The Kawasaki KLX 230 arrived in India as a unique off-roading proposition not too long ago, but the KTM 390 Enduro R has now shown up with what could potentially be a better package for a similar price. In this article, we have compared the specifications of both bikes across various parameters.
| Powertrain | Type | Capacity | Power | Torque | Transmission |
| KTM 390 Enduro R | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, single cylinder | 398.63 cc | 46 hp @ 8,500 rpm | 39 Nm @ 6,500 rpm | 6-speed |
| Kawasaki KLX 230 | Air-cooled, SOHC, single cylinder | 233 cc | 18.1 hp @ 8,000 rpm | 18.3 Nm @ 6,400 rpm | 6-speed |
Straight-up, the 390 Enduro R has a massive advantage when it comes to engine output, it produces around 2.5x the peak power of the KLX 230 and a smidgeon over twice the peak torque.
| Dimensions | Kerb weight | Seat height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Fuel capacity |
| KTM 390 Enduro R | 177 kg | 860 mm | 1,470 mm | 253 mm | 9.0 litres |
| Kawasaki KLX 230 | 139 kg | 880 mm | 1,370 mm | 265 mm | 7.6 litres |
Weight is where the KLX bites back. It is significantly lighter than the 390 Enduro R with a 38-kg delta between the kerb weights of the two. The KLX also has higher ground clearance. Both these factors should contribute to the KLX 230 being a more capable and agile off-road performer.
| Brakes and tyres | Front brake | Rear brake | Front tyre | Rear tyre | Wheel type | Tyre type |
| KTM 390 Enduro R | 285-mm disc | 240-mm disc | 90/90-21 | 140/80-18 | Spoked | Tubed |
| Kawasaki KLX 230 | 265-mm disc | 220-mm disc | 2.75-21 | 4.10-18 | Spoked | Tubeless tyre with tube |
| Suspension | Front suspension type | Front wheel travel | Front suspension adjustability | Rear suspension type | Rear wheel travel | Rear suspension adjustability |
| KTM 390 Enduro R | 43-mm USD | 200 mm | 30-step damping | Monoshock | 205 mm | 20-step damping, 10-step preload |
| Kawasaki KLX 230 | 37-mm telescopic fork | 240 mm | No | New uni trak | NA | Preload |
The 390 Enduro R’s suspension set-up gets significantly more adjustability but the KLX 230’s forks have more travel. While the international-spec Enduro R gets suspension with 230-mm travel, the India version only gets 200 mm.
| Price | Ex-showroom |
| KTM 390 Enduro R | Rs 3.3 lakh (estimated) |
| Kawasaki KLX 230 | Rs 3.3 lakh |
While official prices for the KTM 390 Enduro R haven’t been announced yet, we expect it to be positioned somewhere in between the 390 Duke and 390 Adventure, close to Rs 3.3 lakh (ex-showroom). This can make the Kawasaki KLX 230, also priced at Rs 3.3 lakh (ex-showroom), seem like an expensive proposition for what it’s offering. That said, the KLX 230’s main purpose is to be a fun off-roader whereas the 390 Enduro’s off-road capabilities are limited by its weight.
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