First look at the 2026 Kawasaki KLX230R S, the versatile and accommodating off-road four-stroke bike updated with a larger fuel tank, new riding position and seat height to make it an even more useful trail bike.

“Rugged and reliable”, looking like the KX motocross machines but with an all-welcome attitude to life, the KLX230R S has been updated for 2026 with a meaningful list aimed at making it an all-round better bike.

The KLX recipe for trail riding is a good one: an electric start, a useful but easy-going 233cc single-cylinder motor which boasts added smoothness and tractability thanks to a balancer shaft, strong low to mid-range power, and a six-speed gearbox.

Ideal trail partner

Among the details in this new 2026 KLX are a 25mm further forward handlebar position combined with 9mm further back footpegs, which helps improve rider control and confidence both when standing or, importantly, when seated and using your feet.

The larger 7.6-litre (2 US gal) tank is a significant update also, boosting the riding range on the trails with one more litre than the previous model.

Chassis updates include a new, 20mm lower seat height (also boasting a more comfortable design), 220mm suspension travel and a healthy 270mm of ground clearance. Front and rear wheel sizes are standard 21”/18” respectively, giving a wide range of tyre choices for trail, dual sport and enduro.

The latest KX series’ “aggressive and agile” styling is also featured on the KLX and is designed to have as few protruding parts as possible to help a rider move around.

2026 KLX140 youth models

Kawasaki also reveal the youth-focused, entry-level KLX140 range, which consists of three models (R, L and F) with different wheel sizes.

Based around an accommodating 144cc, air-cooled, four-stroke single motor, with five-speed transmission, manual clutch, electric start and disc brakes, the KLX140 is the super-accommodating model for kids and youth riders to hone their off-road skills. Reliability is a cornerstone of the KLX family.

The KLX140 R model is the smallest wheel option (17-inch front / 14-inch rear), the L mounts mid-sized wheels (19-inch front / 16-inch rear) and the F is full-sized (21-inch front / 18-inch rear).

True to Kawasaki off-road principles, the KLX230R S and KLX140 range are available in a range of colours including green, green and green, and will hit dealer showrooms as part of the 2026 range.

More information: www.kawasaki.com + www.kawasaki.co.uk + www.kawasaki.eu