[b16h22]

Looks like Kawasaki is testing the KLX230 in India. You can find the pictures in this instagram post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6blLysP...RlODBiNWFlZA==

[ebonho]

Even granted its a off road bike, isn't 11 bhp pretty sub par by modern standards for a 150 cc bike?

Cheers, Doc

[Nilesh5417]

They shouldn't bother with the 150 at all. It's just way too anemic for anything. The 230 will be a good one to have though if priced well! Again people do crib about the xpulse but it still finds takers so the 230 could possibly too.

But be bold Kawasaki - get the KLX300 and 300SM at competitive pricing! 24-25bhp is the right amount of power to have plus Dual sport / super moto would be a fun category of bikes to have!!

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Even granted its a off road bike, isn't 11 bhp pretty sub par by modern standards for a 150 cc bike?

Cheers, Doc

It looks like they are bringing the 230 and not the 150 as I've posted above. It makes about 19-20hp and weighs around 133kgs wet. But pricing is key because it's a proper dual sport with it's limitations and a niche category bike in India.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by b16h22

It makes about 19-20hp and weighs around 133kgs wet.

Oh that will be yummy then!

Cheers, Doc

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by b16h22

Couldn't find a relevant thread but it looks like Kawasaki is testing the KLX230 in India. You can find the pictures in this instagram post.

Autocar reports that Kawasaki is localising the bike and it'll be the lower S variant with 830mm seat height.

https://www.autocarindia.com/bike-ne...testing-431447

[shortbread]

Originally Posted by b16h22

It looks like they are bringing the 230 and not the 150 as I've posted above. It makes about 19-20hp and weighs around 133kgs wet. But pricing is key because it's a proper dual sport with it's limitations and a niche category bike in India.

In a similar market (US) the prices for the 230 are about 10% cheaper than the Himalyan, KLX230 starts at $4,100 vs the Himalyan which starts at $4,900. Of course the latter is a more substantial, more powerful motorbike versus the light and nimble KLX230.

The Kawasaki will be far better off road and the Himalyan trumping it everywhere else, in the end if boils down to personal preference, or so I think.

I somehow feel if and when launched, especially at this price point, this will perhaps be the two wheeled version of the Jimny vs the desi Thar.
OR Kawasaki might stun us with a sub 2.5lac price!

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Kawasaki KLX 230 S spotted testing in India posts moved to a new thread

[BullettuPaandi]

I own an Xpulse, so I'm looking at this bike from that context.

This would be an ideal motorcycle to haul with a four-wheeler. But, as that is not exactly a viable option in India, I think the smaller fuel tank & seat height (and maybe shape of the seat itself) would be more of an issue in our market. Kawasaki must know this, so I'm expecting the price would be a premium. Other than that, I, perhaps naively, hope they don't cut cost on an essential kick-starter & add a bash plate for the engine; I think that too is an essential, considering it is targeted for newbies.

I'm slightly envious of the less weight, though. Not necessarily for performance reasons; on narrow trails or slightly harder ones like rocky or muddy terrain, it must make a huge difference in the amount of toil required. I chose my Xpulse over the Himalayan after test rides simply because it is less heavy; and yet I find mine to be a pig in a ditch every time I make my mistake into one .

[RoadToHappiness]

Interesting proposition for Indian market by Kawasaki. Sharing some information that I read about KLX230s:

• 7.5l fuel tank (including 2.3l in reserve)
• 6 gears (but no gear indicator, as per the outgoing 2023 model)
• 135 kg curb mass
• 12k kms service interval (existing markets)
• Dedicated switch on the handlebar to switch off the rear ABS
• Fuel specification: E10 or less (2023 model)
• Practical low seat height (though 2024 model is taller by half an inch)

Source

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by RoadToHappiness

Interesting proposition for Indian market by Kawasaki. Sharing some information that I read about KLX230s:

• 7.5l fuel tank (including 2.3l in reserve)
• 6 gears (but no gear indicator, as per the outgoing 2023 model)
• 135 kg curb mass
• 12k kms service interval (existing markets)
• Dedicated switch on the handlebar to switch off the rear ABS
• Fuel specification: E10 or less (2023 model)
• Practical low seat height (though 2024 model is taller by half an inch)

Source

Tank range isn't a major issue as it was never intended to be a full on touring ADV and given FI and relatively small engine, the range should be decent. You'll be taking butt breaks frequently on that narrow dual sport seat anyway. The suspension improvement on the lower S version is positive and the seat height still remains accessible at 840mm. It is also lighter apparently.

[RoadToHappiness]

Originally Posted by b16h22

Tank range isn't a major issue as it was never intended to be a full on touring ADV and given FI and relatively small engine, the range should be decent. You'll be taking butt breaks frequently on that narrow dual sport seat anyway. ...

Fair point there, buddy. That makes me wonder about the target segment for this product, given the narrow seat and a probable 160-200km practical range. And we have not even started to talk about the expected pricing yet.

[imranstael]

Originally Posted by BullettuPaandi

I own an Xpulse, so I'm looking at this bike from that context.

This would be an ideal motorcycle to haul with a four-wheeler. But, as that is not exactly a viable option in India, I think the smaller fuel tank & seat height (and maybe shape of the seat itself) would be more of an issue in our market. Kawasaki must know this, so I'm expecting the price would be a premium. Other than that, I, perhaps naively, hope they don't cut cost on an essential kick-starter & add a bash plate for the engine; I think that too is an essential, considering it is targeted for newbies.

This motorcycle is light enough to mount on any dirt bike hitch rack. All you need is an SUV with a hitch accessory. It wont count as a trailer so should be perfectly legal.

I am hoping they allow us to swap out the suspension to turn it into a 230 standard version for those of us that dont need the lowered S variant. Then this could be a dream come true affordable Japanese dirt bike. The first of its kind in India. I would love to grab one for trails and city riding to park next to the ADV in the garage, dedicated for touring.

[BullettuPaandi]

Originally Posted by imranstael

This motorcycle is light enough to mount on any dirt bike hitch rack. All you need is an SUV with a hitch accessory. It wont count as a trailer so should be perfectly legal.

I think installing a hitch rack also requires permission from the RTO. Even if not so, the mounted vehicle must be within the width of the car; not many SUVs are wide enough for this. Only SUV thats over 2m wide that I know of is a Defender 130.

Besides all this, even if it is somehow legal, it's simply not worth the hassle to risk getting fished by police for bribes, especially if you're crossing state borders. So, just not viable, sadly.

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by RoadToHappiness

Fair point there, buddy. That makes me wonder about the target segment for this product, given the narrow seat and a probable 160-200km practical range. And we have not even started to talk about the expected pricing yet.

It'll be a niche product. It's a classic dual sport. You can compare it to an xpulse maybe but xpulse is based on a street bike frame and it's more of a small pseudo ADV than a light dual sport. Impulse is the more closer comparison.

KLX won't be an upgrade in most areas but it'll be better built, more reliable and much lighter and easier off-road. In essence, it'll be an off road toy and won't be setting the sales charts on fire. And the pricing is everything. Kawasaki being a premium brand, the pricing will be along the lines even if it's localised. For us, something like an XRE300 or XT250 makes more sense but Honda and Yamaha aren't listening.