The KLX230 DF ABS earth-tone colors were chosen so that it doesn’t stand out when riding in both natural and urban areas. The body panels, engine, frame, swingarm, and other parts were all colored black to keep the look simple, tough, rugged and stealthy.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Kawasaki KLX230 DF ABS: THOUGH, RUGGED AND STEALTHY.
Introducing the 2026 Kawasaki KLX230 DF ABS…
When the terrain gets tough and reliability is non-negotiable, the all-new 2026 Kawasaki KLX230 DF ABS stands ready as the ultimate heavy-duty two-wheeled companion. Built to thrive in demanding environments, this rugged multi-purpose motorcycle combines durability, performance, and all-around usability to meet the needs of riders who require a machine that’s as capable as it is dependable.
The KLX230 DF ABS is built off of the KLX230 platform and comes equipped with many of the same great features found on the KLX230 SHERPA S ABS, including its 233cc fuel-injected air-cooled single engine, compact perimeter frame, aluminum skidplate, disc brakes with optional ABS, handguards and tapered aluminum handlebar, LED headlight, slim shrouds, rugged styling with earth-tone colors, and digital instrumentation with smartphone connectivity. The KLX230 DF ABS also comes equipped with a generous 7.8-inches of front wheel travel and 8.7-inches of rear wheel travel thanks to long travel suspension, and 9.4-inches of ground clearance.
Several exclusive features can also be found on the KLX230 DF ABS, including engine guards that are attached to the bottom of the frame and add peace of mind when riding off-road and help protect the engine from tip-over damage. A rear carrier also comes as standard equipment and boasts a durable tubular steel black finish construction with a silver aluminum center plate. The 10×10-inch rear carrier offers 6.6 lbs. of cargo capacity with four welded bungee hooks for cinching cargo down.
The KLX230 DF ABS earth-tone colors were chosen so that it doesn’t stand out when riding in both natural and urban areas. The body panels, engine, frame, swingarm, and other parts were all colored black to keep the look simple, tough, rugged and stealthy.
Introducing the all-new, rider-friendly, confidence-inspiring KLX230 DF ABS motorcycle. Activate stealth mode and go from pavement to dirt seamlessly. Featuring light handling, rugged chassis, and a tubeless rear tire for on-the-go reliability, the KLX230 DF ABS is ready for any mission.
2026 Kawasaki KLX230 DF ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- 233cc FUEL-INJECTED AIR-COOLED 4-STROKE ENGINE WITH ELECTRIC START
- LIGHTWEIGHT PERIMETER FRAME AND LONG-TRAVEL SUSPENSION
- DISC BRAKES AND ABS SYSTEM WITH SELECTABLE ON/OFF FUNCTION
- SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY VIA RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE
- Rugged dual-sport capability and blacked-out utilitarian trail bike design
- 33.3-in seat height
- Aluminum skid plate and engine guards
- Rear carrier
- 18-in rear wheel with tubeless tire
- Tapered aluminum handlebar and metal-reinforced hand guards
- Stacked dual-LED headlight with guard-bar
- Slim shrouds for a broad view of the ground
RIDER-FRIENDLY POWER
COMMANDING PERFORMANCE
Activate stealth mode on the rider-friendly KLX230 DF ABS dual-sport. Experience smooth, consistent performance both on- and off-road.
RELIABLE FUN
The all-new rider-friendly KLX230 DF ABS motorcycle features a 233cc fuel-injected air-cooled 4-stroke engine. Designed to go seamlessly from pavement to trail, this reliable engine offers versatile performance from low-speed control on the trails to smooth acceleration on the highway.
START THE FUN
Fuel Injection and electric start provide precise engine response and hassle-free starting at the push of a button.
SHIFTING GEARS
The KLX230 DF ABS features a 6-speed transmission for smooth shifting and broad range, delivering optimal performance from highway cruising to tight trail riding.
