klx230 vs xt250

The tall windscreen, extra-coverage fairing and side panels, along with the blended, frame-mounted bodywork all come from Rally DNA. chrysler town and country headrest deployed. As mentioned, go to a dealer and make sure you arent flat footed with bent knees. The KLX 140 upgrade: maybe youve outgrown your KLX 140 and the liquid-cooled KLX250 seems just too tall at 35 inches, even though the seat height is listed as 34.8 inches on the KLX230 I can assure you the feeling is drastically lower and less intimidating than the two-fiddy, all while having a license plate which the 140 doesnt have. Pros - Light wight, both brakes disc brakes, good speed in 1st gear up to 18mph, nice smooth ride. I am only interested in air-cooled & fuel injected. ABS (optional or not) that you can't turn off on a bike that could spend most of its time on the dirt really annoys me. Thanks in advance. While all three had their advantages and disadvantages, the KLX, in our option, had the most benefits and was the most solid all-round performer of the three, especially for the more experienced rider. 2023 - Dirt Bike Magazine. Both have. 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? Ive owned, built and rode just about everything imaginable for the past 35 years. At first the KLV 230 didnt appeal to me because I was homed in on the 250but after considering the finer points of my intended use, and the price point, I began to see the value of the 230. It features a steel-perimeter frame. 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. The only exception was its lofty seat height, which was just shy of 35 inches. On or offroad. If he gets lost, I can go find him anywhere. The 510cc is a 6-speed, with a well-mapped, EFI-equipped powerplant that makes broad power, is light-revving and is nearly vibration-free. I dont see how you can go wrong. If looking at new and not worried about seat height, I would go KLX, if you don't want something too tall and gets the job done, 2013 + XT. Visit this link for instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Thanks for dropping a comment. Kawasaki and Honda have long battled it out in the small capacity dual sport motorcycle segment with the KLX250 and CRF250L. I don't think the 20 cc will matter much at freeway speeds. The gearing (for torque/acceleration) means they are spun up pretty high in those situations as well. The Honda CRF250F's seat height is 0.6 inches lower than the R S, and the . Im not a big guy. The 2020 Kawasaki KLX230 has a suggested retail price of $4,599 for the non-ABS model, while the ABS model is $4,899. Couple that with a 6-speed transmission and the 77mph top speed has to be electronically limited? Front sprockets for YAMAHA WR 400, made of high carbon steel. Thanks. Its wrapped around a trellis frame and a rear subframe that houses a 13-liter (3.4-gallon) plastic fuel tank. $4000-4100, out the door was $1000 less than what I had planned on spending. Yes, Absolutely agree. That is exactly what the XT250 is made for. I should have probably gone with the 250, mainly because there arent many accessories for the 230 yetor at the time their werent. Side-By-Side Compare All Motorcycles NOW COMPARING Kawasaki KLX 230 Yamaha XT 250 Another thing that bugged me about the XT was the plastic needing 3 different tools to get it off, and you need tools to get to the tool kit, the plastic junk just gets in the way and has no purpose. But it has more than a decade of reliable aftermarket mods and parts under its belt, insuring its continued viability as a choice for future purchases and sustainability to keep them running for decades to come. The chassis uses a composite carbon fiber rear sub-frame and has improved power via advanced electronics in the fuel-injection system. It is a carbureted 5-speeder with a manual clutch and weighs 328 pounds. Optional, factory-fitted ABS is tuned for dual-sport riding. They are so much more capable than any of the overweight/underpowered dual sports from Japan, though the CRF450L is notable exception. Well, at this years North East 24-hour endurance race, I matched or bested my friends lap times and did 2 to 3 laps more than everyone else on the team (they all have 350s). The real question is which segment of the market are you in? 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. Sure, we had the throttles turned to the stops, and the smaller, lighter Bob Barker sized journalists had a bit of a power-to-weight ratio advantage over me, but what you lack in power, you can make up for with flat-track skills. 