Kawasaki has introduced a substantial price reduction for its KLX 230 motorcycle in India, making it a more appealing option for off-road enthusiasts. The bike’s price has been lowered by ₹1.30 lakh, now available at an ex-showroom price of ₹1.99 lakh, down from its original price of ₹3.33 lakh. This adjustment makes it a formidable contender in the segment, especially against the Hero Xpulse 200.
The price cut is attributed to Kawasaki’s ‘Made in India’ strategy for the KLX 230. The manufacturer has stated that the motorcycle’s specifications remain unchanged, preserving its dual-sport capabilities.
The ‘Made in India’ KLX 230 retains its telescopic front suspension and monoshock rear suspension, with travel capacities of around 240mm and 250mm, respectively. It rides on a 21-18 wire-spoke wheel setup and offers a ground clearance of 265mm. The bike is equipped with disc brakes on both wheels and has a 7.6-liter fuel tank.
The motorcycle is powered by a single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. The 233cc engine generates 18 bhp and 18 Nm of torque and is coupled with a 6-speed gearbox. While the engine’s specifications might seem modest, the combination of the engine, the KLX 230’s 136 kg weight, and the long-travel suspension setup contribute to its outstanding performance as an off-roader.
The primary competitor to the Kawasaki KLX 230 in India is the Hero Xpulse 200. The Xpulse 200, priced at ₹1.75 lakh ex-showroom, features a similar setup with long-travel suspension, offering 210mm travel at the front and 205mm at the rear. It also has a 21-18 wire-spoke wheel setup, a high fender, a sleek design, and disc brakes on both ends, with dual-channel ABS.
The Xpulse features a 200cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that generates 24 bhp and 21 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Although the engine specifications favor the Xpulse 200 in terms of power, the Xpulse is relatively heavier, weighing in at 170 kg, significantly more than the KLX.