Published October 24, 2025 by Michael Le Pard , Editor‑in‑Chief
The KLX230 motorcycle lineup has been a trailblazer in the world of both off-road and on-road fun, purpose-built to deliver a rider-friendly experience.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Kawasaki KLX230: THE GREAT BEYOND.
Introducing the 2026 Kawasaki KLX230…
The KLX230 extends the playing field with the thrill of dual-sport performance that’s ready to conquer both on- and off-road. This agile bike features a quick-revving 233cc engine, lightweight chassis, new longer-travel suspension, and ample ground clearance for enhanced capability on the roads or trails. The KLX230 S offers a lower seat height, which allows riders to comfortably reach the ground at stops for increased confidence. Turn wherever you go into the ultimate playground with the bike that delivers a thrilling ride on paved streets, dirt trails, and beyond.
2026 Kawasaki KLX230 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- 233cc fuel-injected air-cooled four-stroke single with Electric Start
- Longer-travel suspension and ample ground clearance
- ABS system with ON/OFF function
- Smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY the App
- KX-inspired styling and ergonomics
- High Seat with two-tone colouring
- Long wheel travel: 240/250 mm (front/rear)
- 880 mm seat height
- Full-size wheels
- Light chassis: 132 kg (125 kg estimated dry weight**)
GET OUT AND PLAY
The KLX230 motorcycle lineup has been a trailblazer in the world of both off-road and on-road fun, purpose-built to deliver a rider-friendly experience. For 2026, the Kawasaki KLX230 S, KLX230 S ABS, and KLX230SM models return stronger than ever and encourage riders to get out and play.
At the heart of the KLX230 S is a 233cc fuel-injected, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine, high-tensile steel perimeter frame, full-size wheels, capable suspension, KX-inspired styling, smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE*, an LED headlight and available both with and without ABS.
The KLX230SM ABS shares many of the same key features found on its KLX230 and KLX230 S counterparts. Unique features that differentiate the KLX230SM ABS from the off-road models include wider 17-inch front and rear wheels, powerful 300mm semi-floating petal disc front brake, stiffer suspension settings, supermoto styling, and footpegs with rubber pads.
2026 Kawasaki KLX230 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
MORE CAPABLE, MORE COMFORTABLE OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE
Even more ready to play
When the road is challenging, the new KLX230 is ready with longer wheel travel, and ample ground clearance. Thicker seat urethane makes both bumpy trails and everyday roads a pleasure to ride, while cancellable front/rear ABS offers the option to cater to rider preference when riding off-road. The great all-around performance of the tried-and-true engine has been augmented for an even more enjoyable and useful dual-purpose machine.
Smooth, Reliable, Durable
The KLX230’s updated 233cc fuel-injected air-cooled single offers even more low- to mid-range torque, pulling strongly and facilitating low-speed control. Fuel injection delivers precise response, also facilitating control. The smooth torque contributes to a rider-friendly engine character and delivers linear acceleration. Further, the simple construction afforded by air-cooling makes it ideal for trail riding.
Large-Diameter 21”/18” Wheels
Large-diameter aluminum wheels, measuring 21” at the front and 18” at the rear, efficiently navigate trails, greatly contributing to trail-riding performance.
Long-travel suspension
Long-travel suspension front and rear greatly contributes to the KLX230’s ability to soak up bumps when attacking the trail. Increased wheel travel, made possible thanks to the revised rear subframe, contributes to even stronger off-road performance when traversing bumpy or uneven terrain.
ABS for Dual-Purpose Use
Kawasaki’s ABS system for dual-purpose use, specially developed for this model, was carefully tuned to enable both on-road and off-road use. Designed to assist riders to stop effectively in a short distance, the KLX230’s ABS offers additional reassurance to riders when riding on a low-friction surface. Riders can now opt to disable the ABS function for both brakes (rear ABS could be disabled on the 2023 models) according to their preference when riding off-road.
COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT, MANOEUVRABLE
Confidence-inspiring for a wide range of riders
Providing a light, manoeuvrable package has been a key consideration since the KLX230 was originally designed. Its simple air-cooled engine and easy handling perimeter frame contribute to a compact package, while the balance between the engine and frame results in performance that can be enjoyed by a wide range of riders.
Compact perimeter frame
Designed from the start for dirt-riding use, the high-tensile steel perimeter frame offers the handling stability needed for confident trail riding. Extensive feedback from Kawasaki test riders helped achieve the highly accommodating balance between engine and frame that enables a wide range of riders to enjoy the KLX230.
Weight Reduction Efforts
A new aluminum swingarm offers a weight savings of 1.2 kg compared to the steel swingarm of the 2023 model. A lighter rear brake master cylinder saves a further 100 g.
KX-inspired ergonomics
Smooth bodywork was designed to have as few protruding parts as possible to facilitate moving around, contributing to excellent ergonomics for both on-and off-road riding. Thanks to the lower rear subframe, the standard model KLX230’s thicker 80 mm seat (+6 mm) offers increased ride comfort, while retaining a similar seat height.
KX-INSPIRED STYLING
Aggressive and Agile
Kawasaki’s new KX450 and KX250 models were the inspiration for the KLX230’s all-new smooth-surface bodywork and black wheel rims, all contributing to an offroad-racing inspired look aligned with Kawasaki’s famous KX race machines. A more compact LED headlight cover lends a sleek, modern look to the front end, while a two-tone seat adds a sophisticated image.
Race-inspired looks
Redesigned fuel tank, shrouds and side covers create a single flowing, integrated surface with few protruding parts, for sharp, cutting-edge KX-like styling. To match, the two-tone seat has a flat profile that matches the overall sleekness, resulting in flowing lines from front to rear for a smooth, sophisticated style.
Black alumite rims
Black alumite rims in keeping with the KX-inspired looks contribute to the machine’s sporty character.
Compact LED Headlight
A compact LED headlight provides excellent illumination at night or in low light conditions. Sharp new front cowl like that of the new KLX300 offers a thin design reminiscent of a full-fledged enduro bike.
2026 Kawasaki KLX230 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ NA USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ 6349 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
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2026 Kawasaki KLX230 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
POWER
| Power | 13 kW {18 PS} / 8,000 rpm |
| Torque | 18 Nm {1.8 kgfm} / 6,400 rpm |
| Engine | 233cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC 2-valve single |
| Bore x Stroke | 67.0 x 66.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel System | Fuel injection: ø32 mm x 1 |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Starting | Electric |
| Lubrication | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Final Drive | Chain |
PERFORMANCE
| Frame | Perimeter, high-tensile steel |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel | ø37 mm telescopic fork / 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel | New Uni Trak with adjustable spring preload / 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| Rake / Trail | 25.2° / 101 mm |
| Steering Angle (L/R) | 45° / 45° |
| Front Tire | 2.75-21 45P |
| Rear Tire | 4.10-18 59P |
| Front Brake | ø265 mm petal disc with dual-piston caliper |
| Rear Brake | ø220 mm petal disc with single-piston caliper |
DETAILS
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2,090 x 845 x 1,170 mm (82.3 x 33.3 x 46.1 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,370 mm (53.9 in) |
| Road Clearance | 265 mm (10.4 in) |
| Seat Height | 880 mm (34.6 in) |
| Curb Weight* | 132 kg (291 lb) |
| Estimated Dry Weight** | 125 kg (275 lb) |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.6 litres |
| Instrumentation | LCD screen with speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, clock, smartphone call and mail notices, Bluetooth indicator, and a range of indicator lamps |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Kawasaki Protection Plus | 12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months |
*Curb weight includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
**Estimated dry weight does not include all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
KAWASAKI CARES: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and proper apparel. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Read Owner’s Manual and all on-product warnings. Professional rider shown on a closed course. 2020 Canadian Kawasaki Motors, Inc.
Specifications subject to change.
2026 Kawasaki KLX230 – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
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Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