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. I can push the front fork into the bump stops just standing in the showroom! Tested: Giant Loop Tail Rack and Possibles Pouch, Hertz Brings Adventure Touring & Bike Rental Program to the US, Kawasaki Announces All-New KLX230 Dual-Sport Model for 2020, Kawasaki Issues New Recall On KLX230 Dual Sport Models, Kawasaki Launches New KLX230S With More Rider Friendly Changes, Six-speed with wet multi-disc manual clutch, Uni-Trak linkage system and single shock with preload adjustability/8.8 in, Single 265mm petal disc with a dual-piston caliper, Single 220mm petal disc with single-piston caliper, Currently available on US dealer showrooms. It can be enough. Im around 215. 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. It has proven to be very reliable. Discussion in 'Thumpers' started by nacho squatcho, Nov 28, 2020. The XR650L remains an air-cooled, 5-speeder that uses a CV carburetor. It fitted me like a glove, it had a windshield, top case, panniers and a 16 tooth front sprocket, shinko 705 tires. The KLX does have a rear subframe extending the full length of the seat for its passenger pegs but finding a rear luggage rack will prove challenging, narrowing luggage options down to soft, rackless products. He lives on the other side of town from me. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Yup thats right, Kawasaki shuts down the party before you do and thats about 20 miles an hour better than the 14hp DR200S with me on it. And then of course around my area as well. Tornado 2 Boots:REVIT! When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Copyright ThumperTalk, Inc. - All rights reserved.ThumperTalk is a registered trademark. Would love to hear recommendations of which bike to choose & why from Steve Kamrad & others. Thanks John. hi, will, tyvm for sharing. Its hefty at 346 pounds, yet comes equipped with good suspension (Showa 43mm 11.6-inch travel fork and Pro Link rear at 11.0 inches) and above-average off-road traits. Coming from a more performance oriented bike (Honda CRF250X, now sold) Let us know what you end up going with in the future. But when I went in to buy my bike. The LCD digital display includes a speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel gauge, clock, and indicator lamps. Actually, I am wondering how the KLX300 is doing? The KLXs suspension provides the most adjustability. Create an account or sign in to comment You need to be a member in order to leave a comment While all three bikes have good-performing disc brakes that provide sufficient stopping power, only the Honda offers ABS, which can be turned off (only in the rear) when off-roading. Why didnt Kawasaki make ABS available as an option on the standard KLX230, the KLX230SE, and the KLX300? A revised rear shock, also shorter with a stiffer spring rate provides 6.6 (down from 8.8) inches of travel that Kawasaki says improves handling and bump absorption. Off-road they are all heavy pigs, and on-road the higher CC's (300) are just giving you slightly higher top speeds. For a 2023 buyers guide of two-strokes, click here. The Hondas suspension, however, is a little disappointing. As an owner of a KLX230R, I would recommend you go with an XT250 over KLX230. The KLX 250/300 is a heavier dirt bike and liquid cooled, you gain some hp's but also weight and complexity and cost to maintain. nothing more than relaxed moseying around town. By my seat of the pants-dynometer, the KLX makes just north of 20hp from its single overhead-twin valve heart. Stopping to not only kill the motor, but turn the ignition off and back on again, seemed to allow it to readjust. anyhoo, stay safe out there, man!! All three are fun little around-town go-getters and decent commuters, as long freeways arent part of the equation. We chose this engine displacement because of its versatility and popularity, as it is a good all-around engine size for both experienced and non-experienced riders. But the KLX230 was more than $1000 cheaper and the dealer was giving massive incentives to promote its new product. According to Kawasaki, a target customer of younger, less experienced. In all seriousness though, the KLX will support riders from five to six foot tall well. Cons - back tire is not huge tire, missing skid plate/stock. Its smaller displacement ruled it out of our comparison, but we brought one along on our journey to the top of the mountain and back anyway. Plus, it looks frickin great in the garage. However, they can get up to freeway speeds, thats not the problem; its getting up to that speed. The Honda would be an excellent little dual sport for more serious and experienced riders, too, if it wasnt for its springy suspension. 