RUGGED CHASSIS
LET’S GO RIDING
Your comfort doesn’t end when the pavement does. The KLX230 DF ABS dual-sport’s well-balanced, lightweight chassis gives you the confidence to keep riding when the road ends.
HANDLE THIS
The high-tensile steel perimeter frame and short wheelbase offer a well-balanced chassis and light overall weight, resulting in the light, nimble, and composed handling. The durable engine guard and aluminum skid plate help prevent damage to the frame and engine cases while trekking over obstacles. A 33.3-in seat height makes the KLX230 DF ABS approachable and accessible, allowing you to commute city streets and hit the trails with confidence.
POWER THROUGH
The KLX230 DF ABS features ample ground clearance and long-travel suspension with optimized settings that help you power through rugged terrain with comfort and control. Plus, a lightweight aluminum swingarm helps keep the bike light for improved on- or off-road maneuverability.
TAKE A BRAKE
Stop and take in the view with disc brakes that provide proven stopping power on streets and trails alike. The 265mm front disc brake with twin-piston calipers offers strong, confident braking while a 220mm disc and single-piston caliper stop the rear. Standard selectable ABS is carefully tuned for both on- and off-road use. You can opt to disable the ABS function according to preference when riding off-road. Upon starting, ABS is automatically active, while it can be easily disabled with a switch on the left handlebar.
LESS IS MORE
Large diameter 21-in front and 18-in rear spoke wheels with versatile dual-purpose tires allow the journey to continue when the pavement ends. For extra convenience on treks, the tubeless rear tire design enables flat tire repair without having to replace a tube.
HOLD PLEASE
The rear carrier, with durable tubular steel black finish construction, features bungee cord hooks for ease of use, making the KLX230 DF ABS motorcycle an ideal companion for overnight treks.
ERGONOMICS & STYLING
STEALTHY
Stay under the radar while standing out. The KLX230 DF ABS dual-sport has got it all—stealthy good looks and rider comfort, protection, and technology designed for on- and off-road journeys.
BUILT WITH PURPOSE
A lightweight and strong tapered aluminum handlebar highlights the KLX230 DF ABS motorcycle’s comfortable ride position, light handling, and rugged build quality. Keep your hands protected while riding off-road with metal-reinforced hand guards.
LOOKING GOOD
Earth-tone coloring and slim, utilitarian bodywork are complemented by blacked-out features to create an unmistakable, tough, stealthy, and bruting trail-capable, city rebel mystique. Slim, tucked-in shrouds offer a broad view of the ground for added durability and a rugged look.
LIGHT THE WAY
A stacked, dual-LED headlight features high and low beams to light the way, while the guard bar adds to the rugged outdoor gear appearance.
LET’S GET DIGITAL
The KLX230 DF ABS features all-digital, easy-to-read instrumentation with smartphone connectivity powered by RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE*.
*RIDEOLOGY THE APP is not intended for use during vehicle operation. Only use RIDEOLOGY THE APP when the vehicle is not being operated and it is safe to do so.
2026 Kawasaki KLX230 DF ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
• Simple air-cooled. SOHC design helps ease maintenance.
• Long-stroke engine provides ample low-mid range torque for easy low-speed control and a strong pull at smaller throttle openings.
• Digital Fuel Injection (DFI)(KP) helps deliver smooth, precise throttle response for increased engine control on the trail. Fuel injection also provides
stable fuel delivery by automatically adjusting for air temperature and changes in altitude, which contributes to cleaner emissions.
• DFI provides consistent starting whether the engine is hot or cold, and combined with the electric starter button makes firing up the engine easy.
• Narrow intake port and proportional intake valve size plus long exhaust header pipe contribute to excellent low-mid range performance for a highly user-friendly power delivery.
• Tuned exhaust contributes to the engine’s easy-touse performance, and the tapered muffler with oval cross section helps provide a strong off-road image.
