The Indian two-wheeler space is witnessing the arrival of new off-road-focused products from a handful of manufacturers. While choices remain limited, the segment is slowly gaining momentum. One of the early entrants is the Kawasaki KLX230, launched a few months ago, now followed by the recently launched KTM 390 Enduro R. They fall in the same segment in terms of price but vastly differ in their approach. In this spec comparison, we pit the two against each other to see how they stack up.
KTM 390 Enduro R vs Kawasaki KLX230: engine and output
| Engine and output | ||
|---|---|---|
| KTM 390 Enduro R | Kawasaki KLX230 | |
| Engine | Single cylinder, liquid-cooled, 398.63cc | Single cylinder, air-cooled, 233cc |
| Power | 46hp at 8,500rpm | 18.1hp at 8,000rpm |
| Torque | 39Nm at 6,500rpm | 18.3Nm at 6,400rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 259.88hp/tonne | 130.21hp/tonne |
The KTM 390 Enduro R’s engine has nearly twice the capacity of the KLX230’s engine.
The two motorcycles compared here differ significantly in terms of engine capacity, configuration and power output. The KTM 390 Enduro R is powered by a liquid-cooled engine shared with several other KTM models, including the 390 Duke, 390 Adventure, and Adventure X. This 399cc motor is a proven performer and has been thoroughly tried and tested.
In contrast, the Kawasaki KLX230 features a more basic air-cooled engine. This is evident in the power figures, with the KLX’s 230cc motor producing just 18hp. This is a 28hp disparity when compared to the KTM’s 46hp. However, the simplicity of the air-cooled setup is a key reason behind the KLX230’s legendary bulletproof reliability – a trait it has long been known for.
KTM 390 Enduro R vs Kawasaki KLX230: weight and dimensions
| Weight and dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| KTM 390 Enduro R | Kawasaki KLX230 | |
| Seat height | 860mm | 880mm |
| Ground clearance | 253mm | 265mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,470mm | 1,370mm |
| Fuel capacity | 9 litres | 7.6 litres |
| Kerb weight | 177kg | 139kg |
The KTM 390 Enduro R is 38kg heavier than the KLX230.
While both motorcycles offer over 250mm of ground clearance, the international-spec KTM 390 Enduro R boasts more than 290mm. While the international-spec 390 Enduro R borrows its suspension from the 390 Adventure R, the India-spec 390 Enduro R gets it from the KTM 390 Adventure, which is locally made. Not only has this made the seat height more accessible, but it has also helped keep the price down.
The KLX230, on the other hand, has a slightly higher ground clearance and an even taller seat height of 880mm. However, it is worth noting that the KLX230 is equipped with a much softer suspension setup that drops the moment a rider is onboard, thereby making the real-world seat height and ground clearance more approachable.
The Kawasaki KLX230 is also 38kg lighter compared to the KTM 390 Enduro R, but also comes with a 1.4-litre smaller fuel tank.
KTM 390 Enduro R vs Kawasaki KLX230: brakes and suspension
| Brakes and suspension | ||
|---|---|---|
| KTM 390 Enduro R | Kawasaki KLX230 | |
| Brakes (F/R) | 285mm / 240mm | 265mm / 220mm |
| Suspension (F/R) | USD fork / monoshock | Telescopic fork / monoshock |
| Suspension travel (F/R) | 200mm / 205mm | 240mm / 250mm |
| Wheel size (F/R) | 90/90-21 / 140/80B 18 | 2.75-21 45P / 4.10-18 59P |
The KTM 390 Enduro R uses the exact suspension setup and travel as the KTM 390 Adventure.
Both motorcycles run on 21/18-inch (F/R) wheels to suit their off-road intent. The Kawasaki KLX230 offers a higher suspension travel with its telescopic fork, compared to the KTM 390 Enduro R, which incorporates a USD fork, the exact suspension setup and travel as the KTM 390 Adventure range. This gives the 390 Enduro R adjustable suspension, whereas the KLX230 has a much softer, non-adjustable suspension.
KTM 390 Enduro R vs Kawasaki KLX230: price
| Price | ||
|---|---|---|
| KTM 390 Enduro R | Kawasaki KLX230 | |
| Price | Rs 3.37 lakh | Rs 3.30 lakh |
The Kawasaki undercuts the KTM by Rs 7,000.
At Rs 3.37 lakh, the KTM 390 Enduro R costs just Rs 7,000 more than the Kawasaki KLX230. At this price point, the KTM 390 Enduro R offers a significantly more powerful engine, but the Kawasaki KLX230 is head and shoulders lighter than the orange machine.