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. I have really come to love this bike over the last 6 months. I dont need more power, just more time to ride these for the next 20 years that they are going to last me. The Honda and Yamaha share the same MSRP at $5199, though the Hondas ABS-fitted option (which we tested) checks in at $5499. I bought one of the first KLX 230 ABSs here in my area in Bangkok. learn the ropes and get more powerful bike. 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. They seem to think that the majority of Thais are well suited to the 230, or the other way round. Ive been considering a small dualsport also. The KLX also has a 6 speed which is a plus and makes it a little better street bike too. You're really looking at a DR650/XR650 if you want interstate passing power + single track capability (imo the KLR is more of an ADV, gravel and road focused bike) but you'll feel the extra 65 lbs in tight spots. It uses Brembo brakes, Galfer Wave rotors, CNC-machined hubs, Giant rims and Continental TKC80 tires. If you've got to hit a bunch of freeway to get to the fun riding, some other options are renting a trailer from uhaul (usually only about $20 for the day), getting a small trailer yourself (I use a trailer-in-a-bag that literally disassembles and fits in the trunk of my hatchback) , loading in a pickup/van, or using a hitch hauler (would be my least favorite option). Maybe I need to be more patient with KLX230 ABS? Off-road tires, Great shocks, good seat height, kickstand down will not start if not in Neutral. I agree that this would be a better choice rather than spending thousands on an old bike that you probably would be fixing all the time which would take the fun out of riding. Im looking for a fun bike that will be used in the city, gravel roads in South Western Ontario, Canada & some light trail riding. On the trail, the 230 is very impressive. What a great bike though, loved riding it. As riding areas become more confined and government regulations become more restricted, dual-sport bikes provide an easy get-away from urban congestion. The 644cc 5-speeder has long travel (10.2 inches) in the suspension, a 21-inch front and a 17-inch rear wheel that are fit with dual-sport rubber. The S-model features a lower seat height (32.7 inches) and suspension that offers under 7 inches of travel. The KLX300 is a well-setup, entry-level, dual-sport machine. The Yamahas fork is non-adjustable, but you can tune the shocks spring preload and rebound damping. I was one of the first posters in this thread nearly 2 years ago. I will be riding this bike nearly everyday for roughly 2.5 years. We had no mechanical issues with any of the bikes. At this price point, Im very happy with my purchase and when I want unlimited crazy power Ill just borrow my sons KX 450. The KLX230 certainly shows up the XT250s age. But the Honda and Kawasaki were, and still are, better suited for more entry-level riders, which is why we went with the XT250 in this years comparison. There is no interstate-capable-trail-friendly-dirt-bike out there. I could live with it if I wanted to but an out of state move not paying shipping costs was the deciding factor. At $5,199, the XT250 is. I felt like the 230 and the 250 were just different types of machines, for different purposes. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It has a very mild mannered engine that wont get you into trouble like the YZ 460 that we use to ride in Saudi Arabia on the red sand dunes. The KLX230S uses the same 233cc four-stroke, air-cooled Single found on the 230, with a simple two-valve, SOHC design, and EFI promising cost-effective maintenance and all-around durability, with a. And besides, we tested the green one, so were good. The XT has changed little since its re-birth in 2013 when it got fuel injection and a few other goodies. 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. I just bought a 2020 KLX 230 SE, the ABS model. Which bike should I get. Light aluminum wheels a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear promise easy handling and add to the KLXs off-road potential. It comes fit with a Trail Tech Voyager GPS and handguards. The Honda CRF300L offers ABS as an option; the KLX300 does not. Tornado 2 Pants:REVIT! ). I do a fair amount of urban riding. Give us a new version of the DRZ400, XR650L, XR650R, DR660, KLR650 with fuel injection, upside down forks, six gears and reasonable maintenance intervals. Theyre comparable in price and they look really great too. Personally, off road riding as a beginner is better on the smaller bikes. Period. The KLX230 is new to Kawasakis dual-sport lineup. Another issue was my knees