HERE, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE!

Just about everything you want in a rider-friendly dirtbike, now in a street-legal avatar!

- Keshav Teiva Poumai

Dirt bikes are fun, exhilarating things that can take on all the rugged terrain that you can throw at them and go just about everywhere. Now imagine all of that capability, with the added prospect of using it for your daily commute to the office, short grocery runs, and maybe even a few exciting detours in between. Kawasaki is no stranger to the dirt bike segment, and now they are finally bringing in the KLX 230 dual sport motorcycle to Indian shores.

Visually, it still looks every bit like a dirt bike, and the compact headlight unit, instrument cluster, and tail-light section are the only distinguishing factors. It does look slightly tall, but the suspension compressed once I sat on it, and I was able to flat-foot it very easily. The seating ergonomics are not aggressive, and I found it to be pretty comfortable. The seat cushioning is firm and not too squishy, and I could probably see myself riding for about three to four hours before fatigue starts to kick in. That's not exactly the case for the pillion setup, because there's barely enough space to sit and the footpegs are also in a weird position, which is directly behind the rider's calves.

As an entry-level dual-sport motorcycle, the KLX 230 appeals to both new riders as well as experienced enthusiasts looking for a lightweight and nimble option. I quite liked the bike's suspension system, featuring a long-travel front fork and the preload adjustable rear mono-shock, which offers excellent handling on the dirt.