I had test ridden the Xpulse 210 last weekend and was almost about to book one, when this new, cheaper India-made KLX news broke out. I wanted to get a feel of the bike, assess the seat height, engine, weight, etc
Bhpian nasirkaka recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
KLX 230 SHORT TEST RIDE:
Visited the Kawasaki Bangalore this Saturday morning, To test ride the KLX 230.
Post the recent (massive) price cut, there is a good amount of interest generated, which was visible in the number of riders walking in and asking for a test ride. The test ride bike was standing in front of the showroom, all green, looking lean, tall, and purposeful. Like a toy where the form is inspired by an insect. It is likable at first sight. Point to be noted is that this test ride bike is the imported one, and the new India-made 2026 models will only hit the showrooms in October.
After completing the formality, which involved filling out and signing a form and handing over the DL, I was given the Key to the bike. Swing a leg over the bike, and it instantly comes across as a tall bike. Settle in the seat and the ‘tall’ feeling reduces greatly. I am about 5’9″ and 77kgs and could almost flat foot. The test ride was a small 15-minute one, in the city with traffic, so it was limited in itself, but was good enough to get a feel.
Weight:
The first thing one notices is the weight of the bike. Or lack of it. It gives the feeling of being in control of the bike, rather than the bike controlling us.
Engine:
The engine starts with a nice throaty sound, but feels a bit rough with some mild vibrations. Slot in the gear, and the bike feels eager to move. Give it some gas, the revs climb, vibes increase, bike does not accelerate as fast as it feels and sounds like. What is to be noted here is our Point of reference from the bike that we are used to riding. In my case, I have been riding the Scrambler 400X, and so at a subconscious level, that becomes my reference/point of comparison. The KLX 230 did not feel agile, or rev-happy, or smooth. In fact, it felt somewhat similar to the Xpulse 210 engine, which I experienced last week. But if I try and compare to my 2021 Xpulse 200, the engine feels better and has a likable character.
Ergonomics:
Sitting posture is nice and upright, handlebars are wide and flattish. The handlebars felt a bit low while standing and riding. It may be the ideal height for an aggressive ‘attack’ position, but we are wrongly spoiled by putting tall risers on our bikes, hence that feeling. I checked later for some videos, and many abroad have installed risers up to 2 inches without disturbing the stock cables, so that is a possibility. The footpegs feel a bit high, too, especially while saddling. Did not get much time to stand and ride as the test ride was in city limits.
The bike is tall and may take some getting used to on the trails. For us amateur riders, accessing the ground on trails feels reassuring. On the KLX, we miss a footing on the ground and may not get another chance.
Suspension:
The best part of the bike, after the weight. I did not get enough rough surface, except for some inner roads with many large potholes, and the bike just glided over them. The Nose dive is there due to long travel suspension, but I felt it is much better controlled compared to the 210.
Seat:
It is narrow. Helps with moving up and down and side to side, but may not be comfortable over long hours. I checked for some alternatives, and there are aftermarket seat options from SEAT CONCEPTS and CORBI,N which are wider, look comfortable, and have very good user reviews. They are expensive as well, so one would have to take inspiration and try and achieve something similar but locally here.
Brake:
I thought the braking was pretty good with a nice and sharp bite. Front nose dive, which one will have to get used to?
Fit and finish:
The bike has very good fit and finish and does feel like a premium import. The matt silver treatment on the frame, the console, plastics, switch gears, cables, etc, all have a premium feel, with well-defined and controlled welds. It is miles ahead of the 210 in this department.
The bike has a very small turning radius, which is another big plus.
BUT this is the expensive imported KLX we are talking about, and what remains to be seen is how the Indian made KLX fares in comparison. Visually, I prefer the old one from the images. There are other details (or lack of it) which are visible in old and new comparison pictures. Like embossings and details on the engine and crank covers, routing of the front brake lines, the chain guard and slider, the box swing-arm, etc.
One of the biggest difference that remains to be checked is the suspension. The 2026 KLX will have suspension made by Endurance (the same guys who make for Xpulse) where whereas the imported KLX has Showa suspension.
Overall, I liked the bike and feel it would complement the 400X well. Some of the doubts I had, like the seat height, were cleared. I wanted to book one post the test ride, but there is a catch. The booking amount of 5k is NON-REFUNDABLE. Makes sense to wait for a couple of months for the 2026 variant to arrive, test them, and take a call.
Happy with the ride.
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