Published October 24, 2025 by Michael Le Pard , Editor‑in‑Chief
Take fun to the streets in full supermoto style. Evoke the playfulness within with street-focused sporty performance dressed in moto attire. Whether navigating through city traffic or riding laps at your local track, we’re bringing the fun to supermoto with extra attitude and no apologies.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Kawasaki KLX230SM ABS: EMBRASE ADVENTURE.
Introducing the 2026 Kawasaki KLX230SM ABS…
The 2026 Kawasaki KLX230SM ABS was developed utilizing the dual-purpose KLX230 platform and caters specifically to street riding. It features the same 233cc four-stroke air-cooled single-cylinder engine, high-tensile steel perimeter frame, digital instrumentation, and Bluetooth® wireless connection via RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE.
The KLX230SM ABS motorcycle comes with 17” front and rear wheels with road tires, which are wider than those found on the KLX230 to help riders navigate the roads with increased handling precision. A large 300mm semi-floating petal disc front brake with a twin-piston caliper adorns the front wheel of the motorcycle, delivering powerful stopping power and adding to the sleek supermoto look. Like its KLX230 brethren, a 220mm disc with a single-piston caliper oversees slowing the rear. The 37mm inverted forks and New Uni-Trak® rear suspension are equipped with stiffer spring settings compared to the KLX230 model, reducing the amount of travel, and offering greater overall composure while in use.
Aggressive supermoto styling can be found from front to rear on the KLX230SM ABS, beginning with its sporty front fender that is designed to match the 17” front wheel. Since this motorcycle is geared for the streets, the off-road rider footpegs are replaced with standard footpegs with rubber pads, adding to the rider’s overall comfort.
2026 Kawasaki KLX230SM ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- 17-INCH WHEELS
- SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY VIA RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE
GET OUT AND PLAY
The KLX®230 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 KLX®230 S, KLX®230 S ABS, and KLX®230SM 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 KLX230SM ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
SUPERMOTO SWAGGER
Take fun to the streets in full supermoto style. Evoke the playfulness within with street-focused sporty performance dressed in moto attire. Whether navigating through city traffic or riding laps at your local track, we’re bringing the fun to supermoto with extra attitude and no apologies.
2026 Kawasaki KLX230SM ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $5799 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ NA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
POWER
| POWER | |
| Engine | 4-stroke single, SOHC, air-cooled |
| Displacement | 233cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 67.0 x 66.0mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Maximum Horsepower | 17 hp¹ @ 8,000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 13.0 lb-ft @ 6,400 rpm |
| Fuel System | DFI® with 32mm throttle body |
| Ignition | TCBI with Electronic Advance |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Final Drive | Sealed chain |
| Electronic Rider Aids | Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) |
PERFORMANCE
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel | 37mm telescopic fork/7.4 in |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel | Uni-Trak® linkage system and single shock with adjustable spring preload/8.8 in |
| Front Tire | 110/70-17 |
| Rear Tire | 120/70-17 |
| Front Brakes | Single 300mm petal disc with a dual-piston caliper and ABS |
| Rear Brakes | Single 220mm petal disc with single-piston caliper and ABS |
DETAILS
| DETAILS | |
| Frame Type | Perimeter, high-tensile steel |
| Rake/Trail | 24.9°/3.0 in |
| Overall Length | 80.1 in |
| Overall Width | 33.3 in |
| Overall Height | 44.3 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in |
| Seat Height | 33.1 in |
| Estimated Dry Weight | 286.5 lb** 50-State Model; 284.4 lb** 49-State Model |
| Curb Weight | 302.1 lb* 50-State Model; 299.9 lb* 49-State Model |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.0 gal |
| Wheelbase | 53.7 in |
| Special Features | ERGO-FIT®, LCD Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE |
| Color Choices | Neon Green/Ebony |
*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).
**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)
¹This vehicle’s HP was measured according to ISO standard 4106. This ISO standard measures HP differently than the SAE standards by which the horsepower of many cars is measured, and as a result the referenced HP measurement may be higher than if it were measured by an SAE standard.
KAWASAKI CARES: Read Owner’s Manual and all on-product warnings. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and proper apparel. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Adhere to the maintenance schedule in your Owner’s Manual. ©2025 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
Specifications subject to change.
2026 Kawasaki KLX230SM ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
NA
2026 Kawasaki KLX230SM ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
NA
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
