Why I don't like my KLX230S ABS
Вставка
- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- Here is why I don't like my 2022 Kawasaki KLX230S. I have had my KLX230s for a while now and have found a few things that I am not a big fan of. Let me know what you think and if there is something I have missed with the KLX230s or if I am out in the night on this one.
Ricochet Skid Plate for KLX230: ricochetoffroa...
All the links below are Affiliate Links. They help me continue to create videos and help provide you with the parts and accessories you need with no extra cost to you!
Seat Concepts Seat for KLX230S (paid link) www.rockymount...
KLX230S ABS Battery (Paid Link): www.rockymount... Part #1091630017
Tusk Portable Power Jumper (Paid Link): www.rockymount...
Tusk Battery Float Charger (Paid Link): www.rockymount...
Tusk Battery Tender Lead (Paid Link): www.rockymount...
Battery Chargers (Paid Link): www.rockymount...
Giant Loop Fuel Bladder (paid link): www.rockymount...
RotopaX 1 gal fuel pack (paid link) www.rockymount...
Tusk D-Flex Handguards: www.rockymount...
Tusk Chub Handlebars: www.rockymount...
Tusk Handlebar Risers: www.rockymount...
Tusk Tank Bag: www.rockymount...
Black Rifle Coffee Hat (Paid Link) amzn.to/3MxdpMK
My niece has that this bike and I rode it I’m 190lbs. I love it I find the seat supportive plenty of smooth power for around town has a nice little burble engine note when you downshift. Super fun to scoot around.
Nice, yeah it ain't bad to get around on!
I have one for two years now and yes the seat is hard, the fuel gauge is horrible but otherwise I love it and do not have any idle problems. I'm 5'6"and had the lowering Link installed, but I feel very stable, and really love my bike.
Awesome! I was nit picking on all of these. The bike is a good bike, I just had those few things that bother me about it. It is solid and capable for sure.
One theme that I feel like I need to bring up is the klx is modeled after dirtbikes, while the tw200 is more of an ag bike. They have completely different sized tires and would handle completely differently.
Yep, I am aware of that.
I have an identical bike to yours and I must say your review is spot on. I did the seat, idle and mirror upgrades and I do like the bike, but a person shouldn't have to do those things to a new bike. Unfortunately Kawasaki is notorious for not listening to their customers. I doubt I will buy another Kawi just because of this. I fear the 230 will have a short life span due to poor decisions by their engineering department coupled with bad market research.
I think I'm gonna follow your lead and get the seat and the idle adjuster. Which mirrors did you get? Folks are telling me to use the double take.
@@MOBStreet83 I bought the bike used with 84 miles on it. :) The previous owner replaced them with Kemimoto mirrors. I like the looks and their functionality, but I doubt they will hold up to the bike being dropped. When they break I will probably get the Double Take.
I've been riding for decades now still waiting for someone to say "I love my kawasaki!" Not hard to find a Honda or Suzuki lover. Kawasaki though, outside of the H2 or Klr650, straight to the used market they go.
@@domenik8339 Good point, but I have to say that they all have their issues. I've been riding for over 50 years and owned many different brands. I had a XR650L before the klx and it wasn't perfect, at least for me. Being 69, I no longer have the flexibility to get on the taller bikes now, and so it was a choice betweent he Yamaha XT and the KLX. I liked the KLX better, and to be honest now that I've done the "fixes" that Kawi should have done, I like the bike very much.
Mate you have nailed your first 4 points about the bike.im coming from a gsxr 600 and bought this as a trail adventure bike to muck around on.
The seat is like concrete I'm getting hammeroids after 30 mins. I'm only small and struggle to see out of the mirrors. What the hell were they thinking with that extra long break line covering the screen. Totally agree with the stand, getting on the bike with the stand down is over balanced and too long.
Yes it over revs too, hope I don't burn my clutch out every 100 klms. But I still love riding it as suspension is great fir the price.
Offcourse with thinner tyres it will be more twitchy than those beefy tw tyres.
But the 21 inch front gives you more ability to climb bigger obstacles.
I'm just here supporting your 4 initial views which I totally agree your making people aware of... but I still like the bike. Well done mate. I ended buying those bike shorts with gel padding in the ass to give me comfort on my ride lol
Thanks Mick! I really appreciate the input and all the comments on the videos! Another thing about those skinnier tires is that there are a lot more options for tires than the TW200. There are some great things about the bike that I really do enjoy as well. What would you say your favorite bit about the KLX is?