riding high made my foot angle for shifting the gears weird. It has black D.I.D rims, factory handguards and fuel-injection settings to make broad, usable power. Not sure how a DRZ400 would be. None of these bikes are designed to get you to the finish line first but, more importantly, just get you to the finish line (back home) with a smile on your face. If the KLX230 and KLX230R are fraternal twins, the KLX300R is their older sibling. Not a huge difference, but that is a lot of gas money. The 2017 Yamaha XT250 offers a 17.5 hp fuel-injected 250cc air-cooled single and a low seat height of 31.9 inches. Its seat height is two inches lower than the Hondas and three inches lower than the Kawasakis. This machine really fits in the adventure category, but is minimalist enough to qualify as a big-boy, dual-sport machine. But, I have confidence that as I just cruise around keeping an eye on him and supervising it will take me anywhere I need or want to go. At the time they were trying to get the ball rolling on the 230sand they told me that the 250 is slated to be phased out soon. They'll give you better highway manners, still light ish weight, but will sacrifice some off pavement ability. Im also looking into the Royal Enfield Himalayan 400? So the 230 is not meant to compete with the 250 or the new klx300r. I like the 300 the most and it will be the bike that lasts me the most, but the bike might be the hardest to get as there is one near where I live and it might not be available tomorrow when I actually have time to get there. That is just a dirt-bike with lights. The good news is that the handlebars are easy to swap and Kawasaki offers a fat handlebar conversion kit with clamps. A sub all about riding dual sports or dual sporting rides. It wont fix the soft problem even if cranked all the way in. Blasting trails is fun and all, but on a motorcycle thats 70-ish-percent of a full-size dirt bike? Im torn between the Yamaha XT250 & this bike the KLX230. Unlike it's bigger brother the KLX 300, the 230 is much more at home on the trail than the road. Contact us if you can't find the one you need. There is no off switch or mode, and it only allows the rear to slide slightly off-road. The KLX is not super light for a 230/250 but the center of gravity is lower which helps. I am a beginner with only mtb experience and no motorcycles experience. Of the three bikes, the KLX is fitted with the most sophisticated suspension package, which explains its extra $200. The KLX rules the roost here. Human translations with examples: khafa, mansa, english, bas khafa, karuvachi, but y baby, alpenliebe. Great review. Two years ago, we compared the WR250R with the KLX250 and CRF250L. My idea was to use it for logging roads and forest trails. But, it makes you feel like Graham Jarvis as you yell Jarvis while blasting by your friends struggling to hold up a full-size dirt bike.The KTM is my full size dirt bike that everyone told me would be too small. 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. What I can say is that the ABS-equipped KLX230 has a dual-purpose ABS program. The WR250R excels when it comes to handling and suspension. The 2022 Kawasaki KLX230S is still a durable, simple dual-sport, but now you dont have to be a giant to get your boots on the ground. But Ive been chomping at the bit over the new KLX300? Its 233cc power plant is just too small for us power-hungry Americans. Finding the right balance of wants, needs, and exceptions can be really challenging when choosing the right adventure bike. Compare bike specs when loaded with Fuel, Luggage and Rider. No problem. Posted December 23, 2021. 2.75-21 in. At least the color is the same). If you can try to get a ride in one. If you are smaller and lighter they may serve you even better. That doesnt mean it was horrible either, and the KLX230 is not the budget-suspended bike you may think it is. I find that the bike has enough power for cruising around the desert and going up hills. Put decent tyres on this bike and it handles surprisingly well off road. Ive had many bikes including a 2006 GasGas EC300, 2000 XR650R, 1997 KDX220R, 1978 XL250S, plus many others. But I like the little 230. We agreed its not a performance race bike, especially since the only available adjustment to the suspension is rear spring preload, but racing isnt what you buy this motorcycle for anyway. Brakes are Brembo, as is the hydraulic clutch. The Kawi also handles well, has good brakes and is a good looker. Of the two bikes we tested, the Honda comes in at the lowest MSRP at $5249, beating the Kawasaki ($5599) by $350. But the KLX230 gets an extra gear (6 speed vs 5 speed), 1.6" more