Kawasaki has unveiled two new versions of the KLX 230 for the global markets — the KLX 230 DF and Sherpa S. The former is a more off-road-focused version of the motorcycle, and the latter, Sherpa S, is a more accessible motorcycle in terms of dimensions. Here are more details on the two motorcycles.
Kawasaki KLX 230 Sherpa S and DF — More details
Let’s start with the KLX 230 Sherpa S. This, as mentioned earlier, is a more accessible version of the motorcycle with a low seat height. This is owing to shorter suspension travel, with the front and rear getting 157.4mm and 167.6mm of travel. This has resulted in a more accessible seat height of 825.5mm, however, its ground clearance has taken a hit — 213.3mm.
The more off-road-focused KLX 230 DF gets more suspension travel — 198mm and 221mm. This has taken the seat height to 845.8mm, while the ground clearance stands at 238.7mm. While the suspension travel is the biggest difference, the DF variant gets a few add-ons such as engine protection and a small luggage rack as standard.
Apart from the above differences, both versions of the KLX 230 models are based on the same steel perimeter frame and are suspended by telescopic front forks and a monoshock at the rear. The motorcycles get disc brakes at both ends, wire-spoke wheels, ABS that can be turned off, and a simple LCD instrument console.
In terms of power, the Kawasaki KLX 230 DF and Sherpa S get the familiar 233cc, air-cooled single-cylinder engine that makes 17.8bhp and 18.3Nm of torque mated to a six-speed gearbox. While the new models will be sold abroad, it is unlikely that Kawasaki will bring these models to India.