As they say Let the good times roll. Every time I find myself struggling to enjoy a motorcycle I end up selling it. That gets expensive. $13,000.00 on a motorcycle that I wanted to like but couldn’t. $500.00 on another motorcycle that was one of the joys of my life. My Tdub is getting into my soul quickly.
That is the absolute truth right there.......We'll see how it goes. The TW's though, they will always be here with me!
"Weighing 240 cruising my 230", lololol. Man you need to get a T-shirt made with that on it and wear it when you're riding doing your videos ✊️
Good Call! I might actually have to do that! 😂
They chopped a couple of inches off the suspension travel from the 230 to make the 230S with a lower seat height. Problably spec'd out the same brake cable and that slack had to go somewhere. I have the 230 and at 6'1" and 195 lbs I can straddle that bike flat footed. My inseam is a common 34". The 230S is for a shorter person and you pay the price with less suspension travel.
All I can say to this is......Yep!
Thank you for sharing your experience. It all makes sense and makes me want to ask a co-worker if we can swap on a ride to see what it feels like.
For the kick stand, try switching your habit to putting it down after you dismount.
You bet Jacob! That is a very simple approach to the side stand......I have never been accused of being smart! 😂
I have a 20 plus year old XT 225 and it amazes me what that bike can do, it seems its only limitation is me :) Great Vid thanks!!
I would love to have one to go with my TW! That would be awesome!
For comparison, I weigh 270lb. Just took my 2022 KLX230S in for its first service. Could feel it becoming more powerful during the break-in period. Now I can bounce the bike off its rev limiter in 6th gear anytime I want except into a 40+ mph headwind. My elevation is about 850 feet. Have had the bike at 1500 ft elevation and still all good.
I installed seat concepts foam, bar end mirrors and a gp kompozit windscreen for a suzuki inazuma as well as gp kompozit bar risers. Also a nice aluminum bash plate from indonesia and the kawi rear rack.
Yeah, I figured elevation had a lot do with it. That is good to know and it sounds like you've set yours up way better than this is.
I hate to say it my friend but you’re not gonna love everything on two wheels. This 230 seems to have quite a few issues but one I’ve noticed on numerous bikes, is that brake cable looping up like a Volkswagen Beetle passenger grab bar. Honda CRF300L and the Rally do it too.. it really doesn’t make sense. There’s other options for sure, other than right in front of the screen.
Sell it before all those things your mentioning gets out to everyone and you can’t give it away. 😂
Love your channel man!!
Yeah, I know I won't like them all. Maybe I should get a Honda Monkey! Yeah, it might be for sale before too long. Hey, do you have any type of fishing rig I could set up on the TW?!? That would be awesome. Thanks for watching also, I really appreciate it.
@@MOBStreet83 You know, a Monkey would make a nice addition to the collection your acquiring. Like the TW, it’s a little hard to come by but honestly, the type of riding that you do and the area you live in, there’s definitely room for a Monkey. I think you’d enjoy it…
Honestly, I’m looking for something a little larger. Something I can pack up and do some distance on over 50mph😄.
Man, there’s plenty of fishing set ups for a TW. Depending on the type of fishing you wanna do and how serious you are, I’d love to help you figure something out, as a matter of fact, I’d be honored. Lots of possibilities.
I bet you have some awesome places to go. 🎣
Let me know and we can connect some how, Instagram maybe, just let me know.
Matt, sale that bike & get the xt250. Just got one myself and love it. It's a well built machine,with a low seat hight as well and outstanding gas mileage.
I have seriously considered it Jeff! I just can't seem to fine one around here to buy!
Hi Matt, these things happen, we can't be as lucky each time as with a TW200 :) As a motorcycle instructor up here in Canada, we had 2 KLX230s added to the fleet one year - they were horrible for high idling and so bad that the new riders could not have the control required and it made it difficult to learn - we got rid of them after the first season. The bigger & more expensive KLX300 is a 1000% improvement/upgrade and totally superior choice here. Nice to hear all of your points, for those considering this bike. Cheers, Ronny
Thanks Ronny!! That's good to know with the KLX...I think I gotta make some mods happen. I know it is way different than my TW, but man I am really liking my TW even more now! 😁
@@MOBStreet83 Hi Matt,Im on my 3rd TW200,Like you I wanted to try something different with more power after my first TW and sold it and bought a KLR650 and that bike sucked,Way to big and scary on trails and if it falls over you cant pick it up by yourself,Sold it and got another TW,After awail I wanter more speed again and got a DR350 and that bike was great but blew the engine,Last summer I bought another TW and got all the upgrades you have Plus Jims windsheld,Cant beat the TW ! almost went with the XT250 but I love the big tires and the tractor gear on the TW,Just wish it was a 250cc But I stay off the hiway anyway so at 60 years old Im just going to enjoy the bike the way it is,You should sell the Kaw and get a XT 250 if you think you need another bike ? But the TW is hard to beat and the XT will feel different o,ff road because of the skinny tires,I ride in northern Mn through the woods on deer trails with my wife on the back.I also liked the CT 125 but a little under powered for two but a fun trail bike
You could have gotten a 30 dollar manual idle adjuster screw and fixed that, 100 percent new bike with just that simple fix.
