Kawasaki launches entry-level enduro and supermoto for under 3,500 euros!

Does getting through town and the occasional detour onto unpaved tracks really call for a big bike? For the 2027 model year, Kawasaki is presenting two smaller, road-legal alternatives. The KLX230 adopts a look inspired by the KX motocross models and is also aimed at those who want to leave the tarmac behind. Its sister, the KLX230SM, focuses on the road. Both share an air-cooled single as their common base, with the differences lying mainly in the wheels and chassis.

Kawasaki quotes a displacement of 233 cc for the air-cooled, fuel-injected four-stroke single with SOHC valve train. Its 12.9 kW, or 18 hp, arrives at 7,500 rpm, with peak torque of 19 Nm at 6,200 rpm. The engine is said to be characterised by readily usable power in the low and mid-range. A balancer shaft is meant to provide extra smoothness. Kawasaki also describes the engine as robust and easy to maintain. It is fired up via electric starter, and gear selection is handled by a six-speed gearbox. The same powertrain is used in the KLX230SM, for which the manufacturer quotes fuel consumption of 2.81 l/100 km.

On the SM, both wheels hit the road in 17-inch format. Up front sits a 110/70-17 tyre, with a 120/80-17 at the rear. Add to that a 1,365 mm wheelbase and, according to Kawasaki, a wet weight of 141 kg. The combination is meant to deliver agile handling. A 37 mm upside-down fork does the work at the front. Compared with the KLX230, Kawasaki uses stiffer springs and shorter suspension travel, which should reduce front-end dive under braking. Suspension travel is 188 mm at the front and 195 mm at the rear, with ground clearance of 230 mm. The New Uni-Trak rear suspension offers adjustable spring preload to adapt the shock to rider weight or riding with a pillion.

According to the manufacturer, the KLX230SM's taller final drive ratio is matched to the smaller wheels. At 860 mm, its seat height is 20 mm lower than the enduro's. Both models have a 7.5-litre tank. Visually, the supermoto gets a compact LED headlight and a front mudguard adapted to the 17-inch front wheel. The frame, swingarm, handlebar and rims are finished in black, complementing the slim front end and the distinctive lines.

The KLX230 rolls on a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel, shod with 2.75-21 tyres at the front and 4.10-18 at the rear. Kawasaki expects this to provide a confident riding feel on changing surfaces. The wheelbase is 1,370 mm, and the wet weight is 137 kg according to the manufacturer. Kawasaki says the experience of its own development riders went into the suspension setup. With 220 mm of travel at the front, 223 mm at the rear and 255 mm of ground clearance, the enduro offers more suspension travel and ground clearance than the SM. This should allow it to soak up bumps effectively, while the New Uni-Trak rear suspension is meant to support a planted riding feel. The seat height is 880 mm. Kawasaki also highlights the comfort of the seat and positions the KLX230 for exploring both paved and unpaved roads.

When it comes to hitting the brakes, both models rely on the same hardware. Up front, Kawasaki pairs a 290 mm brake disc with a two-piston caliper, and at the rear a 230 mm disc with a single-piston caliper. ABS is standard on both the KLX230 and the KLX230SM. So the two sisters don't differ in these brake components, while the wheels, suspension travel, ground clearance and seat height clearly reflect their respective focus.

In Austria, the KLX230 costs 3,459 euros and is offered in Lime Green or Battle Gray. For the KLX230SM, Kawasaki quotes 3,759 euros, with the colour scheme named Lime Green / Ebony. Both models are expected to be available from Austrian Kawasaki dealers from December 2026. These are non-binding, non-cartelised recommended retail prices including NoVA (Austrian standard fuel consumption tax), 20 percent VAT and all ancillary costs. Kawasaki thus answers the question posed at the outset with two different concepts: big wheels and longer suspension travel for the KLX230, 17-inch wheels and firmer suspension for the KLX230SM.

How much power do the Kawasaki KLX230 and KLX230SM 2027 have?

Both use the air-cooled 233 cc single which, according to Kawasaki, produces 12.9 kW, or 18 hp, at 7,500 rpm and 19 Nm at 6,200 rpm.

What sets the KLX230 apart from the KLX230SM?

The KLX230 has 21- and 18-inch wheels, 220 and 223 mm of suspension travel respectively, and an 880 mm seat height. The KLX230SM relies on two 17-inch wheels, stiffer springs, 188 and 195 mm of suspension travel respectively, and a seat height of 860 mm.

How much do the models cost and when do they arrive in Austria?

Kawasaki quotes 3,459 euros for the KLX230 and 3,759 euros for the KLX230SM, each including NoVA, 20 percent VAT and all ancillary costs. Both are expected to be available from December 2026.

Do the Kawasaki KLX230 and KLX230SM have ABS?

Yes, both models are equipped with ABS.