Off-roader Spec Comparo: KTM 390 Enduro R v Kawasaki KLX 230

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.