This week I’m off to southern Oregon to test a trio of Kawasaki’s new 230-300cc dirtbikes – the KLX230, KLX230R, and the KLX300R. These are more for fun than for racing – Kawi’s slogan for the triumvirate is “get out and play”, which I’m all for at the moment. What do you want to know about them? Let me know in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer you!
Here are the basics for you, in order of price:
KLX230R – MSRP: $4,399. A 223cc trail bike that weighs 258 pounds (CA model) with a stonkin’ seat height of 36.2″. This is presumably a direct competitor to Honda’s CRF230F.
KLX230 – MSRP: $4,399 / $4,899 with ABS
This is probably the one that appeals to me the most, due to the street-legal nature. I just fear it’s going to be a bit too slow, especially considering that Kawi already has the KLX250 and Versys-X 300. But who am I to complain about having too many options?
A dual-sport to take on the Honda CRF250L, this features a 223cc air-cooled single and Kawi’s first-ever use of “dual-purpose ABS.” They haven’t yet explained exactly what this means beyond saying that it’s specifically designed for low-friction surfaces.
KLX300R – MSRP: $5,499
A “recreational trail bike with high level of capability”, this 300R is oddly unique in the marketplace. There are a couple of 300cc two-strokes out there, but in the four-stroke world you’re pretty much just looking at Chinese-built options like the SSR SR300S.
Do any of these call out to you? What would you like to know about them?