2024 Kawasaki KLX230 S and KLX230SM ABS First Look

[Hugh Janus]

The 2024 Kawasaki KLX230 S. The “S'' denotes shorter seat heights that are ideal for beginning riders and those with a shorter inseam. (Kawasaki/)

Imagine a motorcycle manufacturer’s board of directors sitting around a conference table looking at a spreadsheet of the company’s model lineup, taking stock of their two-wheeled empire. They start at the bottom of the list displacement-wise, take note of the humble air-cooled 233cc single, tick the box, and move onward and upward.

Where some would see an affordable, off-road-oriented single as a useful but maybe niche machine, Kawasaki sees opportunity. For 2023, Team Green had not one but seven variants of its KLX230 platform: the off-road-only KLX230R, the short-seat-height KLX230R S, the dual sport KLX230, the short-seat-height KLX230 S, the ABS-equipped S model, the supermoto KLX230SM, and the ABS-equipped SM.

For 2024, Kawasaki is updating the S and SM with a gently revised engine, new styling, and updated switchable ABS. But while those changes are consequential in their own right, it’s the chassis and geometry changes that steal the headlines.

The KLX230 S models come in two colors: Lime Green and Battle Gray. (Kawasaki/)

For 2024, the KLX’s fuel-injected air-cooled SOHC single has a narrower intake port and 4mm-smaller intake valve, and a longer exhaust header designed to increase low- and midrange performance. There are also revised ECU settings.

The most significant changes are on the chassis side. In order to increase wheel travel and ground clearance without drastically elevating the seat height, Kawasaki redesigned the subframe, installing it on both the S and SM models.

While the 2024 KLX230 S’ seat height is marginally taller than its predecessor (33.3 inches, up from 32.7 inches), Kawasaki was able to increase front wheel travel by 1.7 inches and rear wheel travel by 2.6 inches. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, the 2024 S models have more than an inch more ground clearance than the 2023 models (up from 8.3 inches). Kawasaki also changed the S models’ chassis geometry, opting for a 2.9-degree-steeper rake and 23mm-shorter trail for more responsive handling.

The KLX230 S also uses a new, aluminum swingarm that sheds around 2.6 pounds, and a lighter rear brake master cylinder. The rear shock now features threaded preload adjustment, enabling riders to dial in settings for their weight.

The redesigned tank and tank shrouds, pictured here on the KLX230SM ABS. (Kawasaki/)

The KLX230SM also benefits from revised geometry and suspension settings. The bike runs on 17-inch wheels and uses the new Uni-Trak rear linkage and a 37mm inverted fork with stiffer spring settings to reduce wheel travel (compared to the dual sport S model) for optimal handling on the street. Additionally, the front end has a 1.6-degree-steeper rake and 10mm-shorter trail than the 2023 supermoto.

Revised suspension settings for 2024 put more weight on the front end and increase rear wheel travel. There’s 2.2 inches more rear wheel travel than on the 2023 model. Seat height is 33.1 inches.

The ABS switch is discreetly positioned next to the high/low beam switch. For 2024, front and rear ABS can be deactivated. (Kawasaki/)

While the outgoing S and SM ABS models had a handlebar-mounted switch that let riders easily disengage ABS in the rear, the 2024 models allow riders to disable ABS on both the front and rear. As a safety feature, the system defaults to full ABS after the engine is powered off and restarted. The SM, it’s worth noting, is only available equipped with ABS for 2024.

The KLX230 S’ redesigned seat. (Kawasaki/)

S and SM models have new styling, inspired by Kawasaki’s KX off-road series. A new fuel tank, tank shrouds, and side covers update looks and refine ergonomics. A new LED headlight modernizes the lighting package and black rims underline the KX connection. The S models get a flatter-profile seat, while the SM gets a thicker seat in conjunction with a higher, more-forward handlebar and slightly more rear-positioned footpegs. To top off the 2024 update, Kawasaki added smartphone connectivity to the 230′s digital display.

The digital dash now features smartphone connectivity through the Kawasaki Rideology app. (Kawasaki/)

2024 Kawasaki KLX230 S/KLX 230 S ABS Specs

MSRP:	$4,999/$5,299
Engine:	SOHC, air-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder
Displacement:	233cc
Bore x Stroke:	67.0 x 66.0mm
Compression Ratio:	9.4:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	N/A
Claimed Torque:	13.2 lb.-ft. @ 6,400 rpm
Fuel System:	DFI w/ 32mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate
Engine Management/Ignition:	TCBI Electronic Advance
Frame:	High-tensile steel perimeter
Front Suspension:	37mm telescopic fork; 7.9 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Uni-Trak linkage system and single shock, spring preload adjustable; 8.8 in. travel
Front Brake:	2-piston caliper, 240mm petal disc ; 2-piston caliper, 265mm with ABS
Rear Brake:	1-piston caliper, 220mm petal disc ; 1-piston caliper, 220mm petal disc with ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	21 in./18 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	21 x 2.75 in. / 18 x 4.10 in.
Rake/Trail	24.6°/3.8 in.
Wheelbase:	53.7 in.
Ground Clearance:	9.5 in.
Seat Height:	33.3 in.
Fuel Capacity:	2.0 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	289 lb. / 291 lb.
Contact:	kawasaki.com

2024 Kawasaki KLX230SM ABS Specs

MSRP:	$5,599
Engine:	SOHC, air-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder
Displacement:	233cc
Bore x Stroke:	67.0 x 66.0mm
Compression Ratio:	9.4:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	N/A
Claimed Torque:	13.2 lb.-ft. @ 6,400 rpm
Fuel System:	DFI w/ 32mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate
Engine Management/Ignition:	TCBI Electronic Advance
Frame:	High-tensile steel perimeter
Front Suspension:	37mm telescopic fork; 7.4 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Uni-Trak linkage system and single shock, spring preload adjustable; 8.8 in. travel
Front Brake:	2-piston caliper, 300mm petal disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	1-piston caliper, 220mm petal disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	17 in./17 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	110/70-17 / 120/70-17
Rake/Trail	24.9°/3.0 in.
Wheelbase:	53.7 in.
Ground Clearance:	8.7 in.
Seat Height:	33.1 in.
Fuel Capacity:	2.0 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	300 lb.

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