Kawasaki KLX140G vs. Honda CRF230

Here's an in-depth comparison of the 2017-2021 KLX140G and 2003-2018 Honda CRF230. This review includes pretty much everything you need to know before getting one of these bikes.

[@bwxmoto]

Great comparison vid! I'm about 165 lbs/ 5' 9" and starting to feel the years. I'm loving the fun little KLX140RF (G) for a trail and woods bike. The light weight and low seat height make it a lot of fun and not scary at all to ride up crazy steep / loose trails. Has enough power and torque to be fun and nicely spaced gearing. Might drop down to a 12t front sprocket for woods and climbing. I'd be happy with the CRF230 and it would probably fit me better but I really appreciate the lighter weight of the KLX.

[@RARufus]

For cruising trails, I love the 150 class bikes with 19/16 or 21/18 wheels. For me, it's more fun to run the 150 class harder than to run the larger class slower. I'm 6' 210lbs and run 150 class bikes with no issues. On some bikes the suspension is a little soft but that's easily remedied with little to no out of pocket. Thanks for the review. I'm considering the Kawi to replace an older bike.

[@thailandmopedadventures611]

Great Review - Thanks!

[@vhl1580]

Great Video , detailed and instructive

[@gohobby9934]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CROFTwins]

Great video. Picking this up for my be wife so this should be perfect for her especially since she has only ever ride a 70cc before

[@gohobby9934]

Good choice!

[@cadwarrior]

Got the klx 230r, awesome trail bike, ergonomic is good, torque is just perfect, easy to start, reliable machine. We also have the 140l, bulletproof bike and fun to ride.

[@gohobby9934]

Nice 👍I wish I had a KLX230 to review. I've always wanted one.

[@elisefindlay2339]

Great review! I’m currently on a ttr 230. newer rider just a mom trying to keep up with her boys lol. i’m not looking for more power but definitely looking for a lighter bike. klx140 sounds like the right fit for me :)

[@gohobby9934]

Yes, I think the KLX140G (now called the KLX140RF) would be perfect. Honestly, though, you probably won't notice much of a difference even though there is a 30 pound weight difference.

[@ShadeTreeKennyT]

excellent video. 👌

[@gohobby9934]

Thank you 👍

[@MrKarl-tc6fr]

As a 5'5" asian rider i love the klx 140g (rf in South East asia). it lacks a little bit in the power department but nothing a good upgrade cant fix.

[@gohobby9934]

Slap a BBR 170cc big bore kit, BBR cam and open up the airbox and exhaust and it will add some power.

[@MrKarl-tc6fr]

@@gohobby9934 yeah maybe i'll do that in the future. as of today i only upgraded it with norifumi exhaust and it helped a lot but still far cry from my previous '97 kawi 125 2stroke dirtbike

[@erinreyes5542]

I'm picking up a klx 140 on tuesday. Im 5'1" so this will be a perfect fit. Mostly interested in easy riding, trail. Not much for jumping or anything. I like to have fun on a dry lake bed. Used to have a crf 150f. So it'll be a step down or equal move.

[@paytonalvarado902]

it will be a step down, just because the crf 150 is a race bike

[@gohobby9934]

The KLX140G is larger than the CRF150F. The "F" is a trail bike the CRF150R is the race bike.

[@sant340]

@@paytonalvarado902 you’re thinking of the crf150r, that definitely would’ve been a step down

[@A_Canadian]

Would of been nice if a kick start was on klx 140 cause my electric starter gave out

[@eduardorivera4100]

I think kick start on dirt bikes went away in some models cuz they are just as easy to pop start

[@Epieic3]

500th like. Just wanna say thank you for such an in depth and detailed comparison. I have one question, I'm 5'7 and 135 lbs at 16 years old. I’ve never touched a dirtbike in my life. I’d be riding on trails. I’m wondering if there is a large difference between the difficulty of a CRF230 and a CRF250? And would a 250 be a good starter bike? I know it’s a lot more powerful and I might have trouble learning on it, but if I got a 230 would I be wishing for the power of a 250 later on? Would the difficulty of learning on a more powerful bike be worth the extra power?

[@gohobby9934]

You will have some difficulty reaching the ground on the 230, and you won't even be close on the 250. Go with the 230. If you buy it used and if you buy it right, you will be able to ride it for a year, maybe 2, and resell it for the same amount you paid for it, assuming you take care of it. A KX100 or KX112 could be a good compromise. It's a bit smaller but way faster and better suspension than the 230. Teens and adults ride KX100's and KX112's. I don't know if you're done growing, but if your legs stretch 2 more inches, a 250 would be much more doable.

