Kawasaki KLX 230 vs Hero Xpulse 200 4V Spec Comparison: What's Different?

India Kawasaki Motors recently unveiled its first road-legal off-roader called the KLX 230. Typical for a dirt bike, the new KLX 230 boasts a slim off-road-style seat, raised fender, braced handlebar, and gaitered telescopic front fork with long wheel travel. Once launched in late 2024 in India, the Kawasaki KLX 230 will go against the other road-going off-roader, the Hero Xpulse 200 4V. The latter has a chunky-looking side profile, a bulky fuel tank, and a bench-styled seat. It also sports a tall windscreen as part of a rally kit. It comes in two variants – standard and Pro – and ranges from Rs 1.46 lakh to Rs 1.53 lakh (ex-showroom). Kawasaki will reveal the price of the KLX 230 in December 2024, with deliveries commencing next year. We compare the two off-roaders to find out what sets them apart:

Also Read: Kawasaki KLX 230 Unveiled in India, Bookings Open at Rs 5,000

Kawasaki KLX 230 vs Hero Xpulse 200 4V: Powertrain

The newly introduced KLX 230 gets a 233cc, two-valve, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that generates 18bhp at 8,00rpm and 18.3Nm of peak torque at 6,400rpm. Meanwhile, the Xpulse 200 4V's 200cc four-valve oil-cooled BS-VI engine enables the bike to develop 19bhp at 8,500rpm and 17.3Nm at 6,500rpm. Having said that, the more powerful engine makes do with a 5-speed gearbox, whereas the Kawasaki KLX 230 employs a 6-speed unit. 

Kawasaki KLX 230 vs Hero Xpulse 200 4V: Hardware

The Kawasaki KLX 230 sits on a steel perimeter frame, whereas the Hero Xpulse 200 4V offers a diamond frame. Both bikes use a 37mm telescopic front fork and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock for suspension; however, the front fork on the Hero Xpulse 200 4V comes with damping adjusters. The suspension travel numbers sit close to each other – the KLX 230's 240mm/250mm versus the Xpulse's 200 4V Pro's 250mm/220mm. 

The braking setup consists of a disc at both ends –  the KLX 230's 265mm/220mm versus the Xpulse's 276mm/220mm. Both bikes roll on a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear spoked wheel, and get switchable ABS (anti-lock braking system). 

Kawasaki KLX 230 vs Hero Xpulse 200 4V: Dimensions

 With a kerb weight of 139kg, the Kawasaki KLX 230 is 22kg lighter than the Hero Xpulse 200 4V Pro. That said, the former has a 1,370mm wheelbase and a 265mm ground clearance – 57mm and 5mm less than the latter, respectively. The seat height is 880mm, 11mm lower than the Xpulse 200 4V Pro. Unlike Hero, Kawasaki offers a low seat height accessory that allows the rider to lower the seat height by 14mm.

 Also Read: New Kawasaki KLX 230 Review | Game Over For Hero Xpulse 200? | 2024 India | autoX

Kawasaki KLX 230 vs Hero Xpulse 200 4V: Features

Features-wise, the KLX 230 and the Xpulse 200 4V have an LED headlamp and a multi-functional LCD with Bluetooth connectivity. The former comes in two colour options: Lime Green and Battle Grey, whereas the latter can be had in Pro White, Matte Nexus Blue, Techno Blue, and Black Sports Red shades.