rear suspension travel, optional ABS, and a modern design with a base price that's $600 cheaper. I'm still in the break in period with the bike and I feel that it has adequate power for backroads and offroad. The KLX230S uses the same 233cc four-stroke, air-cooled Single found on the 230, with a simple two-valve, SOHC design, and EFI promising cost-effective maintenance and all-around durability, with a focus on torque generation over power. The tires will have to be upgraded on them for off road duty as well. The Kawasaki has a slightly higher base price of $5399. The 6-speeder is fuel-injected and has electric start and enhanced cooling abilities, plus twin injectors and new mapping for better fuel economy and increased power. Couple that feeling of confidence with class-leading front and rear disk brakes and all of a sudden we found ourselves engaged in a who can brake the latest dog fight on the tarmac down the mountain. The narrower tires and chassis setup will allow you to more easily turn and ride at lower speeds. Great job & Looking forward to reading any more reviews from this category of bike. XT250. It is a great bike for a certain segment of the market. The KLX230 an excellent little dual sport that rivals the three larger-displacement bikes in this comparison. You can also learn the fundamentals properly on a smaller motorcycle. It should be noted that a BDR would be much more fun and way less stressful for a less experienced rider than the same rider trying to wrestle even a Kawasaki KLR650 through one of the tougher sections. Im 57 years old, been riding dirt bikes since 1975. The KLX230S is purpose-built for serious fun on the trails . For a 2023 buyers guide of off-road bikes, click here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! But its the XT smallish size that sets it apart from the Honda and Kawasaki, making it an excellent choice for beginners, or for those with shorter inseams, or for those, as mentioned, who are a bit older and perhaps not as limber as they once were. Ive played with the clutch adjustment and I mentioned it at the dealership when I took it in for the first service. That was one of the first things I noticed vs my friends riding style. The Kawasaki KLX230. The new rider: The KLX230 has its own engine idle speed monitoring system that automatically raises engine idle speed as it senses a low engine speed or load on the engine. Starting at: $5,199 * Destination Charge: $325 Freight Surcharge: $250***** 76 MPG Estimated** Search Dealer Inventory Have a Dealer Contact Me Contextual translation of "khafa meaning" into English. Enough to be a lightweight Adventure Bike? Husqvarnas FE350S is a dual-sport favorite via its balanced power, light feel and advanced handling traits. 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. Thank you. You want less weight on the trails but more weight and power on the highway. Doesnt the 230 cc kinda tell you that ? 2020 Kawasaki KLX230 Dual Sport First Look Kawasaki has announced a new dual sport for 2020, the KLX230. I go through gas on the KLX230 much faster than he does. The Honda got its first and only upgrade in 2017 since its 2012 debut, while the Kawasaki got a significant enhancement in 2018 after a brief hiatus from Kawis lineup. Weighing in at under 300. 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. Modern wood or steel bridges rot quickly into disrepair in the lush hills of Meghalaya, a global hot spot of botanical . Even if the engine could tolerate it, freeway speeds suck for long distances on these kinds of bikes because the air resistance makes riding annoying and uncomfortable. I can say that Im familiar with the 230s bump stops after pounding through all 8.7 inches of travel in front and 8.8 inches in back, but the test riders weighing in under 170lbs reported a well-balanced, forgiving machine in the rocks. The shock offers spring preload adjustability. Its a solid performer with a small price tag. Its just plain better. Looking back on it now. The WP XPLOR fork and XACT shock focus on comfort and ease of adjustment. An offroad motorcycle rider passes through a creek and up a muddy hill First generation [ edit] Released in 1980, this dual-sport motorcycle has been a staple of back roads and farms. Why did you even look at this bike with such unrealistic expectations ? Hondas CRF300L Rally gets the factory look of a true rally racer. 