Why This Cool New Kawasaki Motorcycle Is an Entry-Level Off-Roader’s Dream

For those of us who did not grow up motorcycling, the barriers to entry can feel almost insurmountable. 

Replace “motorcycling” with “off-road motorcycling” and the prospect gets even more daunting. 

Kawasaki

I can say this from experience, as someone who got into motorcycles late and adventure bikes even later, with my very first experience being the 2021 launch event for Harley Davidson’s Pan America. 

While it’s a pretty awesome bike, its size can be a bit … intimidating.

Flash forward a few years, and I am pretty sure Kawasaki’s new off-road option, the KLX230 Sherpa S ABS, would be slightly easier to throw a leg over. 

Here’s why it’s so promising for someone just getting into off-roading. 

Size matters

When most of us hear “size matters,” we almost immediately word-associate with “bigger is better.” 

However, when it comes to getting into motorcycling, especially in the US, I’ll continue to beat the drum for smaller-displacement bikes. 

Kawasaki

As much as we all want the biggest, baddest thing around, smaller bikes are much easier to handle and therefore much less stressful and more fun early on.

That’s where this Sherpa — technically classified as a dual sport rather than a full-on adventure bike — really shines.

It starts with the engine, a two-valve 233cc air-cooled single cylinder. That’s relatively tiny by American standards. The Pan America’s, by comparison, is a whopping 1,250ccs. 

Kawasaki

But this power plant, relative to some of the bike’s other specs, should still provide plenty of pop.

The S in the bike’s name is short for, well, “short,” a trait that manifests in its relatively low seat height of 32.5 inches. 

For the record, it’s not the only off-road bike with that sort of seat height. Royal Enfield’s cult favorite Himalayan, for example, is similarly dimensioned. 

Short king

But that brings me to a third key spec: weight. While the Himmy’s curb weight is 439 pounds, this Sherpa’s is just 300. 

Throw in a fairly narrow standover width, and you have a bike that’s welcoming to riders with a wide range of inseams and experience. 

Kawasaki

The stakes are also a bit lower. While just about anyone can pick up a really heavy bike with the right technique, this one should be a breeze to stand back up if/when it goes down.

Adding to the handling ability are disc brakes, selectable ABS and tubeless IRC GP knobby tires (21 inches up front and 18 in back).

There’s also 8.4 inches of ground clearance, 6.2 inches of front suspension and 6.6 in the rear — all things considered, pretty respectable numbers.

Kawasaki

I’ll throw one more at you and then shut up and let you daydream about ripping through the city and slashing off-road trails: $5,699. 

Considering you can easily pay more for, say, an electric mountain bike, it kinda feels like one more barrier to entry is being lowered, huh?

Availability and pricing

The Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S ABS is available now at a starting price of $5,699.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S ABS

• Starts at $5,699

Related Topics