Two off-road and trail-friendly motorcycles compared: Massive power and feature difference but similar pricing
KTM has launched the 390 Enduro R in India and the motorcycle is made for proper off-roading. Launched at a price of Rs 3,36,500 (ex-showroom Delhi), the motorcycle directly competes with the Kawasaki KLX 230. Lets compare the specs of these two off-road centric motorcycles.
Engine
Specifications |
KTM 390 Enduro R |
Kawasaki KLX 230 |
Engine |
398.63cc |
233cc |
Power |
46PS at 8,500rpm |
18.1PS at 8,000rpm |
Torque |
39Nm at 6,500rpm |
18.3Nm at 6,400rpm |
Gearbox |
6-speed |
6-speed |
In this comparison, the KTM 390 Enduro R is clearly a much more powerful motorcycle than the KLX 230. The Enduro R gets the same engine as the 390 Adventure, which is known for its exciting power delivery. Since the Enduro is meant for more hardcore off-roading, KTM has revised the sprocketing on the Enduro R which gives it better initial acceleration.
The KLX 230 is almost 28PS down on power, which is quite a lot. However, the KLX 230 still performs quite well for a motorcycle which makes only 18PS, which is down to its light weight – 139kg; in comparison, the Enduro weighs 177kg kerb.
Underpinnings
Specifications |
KTM 390 Enduro R |
Kawasaki KLX 230 |
Frame |
Split-Trellis Frame |
Perimeter Frame |
Front Suspension |
Fully-adjustable 43mm inverted |
37mm Telescopic fork |
Rear Suspension |
Fully-adjustable monoshock |
Adjustable monoshock |
Front Suspension Travel |
200mm |
240mm |
Rear Suspension Travel |
205mm |
250mm |
Front Brake |
285mm disc |
265mm petal disc |
Rear Brake |
240mm disc |
220mm petal disc |
Front Tyre |
90/90-21 knobby tyre |
80/90-21 knobby tyre |
Rear Tyre |
140/80-18 knobby tyre |
100/90-18 knobby tyre |
The 390 Enduro R gets the same split trellis frame as the 390 Adventure along with the same suspension setup. The KLX 230 gets a lot more suspension travel than the Enduro R which should help it in extreme off-road scenarios. That said, the suspension setup on the Enduro R is fully adjustable, will help you set it up as you wishOther than this, both of these motorcycles get knobby tyres but the Enduro R gets a much wider tyres which should provide it with better grip.
Dimensions
Specifications |
KTM 390 Enduro R |
Kawasaki KLX 230 |
Wheelbase |
1470mm |
1370mm |
Ground Clearance |
253 |
286 |
Fuel tank capacity |
9-litres |
7.6-litres |
Seat height |
860mm |
880mm |
Kerb weight |
177kg |
139kg |
In proportions, the 390 Enduro R is a much bigger motorcycle but it weighs 38kg more than the KLX 230.. Usually a light weight motorcycle is preferred for extreme off-roading. Also, the KLX 230 gets 286mm of ground clearance which is a lot more than the Enduro R and should help it during extreme endurance runs. Both of these motorcycles have tiny fuel tanks but since these are meant for off-roading, it will help keep the weight down.
Features
Specifications |
KTM 390 Enduro R |
Kawasaki KLX 230 |
Console |
4.3-inch TFT |
LCD screen |
Lights |
All-LED lights |
LED headlight only |
Ride Modes |
Street and Off-road |
No |
ABS |
Switchable Dual-channel |
Switchable Dual-channel |
Traction Control |
Switchable |
No |
Quickshifter |
Bidirectional |
No |
The Enduro R is a much more loaded motorcycle in terms of features. It gets LED lights all around along with a 4.3-inch TFT display which supports smartphone connectivity and SMS/call alerts which makes it a lot more convenient in day to day usage. Along with this the Enduro R also gets switchable ABS, switchable traction control, bi-directional quickshifter and 2 ride modes. The KLX 230, in comparison, gets only an LED headlight to boast about.
Price And Verdict
Variants |
KTM 390 Enduro R |
Kawasaki KLX 230 |
Standard |
Rs 3,36,500 |
Rs 3,30,000 |
All prices ex-showroom Delhi.
The pricing is the main comparison factor between these two motorcycles. The KLX 230 offers a lot less for the price. The 390 Enduro R on the other hand gets a more powerful motor, more equipment and slightly better hardware.
That said, for hardcore off-roading, the KLX 230 still offers more suspension travel, ground clearance and is much lighter in comparison. For someone who wants an off-roader but with all the features and does not want to sacrifice on performance, should consider the 390 Enduro R. The Kawasaki KLX 230 is an expensive motorcycle for the kind of performance and hardware it gets; however, it is still not going to disappoint in terms of off-road performance.
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