I dont have a problem with the seat however I only weigh 135lbs which is probably the main factor that lets it work for me vs most everyone else.
Yeah, I think that would help me a lot too!
I think your points are fair, but the seat hasn't bothered me as much as yours has. I've only ridden up to an hour though. I'm 150lbs and can ride it around 70mph without much problem, but just for short trips on the highway. The fuel gauge is probably the worst point for me. The mirrors seem OK to me too, but not great. I think it depends what you're looking to do with the bike, and it sounds like the KLX300 or new KLR650s might have been better for you. I'm mostly commuting in town and also doing some light off road, and I think it works for that. Interested to see the next video.
Nice to know! I've used mine around town but have tried a few longer distance trips with it and haven't made it as far as I wanted. I'm a fan of the engine and Trans though, I think I just gotta figure out that seat so my fat self is more comfortable. 😅
Oh, and I used a loop of Velcro around the brake hose to the handlebar cross bar to hold the hose away from the ignition switch and from blocking the dash view. Still have plenty of hose movement for full suspension travel.
Good to know Jim, cause that thing is driving me nuts!
Finally a real explanation of why there are 10of them on the market right no all with less than 300 miles....if a person could actually teat ride these kawasaki would never sell them
Yep, I have tried to stay as positive as I can about it, but some of it really needs to be addressed.
I briefly road my friend's CRF230 and would prefer my 2022 TDub any day of the week.
Yep, me too!! My TW's are my favorite 😂
In Thailand for 2023 Kawasaki have retuned the engine hopefully to iron out the high idle, they have also upgraded the fork to inverted on the SE model but sadly only available in Thailand
I wish it was straight across the board for all bikes....what you have we get and what we have you get.
I think the brake line issue is because they use the same brake line on both the S and the regular model, and with a shortened suspension it makes it stick up higher
Yeah, that is most likely the case then!
I have both TW and KLX 230S. Love them best but when I am doing serious trails usually go for the KLX.
Really?!? What about the lower ground clearance on the KLX, doesn't that create issues with the trails? I have found that the ground comes a lot faster on the KLX than the TW? But, both are fun and I was nit picking about the things I don't like on the KLX
I have the standard tall version of the 230. I ride it fast on gravel and sand and take it into thick woods with no tracks make your own single track. The fast idle is not that bad on my bike. Yeah the seat sucks. I use a air pad on the pavement. Realistic cruise speed is 55 to 62 mph. The ecu speed limits it at 75 mph indicated which is 72 gps on mine. I weigh 158lbs.
That's normally what I do with my TW200.......except for the speed. I have tried just some dirt roads that are a bit rockier and my feet find them pretty quick. Yeah, I've got quite a bit of weight on you for sure.
Hi Matt. I think the bike flashing empty on gas when it's got a half-tank is because it's bad to let a fuel injector run dry and bad for the fuel pump sucking air when low on fuel. I would like a fuel-injected TW, because here in California it's really had to find non-Ethanol gas, and the Ethanol gas is bad for a carb.
Thanks for the heads up! I hear ya, finding non-ethanol gas in California can be a challenge.
I’m 58 years old, retired ‘up north’/in Northern wi, with trails and firelanes from my driveway. I have a Honda monkey, (and a Suzuki Burgman) which I like, works ok on my small pit bike track, but the reality is those small diameter wheels dont cut it on firelanes and trails. There’s a lot of Sandy trails around here that Rob power and although not near as bad as gravel, give you that unsettled or uneasy squirrly feeling you mentioned, the ones that have you doing the death grip for 80% of your ride. I’ve been thinking of a 230 KLX dual sport or cheaper yet the 230R, but the TDub keeps coming up, and I feel for the sandy and gravel terrain, it would be my best bet?
My longest blacktop (55mph) rides would be 15 miles one way, and I can easily stay off highways, which I do at all costs.
