The KLX230 and its counterpart, the KLX230 S, see a handful of updates for the 2023 model year. (Kawasaki/)

Kawasaki has pulled the wraps off of its 2023 dual sports, the KLX230 and KLX230 S. The main changes on these new models are revised engine tuning, LED lighting, and updated styling. Riders of the 2023 KLX230 S ABS now have the capability of disabling rear ABS as well.

Full-size 21- and 18-inch tires are ready to kick up dust and take on obstacles. (Kawasaki/)

The 233cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine’s revised ECU lowers fast-idle speed, which in turn reduces engine noise during warmup. The ECU changes also boost performance at high altitudes and improves throttle response when the mercury drops. In other words, bring on those cold mountain rides. The engine is still fuel injected, with a 32mm throttle body, and is mated to a six-speed transmission and chain final drive.

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Kawasaki says that the generator’s capacity has been optimized to suit a new LED headlight. This new headlight is shorter, front to back, than the outgoing lighting equipment and now sits above a reshaped front fender. From the cockpit riders will still be reading the bike’s vitals from an LCD display.

In order to accommodate a range of inseams, the S has lowered suspension which in turn lowers the seat height. (Kawasaki/)

The KLX230 S is the more approachable KLX thanks to its shorter dimensions. The base model’s seat height is 34.8 inches whereas the S is brought down to 32.7. This reduction is possible because of the shorter suspension travel; the 37mm telescopic fork goes from 8.7 inches of travel (on the base model) to 6.2 inches of travel (on the S model) and the preload-adjustable Uni-Trak shock goes from 8.8 inches to 6.6, respectively.

Kawasaki gives the KLX a new front profile with an LED headlight and reshaped front fender. (Kawasaki/)

The KLX230 and KLX S have the same braking components, namely a 240mm petal disc up front and 220mm disc at the rear. The S model also has an ABS version which is equipped with a larger 265mm front disc and new disable-ABS feature. A switch on the left handlebar deactivates rear ABS for tire slides on the trail. When the bike is turned off and on again, the system resets to full ABS.

Both the KLX230 and KLX230 S are available now for $4,999. The KLX230 S ABS has an MSRP of $5,299.

The base KLX230 only comes in Battle Gray. (Kawasaki/)

Unlike the base model, the S version comes in both Battle Gray and Lime Green. (Kawasaki/)

Want ABS? It’s available on the S model and brings the MSRP up to $5,299. (Kawasaki/)

2023 Kawasaki KLX230/S Technical Specifications And Price

PRICE:	$4,999 (base, S) / $5,299 (S ABS)
ENGINE:	233cc, SOHC, air-cooled single-cylinder; 2 valves/cyl.
BORE x STROKE:	67.0 x 66.0mm
COMPRESSION RATIO:	9.4:1
FUEL DELIVERY:	Fuel injection w/ 32mm throttle body
CLUTCH:	Wet, multiplate
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE:	6-speed/chain
FRAME:	High-tensile steel perimeter
FRONT SUSPENSION:	37mm telescopic fork; 8.7 in. travel (base) / 6.2 in. travel (S, S ABS)
REAR SUSPENSION:	Uni-Trak shock, preload adjustable; 8.8 in. travel (base) / 6.6 in. travel (S, S ABS)
FRONT BRAKE:	2-piston caliper, 240mm petal disc (base, S) / 265mm petal disc w/ ABS (S ABS)
REAR BRAKE:	1-piston caliper, 220mm petal disc (base, S) / 220mm petal disc w/ ABS (S ABS)
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR:	Aluminum; 21 in. / 18 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR:	2.75 x 21 / 4.10 x 18
RAKE/TRAIL:	27.5°/4.6 in.
WHEELBASE:	54.3 in. (base) / 53.5 in. (S, S ABS)
SEAT HEIGHT:	34.8 in. (base) / 32.7 in. (S, S ABS)
FUEL CAPACITY:	2.0 gal.
CLAIMED WET WEIGHT:	291 lb. (base) / 296 lb. (S) / 298 lb. (S ABS)
WARRANTY:	1 year
AVAILABLE:	Now
CONTACT:	kawasaki.com

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com