The three-bike lineup of Kawasaki KLX230 dual-sport motorcycles gets refreshed for 2023. Powered by a fuel-injected air-cooled motor, the 2023 Kawasaki KLX230 dual-sport models are designed to be exceptionally novice-friendly motorcycles. We have tested the KLX230, so you can check that out to get a better idea of what these models are all about. Here’s what’s going on in 2023.

- There has been a bit of shuffling of the KLX230 models. The KLX230 SE is gone—it was a Special Edition, after all. This leaves us with the 2023 Kawasaki KLX230, KLX230 S, and KLX230 S ABS. In case you forgot, the “S” models are the lowered versions, which have about two fewer inches of travel at both wheels resulting in a lowering of the seat height and ground clearance by just over two inches.
- The bulbous KLX230 headlight is gone. The new headlight is a LED unit in a more-compact plastic housing. Kawasaki also reduced the generator capacity due to the LED headlight’s lower current demand, sending more of the air-cooled SOHC motor’s power to the rear IRC tire. The front fender has also been restyled to match the new headlight cowl.

- When you start a cold KLX230, you’ll notice a slower fast-idle speed. This keeps noise down first thing in the morning when you don’t want to bother sleeping neighbors.
- The ECU has been revised to improve power at high altitudes.
- The 2023 Kawasaki KLX230 S ABS gets a new ABS arrangement. Rear-wheel ABS can now be disabled for off-road riding.

- If you like Lime Green, the KLX230 S is your only choice. All three KLX230s are available in Battle Gray.
- Although there has been a price increase, both non-ABS 2023 Kawasaki KLX230 dual-sport bikes can be had for less than $5000. ABS runs an additional $300 on the KLX230 S.
2023 Kawasaki KLX230 (KLX230 S and KLX230 S ABS) Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Single-cylinder four-stroke
- Displacement: 233cc
- Bore x stroke: 67.0 x 66.0mm
- Compression ratio: 9.4:1
- Valvetrain: SOHC; 2 valves
- Cooling: Air
- Fueling: EFI w/ 32mm throttle body
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 37mm fork; 8.7 inches (S: 6.2 inches)
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted spring-preload adjustable shock; 8.8 inches (S: 6.6 inches)
- Front tire: 2.75 x 21; IRC Trails GP-21F
- Rear tire: 4.10 x 18; IRC Trails GP-22R
- Front brake: 240mm petal disc w/ twin-piston caliper (S ABS: 265mm)
- Rear brake: 220mm petal disc w/ single-piston caliper
- ABS: Optional ($300)
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 54.3 inches
- Rake: 27.5 degrees
- Trail: 4.6 inches
- Seat height: 34.8 inches (S: 32.7 inches)
- Ground clearance: 10.4 inches (S: 8.3 inches)
- Fuel tank capacity: 2.0 gallons
- Curb weight: 291 pounds (S: 296 pounds; S ABS: 298 pounds)
- Colors: Battle Gray; Lime Green (KLX230 S only)
PRICES
- 2023 Kawasaki KLX230: $4999 MSRP
- 2023 Kawasaki KLX230 S Price: $4999
- 2023 Kawasaki KLX230 S ABS Price: $5299