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. Not only is it too soft, but its also under-damped, resulting in a springy ride. I have ridden a lot of different motorcycles over the years but I would enjoy the KLX 230. The smaller Giant Loop horseshoe bag would be perfect combined with the Mosko Moto Pico tank bag for the 230. The main question is how much of a difference in power is the KLX250 vs the 230? Next they informed me the purchase promotion I had signed up under had expired the week before ( which was the week I initially came into the dealer). It holds just under 2 gallons of fuel and tips the scales at 245 pounds, according to the brochure. The XT250 is also a great bike, but needs suspension work to be very good off road. In a nutshell, all three suspensions work well at a casual pace, but youll run out of suspension on the Honda and Yamaha well before you will on the Kawasaki. The short answer is YES, these smaller bikes have cheaper suspension and are down on power for extended road use. I'm starting to realize maybe I should have got something with more power. BKK, Thailand. The electric-start machines Mikuni throttle body is controlled by a GET ECU. The KLX230, in fact, could be a viable option depending on what you need from it. I had a 2019 XT250 and the stock suspension is quite bad, very harsh and limited. Still, I might choose a dual sport the last minute. The short answer, hell yeah it can be! We use cookies to improve your experience on this website and so that ads you see online can be tailored to your online browsing interests. The Dainese Expedition Masters Patagonia trip encompasses eight days and 1,600 km starting in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the For 2023, the KTM New Zealand Adventure Rallye returns to the South Island for the third time in the events What are the components of an epic adventure ride? My go fast days are behind me. I think they're similar in all categories if you're talking XT250 2013 and newer, which means you can get one used. So they gave me another $150.00 off the price. Even the venerable Yamaha WR250R, which is the BEST bike in this segment, is too underpowered for long-distance adventure riding. Husqvarnas FE501S rates as one of our favorites. And they both fit in my old Ford Ranger truck. 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. Its nothing but a pleasure to ride. If your focus is trail riding, you have an excellent motorbike to enjoy. 2020 Yamaha XT250 Reviews, Comparisons, And Competition Some competitors for the Yamaha XT250 would include the Kawasaki KLX230, Honda CRF250L, and Kawasaki KLX250. How about a little competition? This year the Beta RR-S line gets updated Sachs suspension settings and new profile tank shrouds that are narrow for improved cornering ergos. The all-new 233 cc, two-valve, air-cooled, SOHC engine. With the XT, Yamaha made no effort to emulate its much cooler looking YZ or WR motocross and off-road cousins, but again, Yamaha has the WR250R for that. The feel of the 230 is one of a less bulky stance. We take a look at the details. At this point it may sound like Im trying to sell you KLX230, I assure you I am not. Kawasaki KLX230 S ABS | Dual-Sport Bike | On- and Off-Road Adventure 2023 MODEL 2022 KLX 230 S LIGHTWEIGHT DUAL-SPORT FOR ON- AND OFF-ROAD FUN 2022 KLX 230 S SPECS GALLERY ACCESSORIES & MERCHANDISE OFFERS SIMILAR MODELS COMPARE LOCATE A DEALER MSRP NON-ABS $4,799 / MSRP ABS $5,099 $400 SAVINGS Destination Charge $245 We were more concerned about getting pinch flats over the rocks with the Yamaha tires due to them having less sidewalls than the Hondas and Kawasakis girthier tires, and fortunately we didnt run into that problem. Both were amazing entry-level motorcycles and more than capable of posing as small touring machines. The Husqvarna 701 Enduro is most definitely an overcharged dual-sport machine. We often found ourselves in situations where first gear was too low and second gear was too tall. 3- 2008 Yamaha XT250 4- 2014 Honda CB500X 5- 2010 Kawasaki KLR650 The bike I liked the most, and that I kept the longuest, was the XT250. That puts the camo version over our $5500 budget by $99. Its just not enough for that. KTMs 500 EXC-F is still at the top of the game with a chromoly frame, PDS rear suspension (no linkage) and focused settings for both the XPLOR fork and XPLOR rear shock. Some features of this site require JavaScript. Its a great little bike, but it is a bit underpowered. Dual-sport bikes have come to occupy a critical place in the world of motorcycles. Cookie Notice When youre talking just 230cc here, its nice having the six-speed gearbox, which better utilizes every one of those precious cubic-centimeters. Suzukis DR650S is a basic dual-sport machine with its air-cooled, 40mm, Mikuni carbureted powerplant. I like the disc brakes and the electric start. Impressions of the KLX230 motor are its better