Off-road riding is a popular topic now, especially with the launch of the KTM 390 Adventure, followed by the KTM 390 Enduro R, and the launch of the new Hero Xpulse 210. We have also discussed about two interesting motorcycles that will be coming our way soon — the CFMoto 450 MT and the BMW F 450 GS. Now all of them are interesting and capable machines, but we often forget one crucial aspect of off-roading — lightness. And this brings us straight to Kawasaki, the KLX230.
So how does the Kawasaki KLX230 compare against one of the segment’s newest entrant, the Hero Xpulse 210? Here is a detailed comparison between the two motorcycles.
Kawasaki KLX230 vs Hero XPulse 210: Overview of the motorcycles
The Kawasaki KLX230 keeps it simple and to the point. The motorcycle gets minimal bodywork, a flat seat, a narrow design between the legs, a telescopic fork, a monoshock at the rear, a 21-18 wheel setup with spoke rims, disc brakes at both ends, a digital instrument cluster, and the exhaust tucked under the seat for maximum clearance.
The Hero Xpulse 210 follows the same aspect in terms of suspension, brakes, wheels, and design. However, it is focused more on being an everyday machine as well, with a TFT instrument console with phone connectivity, well-designed ergonomics to carry a pillion, and other bits to make it more comfortable. In this approach, the Xpulse has given the KLX230 an advantage — weight.
Weight is crucial when riding trails or off-road and the Xpulse 210 tips the scale at 170kg, while the Kawasaki weighs almost 30kg less, at 139kg. This is a big advantage the Kawasaki has, along with a massive ground clearance of 265mm compared to the Xpulse’s 220mm. The Kawasaki KLX230 also has more suspension travel than the Xpulse 210.
| eatures | KLX 230 | Xpulse 210 |
| Suspension (F) | Telescopic 240 mm travel | Telescopic 210 mm travel |
| Suspension (R) | Monoshock 250 mm travel | Monoshock 205 mm travel |
| Brakes (F) | 265 mm disc | 276 mm disc |
| Brakes (R) | 220 mm disc | 220 mm disc |
| Tyre (F) | 21-inch | 21-inch |
| Tyre (R) | 18-inch | 18-inch |
| Seat Height | 880 mm | 830 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 265 mm | 220 mm |
| Weight | 139 kg | 170 kg |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.6-litres | 13-litres |
Kawasaki KLX230 vs Hero XPulse 210: Engine specifications
Both motorcycles are powered by a single-cylinder engine. The KLX230 gets an air-cooled engine mated to a six-speed gearbox while the Xpulse 210 gets a liquid-cooled engine mated to a six-speed transmission.
| Specifications | KLX 230 | Xpulse 200 |
| Displacement | 233 cc | 210 cc |
| Power | 17.5 bhp | 24 bhp |
| Torque | 18.3 Nm | 20.7 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Price | Rs 3.30 lakh | Rs 1.75 lakh |
Yes, the Xpulse 210 makes more power on paper, but the Kawasaki’s lightness makes up for it. However, the elephant in the room is the pricing — the Kawasaki KLX230 costs almost a lakh and a half more than the Xpulse 210, but that’s the price for premium components that are capable of handling the rough stuff.
