While we’re almost never fans of losing suspension travel year-to-year on a dual-sport motorcycle. That said, we won’t give Kawasaki a hard time for doing so here. For 2022, the Kawasaki KLX230S has gained an S and lost around two inches of front and rear travel in its suspension, but that loss has paved the way for a two-inch lower seat height which should be comforting to new riders and those short of inseam. Since this model is meant to appeal to those folks, we’re not going to harp on it. Whatever brings new riders to the fold, we fully endorse.
Begin Press Release:
2022 Kawasaki KLX®230S Dual-Sport Motorcycle
GET OUT AND PLAY
The Kawasaki KLX® family of off-road recreational motorcycles are known for their rider-friendly character, amazing capability on the trail, and reliability, making them a staple for any adventurous rider. For 2022, Kawasaki adds a new model to its KLX lineup with the KLX®230S dual-sport.
Keeping its admired heritage in mind, the KLX230S is derived from the popular KLX®230 with modified front and rear suspension that lowers overall seat height by over two inches from the KLX230 model. The KLX230S is purpose-built for serious fun on the trails and tuned for on-road versatility. Turn a variety of terrain into the ultimate playground.
2022 KLX230S HIGHLIGHTS
- NEW Shorter two-stage front suspension with 6.2 inches of travel
- NEW Uni-Trak® rear suspension with 6.6 inches of travel
- NEW Overall seat height of 32.7 inches
- NEW Available with Kawasaki’s first dual-purpose ABS
SUSPENSION
- NEW Shorter two-stage front suspension with 6.2 inches of travel
- NEW Uni-Trak® rear suspension with 6.6 inches of travel
The front forks were shortened by a total of 2.4 inches by using shorter dual-stage springs with a firmer spring rate than the KLX230 and KLX230 ABS models, helping to bring the seat height down 2.2 inches. A 37 mm telescopic front fork takes care of the rider up front and offers 6.2 total inches of travel, increasing rider confidence when navigating challenging terrain or piloting on the pavement. The revised Uni-Trak® rear suspension including the shock absorber with a stiffer spring rate provides 6.6 inches of wheel travel and improves handling and bump absorption. The new front and rear suspension settings result in a lower overall seat height than that found on the KLX230, which grants riders the ability to take on the trails and streets with confidence.
ERGONOMICS
- NEW Overall seat height of 32.7 inches
The frame, seat, and tank of the KLX230S motorcycle were designed with a combination of form and function in mind, making the frame easy to grip with the legs, offering superior chassis control. Thanks to the compact design of the KLX230S and updated suspension, a low seat height of 32.7 inches was achieved.
Like the KX
lineup of motocross motorcycles, the flat design of the tank and seat gives the rider greater freedom of movement when changing riding positions and facilitates sitting farther forward. In addition to dual-purpose riding, comfort was also a consideration when deciding the seat shape and thickness. The seams between the shrouds, seat, and side covers all fit flush, making it much easier for the rider to move around on the bike.
ENGINE
The four-stroke air-cooled single cylinder engine offers smooth, reliable, and durable performance in a compact package. The engine has a bore and stroke of 67.0 x 66.0 mm, with a displacement of 233cc. The long-stroke offers robust low-mid range torque for smooth and easy handling. A simple SOHC two-valve design was chosen for an easy-to-use power character and reliability.
Fuel injection helps ensure consistent fuel delivery regardless of outside air temperature or elevation. It also enables the use of an electric starter, for easy starting at the push of a button, whether the engine is hot or cold, and contributes to clean emissions. The fuel injection system utilizes a 32 mm throttle body, which delivers precise response. Exhaust pipe length was selected to contribute to the engine’s low-mid range performance. To match the aggressive off-road look of the KX-inspired bodywork, the exhaust features a tapered silencer with an oval cross-section.
A smooth-shifting six-speed transmission offers a gear for every type of condition on the trails or streets, while also allowing for more comfortable cruising on long open straightaways. A short final gear ratio (46/13) was selected, enabling riders to continue moving forward even when navigating challenging terrain.
CHASSIS
Built for taking on both the dirt or the street, the high-tensile steel perimeter frame offers the optimal handling needed for enjoyable and confident riding. By designing the engine and frame together, engineers were able to achieve a low engine height, ideal chassis rigidity balance, and a low center-of-gravity, all in a compact chassis. The short 53.5” wheelbase contributes to the bike’s maneuverability, allowing riders to more easily navigate the terrain presented to them.
WHEELS & BRAKES
Full-size aluminum wheels, measuring 21” at the front and 18” at the rear, help riders navigate across a wide variety of terrains, greatly contributing to rider confidence and overall performance.
The KLX230S motorcycle comes equipped with petal disc brakes, front and rear, which provide plenty of stopping power. A 240 mm front disc gripped by a twin-piston caliper offers strong, easy-to-control braking. Slowing the rear, a lightweight, KX-type, rear master cylinder with a unitized reservoir and single-piston caliper grips a 220 mm disc.
STYLING & INSTRUMENTATION
The KLX230S takes its styling cues from Kawasaki’s line of KX motocross motorcycles, giving the bike an agile, aggressive look to match its trail-riding prowess. A 1.9-gallon fuel tank allows the good times to keep rolling over the course of a long day.
An easy-to-read instrumentation dash is mounted at the center of the handlebars, which includes an ON/OFF button, indicator lamp, low-fuel warning lamp, and FI warning lamp.
ACCESSORIES
Riders can personalize their KLX230S motorcycle to meet their needs, with numerous Kawasaki Genuine Accessories to choose from, such as a skid plate, frame covers, hand covers, tapered handlebars, handlebar pad, and black rims.
COLORS AND MSRP
The 2022 KLX230S is available in Lime Green with an MSRP of $4,799. The 2022 KLX230S ABS is available in Lime Green and Urban Olive Green/Ebony with an MSRP of $5,099.
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