Kawasaki KLX230 vs Hero Xpulse 200 4V Pro: specifications compared

Both the Xpulse and the KLX are powered by 200cc-ish single-cylinder engines, but their architectures are quite different. While the Hero uses a modern 4-valve head, the Kawasaki persists with an old-school 2-valve unit. However, the Japanese dual-sport one-ups the Indian one by offering a 6-speed gearbox, instead of the 5-speed unit seen on the Xpulse. 

 

The Kawasaki makes 1Nm more torque, although it is 1hp down on the Hero. Despite its power deficit, the KLX has a better power-to-weight ratio than the Xpulse, aided greatly by its light kerb weight. 

There is a 22kg weight difference between the KLX and Xpulse, and that’s bound to be one of the biggest advantages for the little Kawasaki. Its wheelbase is also 57mm shorter, which should make it much more flickable than the Hero. With seat heights of 880mm and 891mm, respectively, both the Kawasaki and the Hero are tall machines. But the KLX can be had with an accessory lower seat, which lowers the perch by 14mm to 866mm.

 

Of course, the flip side is that the Hero’s extra weight and longer wheelbase will make it feel more planted both on and off the road. Also, with a 13-litre fuel tank, the Xpulse carries almost double the fuel the KLX can, aiding its practicality. 

The Xpulse uses a simpler diamond frame, whereas the Kawasaki uses a more sophisticated perimeter unit. Other than that, the underpinnings are fairly similar on both bikes, although the Xpulse offers you damping adjustment on the fork, unlike the Kawasaki. Both bikes have a preload adjustable monoshock. The wheel travel figures are comparable, with the Hero having a little more travel at the front and the Kawasaki offering a little more at the rear. Both bikes also offer switchable ABS settings for off-road use. 

Neither of these bikes can be described as cutting-edge, and that’s alright, given that they’re meant to be hardy things that can withstand a lot of abuse off-road. Both bikes get simple LCDs that can be paired with your smartphone via Bluetooth for basic notification alerts and navigation prompts. Both the Xpulse and the KLX have LED headlights, although the Kawasaki is available in two colours – green and gray – while the Hero comes in only one.

 

Kawasaki will announce the price of the KLX230 in December, with deliveries starting in January 2025. The KLX230 currently comes to India as a CKD, with components arriving from Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand. India Kawasaki Motors is looking to localise the KLX230 to a large extent by the time it gets launched.