Kawasaki KLX230RS [2023-

The KLX230RS [2023- comes in a single variant at ₹4,81,026 ex-showroom Delhi, so there is no trim ladder to climb: every KLX230RS [2023- leaves the showroom with the same equipment.

That makes it priced 86th lowest among the 137 sports bikes we have reviewed. Its closest price rivals are the Crossfire 500 X (₹25,539 more) and the RS 457 (₹47,595 less).

On the road in Delhi the base KLX230RS [2023- comes to ₹5.39 Lakh: ₹4,81,000 ex-showroom, ₹39,980 in Delhi road tax and registration (8.3%), ₹17,783 for first-year insurance. Dealers add handling and accessory packs on top; both are negotiable.

The 233cc air-cooled engine makes 19.57 bhp and 20.6 Nm through a 6 Speed. With a kerb weight of 115 kg that is 170 bhp per tonne, 79th best power-to-weight of the 135 bikes in this class we have reviewed.

The torque and power figures are well balanced, so it neither needs to be revved hard nor feels lazy when you do.

The 900 mm seat is on the tall side. Riders under 5'6" should sit on one before buying.

On safety kit the KLX230RS [2023- has front disc brake and rear disc brake.

What it lacks: single-channel abs, side-stand engine cut-off, hazard lamps and led headlamp, which rivals at this price offer. The safety items in that list matter more than the console.

It is offered in 1 colours: Lime Green. Colour availability varies by variant and dealer stock.

Standard warranty is 2 years or 30,000 km.

Kawasaki runs a limited sales and service network in India, at roughly 60 touchpoints. Check the nearest workshop before buying if you live outside a metro; a 40 km ride for every service adds up.

The KLX230RS [2023- launched in 2023, so long-term reliability and resale data are still thin. That is not a mark against it, just a reason to prefer the standard warranty and keep service records.