I’m starting to think a TW is a no brainer?
Thoughts...
Thanks in advance.
Mike
Mike, I've taken my TW200 all over the place and I'd pick it over the KLX230S any day of the week. I've ridden 200 mile days on it and been fine. I Love my TW200's. I have three of them so that should tell you what I think of them. 😁 I think it'd be perfect for what you mention.
I agree, I’m old enough to know better to buy what works, vs buy what looks cool.
Thanks for the feedback.
Yeah, I thought that high idle might end up being a huge issue. Kawi claimed it was done to help beginners, but it has the exact opposite effect. Except for the brake line (probably saved money by using the same one as the KLX300 or something), everything else is correctible. But that idle....man, I don't know about that. Without getting that imported little part that can make a manual adjustment. Shows the engineers aren't necessarily riders LOL.
That is one thing that I didn't like with some of the Harley parts we would install at the dealership. You could tell whoever designed it didn't ride. Yeah, the other things are all fixable......Just means there is opportunity to be creative!
Good call on the Richochet skid plate! Try the Double Take rear view mirrors. I have them on my bike and love them.
I have heard the Double Take mirrors are good ones! I gotta look into something better for this one.
@@MOBStreet83
I love them! I have the doubletake adventure mirrors on my cb500x. They are amazing and super flexible. They can be set wide for the road and tucked in for the woods. All done in just a few seconds. They are a little pricey but, 100% worth the cost. In my opinion.
I took the tank out and then took the gauge out and bent the float down about 1 1/2 inches and it is much more accurate. Its not very hard.
There's a thought!
No offense but it sounds like, to me, you bought the klx thinking it was going to behave like the tw. It’s not and it won’t.
The wheels and suspension are the big differences. Of course it has a little more power and 6th gear. I wouldn’t take either on the highway unless I absolutely had to.
I have a dr 200 and I love it in the woods. Those skinny tires get plenty of traction. Just have to trust your equipment. I grew up riding small dirt bikes in the woods so tires moving around is standard stuff with these things.
I say give it some more time to become familiar with the idiosyncrasies of the klx. You may learn to appreciate it for what it is. You must have reasons you bought it hopefully it serves those. Good luck and too many bikes is a good problem to have.
Thanks for the comment Ben! I know there are major differences between the two and I bought it to show those off. There are things that I do like about it and like you said I will appreciate more with time. There is more to come for sure! Thanks again!
I briefly considered the 230,but bought one of the last klx250s made before the switch to 300 . Seems good over all the seat was also hard .I went with a seat concepts low profile, a definite improvement . Mine has a very easily accessible knob to adjust idle speed even though it's fuel injected. I changed the mirrors also .I couldn't hardy see around my shoulders.
Yeah, I wish they would have included the adjuster on the 230s but oh well. I will find something to fix it.
Good video buddy, sorry it’s not a shining star.. Just had a Yammy XT250 loaner for a few weeks and it was super cool.
Keep up the great videos.
Thanks Brother! It might be a shining star for someone, but I am having a harder time getting used to it. I would love to try out the XT250 and see what they both do.
Manual idle screw is big brain. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Folks weren’t pissed about idle screws, they were pissed about dirty slow jets and altitude rejets. Sometimes they toss the baby out with the bath water.
Yep Matt, I agree with you on that one!
Wow, it's interesting to see that others have some of the same basic problems that I discovered after riding mine for a while. The loop, I just zip tied the loop to my clutch cable. At least I don't have to fight to stick the key in anymore. The seat is a brick. I absolutely had to take the seat strap off as it was digging into my ass. I only weigh 160, but it was very uncomfortable. I'll have to check into Seat Concepts. My fuel gauge sucks too. It blinks empty when I still have a gallon left in the tank. I only have about 300 miles on the bike, and when I get to my 600 mile first service I'm going to see what they have to say about that one. If there is no solution, I'll just use my "B" trip meter as a fuel gauge, and stick a piece of electrical tape over the real one. A Ricochet skid plate is a "must have" item. I had a similar situation happen on my last bike, and the plate totally saved my transmission. Bent the shit out of the plate like yours, not to mention all the rock dents, dings and gouges I had in it. Still really like the bike though. We'll see if my opinion changes in a couple hundred more miles. Be safe out there kids.
Hey Mick! Now that I have had the bike for a while, a lot of these little things I nit picked here are easier to live with. I have a video coming out tomorrow of what I do like about the bike. The engine on this thing is a blast and full of character for sure......like I said on the other comment, I am glad your sixth gear actually does what it is supposed to cause with my weight and elevation it's a bad combo. But, 1-4 gear though is a great time!
