Kawasaki KLX230SM comes to Europe: What makes the supermoto different

• The KLX230SM joins the KLX230 in Europe for 2027, while it has been available in Japan, Australia and the USA for some time.
• Both models produce 18 hp (12.9 kW) and have a 7.5-litre tank.
• Seat height: 880 mm on the KLX230, 860 mm on the KLX230SM.

Small motorcycles with an off-road look are in demand, and Kawasaki is responding with a second model based on the KLX230. Alongside the familiar enduro, the KLX230SM joins the European line-up for 2027. It is designed for the road and follows the supermoto recipe: smaller wheels, firmer settings and a look reminiscent of motocross machines. Both models are among the new arrivals for model year 2027 and are aimed at riders looking for a light, uncomplicated motorcycle for everyday riding and leisure.

Is the Kawasaki KLX230SM a new model?

The KLX230SM is new to Europe, but it has been around worldwide for several years. Kawasaki first launched the supermoto in Japan in autumn 2022 as a 2023 model, with Australia following shortly afterwards.

In the USA it is sold as the KLX230SM ABS and enters another season there in 2027. The early versions for Japan and Australia came with 204 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and 168 millimetres at the rear, plus a seat height of 845 millimetres. Kawasaki quotes different figures for the European version, so the set-up varies by market.

Which engine powers the KLX230 and the KLX230SM?

Both models use an air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke with 233 cc, a single overhead camshaft and electric start. It produces 18 hp (12.9 kW) at 7,500 rpm and delivers a maximum of 19.0 Nm (14.0 lb-ft) at 6,200 rpm.

The engine has recently gained a balancer shaft. It dampens the vibrations typical of single-cylinder engines and is intended to make the engine smoother and more rideable. Power delivery is focused on the low and mid-range, which is where most riding happens in city traffic and off-road. A six-speed gearbox handles the shifting.

Kawasaki describes the engine as easy to maintain. Both models still use a conventional key ignition.

How does the KLX230SM differ from the KLX230?

The biggest difference lies in the wheels and chassis: the KLX230 rolls on a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel, the KLX230SM on two 17-inch wheels. The supermoto also has shorter suspension travel, less ground clearance and taller gearing.

Chassis, suspension travel and dimensions

The enduro offers 220 millimetres of travel at the front and 223 millimetres at the rear, with ground clearance of 255 millimetres. On the KLX230SM it is 188 millimetres at the front and 195 millimetres at the rear, and ground clearance drops to 230 millimetres. Up front, the supermoto uses a 37-millimetre upside-down fork. With this design, the thicker tubes sit at the top, which makes the front end stiffer.

At the rear, both models rely on Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak suspension, in which the shock is connected to the swingarm via a linkage. It is designed to absorb bumps well and give the motorcycle a stable stance.

There is also a small difference in wheelbase. The KLX230 measures 1,370 millimetres, the KLX230SM 1,365 millimetres. The short wheelbase makes both models nimble, and the supermoto is said to be especially agile thanks to its smaller wheels and even shorter wheelbase. Kawasaki has fine-tuned the engine and chassis settings based on feedback from its own test riders.

Styling and details of the supermoto

Visually, the KLX230SM stands out with lots of black parts. The frame, swingarm, handlebar and rims are all finished in dark tones. The footpegs carry generous rubber inserts. The taller final drive further adapts the supermoto to road use, so the engine has to rev less at the same speed.

What is the seat height of the 2027 KLX230?

The KLX230 has a seat height of 880 millimetres, while the KLX230SM sits slightly lower at 860 millimetres. On both models, the subframe and a lower, more comfortable seat contribute to this.

The design is inspired by Kawasaki’s KX motocross models and therefore fits in with the rest of the brand’s off-road range. With a tank capacity of 7.5 litres, both models should achieve a decent range despite their compact build.

What brakes does the KLX230SM have?

Kawasaki has not yet published brake specifications for the European models. On the US version, the KLX230SM ABS, a semi-floating 300-millimetre petal disc with a twin-piston caliper does the work at the front, and a 220-millimetre disc with a single-piston caliper at the rear.

The US models also feature a digital dashboard, LED lighting and a Bluetooth connection to the Rideology smartphone app. For 2027, Kawasaki has expanded the accessory range there, including an aluminium handlebar that is said to be lighter and stiffer than the previous steel bar. The announcement for Europe does not say whether the European models are equipped the same way.

How much do the 2027 KLX230 and KLX230SM cost?

Kawasaki has not yet announced a price for Germany. In the USA, the KLX230SM ABS costs around 5,170 euros (5,799 US dollars) for model year 2027, but this price cannot be transferred directly to Europe.

As for colours, Kawasaki offers the KLX230 in Lime Green and Battle Gray. The KLX230SM comes in a Lime Green and Ebony combination, i.e. green with black. According to Kawasaki, which models and colours actually reach dealers in each country may vary by market.

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