The Kawasaki KLX 230 S is set to launch in India in October 2024. This lightweight, road-legal, dual-sport motorcycle will be manufactured locally in Chakan. Priced at approximately Rs 2 lakh, the KLX 230 S is designed for off-road enthusiasts, offering a competitive alternative to models like the Hero Xpulse.
Key Features and Highlights
- Locally manufactured: Built in Kawasaki’s Chakan plant.
- Price: Expected to be priced below Rs 2 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
- Target Audience: Off-road enthusiasts and riders seeking a lightweight, dual-sport machine.
- Competition: Primarily competing with the Hero Xpulse series.
- Compliance: BS6 and E20 compliant.
- Road-legal: First road-legal Japanese dual-sport bike of its kind in India.
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | Kawasaki KLX 230 S | Hero Xpulse 200 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Air-cooled, 2-valve 233cc | Oil-cooled, 199.6cc |
| Power Output | 17hp-20hp (expected) | 17.8hp |
| Torque | 19.8 Nm (expected) | 16.45 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed gearbox | 5-speed gearbox |
| Seat Height | 843mm | 825mm |
| Ground Clearance | 239mm | 220mm |
| Suspension Travel | 198mm (front), 220mm (rear) | 190mm (front), 170mm (rear) |
| Weight | 133kg (estimated 140kg with emissions) | 159kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 7.5L | 13L |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Braking | Front and rear disc brakes | Front and rear disc brakes |
| Compliance | BS6, E20 | BS6 |
| Price (expected) | Rs 1.95 – 2 lakh | Rs 1.45 – 1.52 lakh |
Price Breakdown
Since the Kawasaki KLX 230 S will likely be priced below Rs 2 lakh, here’s an estimated comparison with other models:
| Model | Price Range (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki KLX 230 S | Rs 1.95 – 2 lakh |
| Hero Xpulse 200 | Rs 1.45 – 1.52 lakh |
| Hero Xpulse 210 (upcoming) | Rs 1.6 – 1.75 lakh (estimated) |
Features of Kawasaki KLX 230 S
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 233cc air-cooled, 2-valve engine |
| Power | 17hp-20hp (expected) |
| Torque | 19.8 Nm (expected) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual gearbox |
| ABS | Dual-channel ABS |
| Braking System | Front and rear disc brakes |
| Suspension | Telescopic fork (198mm travel) and Uni-Trak rear suspension (220mm travel) |
| Ground Clearance | 239mm |
| Weight | 133kg (expected to increase with regulatory additions) |
| Seat Height | 843mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 7.5 liters |
| Compliance | BS6 and E20 compliant |
| Off-road Capability | Designed for rugged terrains |
Kawasaki KLX 230 S vs. Hero Xpulse 200
The main competitor of the Kawasaki KLX 230 S is the Hero Xpulse 200. Here’s a comparison:
| Parameter | Kawasaki KLX 230 S | Hero Xpulse 200 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Rs 1.95 – 2 lakh | Rs 1.45 – 1.52 lakh |
| Weight | ~140kg | 159kg |
| Power Output | 17hp-20hp (expected) | 17.8hp |
| Suspension Travel | 198mm/220mm | 190mm/170mm |
| Ground Clearance | 239mm | 220mm |
| Seat Height | 843mm | 825mm |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 7.5 liters | 13 liters |
While the Hero Xpulse 200 is already a popular dual-sport motorcycle, the KLX 230 S offers a lighter, more agile alternative with slightly better ground clearance and suspension travel. However, the Xpulse’s price advantage and fuel capacity might make it more appealing to some.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When will the Kawasaki KLX 230 S be launched in India?
The Kawasaki KLX 230 S is expected to be launched in October 2024. - What is the expected price of the Kawasaki KLX 230 S in India?
It is expected to be priced around Rs 1.95 – 2 lakh (ex-showroom). - How does the Kawasaki KLX 230 S compare to the Hero Xpulse 200?
The KLX 230 S is lighter, has more suspension travel, and slightly better ground clearance, but the Xpulse is cheaper. - What engine does the Kawasaki KLX 230 S use?
It features a 233cc air-cooled, 2-valve engine producing between 17hp-20hp. - Is the Kawasaki KLX 230 S BS6 compliant?
Yes, it is BS6 and E20 compliant. - What is the fuel tank capacity of the Kawasaki KLX 230 S?
The bike has a 7.5-liter fuel tank. - Is ABS available on the Kawasaki KLX 230 S?
Yes, it comes equipped with dual-channel ABS. - What is the seat height of the Kawasaki KLX 230 S?
The seat height is 843mm. - How much does the Kawasaki KLX 230 S weigh?
It is expected to weigh around 140kg once regulatory additions are made. - Is the Kawasaki KLX 230 S good for beginners?
Yes, with its light weight and manageable seat height, it is beginner-friendly. - What type of bike is the Kawasaki KLX 230 S?
It is a dual-sport motorcycle designed for both road and off-road use. - Will the Kawasaki KLX 230 S have any competition?
Yes, it will compete with the Hero Xpulse 200 and the upcoming Hero Xpulse 210. - Where will the Kawasaki KLX 230 S be manufactured?
It will be locally manufactured at Kawasaki’s Chakan plant in India. - What is the ground clearance of the Kawasaki KLX 230 S?
The bike has a ground clearance of 239mm. - What is the suspension travel on the Kawasaki KLX 230 S?
The suspension travel is 198mm at the front and 220mm at the rear.