Kawasaki KLX230 now priced at Rs 1.99 lakh after localisation

Kawasaki has slashed the price of its KLX230 by Rs 1.30 lakh, and it now costs Rs 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Launched late last year at Rs 3.30 lakh, localisation has helped bring production costs down.

 

The move not only brings the KLX230 closer to the Hero Xpulse 210 (Rs 1.76–1.86 lakh), its chief rival, but it also removes it from unfavourable comparisons with the far more powerful KTM 390 Enduro R – a by-product of its high price earlier.

 

Localisation has also brought some mechanical tweaks: suspension travel is down by 20mm at the front and 27mm at the rear, while both ends now get larger disc brakes. Powering the bike is a simple 233cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 19hp at 7,800rpm and 19Nm at 6,200rpm, and comes paired with a 6-speed gearbox. A 37mm telescopic fork and monoshock handle suspension duties, and it gets a 7.5-litre fuel tank. Features are minimal – a monotone LCD with Bluetooth and single-channel ABS.

For riders who want an even more focused trail machine, Kawasaki offers the KLX230R S at Rs 1.94 lakh. It isn’t road-legal, so it forgoes the headlamp, an instrument cluster, and other equipment, but its light weight and uncompromising spec make it an ideal off-road companion.