2020 Kawasaki KLX230 LAMS Road Trail Review

Kawasaki’s KLX230 is an affordable road-going dirt bike for leaners and in my opinion is probably the best choice for new riders who are eager to spend some time on the dirt and have a sensible, putt-around bike, and was certainly the best choice of machine for the return to my grassroots.
Starting with the design; with bodywork that takes inspiration from Kawasaki’s KX motocross machines, but is really quite simple and not flashy at all, however, I like that simplicity. While simple, the painted surfaces look good and the overall package is neat and tidy. It sits on big aluminium spoked rims, 21-inch at the front and 18-inch at the rear.
While simple, the KLX230 still looks nice and stylish.
The ergonomics of the KLX230 are relaxed and upright with a relatively low seat height, which makes the commute to-and-from work or around town a really pleasant experience. All controls are easily navigated even with street gloves on and bulky boots, which is a big positive, however I wish there was some adjustability in the levers as the clutch was engaging even with the lever all the way in.
The fuel-injected, single-cylinder, 233cc four-stroke motor produces a sensible 14kW of power and 19.8Nm of torque, which greatly contributes to my opinion that this is a good LAMS choice. Power and torque feels pretty linear overall but a little stronger in the low-mid range. This motor will only let you down on the freeway, where I found the bike struggles a bit to keep up with traffic particularly on an uphill climb.
For the full review click here - bikereview.com.au/review-2020...
Thanks for watching! Jeff Ware

[@exp4x4v6]

I bought a 2022 KLX230S in May. I love it. I've had dirt bikes as a kid. Been off of two wheels for over 20 years. This bike is the perfect bike for a beginner and the fact that it's road legal is a huge plus.

[@nilsolofolsson9067]

Thanks for review. I am tired of simultaneosly riding and talking. This was nice and clear.

[@JC-uf7km]

Love my klx230!

[@Hackapoid18]

Great review mate. Looking at getting this as my first bike 👍

[@canonballsimp]

Thanks for the great review, I'm really tempted by this bike. I love its simplicity and reliable 4stroke sound. I will do 80%Road runaround /20%dirt, but mainly to get away from the wife. Thanks for posting!

[@BikeReviewcomau]

canonballsimp hahaha!

[@seanjoelscott]

Its a great bike, especially at demo prices, just make sure you get the full warranty. Bought mine as a demo in January only got 1300km on it now, don't ride near enough! Noticed the same issues as reviewer, bent shift lever on a big rock, also bent front rim on a big rock with too low pressures (18psi) but doesn't seem to affect it on road. It'll take you through anything though, river bed sand, rock garden, scrambly hills, a lot of throttle and some pushing required. Just put taller KX bend pro taper bar on mine and jet bark buster hand gaurds, big improvement in comfort for a tall person. Only down side for me is tank size 7.6L doesn't allow much adventuring where I live in the outback. looking at rotopax and panniers.

[@TK-cl1jm]

Hilarious! Just got one this spring, don't worry, plenty enough power to get away from the wife, lol!

[@imamsantoso8020]

Good review.... 👍

[@BikeReviewcomau]

Thanks! Jeff.

[@jakewright5055]

Had one for 5 months riden it twice. Love it every time. Just first bike that size and still scared of it so I mainly look at it.

[@paulgarrison2490]

The 230r collapsible shifter will work on the klx230

[@BarryRuffnerXD]

My shifter wrapped around a rock, I had to flip it over and kick it back to get it in to shape. I haven't found any after market shift levers. Any suggestions?

[@ras8859]

www.ebay.com/itm/373106244587 This one works great.

[@jjmotoadventurehonzamildor7340]

👍

[@mitchwinder1204]

The shifter is soft by design on most bikes in order to sacrifice itself instead of your shift shaft. Aftermarket shifters look cool, but can actually do more harm than good in a crash.

[@BikeReviewcomau]

Excellent point...

