The 2020 Kawasaki KLX230 is now available

MOTORCYCLE journalists sometimes end up like treasure hunters: There are occasions when we find ourselves using our instincts to unearth new and hot motorcycle models, especially those that just landed on our shores.

Take the case of the Kawasaki KLX230, a dual-purpose motorbike that’s new from the ground up. Moto Sapiens discovered its local availabiliy not through a fancy launch event by Kawasaki Philippines or posts on social media.

A lone KLX230 sat in a cramped area under a staircase at a Wheeltek dealership along Buendia Avenue. Said unit had just been sold. We were told that only a limited supply of units fresh from Japan had found its way here.

Aside from its very capable 233cc SOHC air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, what makes the KLX230 irresistible is its towering height—ground clearance is at 10.4 inches, and seat height is at 34.8 inches. Factor in the telescopic fork with 8.7 inches of suspension travel, and you can consider yourself battle-ready for hard-core off-roading. Rear damping requirements are covered by the Uni-Trak linkage system and single shock absorber with adjustable preload.

Stopping power is delivered by the single discs front and rear, but the variant available here is without the ABS. The frame is constructed from high-tensile steel, making it ready to take all sorts of riding abuse.

The dirt-bike image does not stop there.

The KLX230 runs on large knobby tires—2.75inch x 21-inch in front, and 4.10-inch by 18-inch in the rear. And though it has the stance of a motocross bike, it’s also street-legal, complete with head- and taillamps, turning lights, side mirrors, and a plate holder. It’s not bad for daily duties shuttling to and from the office.

One last thing: It has an electric start system, so it would take less effort for anyone to fire up the low-compression engine.

This bike can be your perfect companion for remote fieldwork in any part of the country. There are few remaining units in other Kawasaki dealerships, but you need to dig deep to find one. Topgear.com.ph