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Blame it on our unreal road conditions or the big waves that we are experiencing in Indian motorcycling, ADV-tourers are ruling the roost. Even its other adventure-related derivatives like dual-purpose motorcycles are gaining popularity in India. One good look at the Hero Xpulse 200 4V and its sales figures, you will know that we are getting serious about getting down and dirty. By the looks of it, this hype isn’t going to die on us anytime soon. At least not before we reach the point where every popular ADV-tourer or dual-purpose motorcycle can be bought from our showroom floors. A few days from now, another dual-purpose motorcycle is gearing up to set foot in India. And it is going to be green. Not the electric kind though. That’s boring. The Kawasaki kind.
Although Kawasaki is keeping mum about any details regarding this upcoming motorcycle, teasers, and rumor mills suggest that it is going to be the KLX 230 S. Another fact that adds some more fuel to the fire is that certain dealerships have also started taking unofficial bookings for the KLX 230 S. It is worth noting here that Kawasaki India’s portfolio does include some motocross machines but they are not road legal. On the other hand, the KLX 230 S, despite being more focused on off-roading by the looks of it, can be ridden on the road.
Looks Potent
Overall, the design also indicates that the KLX 230 S means business, dirty business. Although the design philosophy is pretty minimalistic, that’s the route that most dual-purpose motorcycles take. Up front, the KLX gets a simple headlamp setup with a high-rise front fender. The side panels too, don’t exude any drama whatsoever with the only element uplifting its adventurous spirit is the upswept exhaust unit. Even the flat seat resembles the ones found on motocross motorcycles. When it comes to features, the KLX gets switchable ABS and a small LCD unit for instrumentation which is Bluetooth enabled.
Underpinnings
These motorcycles don’t pay much heed to the design and looks as they are more about what they have to offer when the black top ends. By the looks of it, the KLX seems very potent, yet friendly. It falls along in the similar lines of the Hero Xpulse 200 4V. Powering the KLX is 233cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled motor that pumps out 19.73bhp at 8,000rpm and a peak torque of 20.3Nm at 6,000rpm. This motor comes married to a 6-speed gearbox. Kawasaki recently rolled out an updated iteration of the KLX and we are expecting the same to land on our shores. This updated model gets the same underpinnings in the form of a perimeter steel frame but the sub-frame has been redesigned to accommodate longer travel for the rear suspension and a bigger seat. The KLX, as most ADVs go, gets a 21-18-inch spoke wheel combination that is shod with dual-purpose tyres.
With the arrival of the Kawasaki KLX 230 S, things are bound to heat up in the affordable ADV segment. At least on paper, the KLX packs all it takes to become a great learner’s tool for someone who wishes to kick up a dust storm every now and then.