[@jessielees]

So I'm 40, and 6'2" / 200 lbs. with very limited riding experience (a mini bike when I was 13 that broke down after 5 rides and a few hrs at a motorcycle safety course some years ago) - I tried the CRF250F last year for a day on the trails. Because I'm inexperienced, the size and weight was slightly intimidating, but I made it work. For my needs, there was way power than I needed (I dont quite have the balls yet to go much faster than 50ish mph on straight dirt roads) ... The CRF250F was also a huge workout for me, after a couple hours I was pretty wiped out (I expect that gets better as you ride more/get into better shape).... Now, everything I read tells me that I probably need an even taller bike than the CRF - but I only want to putt around on dirt roads and easy trails, and I can't help feeling like I want smaller and lighter for that... I ended up with a Surron Light Bee X last year, which is a completely different category all together , but Im having a lot of fun with that toy because its just so light and nimble and super easy to handle... so now I'm coming back to try a proper gas bike again and I find myself leaning towards the Kawi 140G/RF even though I'm supposedly built for something larger.... (although if I'm being completely honest, a comfy quad with power steering is probably a better fit for what kind of offroading I want to do be doing most of the time..)

[@gypsysteve3576]

Good vid Go Hobbie. I downsized from a DRZ400 as the weight always felt like wrestling a pig on tight trails. I possibly would gave got the CRF230 if their was more of them street legal here in Oz, but theyre a rare find here and parts likely less avail. So i got the new model KLX150BF which is street legal here and plenty of them. I believe its basically the same bike as the 140g only street legal. As its 144cc with the same full sized wheels. I weigh 86kg (about 190lb) and am 5'11". I dont feel cramped on it at all, accepting that its a mid sized Galloway. Its not enough hp on highways, so best on back roads to get to trails. It sits comfy on 80-90kph, and will do 100kph (60mph) with my bodyweight if i tuck in to resist wind drag. But it strains at that speed so wouldnt sit at 100 for long, as tough as the motor claims to be. But easily cruises my weight at 80kph to get to the local trails. Then once in the trails, i find the KLX150/140 to be plenty enough power, unless you really need to go faster that 80kph in the bush (woods). Its so light, its like a bicycle. And so nimble thru tight single trail. I love it, and rarely hesitate to put it through sections i never would have on the 400, due to the much heavier weight and seat height. But in saying that im not a highly skilled offroad rider, and spent most of 25yrs of riding streetbikes. And only 2-3yrs offroad on a 600 and 400. Havent yet tried it on really steep stuff, but nor do i need to. So hope that info helps anyone also.

[@gohobby9934]

Thanks for the comments! I'm sure this will be helpful to other interested people!

[@veeru0999]

coulda gotten tha damn klx230

[@gypsysteve3576]

@@veeru0999 i tried the KLX230. Great bike, but weight is not that significantly less than the DRZ400. The KLX150 is a really fun bike. After 35yrs of riding, i love this little galloway of a bike. It goes anywhere i aim it ...which is alot of places i wouldve backed away with the drz, and the klx230 just due to weight. This 150 is a perfect hack if you dont need to race around ...and in that case ide get a yz250

[@DoglinsShadow]

Thanks for sharing. Very interested. I have klx230 dual sport but like the idea of the klx140 as a trails only bike. I like doing sketchy uphill trails haha

[@gypsysteve3576]

@@DoglinsShadow when i 1st downsized from the 400 i knew i would feel a massive difference in power so i had to allow for that and adjust to the new. You will also notice a difference from the 230 which is a great bike with fuel injection. But you will also notice a heaps more light and nimble bike. Your best bet is to try one out. But dont compare it to anything else. Just accept it for what it is ...its a more than capable bike. For me its all about the lightness and ease. Its a very forgiving bike and you never have to worry about whisky throttle with this one. I attack scetchy sections i never would have even tried on my 400 ...(incase i went off balance, and had that tall and top heavy bike start to let go). I dont have that concern with the 150. Its a smaller frame to sit in too, with a smaller wheelbase so turns tighter. Im 5'11" and dont feel cramped. The front forks sometimes bottom out on steep jumps or large potholes, but i am 85kg. May try heavier fork oil next service. If not i may upgrade the front springs. But its not a big issue as i dont ride super hard.

[@gusgilhen4148]

I’m 4 foot 10 and 80 pounds on a Klx140l small wheel

[@braxtondaley2809]

I have a stock street legal crf230f

[@mikehemens9359]

The 230 is 40 or 50 pounds over the 140. Gear down the 140 and its gonna be better in the woods.

[@integrityminded1983]

I have a klx 140g and I am 235 lbs and I ride trails with no problem. Lol 😆

[@gohobby9934]

The KLX is a tough bike, for sure, but the fork seals can only take so much. Be careful when you go for that big air!

