2025 Kawasaki KLX230R First Look [10 Fast Facts; S Too!]

June 7, 2024

The 2025 Kawasaki KLX230R receives many updates this year, focusing on usability for the novice-friendly trailbike. Getting the same updates is the S model, which features a seat that is nearly an inch lower than the standard KLX230R. Let’s see what’s new about the likeable and capable off-roader.

The SOHC air-cooled two-valve engine’s power delivery gets some massaging. In an effort to enhance low-end to midrange torque, Kawasaki has given the motor a 33mm intake valve (down 4mm) and narrowed the intake port. Additionally, the ECU has been reworked to complement the intake change.

To smooth things out, the 2025 Kawasaki KLX230R’s motor now has a counterbalancer. It’s a single-axis design to reduce vibrations, making the motorcycle less fatiguing on long rides.

The rear subframe has been reworked to reduce the seat heights on both flavors of the 2025 KLX230R. The standard KLX230R’s seat height is now 35.6 inches (down 0.8 inches), and the KLX230R S’s seat is one inch lower at 34.4 inches. At the same time, the seat shape is reworked and has thicker foam. The suspension travel on both models is unchanged, though the shock now has threaded spring-preload adjustment for more precise settings.

Along with the lower seat height comes matching ergonomic changes. The footpegs are moved back about one-third of an inch, while the handlebar is moved forward an inch and is a half-inch higher. According to Kawasaki, this is “for increased control.”

New bodywork is designed to reduce boot and pants snags, and look cooler. The updated plastic is intended to recall the plastic on the KX450 and KX250 motocrossers in function and style.

The 2024 Kawasaki KLX230R models have tightened up geometry. Both models have the rake kicked in 1.1 degrees. The KLX230R S remains the more agile of the two models, with 24.6 degrees of rake (one degree less than the standard edition) and a 0.8-inch shorter wheelbase at 53.3 inches. The standard KLX230R’s 9.8 inches of wheel travel remains about an inch longer than the S at both ends.

To facilitate longer trail rides, the 2025 KLX230R models hold about a quart more fuel. Capacity is now an even two gallons. Interestingly, the long-running plastic tank has been replaced with a steel unit. You get a tenth of a gallon less capacity on the California models.

With these changes, the 2025 Kawasaki KLX230R family plumped up a bit. The wet weight for both bikes is up eight pounds. California models add another two pounds to that—thank you, bureaucrats. Just a reminder—the KLX230Rs meet California’s unnecessary emissions standards, so it can be registered for off-road use.

Both models are now keyed. The gas cap is also locking.

Don’t faint—the price of each bike has gone down significantly for 2025! The 2025 Kawasaki KLX230R and KLX230R S are now the same price—$4999. That’s a $150 reduction for the standard model and a staggering $500 drop for the S. Both of these dirt bikes should be on showroom floors right now. Oh, and you get to choose between Battle Gray and traditional Lime Green.

2025 Kawasaki KLX230R (and KLX230R S) Specs

ENGINE

Type: Single-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement: 233cc
Bore x stroke: 67.0 x 66.0mm
Compression ratio: 9.4:1
Valvetrain: SOHC; 2 valves
Fueling: EFI w/ 32mm throttle body
Transmission: 6-speed
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS

Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 37mm fork; 9.8 inches (S: 8.7 inches)
Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted spring-preload adjustable shock; 9.9 inches (S: 8.8 inches)
Tires: Dunlop Sports D952
Front tire: 80/100 x 21
Rear tire: 100/100 x 18
Front brake: 240mm petal disc
Rear brake: 220mm petal disc

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES