2022 Kawasaki KLX230 SE in Firecracker Red

In mid-October Kawasaki unveiled the KLX230S, a more accessible version of its popular KLX230 dual-sport with reduced suspension travel and a lower seat height (32.7 inches, down from 35). Team Green has announced the return of the standard KLX230 for 2022 as well as the new 2022 Kawasaki KLX230 SE, a special-edition model with cool add-ons, colors, and graphics.

The platform shared by the KLX230, KLX230S, and KLX230 SE is an air-cooled, four-stroke, 233cc Single with a two-valve SOHC cylinder head and electronic fuel injection with a 32mm throttle body. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a close-ratio 6-speed transmission, a cable-actuated wet clutch, and chain final drive.

2022 Kawasaki KLX230 SE in Oriental Blue
Kawasaki says exhaust pipe length contributes to the engine?s low- to midrange performance. To match the off-road image of the KX-inspired motocross-style bodywork, the exhaust features a tapered silencer with an oval cross-section.

A high-tensile steel perimeter frame is durable and allows the engine to be mounted lower in the chassis to help keep the center of gravity low. Spoked aluminum wheels ? a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear ? maximize the KLX230?s off-road potential. Up front, a 2-piston caliper squeezes a 240mm petal disc brake, and out back a 1-piston caliper pinches a 220mm disc.

2022 Kawasaki KLX230 in Lime Green

Suspension is handled by a 37mm telescopic fork with 8.7 inches of trav...