One of the best days I spent on two wheels last year was on the 2025 Kawasaki KLX230R—I just didn't want to stop riding. The bike had just enough power to make me want to hoon on it but wasn't intimidating and was more than competent.
So, when I saw that Kawasaki launched updates to the KLX230S, KLX230S ABS, and KLX230SM I had to hop on it and give you the skinny.
For 2025 the lineup looks a damn sight more modern thanks to stylistic cues taken straight from the KX range. Anyone buying one of these can play around with the Rideology app, benefit from an LED headlight, and choose between an ABS and non-ABS model.
However, why anyone would buy a street bike without ABS is beyond me.
KLX230 S And KLX230 S ABS
Both the KLX230 S and KLX230 S ABS models use the same 233cc four-stroke, air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine, which is simple to work on and a proven reliable workhorse. The high-tensile steel perimeter frame that encloses the powertrain is a tough sucker and more than capable of providing the durability and poise a chassis needs while riding off-road and is more than enough for whatever on-road activities most riders get up to.
The wheelbase is just 53.7 inches, which should keep these models maneuverable enough on-road and confidence-inspiring for newer riders. But if you're more the type to use the road to get to your favorite trails, you'll be happy to know the KLX230 S has 9.4 inches of ground clearance. There's 7.9 inches of front suspension travel courtesy of the 37mm telescopic front fork, and the new Uni-Trak rear linkage system delivers 8.9 inches of rear-wheel travel.
Apart from the ABS, the only thing separating these two models is the size of the front disc brake. The KLX230 S features a 240mm front disc, while the KLX230 S ABS uses a 265mm disc. Both models feature twin-piston calipers at the front and a 220mm disc gripped by a single-piston at the rear.
And there aren't too many other electronic features to speak about. Both models feature a digital instrument panel, allowing riders to integrate with the Rideology App, and an electric start. Simple, fun, capable dual-sports. Oh, and they're ridiculous value for money.
The KLX230 S ABS is $5,299, while the non-ABS variant is $4,999.
KLX230SM ABS
If you're the kind of rider who's never realistically going to see dirt unless some debris falls down the side of the canyon you're ripping through, the KLX230SM ABS is easily the pick of the bunch. It's going to give you more on-road performance and general giggles than any of the other bikes in this lineup.
What differentiates this model from the rest of the KLX lineup is that it features 17-inch front and rear wheels that are wrapped in road-focused rubber. There's a larger 300mm semi-floating petal disc front brake with a twin-piston caliper and a 220mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper. Finally, completing the supermoto look are 37mm inverted forks. Both the forks and Uni-tRAK rear suspension unit feature stiffer springs than the other models in the KLX lineup, adding to this bike's on-road performance.
Lastly, instead of the off-road footpegs that you get on the KLX230 S, the SM features standard footpegs with rubber pads that are intended to make the ride more comfortable, and this model is only available with ABS.
The KLX230SM ABS costs $5,599, and it's certainly the one I'd like to throw a leg over right now. But tell us your pick of the bunch in the comments.
