There are three dual sport motorcycles in Kawasaki’s lineup for 2022 with the KLX230, KLX300, and KLR650. First introduced in 2020 and 2021, respectively, the KLX230 and KLX300 are undoubtedly part of Team Green’s response to the seemingly ever-growing interest in dual sports by motorcyclists far and wide. The reintroduction of the KLR650 is another example of this.
We first tested Kawasaki’s 233cc air-cooled dual sport shortly after it was unveiled a couple of years ago. Although the 2022 model was not available for testing when we requested it this time, the KLX230 hasn’t featured any mechanical changes since its inception, so testing the ‘21 model is comparable to the ‘22.
This year marks the first time the KLX230 has seen the Dirt Rider dyno as well as our automotive scales. Weight was measured at 290 pounds with the bike’s 2-gallon fuel tank topped off. Peak figures of 17.3 hp at 7,800 rpm and 13.3 pound-feet of torque at 6,300 rpm were documented as well. Now that empirical numbers have been established, test rider Evan Allen has gone to work testing this beginner-friendly dual sport, so stay tuned for his full review of it right here on dirtrider.com.
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