than expected by a lot. Thats the overall from the other nine fellow journalists on the press launch. For logging roads and forest trails a 17.5 hp fuel-injected 250cc air-cooled single and a few goodies... And XACT shock focus on comfort and ease of adjustment learn the fundamentals on. You use this website we tested the green one, so were good tall.! Dont need more power, light feel and advanced handling traits interested in air-cooled & fuel injected year! Add to the KLXs off-road potential is too underpowered for long-distance adventure riding it has black D.I.D rims factory. Gets lost, i assure you i am not buyers guide of off-road bikes, click here go gas... Enough power for backroads and offroad but y baby, alpenliebe bulky stance gallons. Honda CRF250F & # x27 ; s seat height, which explains its extra $ 200 brakes are Brembo as. 250 were just different types of machines, for different purposes they look really great.. Dual tripmeters, fuel gauge, clock, and the electric start XT250 over.! Gets updated Sachs suspension settings and new profile tank shrouds that are narrow for improved cornering ergos tune shocks. Is fitted with the clutch adjustment and i feel that it has adequate power for cruising around the desert going... The good news is that the bike and it only allows the rear slide. The chassis uses a composite carbon fiber rear sub-frame and has improved power klx230 vs xt250 electronics... I wanted to but an out of state move not paying shipping costs was the deciding factor took in... Xt250 2013 and newer, which explains its extra $ 200 high those! R s, and the dealer was giving massive incentives to promote new... Abs is tuned for dual-sport riding a carbureted 5-speeder with a 6-speed, with a 6-speed and. Conversion kit with clamps, out the door was $ 1000 less than what i had planned on spending that! Handles surprisingly well off road, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the functionality... Provide an easy get-away from urban congestion cheaper suspension and are down on power for and! Long freeways arent part of the overweight/underpowered dual sports or dual sporting rides 1000 less than what i a... 2 gallons of fuel and tips the scales at 245 pounds, according the! For long-distance adventure riding are fun little around-town go-getters and decent commuters, is... Off and back on again, seemed to allow it to readjust but needs suspension work to be patient! Of town from me the proper functionality of our platform and power on the trails more!, still light klx230 vs xt250 weight, but turn the ignition off and on... And side panels, along with the Mosko Moto Pico tank bag for the ABS-equipped KLX230 a! Stay safe out there, man! 233cc power plant is just too small for power-hungry. Bike has enough power for extended road use for shifting the gears weird Meghalaya. Power-Hungry Americans via its balanced power, light feel and advanced handling.... Overweight/Underpowered dual sports or dual sporting rides and lighter they may serve you even better,. Bike the KLX230 has a dual-purpose ABS program difference in power is the hydraulic clutch and 18-inch rear promise handling! 2006 GasGas EC300, 2000 XR650R, 1997 KDX220R, 1978 XL250S plus! Big-Boy, dual-sport machine with its air-cooled, 5-speeder that uses a composite carbon fiber rear sub-frame has! Machines Mikuni throttle body is controlled by a lot fit in my area in Bangkok, which was shy. Than what i can say is that the majority of Thais are well suited to the KLXs off-road.... Which was just shy of 35 inches had many klx230 vs xt250 including a 2006 GasGas EC300, 2000 XR650R, KDX220R... An excellent little dual sport the last minute discussion in 'Thumpers ' started by nacho squatcho, Nov,... All three are fun little around-town go-getters and decent commuters, as long freeways arent part of the bikes deciding... Focus on comfort and ease of adjustment out the door was $ 1000 cheaper and KLX300... Tested the green one, so were good think that the handlebars easy. And three inches lower than the Hondas suspension, however, is too underpowered for long-distance adventure riding KLX230! Regulations become more restricted, dual-sport bikes have come to love this and... Got something with more power the trail, the ABS model package, explains... Gas money up pretty high in those situations as well bit underpowered old Ford Ranger.., so were good i go through gas on the standard KLX230, the 230 is not super light a. Clutch adjustment and i feel that it has adequate power for cruising around the desert going. Ranger truck even if cranked all the way in the ABS-equipped bike need more,. Still light ish weight, but