2026 Kawasaki KLX230RS Review

The KLX230R S is built off the same proven platform and offers riders a reduced reach to the ground with a 34.4” seat height, noticeably lower than the 35.6” seat height found on the standard model. Additionally, the front wheel travel has been reduced to 8.7” on the front and 8.8” on the rear, improving confidence in both shorter and beginner riders.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2026 Kawasaki KLX230RS: THE LOW RIDER.

Introducing the 2026 Kawasaki KLX230RS…

The KLX230R S is built off the same proven platform and offers riders a reduced reach to the ground with a 34.4” seat height, noticeably lower than the 35.6” seat height found on the standard model. Additionally, the front wheel travel has been reduced to 8.7” on the front and 8.8” on the rear, improving confidence in both shorter and beginner riders.

The Kawasaki KLX230R and KLX230R S are full-size recreational trail bikes for off-road adventures. They share the same trail-focused updated engine and frame design as well as long travel suspension with ample ground clearance for enhanced off-road capability. The only difference between the two is that the KLX230R S has modified suspension that lowers overall seat height by 1.2 inches from the KLX230R. It’s just another way
Kawasaki helps ensure that there is an affordable, capable, and durable motorcycle in the KLX lineup for every rider in the family to get out and enjoy off-road adventures.

The full-size fun of the KLX230R trail bike means it’s time to Get Out And Play. Take on terrain with nimble handling and plenty of power, while kicking up some serious dirt along the way. Long-travel suspension paired with responsive low-speed control give this bike a sporty feel that stands out among the rest. Finished with styling inspired by the KX lineup, the highly capable, lightweight package of the KLX230R brings a heavy dose of fun to every off-road ride.

2026 Kawasaki KLX230RS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• 233cc FUEL-INJECTED AIR-COOLED 4-STROKE SINGLE ENGINE
• PRIMARY BALANCER FOR SMOOTH ENGINE CHARACTER
• COMPACT PERIMETER FRAME WITH LOW SEAT HEIGHT (35.6-in)
• LARGE-CAPACITY FUEL TANK
• UNI-TRAK REAR SUSPENSION
• Convenient electric start
• Keyed ignition
• KX-inspired styling with smooth-design bodywork
• Thick, wide seat for comfort and support
• Rear shock with stepless preload adjustability
• Full-size wheels
• Ergonomic brake and clutch levers
• Easy-to-read instrumentation featuring low-fuel and FI warning lights
• ADDITIONAL VEHICLE FEATURES: Lower seat height than KLX230R (34.4-in vs. 35.6-in)

GET OUT AND PLAY

The Kawasaki KLX off-road series brings thrill and excitement to both beginners and seasoned riders alike, maintaining their reputation for being easy to handle, exceptionally capable on trails, and requiring minimal maintenance. For 2026, Kawasaki reintroduces its beloved KLX230R, KLX230R S, KLX140R, KLX140R L, KLX140R F, KLX110R, and KLX110R L models, catering to diverse rider sizes and riding preferences.

STEADY POWER
GO PLAY
Trails have met their match with the KLX230R off-road motorcycle. At the core, a 233cc fuel-injected air-cooled single engine is tuned for low- to mid-range power so riders can take on the trails with confidence.

SMOOTH. RELIABLE. DURABLE.
With a primary balancer and strong low- to mid-range torque, this compact and lightweight engine delivers a smooth, easy power character and responsive low-speed control, while the capable 2-valve SOHC design makes it ideal for trail riding.

HASSLE-FREE ADVENTURE
Electric start and fuel injection assist in hassle-free starting regardless of altitude or air temperature, and with California green sticker eligibility, the KLX230R off-road motorcycle brings trail-friendly performance to every ride.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE CHASSIS
TUNED FOR OFF-ROAD TERRAIN
Built from the ground up for dirt fun, the KLX230R off-road motorcycle features a compact perimeter frame, long-travel suspension, front and rear disc brakes, and full-size aluminum wheels designed to dominate the dirt.

PLATFORM WITH PURPOSE
The compact perimeter frame with short wheelbase, steeper rake (caster angle), and lowered subframe offer the responsive handling and nimble control needed for confident trail riding. The lower seat height of 35.6 in on the KLX230R off-road motorcycle, and 34.4 in on the KLX230R S off-road motorcycle, both provide a comfortable reach to the ground and enhanced maneuverability for a wide range of riders.

CONFIDENT TRAIL RIDING
Long-travel suspension features a 37mm front fork and Uni-Trak rear suspension, featuring a shock with stepless adjustable spring preload to soak up bumps while providing rider comfort and control on rugged terrain.

BIG-TIME FUN
Full-size aluminum wheels measuring 21 in at the front and 18 in at the rear feature bead stoppers, allowing lower tire pressures to be used for added traction when navigating trail obstacles.

STRONG BRAKING POWER
KX-style petal disc brakes in the front and rear add even more sure-stopping power, with a twin-piston caliper gripping a 240mm disc in the front and a single piston caliper gripping the 220mm disc in the rear.

OFF-ROAD CONVENIENCE
ALWAYS TRAIL-READY
Be ready for whatever the trails throw your way. The KLX230R off-road motorcycle takes rugged off-road capability and pairs it with convenient features that go the distance, including a keyed ignition, key-operated fuel tank cap, and a large fuel tank.

