Kawasaki KLX 230 S likely to launch in India on October 17

October 17, 2024. Kawasaki India will launch its new motorcycle by then. While we don’t yet know what that vehicle will be, we expect it to be a KLX 230 S dual-sport motorcycle. According to reports, some dealers have started accepting unofficial bookings for the upcoming KLX 230 S ahead of the official price announcement. We expect Kawasaki to locally manufacture the dual-sport bike, thus pricing it competitively in India (Rs 2.20-2.70 lakh, ex-showroom).

According to spy shots, the Kawasaki KLX 230 S will be road-legal and feature India-specific elements including a front license plate holder, a sari guard and an integrated pillion armrest. It will be very similar to the international-spec KLX 230 S. The model, sold abroad, features a small LED headlight (with fairing), a flat seat and a large beak, typical of ADVs. Other bits include an upswept exhaust and an on/off function for the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Also read: Kawasaki KLX 230 S spied testing in India soon, seems ready for production

The Kawasaki KLX 230 S has a seat height of 843 mm and a ground clearance of 239 mm. While the US website lists the curb weight at 133kg, the Indian-made, road-legal Kawasaki KLX 230 S is likely to weigh around 140kg, thanks to India-specific essentials. It’s worth noting that these numbers are for the 2024 version listed on the company’s international website.

Kawasaki KLX 230 S: Engine, Hardware

Powering the global-spec Kawasaki KLX 230 S is a 233cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The engine is tuned to produce 19bhp of power and 18Nm of peak torque at 6,400rpm. The model features a steel perimeter frame and is suspended by 37mm strap telescopic front forks (198mm wheel travel) and rear monoshock (221mm wheel travel). The braking setup, on the other hand, consists of a 240mm front petal disc and a 220mm rear petal disc, with ABS (anti-lock braking system). These brake discs are mounted on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels wrapped in block tires.

Kawasaki KLX 230 S: Features

In terms of features, the KLX 230 S comes with a basic LCD with smartphone connectivity. The instrument cluster displays the odometer, trip meter, speedometer, digital clock and fuel gauge. The bike also comes with switchable rear ABS.

Also read: New Kawasaki Versys X-300 likely to launch in India in October; here’s all you need to know

Upon arrival, the Kawasaki KLX 230 S will directly compete with the Hero Xpulse 200 4V (Rs 1.47 lakh to Rs 1.55 lakh, ex-showroom). The latter uses a 200cc four-valve oil-cooled BS-VI engine that produces 19bhp at 8,500rpm and 17.35Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm.