Kawasaki KLX230 S vs Kawasaki KLX230RS [2023-
Prices ex-showroom Delhi, checked 2026-09. On-road and running costs estimated for Delhi.
Kawasaki KLX230 S and Kawasaki KLX230RS [2023- are both sports bikes and turn up together on most shortlists. The KLX230RS [2023- costs ₹2,62,026 more than the KLX230 S, so the question is whether what it adds is worth roughly 120% extra.
The KLX230 S takes 3 of the 5 categories we score, so this is close and comes down to what you weight. Our overall ratings are 6.5/10 for the KLX230 S and 4.5/10 for the KLX230RS [2023-.
Category by category
Price
KLX230 S
The KLX230 S starts ₹2,62,026 lower (₹2,19,000 against ₹4,81,026), about ₹8,300 a month less on a standard loan.
Performance
KLX230RS [2023-
KLX230RS [2023- has the better power-to-weight ratio: 170 against 132 bhp per tonne. It will feel quicker with a pillion and on overtakes.
Safety kit
KLX230 S
KLX230 S adds single-channel abs that the KLX230RS [2023- does not have on any variant.
Features
KLX230 S
KLX230 S gets led headlamp, led daytime running lamp, led tail lamp and bluetooth connectivity and 1 more items.
City manners
KLX230RS [2023-
KLX230RS [2023- is 24 kg lighter and taller in the seat (900 mm), which you feel in traffic and when parking.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the KLX230 S if
- you want the lower purchase price and EMI
- your priority is spirited riding
- your priority is weekend rides
Buy the KLX230RS [2023- if
- you ride two-up or on highways and want the stronger engine
- you are a new rider or shorter and want the lighter bike
- your priority is spirited riding
- your priority is weekend rides
What each really costs
Base variants, Delhi, 30 km a day. Servicing and insurance are class-typical estimates.
| Cost | KLX230 S | KLX230RS [2023- |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom | ₹2,19,000 | ₹4,81,026 |
| On-road, Delhi | ₹2,50,537 | ₹5,38,763 |
Full specification comparison
Better figure in each row is shown in green.
| Spec | KawasakiKLX230 S | KawasakiKLX230RS [2023- |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Starting ex-showroom | ₹2,19,000 | ₹4,81,026 |
| Rough EMI / month | ₹6,950 | ₹15,250 |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | 233 cc | 233 cc |
| Engine type | 1 Cylinder, Air Cooled, 2 Valves | 1 Cylinder, Air Cooled, 2 Valves |
| Power | 18.4 bhp | 19.6 bhp |
| Torque | 19 Nm | 20.6 Nm |
| Claimed mileage | 36 kmpl | — |
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Transmission | 6 Speed | 6 Speed |
| Electric | ||
| Top speed | — | 77 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Kerb weight | 139 kg | 115 kg |
| Fuel tank | 7.5 L | 6.6 L |
| Seat height | 830 mm | 900 mm |
| Ground clearance | 255 mm | 275 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Length | 2110 mm | 2035 mm |
| Width | 830 mm | 840 mm |
| Height | 1160 mm | 1175 mm |
| Brakes & suspension | ||
| Front brake | Disc, 290 mm, 2 piston caliper | Disc, 213 mm, 2 piston caliper |
| Rear brake | Disc, 230 mm, 1 piston caliper | Disc, 186 mm, 1 piston caliper |
| ABS / CBS | Single Channel ABS | Standard |
| Front suspension | Telescopic fork | Telescopic fork / 220 mm |
| Rear suspension | Ø 37 mmm Uni-Trak | New Uni Trak Swingarm / 223 mm |
| Tyres | ||
| Front tyre | 2.75-2145P | 80/100-2151M |
| Rear tyre | 4.10-1859P | 100/100-1859M |
KLX230 S vs KLX230RS [2023-: questions people ask
- Which is cheaper, the KLX230 S or the KLX230RS [2023-?
- The KLX230 S is cheaper by ₹2,62,026 at the base variant (₹2,19,000 against ₹4,81,026 ex-showroom Delhi).
- What is the on-road price difference between the KLX230 S and KLX230RS [2023- in Delhi?
- About ₹2,88,226: roughly ₹2,50,537 for the KLX230 S and ₹5,38,763 for the KLX230RS [2023-, base variants, including road tax, registration and insurance.