Matt, Love your videos. I'm in Idaho, but used to live in Manti, Ephraim, and Hideaway. It's a trip for me. You have me convinced about the TW. Stay safe bro.
Hey Michael! The TW is awesome and I have ridden around Ephraim quite a bit with it! Idaho has some great places for a TW though. There are some folks that I have seen that ride the mountains up there are there awesome places. Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy the TW!
Great video Matt! I hope to get a couple TWs sometime. I know I would enjoy it and I usually take one of my kids along. They like to ride. I appreciate you sharing your experience with the 230 and think I will steer clear. Maybe a good bike for some, but not what I’m looking for.
Thanks Aaron! The TW is a great machine and my kids love riding them just as much as I do! The KLX has some good points to it but overall I am struggling to like it all.
Trade it for an XT250 so we can settle this debate between the TW and XT once and for all. 😏
My dealership doesn't have one, I already called. But, I know where I can find one!
@@MOBStreet83 sounds like a plan! Thinking about picking one up to go with my tw as well
I had a Yamaha XT225 that I put 33,000miles on it, and loved it. I then bought a KLR650 which I put 26,000 miles on it. The XT225 was the best motorcycle I’ve ever owned. The KLR650 was the biggest piece of junk I’ve ever own. I used to be a major Kawasaki fan. But would never consider another after the KLR experience.
I hear you Dennis! I would take my TW200 over the KLX any day
The seat is definately inspired by a 2x4
😂 agreed!
So in your opinion the TW200 is better?
I would choose the TW over the KLX230S. I've had it for sale since January 2023 and I can't get anyone to buy it. I could sell my TW today if I wanted to.
Love your channel man. Please keep it going 👍 🏍
Thanks! I am glad you are enjoying it! I don't plan on stopping any time soon.
You have touched on all the things I don't like on my klx230s. I hope to sale it or trade it for a
TW, an show up to TW feast next year 2024. Thanks for sharing. 😊
I have had mine for sale for almost a year and I haven't had any serious interest in it all. If you can't sell it before then and get one great, if not, come ride with us anyways!
I had a 2021 Klx230 . All valid points about the bike. Mine leaned over nice on the kickstand. They must have used the same kickstand for both models. The seat is terrible! I installed doubletake mirrors the first week!
Yeah, the kickstand is something I gotta fix. I have looked at the Double take mirrors, just haven't picked them up yet.
Hi Matt, how does the KLX230 compare to the XT250? Why did you buy it over the XT?
Honestly, I think the XT250 would have been way better just for the idle issue. They didn't have one and I wanted to buy a bike that day........ dumb on my part for sure!
Interesting finds, I really like the KLX, but I think this just shows how solid the TW really is for its simple proven design. The high idle (without a proper way to adjust in the software) would probably be major annoyance for me also on trail riding.
I need to look up the KLX vs an XT as well (can't remember if you already made a video for that comparison).
Yeah, that really bothers me about the bike. I wish there were a way to adjust it. No, I haven't made a video yet but one is on the way!
Do you think they got together with Honda when determining the length and routing of the front brake line? The 300L has a very similar situation going on. X3 on the XT, it looks kinda dorky with the headlight but it gets the job done and you get access to standard tires.
😂 I don't know if they did, but they sure could have!
Riding on the snow is a very tricky thing on any bike.
That's the truth! 😂
I don't own the bike. but everything you said that you didn't like about the bike I agree with. I hate hard seats. the idle should not be that high, and that break line is ridiculous. but at 7:43 when you pushed down the brake line. I thought why not pull it back and wire tie it to something. so in 2023 what is a better bike to buy in this category ?
I have heard the 2023 doesn't have the idle issue. But, I haven't seen one in person. Yet!
Because it needs to be free for suspension movement.
Most would change the bars and have a raiser bark busters, rack from factory, fold mirrors, centre stand full exhaust system. The ide improves after 3,000 km it has to be run in, I replaced the seat anyway.
Hey Simo! Thanks for all the insight! I will look at getting that stuff added to it if I decide to keep it.
I took the stock seat off my DRZ400s , Now I use it for an Anvil...
No joke!!
My klx 230R has never had high idle problems and has been fantastic after a few upgrades like cut seat foam to make shorter and way softer with guts cover, ricochet skid plate, odi grips, kawasaki ninja short adjustable brake & shift levers and acerbis handguards. Maybe it's ny state
Hey Blake! I know not all of the 230's have the idle issue. I have the skid plate also but I like the idea of the ninja levers on there!
@MOBStreet 83 you can also get both from kawasaki verseys also mine are green but there are like 7 color choices
Solving the seat problem is accomplished with a Seat Concepts seat.
Yeah, I think I am going to be getting one!
On the plus side, it matches your shirt.
Valid Point! 😂
My KLX300 doesn't seem to have that idle issue, runs great.
That's good! Some folks have told me I should've bought that instead! 😂
It does not have that idle controller on it right?
News from this week: In '23 honda is probably coming out with the crf300ls (s for lower seat height like the 230s, the motorcycle journalist are speculating here). might be the one for your needs? they are also speculating that he xr150l dual sport is coming to US markets, but I think it will have a carburetor, so that's a deal breaker for me. but, who knows? always nice to have more options
Wait a minute.........Honda is bringing a XR150L with a carb?!? Just goes to show how timeless the TW200 is. Now that I have had both, carb and efi, I really appreciate the simplicity of my carb more and more.
I just bought a KLX300 and the seat is also awful. It puts "the gentleman" to sleep, if ya know what I mean. It's too bad I have to spend $300+ dollars on a Seat Concepts seat, but I don't know if I can keep riding without it!
If you do buy the seat, I would take it to an upholster. It was a royal pain that required two sets of hands to get mine stapled up.
THE TW200 IS A BROTHERHOOD I WAS BLOWEN AWAY WHEN TO BOUGHT IT TW200 FOREVER !!!!!
Yep, once you own one youre inducted into it pretty quick. They are the Harley Davidson of the not Harley Davidson world.
When will another manufacture step up and build something to complete with the TW? The first company that takes these fat tires and puts a 250cc fuel injected engine it and builds enough to keep up with demand will do well.
After this bike, I am not sold on EFI. You can't adjust it on the fly and it is TONS cheaper to buy an install a couple of jets than it is to have your efi remapped. The only one that was even close was the Vanvan but it didn't last long here at all. I would think a 350-400 and a six speed trans on the TW would be the ultimate. I don't need the EFI cause it leaves you stranded if the battery is dead and I like being able to adjust my fueling for a fraction of the cost of EFI.
The bike looks like a project. How perfect for me who has no money 😂
Total blank canvas!
From what I've seen on the specs , the klx230 and the TW have virtually the same top speed. I wouldn't want to be on a freeway on either one .
For me, my TW200 is faster. But, I completely agree, I won't take either on the freeway
My klx250 is faster than either one, especially with the mods I've done ,and I don't want to be on the freeway with it either.
Fair point! 😁
The brake cable position is normal on supermotos dirt bikes and hard seat. You could probably install supermoto wheels on it.
Hey Steve! The Supermoto wheels have for sure crossed my mind!
Thank you for an honest opinion
You bet Allen! Thanks for taking the time to watch it, I appreciate it!
Looking at a Royal Enfield 411 scram
Totally Agree! I've got 2021 230R. In the end it's a farm bike, but...
Engine Chatter bugs me the most. Low top gear (wrong size sprockets). Seats hard AF. Believe it or not, my sons klx150 stand is worse. Looks weird af from behind with the narrow wheels. I'd never buy another one.
My 2010 Fury chopper with small tank doesn't have a fuel gauge, so no whinge there for the klx at least having one.
Yep, I won't buy another one either.
I completely agree! The TW200 has got to be one of the most stable and durable machines out there, and I have definitely tested that 😂.
I remember before I knew the TW200 existed I had always wanted the Honda CRF230L. It was really hard to find anything near me because they were only made in the L model (dual sport) in 2008 and 2009. Heck if you could find one of those, I'm positive it would crush anything on the market right now.
Keep up the great videos, Matt! Have a great Thanksgiving! God bless you and your family
Thanks McCoy, I really appreciate it! I love my TW's and they have served me more than well for the years that I have had them. I would love to find an older Honda like that and see what they do against each other. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well!!
every bike for the last 20 years has a seat like that my bike idles 1800 its normal too. is it reliable oil burner like the 650?
Well, my TW's have had way better seats than this one did and they don't idle nearly that high. I don't know, I haven't had enough miles through it to see if it's burning.
I like the old school mechanical idler screw type.
You and me both!
Most all that stuff you can fix in a day.
Just about!
Thanks for the honest review
You bet! Thanks for watching and for the comment, I appreciate it!
Any thoughts on the new CRF300ls as an upgrade to the 230?