[@smneufelder4820]

Hey I have a crf 150 r and I want to get in street riding will this be a good bike or not if not what will be

[@BikeReviewcomau]

This is a great little street registered trail bike so if you still want the option of going off-road, worth a look. Otherwise there are lots more, check out our LAMS section here - bikereview.com.au/category/motorcycle-reviews/lams/

[@hazcat640]

This is a terrible review and I don't own one. This is a fantastic little bike. If you buy one, never sell it. The motor is simple, air cooled, basically bullet proof. Think of it as a TW200 for more aggressive riders and with the upside of a 65 - 70 (mph) cruising speed. Even if you 'out grow' it just stick it in the garage, take it out once or twice a season to keep it running and you will be able to hand it to your kids and even grandkids.

[@Johnsmithabcde]

Where did you pay 6k for this? What shop. Looking at buying one

[@seanjoelscott]

look for a demonstrator

[@karen_boomer8603]

You can buy them new for like 5 K

[@jordisalavert1912]

Is it street legal in the ACT?

[@ftsboys9825]

Pretty sure they would be legal over over Aus, just need to get it registered etc.

[@simob7862]

CMC should rego it as part of the package and set up. The bike can be fitted with a rear rack from the factory extras is a must but go with proper bark buster hand guards and later switch the foot pegs for larger ones I put a rotopax on the rear rack and carry two fuel tanks. I also got a screen as well. I have done 300km tours it’s the best and cheapest adv mini tour bike. Don’t let the sales guys talk you into a bigger price point. Awesome little thing.

[@pepelobos3325]

should i sell my dr200 and get this?

[@CalDeRosia]

I don't think it's necessary. I have klx 250 2018, I was driving my friends dr200 and was pleased with performance and fun factor. Would recommend getting exhaust and some mods. Suspension on dr was sloppy comparatively but fine!

[@pepelobos3325]

@@CalDeRosia thanks i will keep it than.

[@brianblack546]

I bought this bike and my father has the DR200. Both are very comparable. They both have the same capability.

[@Sertao2013]

Is it fuel injected or carburetor

[@TK-cl1jm]

FI

[@iRavenHD]

Hey mate I’m looking to buy this bike and I asked the dealer about the NON ABS model and he said in Australia the law requires the bike to have ABS. So I’m wandering for primarily off road use will ABS affect it? I’m assuming your in Australia and u have the ABS model. So does it affect off road riding?

[@TheVasilief]

ya ABS in the dirt makes any bike very slippery, but you can always just remove the fuse for the ABS when off roading.

[@tommywilliams102]

122

[@ducatimale]

Or maybe get an old dr350s.

[@papovidalfernandez7179]

Klx 230 or. Crf 250L???

[@seanjoelscott]

I looked at both and own the KLX230, the 230 is alot narrower, felt lighter, air cooled so no radiators up high so doesn't have that tip over weight if you lean the bike over. Will go from the showroom straight off road. Crf250L is a better road bike and would be better for long rides with more fuel capacity and more power.

[@BikeReviewcomau]

@@seanjoelscott Kawasaki have better dealer support and network as well these days... Honda dealerships are getting harder to find.

[@seanjoelscott]

@@BikeReviewcomau except where I live outback QLD, closest kawasaki is 650km away but honda is in town, still not a real detriment as I've had no issue with it so far. Hardest part for me was buying it, had trouble getting dealer in Townsville to sell it to me despite telling them I was travelling 900km to look at their demonstrator, they almost put it on a ute to mackay the day I went in to buy it!

[@BikeReviewcomau]

@@seanjoelscott Ahh! Well that is a bit harder then! Enjoy the bike hope it works out well. Jeff.

[@seanjoelscott]

@@BikeReviewcomau I'll be in Darwin soon so should be no dramas

[@JohnnyRebKy]

That music 🤦

[@cjones3493]

😂😂

[@christianmiller4342]

Anybody else really annoyed by the hissing sound this bike makes

[@NoComment-oc6di]

Really ??