• Smooth-shifting six-speed transmission combined with short final gearing complements the engine’s low-mid range power focus to make navigating
tight trails easier.
• High-tensile steel perimeter frame was specifically designed to enhance trail performance for increased rider confidence.
• The frame and engine were designed together. Engine height was minimized to help create an optimal frame line for an ideal rigidity balance and precisely positioned center of gravity.
• The frame was also designed so riders can easily grip it with their legs for increased rider control and feedback. Flush seams between the shrouds, seat and side covers, combined with a relatively flat seat design, also aids rider control and help provide freedom of movement.
• Rear sub-frame design traces a low line, enabling long wheel travel while maintaining excellent reach to the ground for the rider’s feet.
• Short wheelbase contributes easy maneuverability on the trail.
• Fine-tuned suspension contributes to ample ground clearance for increased trail riding performance.
• New Uni-Trak®(KP) rear suspension system provides a supple ride over small bumps without sacrificing stiffness to absorb bigger bumps.
• Gas-pressurized single rear shock is adjustable for preload to help riders set the bike up for their weight.
• Petal disc brakes provide sure stopping power.
• Kawasaki’s Dual Purpose ABS is carefully tuned to assist riders with stopping effectively in a short distance whether on the road or in the dirt.
• ABS intervention timing is later than normal on-road ABS due to decreased traction on the dirt. This helps provide a more natural brake feel in the dirt as the tires may slide slightly before the ABS is activated. On pavement it feels like normal ABS with a less-sensitive setting.
• The rear ABS can be disabled with a switch on the left handlebar for more active off-road handling, such as rear-wheel steering assist by locking the rear brake so the tire slides. When the engine is turned off and restarted the system defaults to full ABS.
• Full-size aluminum wheels, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear, increase trail-riding performance.
• The all-digital instrument panel provides smartphone connectivity to access instrument functions for an enhanced user experience. Display, features include speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, clock and indicator lamps.
• Compact LED headlight in slim, sharp cowl provides excellent illumination for low-light riding.
EXCLUSIVE KLX 230 DF ABS STYLING
• The muted color over blacked-out engine and chassis present a stealthy, tough and rugged appearance.
• Blacked-out skid plate helps protect the frame and engine from trail debris.
• Standard engine guard mounted to the bottom of the frame adds protection from tip-overs.
• Rugged rear carrier holds up to 6.5 pounds of cargo.
2026 Kawasaki KLX230 DF ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $5,799 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ TBA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ TBA (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine Type 4-Stroke, Air-Cooled, SOHC, 2-Valve Single
Displacement 233cc
Bore & Stroke 67.0 x 66.0mm
Compression Ratio 9.4:1
Fuel System DFI® with 32mm throttle body
Ignition TCBI with Electronic Advance
Transmission 6-Speed
Rake/Trail 24.6°/3.8 in.
Front Wheel Travel 7.9 in.
Rear Wheel Travel 8.8 in.
Front Tire Size 2.75-21
Rear Tire Size 4.10-18
Front Suspension 37mm Telescopic Fork
Rear Suspension New Uni-Trak with Adjustable Preload
Wheelbase 53.7 in.
Front Brake Type 265mm Petal Disc
Rear Brake Type 220mm Petal Disc
Fuel Tank Capacity 2.0 gal.
Ground Clearance 9.4 in.
Seat Height 33.3 in.
Dry Weight ❖ 286.5 lb.
Curb Weight= 299.9 lb.
Warranty 12 Months Limited
Kawasaki Protection Plus 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
(Specifications subject to change without notice.) Ask about the Rider‘s of Kawasaki (ROK) and the Good Times™ Credit Plan.
(KP) = See Kaw-Pedia section for more details.
❖= Does not include all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, fuel and tool kit (if supplied).
= = Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
2026 Kawasaki KLX230 DF ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
TBA
2026 Kawasaki KLX230 DF ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
TBA
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