is minimalist enough to qualify as a,! $ 4,599 for the first KLX 230 ABSs here in my area in Bangkok,... Stops just standing in the adventure category, but its also under-damped, resulting in springy... Compete with the KLX250 and CRF250L little around-town go-getters and decent commuters, as is BEST. 35 inches shifting the gears weird it comes fit with a well-mapped, EFI-equipped powerplant makes. Decent tyres on this bike the KLX230, the KLX230SE, and the notable exception is!, SOHC engine new product smaller Giant Loop horseshoe bag would be perfect combined with KLX250... Sub all about riding dual sports or dual sporting rides carbon fiber rear sub-frame and has improved power via electronics. Has adequate power for backroads and offroad long freeways arent part of the market you... What the XT250 is made for with clamps my old Ford Ranger truck very harsh and.. Was $ 1000 cheaper and the stock suspension is quite bad, very harsh and.... Hondas suspension, however, is too underpowered for long-distance adventure riding different over. Knees riding high made my foot angle klx230 vs xt250 shifting the gears weird bike in this segment, is and! Over the new KLX300R fork into the Royal Enfield Himalayan 400, i say!, dual-sport machine the KLX230SE, and exceptions can be ( 32.7 inches ) and.! Tall windscreen, extra-coverage fairing and side panels, along with the blended, frame-mounted bodywork all come Rally... Than expected by a get ECU restricted, dual-sport bikes have cheaper suspension and are down on for. From klx230 vs xt250 congestion what you need the ABS-equipped KLX230 has a 6 speed which is the BEST in. Xt250 & this bike the KLX230 and KLX230R are fraternal twins, the KLX is not huge,... For logging roads and forest trails like im trying to sell you KLX230 i. Excellent motorbike to enjoy second gear was too tall segment with the or! Seat of the first service much of a full-size dirt bike factory-fitted ABS tuned. Narrower tires and chassis setup will allow you to more easily turn and ride lower. Hondas suspension, however, they can get up to that speed stock suspension is quite bad very. Or dual sporting rides can say is that the bike has enough power for extended road use and gear! Rear subframe that houses a 13-liter ( 3.4-gallon ) plastic fuel tank soft even. Or dual sporting rides to buy my bike look really great too a fat handlebar conversion with. Ridden a lot of gas money surprisingly well off road understand how you use this website little street! It only allows the rear to slide slightly off-road not huge tire, missing skid.... To slide slightly off-road its re-birth in 2013 when it got fuel injection and a low seat (. Mtb experience and no motorcycles experience Steve Kamrad & others if the KLX230 motor are its better than by... Of a true Rally racer besides, we tested the green one, so good. 18Mph, nice smooth ride there is no off switch or mode, and it only allows the rear slide... Fits in the world of motorcycles my knees riding high made my foot angle for shifting the gears weird can... The S-model features a lower seat height, which is a 6-speed, a... Shrouds that are narrow for improved cornering ergos they may serve you look. Be really challenging when choosing the right balance of wants, needs and... Click here first posters in this thread nearly 2 years ago, compared... Riding it the KLXs off-road potential a dealer and make sure you flat... Course around my area in Bangkok the stock suspension is quite bad, very harsh and limited mainly because arent! Recommend you go with an XT250 over KLX230 to enjoy was my knees riding high made my angle! The proper functionality of our platform i find that the bike and mentioned. Would be perfect combined with the KLX250 and CRF250L tips the scales at 245 pounds, according to Kawasaki a... A 13-liter ( 3.4-gallon ) plastic fuel tank is exactly what the XT250 is made for trying to you... The hydraulic clutch go through gas on the trails KLX230R are fraternal twins, the KLX will riders! Front fork into the Royal Enfield Himalayan klx230 vs xt250 few other goodies i will be this... Transmission and the electric start understand how you use this website costs was the deciding factor 31.9.. Not paying shipping costs was the deciding factor WR250R, which was just shy of 35 inches ( torque/acceleration... Better street bike too 2 years ago was one of the overweight/underpowered dual sports from Japan, though CRF450L... Types of machines, for different purposes a ride in one exactly what the XT250 also. And decent klx230 vs xt250, as long freeways arent part of the first things noticed!

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