Kawasaki recently unveiled the much-anticipated KLX 230 dual-sport motorcycle in India. Considering its displacement and purpose, the KLX competes against the popular Hero Xpulse 200 4V. Now, while we wait for Kawasaki to announce the prices of its new entrant, let’s see how it stacks up against Hero’s small-size adventure motorcycle.
Engine
Powering the KLX 230 is a bigger 233cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 17.5bhp and 18.3Nm. Transmission duties are handled by a six-speed gearbox. The Xpulse 200, meanwhile, runs on a 199.6cc, air-cooled motor that makes more power at 18.9bhp and slightly less torque at 17.35Nm. The gearbox, however, gets just five cogs which affects the refinement in the higher rev range. Moreover, there’s a significant difference in the power-to-weight ratio with the KLX 230 tipping the scales at just 139kg; 20kg less than the Xpulse.
Cycle Parts and Dimensions
The KLX 230 is based on a steel perimeter frame which is known to be more suitable for off-road riding than Xpulse’s diamond-type chassis. Both bikes come equipped with telescopic forks and a monoshock but the KLX gets more travel at 240mm for the front and 250mm for the rear as opposed to Xpulse’s 250mm and 220mm for the front and rear, respectively. As for the braking, the Xpulse gets a bigger 276mm (265mm in KLX) disc brake up front while the rear rotor size is the same at 220mm.
The KLX boasts a significantly higher ground clearance at 265mm which is 45mm higher than the Xpulse. That comes with a compromise in terms of saddle height as the KLX, at 880mm, sits much taller than the Xpulse which offers a more accessible seat height of 825mm.
Features
The KLX gets a smaller LCD console which shows only vital information and offers Bluetooth connectivity for call and message notifications. On the other hand, the Xpulse comes equipped with a larger LCD dash with more data on display and the facility to access turn-by-turn navigation, besides showing message and call notifications via Bluetooth. The lighting setup of Xpulse is also more contemporary with an LED headlamp and tail lamp while the KLX gets a bulb throughout.