[@121Milano]

showing the viewers to ride in T-shirts and sneakers....and giving opinions

[@gohobby9934]

Yeah, because riding in a modern jersey made out of panty-hose fabric is going to protect you. I agree that sneakers are not a good idea, but the kid riders in this video didn't have $300 for boots and they just wanted to ride.

[@Erlov71]

Dont like how the front tire is so close to the fender. 140L looks better.

[@elisvlogs2674]

I have a klx140r 2022 model

[@gohobby9934]

That's a sweet bike!

[@jayhatleback8783]

I just bought a 2022 klx 140 I'm just breaking the bike in and it seems under powered and starts hard cold is there anything I can do

[@gohobby9934]

You may need to adjust the carb depending on the air temperature wherever you are. As for feeling underpowered, it's hard for me to say. If you're coming from a KX250, it's going to feel underpowered. Remember, this bike only has about 12 hp even though it's nearly a full sized bike. It really needs about 16-20, but that would be too much for the smaller wheeled versions, targeted towards smaller riders.

[@CROFTwins]

Look into a cold start jet kit. That will fix your problem. They come really lean from the factory

[@thephoenixcycle8854]

Im 230 so does that mean im way out of luck riding these things?

[@gohobby9934]

You should consider a 250 4 stroke mx bike.

[@braydenmcd3859]

I’m trying to get a 230. I’m almost 5’0. Do you think I could fit the 230

[@gohobby9934]

Sorry bud, but you won't be able to reach the ground. You should get a KLX140 (smaller wheeled version) or a CRF125F or CRF125FB. Ride that for a year or two until you're about 5'4" and then you can get into a KX85. Then, when you're 5''9" or taller, you can get pretty much anything.

[@braydenmcd3859]

@@gohobby9934 I knew I couldn’t reach the ground, but could I reach the shifter

[@graesonoliver9224]

I’m 5,3 what bike do you think would fit me best

[@gohobby9934]

KLX140R or possible the RL, or a KX85 for motocross.

[@gusgilhen4148]

6:19 did he say power band

[@gohobby9934]

Yes, that is what I said. Some bikes get on the powerband rather abruptly, and it makes them more difficult to ride. These bikes have smooth, linear power from low rpms and into the powerband. Compared to high compression motocross bikes, these bikes don't have much power to begin with.

[@DigitalENCOM]

Kawasaki KLX 140R L is the one that competes with the CRF230. And also let's not forget the PRICE comparison.. You can buy 2 of the KLX for the price of 1 Honda..lmao

[@ducatikawasaki1290]

I don’t think so. Why do you say? I believe that’s not a big wheel bike, so I don’t think it could be compared. Where as the 140g (140r f) is a big wheel aka full sized adult bike.

[@gohobby9934]

The 140L is quite a bit smaller than the 230. It has a seat height of 31.5 inches, smaller wheels, and smaller frame, and half the hp, whereas the 140G and 230 have nearly the same seat height, wheel size, and the frame sizes are a bit closer. The 140L is definitely for a smaller rider than these 2 bikes.

[@butt-wad3109]

I believe that you are referring to the KLX140R F. That is the newer version of the KLX140G. MSRP $3899

[@ducatikawasaki1290]

@Butt-wad they are mechanically identical bikes.

[@butt-wad3109]

@@ducatikawasaki1290 That's what I said, they just changed the letter identifier. The original comment named the KLX140R L. Also while the KLX140G (R F) has full sized wheels it is basically a kids bike or small adult man/woman. A stepping stone if you will :). My son has the 140G, it's a great bike. Getting ready to bump up to the KLX230R.

[@jessetreherne8882]

why do all the riders that I have seen on dirt bikes gotta wear these goofy ahh fits

[@trevornewton9687]

Dude why do you spend your money on your son I’m 15 and buy all my bikes and all my gear with my own cash PLUS gas and oil and I ride a 450 shit ain’t cheap

[@gohobby9934]

My boys are saving their money for college and vocational training. Since that will likely cost about $100,000, they don't have money left over for dirt bikes so I help them out. It's great that you have already saved up for these things and have extra money to spend on your dirt bike! You must have a very high paying job for a 15 year old!

[@LH-zv2zq]

You probably are lucky than most getting a nice allowance, or a job that pays way above starting pay and don't need to save.

[@trevornewton9687]

@@LH-zv2zq I wish I had a allowance and yes I do work but it’s really not that hard to find a job these days as a 15-16 year old

[@LH-zv2zq]

@@trevornewton9687 That's great you have taken advantage of job availability. It seems like you are very savvy with money management too. Cool.