The accessible adventure motorcycle segment in India recently got a new entrant in the form of the Kawasaki KLX 230. While it is supposed to be a rival to the Hero Xpulse 200 4V in terms of displacement, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is what comes closest to it on the pricing front. So, if you were to shell out close to Rs. 3.5 lakh on an off-road-centric ADV, should you opt for the dual-purpose KLX or the quintessential ADV Himalayan? Let’s try to answer that.
Dimensions
The KLX 230 outdoes the Himalayan 450 in regards of ground clearance, a factor which matters a lot in the context of ADVs or dual-purpose offerings. The underbelly of the former sits 265mm higher from the ground which is 35mm more than the latter. With a longer suspension travel of 240mm and 250mm for the front and rear, respectively, the KLX seems more capable than the RE which has a 200mm travel at both ends. However, all of that comes at the cost of seat height which stands at 880mm for the KLX while the Himalayan 450 is more accessible at 825mm. What acts as the saving grace for the KLX is its extremely low kerb weight of 139kg which makes it an astounding 60kg lighter than the Himi.
Cycle Parts
Underpinned by a steel perimeter frame, the KLX rides on a 21-18-inch spoke wheel combination that are shod with block-pattern tyres. The suspension setup comprises telescopic forks and a monosock while the braking hardware includes 265mm and 220mm discs at the front and rear, respectively.
Now, the Himalayan rides on 21-17-inch spoke wheels which can be had in cross-spoke configuration with tubeless tyres, which means puncture repairs will be an easier affair on it than on the KLX. It also incorporates more premium Showa USD forks and a monoshock while the disc brakes are bigger 320-270mm units. The tyres, sourced from CEAT, are slightly more road-biased in terms of tread pattern and compound. Plus, the Himalayan boasts a 17-litre fuel tank which is about 9.4-litre bigger than the KLX.
Features
The Himalayan is clearly superior in terms of technology. It comes equipped with full-LED lighting and TFT screen which shows a lot of information, offer two theme options, and Bluetooth connectivity with Google Maps integration. It also gets a USB charging port and an assist and slipper clutch. The KLX, meanwhile, makes do with a conventional bulb-type lighting setup and an LCD screen with Bluetooth connectivity for call and message notifications. While the rear ABS can be switched off on both bikes, the KLX also allows you to turn it off for the front wheel thereby giving more control to the rider in off-road conditions.
Engine
Powering the Kawasaki is a simpler and smaller 233cc, air-cooled engine that produces 17.8bhp and 18.3Nm while being mated to a six-speed transmission system. On the other hand, the Himalayan’s 452cc motor gets liquid cooling and is more performance-oriented with 39.47bhp and 40Nm of peak torque.
Price
Despite the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 being a bigger and technologically more contemporary motorcycle, it is more affordable with its prices ranging from Rs. 2.85 lakh to Rs. 2.98 lakh, depending on the colour variant. The Kawasaki KLX 230, meanwhile, comes in a single variant with a price tag of Rs. 3.30 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom). To conclude, the KLX inclines more towards off-roading with the makings of a profoundly playful trail bike. The Himalayan is more for those who will choose to have a one-bike garage with something that is a good balance between a tourer and an off-roader.