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_Battle of the Trails Kawasaki KLX 230 vs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

Battle of the Trails: Kawasaki KLX 230 vs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

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Battle of the Trails Introducing the Kawasaki KLX 230-a motorcycle upgraded for adventure in India. The displacement is similar to that of Hero Xpulse 200 4V, but when it comes to pricing, it compares with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Are you planning to buy the KLX or Himalayan if you are looking for an off-roading motorcycle priced around Rs 3.5 lakhs? Let’s find out about it.

Size and Design

Pros of the KLX 230:

  • The KLX 230 boasts ground clearance at 265mm, which surpasses the Himalayan 450 by 35mm.
  • With the added suspension travel (front: 240mm, rear: 250mm) it has been designed more to be tested off-road conditions.
  • Weighs in at just 139 kg, which is 60 kg lower than the Himalayan.

Advantages of Himalayan 450:

  • The seat height being at 825mm is more comfortable than the KLX’s 880mm seat.
  • The 17-liter fuel tank can be a great boon on long trips.

Cycle Parts

KLX 230:

  • Steel perimeter frame, spoke wheels measuring 21-18 inches with block-pattern tyres.
  • Such suspension includes mono-shock and telescopic forks.
  • Brakes: 265mm (front) and 220mm (rear).

Himalayan 450:

Battle of the Trails: Kawasaki KLX 230 vs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
  • 21-17 inch spoke wheels, with cross-spoke option that is suitable for tubeless tyres.
  • Showa USD forks and a monoshock suspension.
  • Larger brakes: 320mm (front) and 270mm (rear).

Features Comparison

Special features of Himalayan 450:

  • Integrated fully-LED lighting, TFT screen with Bluetooth and Google Maps.
  • USB charging port and assist and slipper clutch.

Conventional bulb-type lighting and LCD meter: 

  • Bluetooth-enabled for call and message notifications only.
  • Front and rear ABS can be switched off for better control off-road.

Engine Performance :

KLX 230:

  • 233cc, air-cooled engine.
  • Power: 17.8bhp and torque: 18.3Nm.
  • 6-speed transmission.

Himalayan 450:

  • 452cc, liquid-cooled engine.
  • Power: 39.47bhp and Torque: 40Nm.
  • The larger engine size will lead to more performance-oriented power development.
  • Himalayan 450: Rs. 2.85 lakh to Rs. 2.98 lakh (various colour options).
  • Himalayan 450: $ 3,483.45  (various colour options).
  • KLX 230: Rs. 3.30 lakh (same variant).
  • KLX 230: $ 3,857.47  (same variant).

Conclusion

KLX 230: This is the best option for pure lightweight off-roading.

Himalayan 450: For touring and off-roading combined, this is the ideal option.

Both of these bikes are excellent in their segments. It depends on your usage and budget for the selection.

However, let a verdict come down for them at the end of the day when all is said and done between the Kawasaki KLX 230 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. They excel in their respective fields and cater to their audiences. To add to it, the KLX 230 is certainly a clear winner for an individual desiring a lightweight, off-road-oriented bike that has fantastic ground clearance and longer travel suspension for trail riding and adventurous rides. Its agility and unmatched off-road capabilities make it a perfect machine for the top rugged terrains.

FAQs

1. What differentiates the Kawasaki KLX 230 from the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450?

Short travel and lightweight design of the KLX make this model more off-road-oriented. It is best for trail rides and off-road adventures. On the contrary, the Himalayan 450 is a bit more balanced and can compare for some off-roading and touring with its larger engine, better comfort, and more advanced features for long-distance journeys.

2. Which bike gets more ground clearance?

In terms of higher ground clearance, of 265 mm: The KLX 230 has a further 35 mm above the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, making it much more appropriate for rough terrains and trails.

3. Which is lighter?

With a weight of 139kg, the Kawasaki KLX 230 weighs 60 kg less than the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Thus the KLX 230 is easier to maneuver, especially over tough trails.

4. Which bike is better for long-distance touring?

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has more touring features like a 17-liter fuel tank and is better suited for long journeys, whereas it has more comfort-oriented parts like suspension and ergonomics for long rides.

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