CONFIDENCE IS KEY
With a keyed ignition and lockable fuel cap, the KLX230R off-road motorcycle features added security and convenient operation to focus more on the trail ahead.

GO FARTHER
A large 2.0-gal fuel capacity means long-range fun on the trails, and when it’s time to refill, a simple, center-mounted instrumentation cluster includes both low-fuel and fault indicator warning lamps to always stay ahead of the curve.

READY WHEN YOU ARE
A spark-arrestor silencer means the KLX230R off-road motorcycle stays friendly on the trails, with a California green sticker model available.

STYLE & COMFORT
BLAZE YOUR OWN TRAIL
Stand out among the rest with smooth-design bodywork inspired by our legendary KX motocross lineup, while optimized ergonomics and a supportive seat bring all-day comfort to a range of riders.

STANDOUT LOOKS
Sleek bodywork features seamless integration of shrouds, both seat and side covers, and black alumite rims that all take inspiration from our championship lineup of KX motorcycles, resulting in easy rider movement and a head-turning sporty look.

FLOW IN CONTROL
An optimized rider triangle means the KLX230R off-road motorcycle is more balanced than ever before. The open handlebar and footpeg positioning both complement the lower seat height and offer a controlled and comfortable riding position for all riders.

OFF-ROAD IN COMFORT
The KLX230R off-road motorcycle features a supportive seat with thick urethane foam and wide sit area, adding comfort where needed most while its flat profile offers easy freedom of movement when navigating obstacles.

2026 Kawasaki KLX230RS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

• Long-stroke engine[1] provides ample low-mid range torque for easy low-speed control and a strong pull at smaller throttle openings.
• Narrow intake port and proportional intake valve size contribute to excellent low-mid range performance for a highly user-friendly power delivery.
• Single-axis primary engine balancer[2] helps to reduce engine vibrations transmitted to the rider for a smooth, comfortable and easy-to-use ride.
• Simple air-cooled SOHC design helps ease maintenance.
• Digital Fuel Injection (DFI)(KP) helps deliver smooth, precise throttle response for increased engine control on the trail. Fuel injection
• 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 to reduce seat height for 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. KLX230R S has slightly modified suspension to lower seat height by one inch to allow more riders to comfortably reach the ground to help boost riding confidence.

CHASSIS
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.
• Tuned exhaust contributes to the engine’s easy-to-use 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
• Narrower intake port and 4mm smaller intake valve (now 33mm) contribute to increased low-mid range performance. Revised ECU settings match the increased low-mid range torque.
• A single-axis primary engine balancer has been added to reduce engine vibrations transmitted to the rider for a smoother, more comfortable and easier-to-use ride.
• Keyed ignition switch, that shares the key with the fuel tank, provides security.

• 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 has threaded adjustable preload for flexibility in setting the suspension to suit rider weight or carrying a passenger.
• Petal disc brakes provide sure stopping power.
• Full-size aluminum wheels, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear, increase trail-riding performance.
• Kawasaki KX styling influences provide an agile, aggressive image.
• Steel fuel tank with locking cap helps make 50-State model eligible for California “Green Sticker” registration.

KX-Inspired Ergonomics
• KX-inspired ergonomics combine aggressive styling with freedom of movement for finding a rider’s ideal position. The seat is thick for comfort but maintains a relatively flat profile, while the fuel tank, shrouds and side covers create a single flowing, integrated surface with few protruding parts.
• Front fender design fits the shroud and side covers’ lines.
• Black rims are consistent with the aggressive KX styling.
• Graphics match the looks of the KX motocross line.

2026 Kawasaki KLX230RS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $4,999 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 25.4°/4.2 (KLX230R)/24.6°/3.9 (KLX230R S) in.
Front Wheel Travel 9.8 (KLX230R)/8.7 (KLX230R S) in.
Rear Wheel Travel 9.8 (KLX230R)/8.8 (KLX230R S) in.
Front Tire Size 80/100-21
Rear Tire Size 100/100-18
Front Suspension 37mm Telescopic Fork
Rear Suspension New Uni-Trak with Adjustable Preload
Wheelbase 54.1 (KLX230R)/53.3 (KLX230R S) in.
Front Brake Type 240mm Petal Disc
Rear Brake Type 220mm Petal Disc
Fuel Tank Capacity 2.0 gal.
Ground Clearance 11.4 (KLX230R)/10.6 (KLX230R S) in.
Seat Height 35.6 (KLX230R)/34.4 (KLX230R S) in.
Dry Weight ❖ 247.0 (49-state)/249.1 (50-state) lb.
Curb Weight= 262.4 (49-state)/264.5 (50-state) lb.
Warranty 6 Month Limited
Kawasaki Protection Plus 12, 24 or 36 months
(Specifications subject to change without notice.)
Ask about Kawasaki’s Team Green amateur rider support program.
(KP) = See Kaw-Pedia section for more details.
* = Changes from previous model year.
❖= 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).
** = Also available as a 50-state model with the last character ending in “L”.

2026 Kawasaki KLX230RS – Totalmotorcycle.com  Canadian Specifications/Technical Details

POWER

PERFORMANCE

DETAILS

2026 Kawasaki KLX230RS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details

TBA

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).