Kawasaki KLX230 S will be made in India, looks ready to hit the production line
New spy shots have emerged confirming that Kawasaki is actively testing the 2024 iteration of the KLX230 S in India. This follows earlier reports from a couple of months ago that indicated Kawasaki was working on this off-road motorcycle.
The Kawasaki KLX230 S is powered by a 233cc, 2-valve, single-cylinder engine. While official power and torque figures are not listed on Kawasaki’s international websites, comparisons can be made with the off-road-only version sold in India, the KLX 230R S. The engine in the KLX 230R S produces 20 HP at 8000 RPM and 20.6 Nm of torque at 6000 RPM.
It is expected that the Indian version of the KLX230 S may have similar or slightly lower figures to comply with local emissions standards. This would place it marginally ahead of the Hero Xpulse 200 4V, which offers 19.2 HP at 8500 RPM and 17.35 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM.
The latest images suggest that the bike is nearing production readiness. However, the launch could still be some time away as Kawasaki India works to finalise its supply chain and production logistics. The KLX230 S will join Kawasaki’s growing lineup of made-in-India models, following the Ninja 300 and W175.
The KLX230 S boasts a seat height of 843 mm and a ground clearance of 239 mm. The US-spec model weighs 133 kg, but the Indian version is expected to be closer to 140 kg due to the inclusion of mandatory accessories such as a saree guard, front number plate holder and a pillion grab rail.
With these specifications, the Kawasaki KLX230 S is poised to offer a compelling option for off-road enthusiasts in India. Its anticipated performance metrics suggest it will be a competitive alternative to current models like the Hero Xpulse 200 4V.