You know, a lot of folks have told me that it would be a lot better......But I can't seem to sell this one to save my life!
Rode my friends @saltxthexwound his 300klx sumo and i honestly did not like it had some fun riding it while at the same time not having fun it wasn't fun in the corners and had no torque or anything it felt like i was on a weak untuned version of a drz 400sm and in my opinion i did not think it was worth what they're charging for those bikes but like i said that's just my opinion id recommend just get a nice used suzuki drz 400sm easy to tune easy to ride and a shit ton of fun in the corners off roading and of course super reliable
Maybe I'll have to look and see if I can find the DRZ400! Your buddies channel is great! Just for fun I would love to do a track day on my TW200! 😂
I am thinking about going with the new klx230sm But I will 95 percent be riding on the street in a tight city lol
I think this bike is great for the city! The engine and trans are great and the idle wouldn't bother me at all for street riding. It has plenty of low end grunt and buzzing around town on it isn't bad at all!
Love your honesty, That stuff would bother me too. Who would let the bikes leave the factory with that kind of idle?!? Sounds like a rushed 'covid' bike. Great review!
Thanks, I really appreciate it. I have another video I just released, I'm gonna sell it. I know not everyone sees it the way I do, but this bike just isn't for me.
I'm thinkin of a tw purely because it hasn't changed, no digital and modern garbage that I know is gonna break , just a trusty ol bike..that or an xt but I hate that digital dash on the xt
Take the TW200! I love all three of mine.
About those mirrors, the originals are never any good, for my bikes I always get the round folding mirrors on Amazon. They're practical and cheap.
The idle RPMs are high at the start before the engine gets warm. I think there's a thermostat and a servo that regulates the RPM. You could get that manual idle-adjustment screw from Bikehedonia. I've bought one but haven't yet installed it. Also check your gas-handle, maybe the wires are too tight? They should leave about 3 mm of slack/deadzone in the handle.
The original tires are quite bad, yes. I got a pair of Dunlop Trailmax "for dry and rocky terrain", they're good on, and off road although not at all good in wet mud, grass or sand.
Speed; I've gotten up to a 122 kmh on mine, that was on slight downhill, but usually I can reach 110 kmh with little effort, though I don't recommend cruisin at that speed. The KLX230 is at its best around 70-90 kmh on roads.
That shift lever, throw it away. Get a real one for dirt bikes out of cast aluminium with a folding tip, these things do break.
As for that seat, Seat Concepts has a softer and wider seat for the KLX230.
EXCELLENT! Thanks Tomas! Which dirt bike shift lever did you go with? Let me know how the adjuster from BikeHedonia goes for you. I have thought of buying one of them. Yeah, I have seen the Seat Concepts and trying to think of which setup to go with. Thanks again!
@@MOBStreet83 I think it was the shifter for Yamaha YZ450. It fits perfectly and it has that folding tip, in case you down your bike again. The original shifter isn't of very good material. The KLX230 it's kind of like an RC-car, you need to 'upgrade' some things on it before it's really good ;)
That idle-screw I'll be testing later in spring, it's below zero so I'm not riding. I'll let you know.
Thanx, I'm gonna avoid this now, especially for the price
I think there are a couple of bikes in the price point that I would choose instead.
What else is at that price point? @@MOBStreet83
Buyers remorse for sure dude lol 😂
Yeah, might not be my brightest moment for sure! I gotta chat with you about yours still!
Mate, you say you only ride easy trails but then you criticise the bike for idling too high and making things nasty on gnarly steep down hills. You can't have a lowered bike like the S model and expect to have suspension travel to be optimised. The idle has been set high (not adjustable) to prevent stalling as this bike has been built for beginners so you can get a manual idle adjuster from HiVolt. I tell you the biggest problem on gnarly steep downhills is the damn ABS on the front wheel. I have the non-S model, the inability to switch off the ABS is the main problem as the high idle can be easily attended to. I have a solution to fix that which is install ABS bypass switch using a fuse and relay, especially given that the stock main electrical feed to the ABS module and pump is a separate cable from the battery making it easy to wire-up.
I have never heard of HiVolt or how it can be used for the KLX so I will look into it. Most of the bikes problems are me as the rider. But, there are a few things that I can't stand.
Seats got to break in a bit though
It should be by now, but it isn't
Sounds like somebody has a nightmare due.
Keep the TW feelings to draw on for comfort.
Nah, it isn't that it's a bad motorcycle......I just don't know if it's for me.
If you think that seat is rough try the Beta seat
My buddy has the Beta Xtrainer and it is a great bike! I can't say I sat much while riding it though so I'm gonna take your word for it!
Ride a bicycle with a bicycle seat. Then ride your motorcycle. The seat will fell like great. Take the mirrors off and they use your neck to look back. The cable is stupid there. Right on that one. Idle fixed on the 2023. Open the cap on the tank to check your fuel...but I did notice that prob on my 2023. Ride a bicycle again and those tires will feel like monster truck tires. Ride a bicycle again and those tires will feel like roller coaster tires. And get the not S version for the clearance. Problems solved. The bike rocks. Do another vid on what you like about it and remember...gratitude...and you're a dude. Only girls complain.
Ride a TW with a way better seat and you'll know what I mean about the KLX. Ride the TW with the big tires and the KLX will feel like roller skates. My TW doesn't have a fuel gauge and I know pretty well how far I can go.....but hence the fuel gauge on the KLX. I have done a video with the things I like about it. It isn't a bad bike, just not at all what I expected . Also, girls don't complain, they are some of the toughest people on the planet, that's why men don't have babies. I am grateful, just trying to share what I had thought about it.
Maybe trade it for a Honda 230
Might have to look into it!
As for mirrors the Versys mirrors are a straight swap
Thanks!
at 240lbs i think ur way to big for that bike. Should have got the Non S version I think
Well, this one is for sale if you wanna buy it. Then I can buy one that will haul my fat self around.
And to be honest it’s a beginner bike apparently your not a beginner so wtf are you doing on a 230 ?
What wrong with riding smaller displacement bikes? What if I don't want a bigger cc bike?
CRF 300 L !!! & MOTOZ TRACTIONATOR DEZ HT.🤙
I'll check it out!
Most of those flaws are fixable .
I know, that's why I said I was nitpicking. They all are for sure!
Why waste your time and money on this when the klx300 is so much better and not that expensive.
Hey Courtney! Thanks for the comment. I would have, but the 300 wasn't anywhere to be found and this was one of the only bikes on the showroom floor that didn't have a sold sign on it. I have it for sale right now.
I hit 77 on it and I weigh 220
Hey George! What elevation are you riding at?
We’ll your kinda way to fat for a 230 let’s be real mine is great but I’m only about 160 🧐
Really? My TW200 hauls me better than this does and it is only a 200cc. Not to mention carbureted and a 5 speed which is faster than this six speed.
Switch it out for an XT250 or really blow the wad and get a CRF300l. :)
I have been thinking about the XT250
This is so dumb. The things u don't like about it makes it better for off road I have the 230 and also a suzuki dr200 the 200 a ton off fun in 85% of what the 230 is, but the single track trails mud etc 230 is supreme
Thanks Dennis! Compared to my TW this bike doesn't do anything off road that the TW can do. With the lower ground clearance I am hitting the plate all over the place and the higher idle doesn't let you tractor down steep climbs like the TW does. I know I am not the best off road guy by any means and this is just what I have found from my personal experience. Thanks for watching and for the comment, I appreciate it.
Don't buy on the fly😃, try before you buy.
yeah, but there wasn't anywhere to try one out.....
go
go where?
means way to go its a compliment
@jamie55555 oh gotcha! I'm old school and not too smart with the new wordage
Sell it. Just sell it.
I think I'm gonna try a few things first, but it dud cross my mind!
@@MOBStreet83 It'll just be putting lipstick on a pig. The things it does better than a TW200 aren't worth the downsides.
ᵖʳᵒᵐᵒˢᵐ 😣
Yep, gotta make some upgrades for sure.
Wtf does politics have to do with the price of a motorcycle?
Not sure what you meant here. I went back through the video and can't see what you are referring to?
TAIATDub:
The Answer Is Always Tdub. 😉
100% Truth! 😂
Honda does the same thing with thier front brake hose. The CFLs. Even thier dated 650. Hate that hose in your view of the display!
Yep, I had a CRF250L for a while and it was the same way.
Seems like the exact same issues as a crf300l
Really? Lots of folks have said that the CRF300 is way better than this. Do you have one?
I’m sure you already know this, but the 2023 models have a revised ECU mapping and the high idle has also been rectified. Love all your videos!
Yeah, I just wish they would have some sort of update or something for those of us with the 22's. Thanks Jim, I really appreciate it!
Hey can they fix the mapping on the 2022s?
Did you contact your dealer? @@robertlapin813
Is that supposed to be all the 2023 models?? Because mine is a 23 and it idles high. I don't like it.