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With just over a month before the official start of summer, Kawasaki has begun debuting its 2023 motorcycles, including its off-road KLX lineup. Nothing changes for 2023, and due to the popularity of the family-focused models, this may be a good thing for many trailbike riders—both experienced and novices alike.
The KLX lineup returns with the following models ready for some low-maintenance off-road throttling: the KLX110R, KLX110R L, KLX140R, KLX140R L, KLX140R F, KLX230R, KLX230R S, and KLX300R. Let’s break down each model, including rider suitability and pricing. As for availability and color options, it’s simple to keep the good times rolling—all are available in dealerships now in one color only: Lime Green.
2023 Kawasaki KLX300R
The KLX300R provides an optimal trailbike that is not as edgy as an all-out racebike, but can provide endless thrills at a less expensive price point. The KLX300R returned in 2020 after being discontinued in 2006, and the model quickly became a fan favorite—especially for those more experienced off-road riders.
The 2023 model is highlighted by the fuel-injected liquid-cooled 292cc four-stroke engine that revs quickly and smoothly due to its gear-drive engine balancer. To make things more appealing, the engine features a Nikasil-plated cylinder for optimal heat transfer and lighter weight, an electric starter, keyless ignition, and dual high-capacity radiators similar to those used on the KX motocross lineup.
The engine, which uses a six-speed transmission with shorter gearing for tighter trailers, is wrapped within a high-tensile steel perimeter frame. Suspension duties on the bike with its 34.6-inch seat height are handled by a 43mm inverted cartridge fork with 20-way compression damping adjustment and a Uni-Trak rear suspension with 20-way compression and 18-way rebound damping adjustment, along with stemless threaded spring preload. No small wheels here; the KLX300R rolls on traditional full-size off-road 21-inch/18-inch wheels.
Stopping the KLX300R is a twin-piston front caliper grasping a 270mm front disc—the same diameter found on the KX250 and KX450 models—and a single-piston rear caliper squeezing a 240mm disc. When its 2.1-gallon fuel tank is full, the KLX300R weighs just 282 pounds (286 for Californians due to emissions). Pricing is set at $5,899.
2023 Kawasaki KLX230R
For riders seeking less weight on the trail, Kawasaki offers the 2023 KLX230R and KLX230R S. The only difference between the base and the S models is that the S has modified suspension to bring the seat height an inch lower to 35.4 inches versus 36.4 on the base model.
Related: 2021 Kawasaki KLX230R Review
Compared to the KLX300R, the KLX230R is a tamer trailbike that’s powered by a 233cc four-stroke single with fuel injection and weighs just 254 pounds (262 in California) when its 1.7-gallon fuel tank is fully fueled. Just as its other brother, it features an electric start and a 21-inch/18-inch wheel setup. But the KLX230R doesn’t arrive with water-cooling or a keyless fob; rather, its single-cylinder powerplant is air-cooled and the key ignition is standard.
Related: 2021 Kawasaki KLX230R Dyno Test
The KLX230R and S arrive with a 37mm telescopic fork and a Uni-Trak shock with adjustable spring preload. Unlike the KLX300R, the KLX230R’s suspension is not damping adjustable, and ground clearance is slightly lower at 11.8 inches versus 12 inches on the KLX300R, whereas the S model arrives with 10.8 inches of ground clearance. Pricing is set for both the KLX230R and KLX230R S at $4,749.
2023 Kawasaki KLX140R
Kawasaki prides itself on offering family-oriented lineups that provide a capable platform for any riding level. Behind the KLX300R and KLX230R arrives the KLX140R in a three-bike lineup providing even wider variations to match any type of rider:
The KLX140R uses 17-inch front and 14-inch rear wheels, while the midsize KLX140R L is spec’d with 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels to accommodate taller riders. Then there’s the KLX140R F, which enjoys 21-front and 18-rear full-size wheels and a full-size frame, reminiscent of the “big wheel” models of the past.
The KLX140R models are powered by a high-revving 144cc air-cooled four-stroke engine attached to a five-speed transmission. The bikes feature an electric start with a keyless ignition position on the handlebar.
All three KLX140R variants arrive with a 33mm telescopic fork. While the KLX140R features a Uni-Trak shock with five-way preload adjustment, the KLX140R L and KLX140R F are equipped with a Uni-Trak shock with piggyback reserve, threaded preload, four-way compression, and a 22-position rebound damping adjustment.
Besides the wheels, each model caters to different-sized riders by offering various seat heights and ground clearances:
KLX140R: 30.7-inch seat height; 9.3-inch ground clearance
KLX140R L: 31.5-inch seat height; 10.0-inch ground clearance
KLX140R F: 33.9-inch seat height; 12.4-inch ground clearance
With a full 1.5-gallon fuel tank, each bike’s claimed weight is:
KLX140R: 205 pounds
KLX140R L: 209 pounds
KLX140R F: 218 pounds
Pricing is as follows:
KLX140R: $3,449
KLX140R L: $3,749
KLX140R F: $4,049
2023 Kawasaki KLX110R
Built for the youngest riders in the group, both KLX110R models are powered by an air-cooled 112cc four-stroke engine with a traditional Keihin carburetor. Both feature four-speed transmissions—the KLX110R having an automatic setup and the KLX110R L a manual clutch—electric start, and a throttle limiter.
Suspension duties are handled by a 30mm telescopic fork and a shock out back with zero adjustability. Light weight is key for younger riders, and the KLX110R models tip the scales at just 168 pounds when the 1-gallon tank is full.
The main difference of the bikes besides manual or automatic transmissions is sizing; the KLX110R offers 8.5 inches of ground clearance versus 10.4 on the KLX110R L, and the KLX110R has a seat height of 26.8 inches versus 28.7 inches on the KLX110R L. Pricing is $2,649 for the KLX110R and $2,849 for the KLX110R L.
Speaking of its 2023 KLX off-road lineup, Kawasaki says, “No matter your size or skill level, there is a KLX model motorcycle to allow you to get out and play with Kawasaki.” Some things are better off as is, and the returning KLX lineup is certainly one of those things for family-focused riders.