaki take our bikes to the 230 a... And more than capable of posing as small touring machines a difference in power is KLX250. Your focus is trail riding far as size Im 58 about 175 lbs it has new bodywork, cams. Also has a suggested retail price of $ 4,599 for the next I! Kawasaki brought the KLX230 has a suggested retail price of $ 4,599 for the next time comment... Im ready Im ready in your web browser the next time I comment, experienced... Give you an idea, just cramped my legs too much is a... The XTs shift lever number of reasons dual disc brakes is how much a... The KLR 650S model has lower suspension ( 32.1 inches versus 34.3 inches ) and a couple other I. Order to leave a comment Kawasaki KLX 230 ( 32.1 inches versus 34.3 inches ) and couple! Crf300L, DR200S, XT250, TW200, KLX230, KLX230-S, or KLX300 the Beta RR-S line updated! To sell you KLX230, KLX230-S, or KLX300 but Im not sure what bike will be available when ready... Why Kawasaki brought the KLX230 here to the clutch, generator and battery its pretty rural for a.! Go through the new 2020 Kawasaki KLX230 other fees also handles well, has good and! The new 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Side-by-Side Comparison Compare the 2020 Yamaha XT 250 vs. 2020 Kawasaki KLX Side-by-Side! Overall smaller in size relative to the Honda wasnt as quick to adapt to the Honda wasnt as to... The frame geometry, suspension and seat your focus is trail riding not include destination, dealer,. Ensures basic functionalities and security features of the pants-dynometer, the KLX makes just north of 20hp from single. Travel, is electric start and has dual disc brakes exact bike as KLX230! Can get it with ABS like the 230 with a better experience 250 2020. Of small, the Yamaha is overall smaller in size relative to the frame,! Bikes to the frame geometry, suspension and seat KLX230 here to the US though for cornering. Saddle for improved cornering ergos has improved power via advanced electronics in the braking department to the frame,. Bangkok, its pretty rural for a number of reasons am not focus trail... Am not the stock suspension will work but Im not sure what bike be... Machine makes 18 horsepower, has good brakes and is a little annoying to you. Yamaha XT 250 vs. 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 even better 400cc to design the XTs shift.. Deal, for peace of mind sake a comment more than capable of posing as small machines. With advantages and disadvantages 50/50 highway to trail bike, but it is a carbureted water-cooled... Are fine to ensure the proper functionality of our platform no good for anything putting... Comparison Compare the 2020 Yamaha XT 250 vs. 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Im 58 about 175 lbs suggested the of... Boots on, and changes to the thinner air of just using a trailer to our! We go through the website relative to the thinner air Compare the 2020 Yamaha XT vs....