Kawasaki KLX 230R S, KX 250 Off-Road Review: Which One is the Perfect Off-Road Motorcycle for New Riders?

There are few things in life as satisfying as tearing up a dirt track, with no limits on speed, endless space for your shenanigans, and the right kind of motorcycle between your legs. This exact thought raced through my mind as I swung my leg over the relatively mild-mannered KLX 230R S for my second round at Yansh Adventure Motorsports. The best, however, was yet to come, as the crazy KX 250 awaited my command. As a relative beginner to off-road motorcycles but a fan of bikes that can scare the living daylights out of riders, the prospect of riding the KX 250 was enticing. So, which one would be my pick? Let’s find out!

Kawasaki KLX 230R S, KX 250 Off-Road Review: What’s the Big Deal?

The Indian motorcycle landscape is experiencing an unprecedented boom. Not only is the 300 –400cc category becoming the preferred segment for relatively new riders, but manufacturers are also introducing recreational-only motorcycles, something that was previously unheard of. A case in point is Kawasaki India’s decision to launch its KLX enduro and KX dirt bike range. The KLX range includes bikes equipped with 110 – 300cc engines. The dedicated KX line of off-road motorcycles ranges from a modest 65cc to an insane 450cc.

With such a diverse range of motorcycles, Kawasaki aims to cater to not just different skill levels but also different age groups. This was also evident at the Kawasaki Off-Road Carnival, where the adults could test 110cc+ motorcycles on the regular track, while a separate section offered smaller motorcycles for kids to experience. At the event, my primary goal was to try my hands at two specific motorcycles – the KLX 230R S and the KX 250. While the former is the perfect entry point into the sport, the latter is a downright intimidating machine – for me, at least – that requires some time and practice to master.

The Kawasaki KLX 230R S

The new Kawasaki KLX 230R S belongs to Kawasaki’s enduro range of motorcycles, designed primarily for wide, open trail riding rather than tight, technical dirt tracks characteristic of the KX range. The ‘S’ in the name refers to a more plush suspension setup and a shorter ride height compared to the regular KLX 230R. And yet, the KLX 230R S’ 900mm seat height is still relatively tall for the average Indian stature. However, once you swing your leg over, you’ll find that the ergonomics are quite welcoming, and the bike becomes easier to handle on the move.

Powered by a single-cylinder air-cooled 233cc engine, producing 19.7bhp of power and 20.6Nm of peak torque, the 230R S may not seem very impressive on paper. However, a majority of the power comes in early in the rev range, ensuring the best possible tractability in low-speed situations. As soon as you twist the throttle, the bike surges forward with urgency without making you feel intimidated. The KLX 230R S feels like a well-engineered motorcycle, perfectly suited for riders familiar with motorcycles but new to off-roading.

One downside I noticed was that as speed increased, the engine tended to lose momentum quite quickly in high-speed sections of the track, with power falling flat past the mid-range RPM. The suspension, while comfortable, felt somewhat soft, especially after riding the track-focused, stiff KX 250. But, then, the KLX is designed to navigate trails, effortlessly handling bumps at speed. Overall, it complements the easy power delivery well, offering predictability in terms of handling.

The Kawasaki KX 250

As I hopped on to the KX 250, the difference between the mild KLX enduro bike and the KX 250 became immediately apparent. The first thing you will notice, especially if you’re riding the KX 250 for the first time, is its towering height. With a seat height of 960mm and a ground clearance of 345mm, its prowess comes at the expense of accessibility for vertically challenged riders such as myself.

And if you think that it’s a breeze to ride thereafter, you couldn’t be more mistaken. The KX 250 truly feels like a beast unforgiving to novices. With its engine being light, powerful and fast-revving, the KX 250 can be aptly described by the phrase, ‘like a bat out of hell’. Twist the throttle, hang on tight, and the response is immediate. A word of advice – it’s crucial to keep some weight over the front end while riding this motorcycle quickly.

Unlike the KLX 230R S, the KX 250 has a stiffer suspension to prevent the motorcycle from bottoming out over jumps. Unfortunately, the high-speed sections of the Yansh Adventure Motorsport park are quite bumpy, with sharp corners following right after. Navigating these sections while being tossed around on the motorcycle was a steep learning curve. However, what truly impressed me was the phenomenal grip of the bike regardless of the situation.

Kawasaki KLX 230R S, KX 250 Off-Road Review: Which One Should You Choose?

After riding both motorcycles back-to-back and thoroughly understanding what I need from an off-road motorcycle, I would undoubtedly choose the ruthless, unforgiving KX 250 over the KLX 230R S, despite its gentler nature being perfect for my off-road initiation. In terms of pricing, the KLX 230R S costs ₹5.21 lakhs (ex-showroom), while the KX 250 will demand ₹7.99 lakhs (ex-showroom). However, if you really want to get into the world of dirt riding and consider yourself an intermediate-level on-road rider, the KLX 230R S would be the better option. On the other hand, if you are like me and relish being scared senseless every time you mount a motorcycle, the KX 250 should be your clear choice. Now, I can’t help but wonder what the wilder KX 450 has to offer.