Kawasaki has announced a slew of new and updated models to its 2023 lineup. New models include three additions to the KLX230 family and the new KLR650 S. Updated models include the Ninja 650, the Z650, and the KX450SR.

2023 Kawasaki KLX230

New for 2023 is the dual-purpose KLX230. Designed to be lightweight and easily maneuverable for both trail and street riding, the KLX230 features a 4-stroke 233cc air-cooled engine with electric start and compact steel perimeter frame. The short 54.3-inch wheelbase along with the high 10.4-inch ground clearance adds to the maneuverability of the bike. The KLX230 also features front and rear disc brakes, a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, a front fork with 8.7 inches of travel suspension, and a rear suspension with 8.8 inches of wheel travel. Available for $4,999 in Battle Gray.

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2023 Kawasaki KLX230 S

The 2023 KLX230 S is a more approachable version of the KLX230 and features a lower seat height of 32.7 inches (compared to 34.8 inches on the KLX230). The lower seat height is due to the shorter wheel travel, with 6.2 inches of travel in the front and 6.6 inches of travel in the rear.

ABS is optional, and riders have the ability to turn the ABS function on and off. The non-ABS option is available for $4,999 in Lime Green and Battle Gray while the ABS option is available for $5,299 in Battle Gray.

2023 Kawasaki KLX230SM

The KLX230 family grows with the new KLX230SM supermoto, designed for a more comfortable ride on pavement. Featuring the same 233cc air-cooled engine and electric start as the KLX230 and KLX230 S, the KLX230SM comes with 17-inch front and rear wheels that are wider than the wheels on the KLX230. The 37mm inverted forks add front-end rigidity and give the bike a sportier look.

The compact LED headlight and blacked-out engine, frame, swingarm, handlebars, and rims add to the street-ready appearance. The non-ABS option is available in Lime Green and Oriental Blue for $5,299 while the ABS option is available in Lime Green for $5,599.

2023 Kawasaki KLR650 S

Following the release of the all-new KLR650 last year, Kawasaki adds the KLR650 S to the 2023 lineup. It shares the 652cc single-cylinder engine, the digital instrumentation panel, high-tensile double-cradle frame, and the LED headlight with last year’s KLR650. New to the KLR650 S is the model configurations for added versatility.

Related Story: 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure | Road Test Review

The KLR650 S also features a lower front and rear suspension. The 41mm fork offer 6.7 inches of suspension travel while the rear suspension sits at 7.0 inches of travel. The 21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheels allow riders to enjoy this bike both on and off the roads. The standard KLR650 S is available for $6,899 in Pearl Storm Gray and Candy Lime Green, and the KLR650 S with ABS is available in Pearl Storm Gray for $7,199.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650

The Ninja 650 has been updated for model year 2023. Like previous models, the 2023 Ninja 650 features a 649cc parallel-Twin engine, a 4.3 -inch TFT display, twin LED headlights, and smartphone connectivity.

Related Story: 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 | Road Test Review

What sets the 2023 model apart from past iterations is the Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC). The KTRC assesses several parameters to get a real-time picture of the riding conditions. It also allows riders to select between two modes. Mode 1 facilitates acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel, making it ideal for sport riding. Mode 2 reduces engine output when excessive wheel-spin is detected to help riders navigate wet pavement. Riders also have the option to turn the system off.

The 2023 Ninja 650 is available for $7,999 in Metallic Matte Graphensteel Gray / Ebony or Pearl Robotic White / Metallic Matte Flat Raw Graystone / Ebony.

2023 Kawasaki Z650

The naked Z650 returns in 2023 with the 649cc parallel-Twin engine, a 4.3-inch TRT display, LED headlight, a thick passenger seat, and smartphone connectivity.

Related Story: 2017 Kawasaki Z650 | First Ride Review

New for 2023 is the Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) system, the same system equipped in the updated 2023 Ninja 650. The KTRC assesses several parameters to get a real-time picture of the riding conditions. It also allows riders to select between two modes. Mode 1 facilitates acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel, making it ideal for sport riding. Mode 2 reduces engine output when excessive wheel-spin is detected to help riders navigate wet pavement. Riders also have the option to turn the system off.

The 2023 Z650 is available in Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Flat Spark Black or Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Ebony for $7,749.

2023 Kawasaki KX450SR

The race-ready KX450SR returns in 2023 with new Showa front and rear suspension components. The KX450 debuted in 2022 with a 449cc engine with electric start, a close-ratio 5-speed transmission, and a slim aluminum perimeter frame. The new Showa front and rear suspension components on the 2023 KX450SR feature a titanium-oxide inner fork tube that improves wear resistance and reduces friction. The rear shock offers dual compression adjustability so that high speed and low speed damping can be tuned separately. The handlebar can also be adjusted in 12 different positions for rider customization.

The 2023 KX450SR will be available in late fall in Lime Green for $12,699.

Other Models in the 2023 Kawasaki Lineup

Ninja H2R

Ninja H2

Ninja H2 Carbon

Ninja ZX-14R ABS

Ninja ZX-10R

Ninja ZX-10R KRT Edition

Ninja ZX-10RR

Ninja ZX-6R KRT Edition

Z125 PRO

Z650 RS

Z900 ABS

Z900 SE

Versys 650 LT

Versys 1000 SE LT+

W800

Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS

The post Kawasaki Announces More New and Updated 2023 Models first appeared on Rider Magazine.
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