BHPian Shubhendra recently shared this with other enthusiasts:India-Spec Kawasaki KLX 230 RS: ObservationsWeld quality on chassis is different. However, chassis design is same but difference in quality is visibleMY 2026 230 RS has ignition key (no handle lock) and petrol tank key. A very welcome addition on India bikesEngine head is changed as they have changed the silencer exit from left to right which also changed the routing for silencer. I honestly find the new silencer routing better as the earlier routing just behind the front had more probability of damageMY 2026 has dark silver matt paint on engine unlike earlier model with metallic silver paintSilencer is changed. Earlier model has total 3 supporting mount for the silencer whereas MY2026 has 2 mounts onlyPlastic quality of body parts is different. Not sure how many falls they will survive but looking at the price list for the India made bikes, I don’t mind replacing them once a year typesHandle is changed, India made bikes do not get handle with cross bar. However, riding posture is good for the offroad. May need to change it to something stronger if this handle doesn’t take many falls.Foot pegs are changed and now smaller. KTM 390 adventure foot pegs are direct replacement , friend has already changed themSeat padding is little different with difference in the quality of seat cover as well.PS: Many people have raised quality/performance concerns on shock absorbers supplied by Endurance for KLX 230s. In my opinion Endurance make good quality shock absorbers, I used their rally kit in my friend’s Xpulse 2V and it was just awesome. Despite of a few years of rough use, it never gave any issue. BTW, WP Apex suspension on KTM 390 Adventure are actually made by Endurance, with the WP Apex sticker applied on top.Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
