ROAD NEWS
UNVEILS KLX230 SUPERMOTO
perimeter frame and swapped in a set of 17-inch wheels and new suspension . Up the front is a 37mm inverted fork while the rear scores a new unitrack type rear suspension . It looks like an appealing package , with sleek black bodywork and a new headlight design , which looks much better than the bulbous headlight of the road-legal
KLX230 . Unfortunately for budding supermoto fans , Kawasaki NZ has indicated that the KLX230SM won ’ t be heading our way anytime soon , citing minimum order numbers being too high for the New Zealand market . Not a big surprise with the
Kawasaki has unveiled a new budget road-going KLX230 also dropping off Kawasaki ’ s supermoto which will undoubtedly fill showrooms . the space left by the Suzuki DR-Z400SM But never say never . If you want one in many markets . Unfortunately , at least for now , desperately , bug Kawasaki NZ and they might New Zealand won ’ t be one of them . find a way to get you one .
The 2023 KLX230SM slides into the Kawasaki family underneath the KLX300SM , but brings with it a more approachable powerplant for novice riders and the additional safety of ABS braking , which is currently not available for the 300 ( hence why the KLX300 is not offered for Kiwi roads ). Peak power is claimed at 14kW ( 19PS ) at 7600rpm and 19Nm of torque at 6100rpm . Not huge numbers , but the bike only has to push 136 kilos . To bring it into Supermoto trim Kawasaki has dropped the dirt bike suspension and wheels out from the steel
94 KIWI RIDER