Kawasaki has lifted the covers off its 2020 off-road range revealing a new KLX300R and KLX230R, which unlike the KLX230, will not be registrable for the road.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R
Kawasaki has positioned the KLX300R as the ‘ultimate play bike’ which bridges the gap between play bikes and enduro bikes. A big brother to the KLX230R, it delivers a significant step-up in both engine and chassis performance. A new 292 cm3 fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine in a strong, reliable chassis designed for light handling creates a package able to satisfy both riders looking for more power than Kawasaki’s other play bikes, as well as racers looking for a less spartan machine better suited to recreational riding with friends or family. The KLX300R’s enduro-racer roots bring a high level of off-road riding potential that contribute to its positioning as the ultimate play bike.
Key Features:
• Fuel-injected 292cm3 liquid-cooled 4-stroke, single cylinder engine.
• An electric start provides hassle free riding at the push of a button.
• Six-speed transmission with a gear for every situation.
• Steel perimeter frame optimised to handle hard off-road riding.
• 43mm inverted fork matched to a Uni-trak rear shock – travel; 285mm front / 285mm rear
• 7.9 litre fuel tank blends into the KX-inspired seat for freedom of movement when off-road riding.
• KX-style adjustable handlebar provides a choice of four positions to suit a range of riders.
2020 Kawasaki KLX300R Specs
Engine Type 4-Stroke, Liquid-cooled, single cylinder
Displacement 292 cm3 Fuel Capacity 7.9 litres
Max. Power 21.4 kW {29PS} / 8,000 min
Torque 26.3 Nm {2.7 kgf.m) / 7,000 min
Dimensions L x W x H – 2120mm x 825mm x 1250mm
Ground Clearance – 305mm
Front Brakes Single semi-floating petal disc, 270mm dia, twin-piston caliper
Rear Brakes Single Petal Disc, 240mm disc, single-piston caliper
Curb Mass 128 kg (includes fluids)
Seat Height 925 mm
Rear Tyre 100/100-18 59M
Front Tyre 80/100-21 51M
Price: TBC
2020 KLX230R
New for 2020 is the KLX230R. It is lighter and smaller than the KLX300 and designed for off-road fun. Kawasaki’s new KLX230R features an engine and frame both designed from the start with trail riding in mind. The all-new 233 cm3 air-cooled, 4-stroke Single engine delivers ample low-mid range torque, and its simple construction makes it suitable for tough terrain. The all-new compact perimeter frame was designed to offer the handling stability needed for confident trail riding, while good ground clearance and suspension travel enhance off-road capability. Extensive feedback from Kawasaki test riders helped achieve an engine-chassis balance that a wide range o riders – especially new and intermediate riders – will enjoy. KX inspiration can be found in the slim ergonomics and aggressive bodywork. The new KLX230R offers a number of advantages versus its dual-purpose brother, the KLX230: a lightweight plastic fuel tank, aluminium swingarm, light 115 kg weight, and greater wheel travel (250 mm) and ground clearance (300 mm). All in all, the new highly-capable play bike (with 21”/18” wheels) is light, manoeuvrable and powerful, making it an ideal partner for off-road adventure with friends or family.
Key Features
• Fuel-injected 233cm3 air-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder engine.
• An electric start provides hassle free starting at the push of a button.
• Six-speed transmission with a gear for every situation.
• High-tensile steel perimeter frame.
• The 1360mm short wheelbase adds to the nimble handling.
• Sleek KX styling with flush seams between the shrouds, seat and side covers.
• Plastic 6.6 litre fuel tank.
• Simple instrumentation – on/off button & indicator lamp, low-fuel warning lamp, fuel-injection warning lamp.
• Large diameter wheels for trail riding performance – 21″ front / 18″ rear and disc brakes front & rear.
• 250mm front suspension travel through ø37mm telescopic forks.
• The Uni-trak rear suspension has 251mm of rear wheel travel.
2020 Kawasaki KLX230R Specs
Engine Type 4-Stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder
Displacement 233 cm3 Fuel Capacity 6.6 litres
Max. Power 14.6 kW {20PS} / 8,000 min
Torque 20.6 Nm {2.1 kgf.m) / 6,000 min
Dimensions L x W x H – 2045mm x 840mm x 1200mm
Ground Clearance – 300mm
Front Brakes Single Disc, 240mm (effective ø213mm), twin-piston caliper
Rear Brakes Single Disc, 220mm disc (effective ø186mm), single- piston caliper
Curb Mass 115 kg (includes fluids)
Seat Height 925 mm
Front Tyre 80/100-21 51M
Rear Tyre 100/100-18 59M
Price: $5699
The KLX450R is unchanged. You can read our review of the current KLX450R in the latest issue of ADB magazine, on sale now.
