If you’re an off-road biker, there’s a good chance that you’ve been looking at the Kawasaki KLX230R or Honda CRF250F. Both of these bikes offer great performance in a wide range of terrains. But which one is right for you? Let’s take a closer look and see what each bike has to offer.
Kawasaki KLX230R:
This bike is designed for novice to intermediate riders who are looking to tackle some tough terrain. It features a torquey 233 cc single-cylinder engine, with plenty of low-end power for tackling steep inclines and tight turns. It also boasts a reinforced steel frame and adjustable suspension, providing superior handling in even the most challenging conditions.
Honda CRF250F:
The Honda CRF250F is perfect for more experienced riders. It features a smooth 249 cc single-cylinder engine that packs plenty of power and torque, allowing you to ride faster and farther than ever before. The reinforced steel frame is also built for durability, so it can handle whatever terrain you throw its way without any issues. Plus, it has adjustable suspension settings so you can customize your ride experience just the way you like it.
KLX230R vs Honda CRF250F at a Glance
| Specs | KLX230R | CRF250F |
| Engine | 233cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke | 249cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke |
| Power | 19.8 horsepower | 22.8 horsepower |
| Torque | 12.4 lb-ft | 16.4 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Suspension (front) | 37mm telescopic fork | 41mm telescopic fork |
| Suspension (rear) | Uni-Trak® gas charged shock | Pro-Link® Showa single shock |
| Brakes (front) | Single disc, 240mm | Single disc, 240mm |
| Brakes (rear) | Single disc, 220mm | Single disc, 220mm |
| Wheel size (front) | 21 inches | 21 inches |
| Wheel size (rear) | 18 inches | 18 inches |
| Seat height | 36.2 inches | 34.8 inches |
| Ground clearance | 11.4 inches | 11.2 inches |
| Weight | 253.5 pounds | 265 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 2 gallons | 2.1 gallons |
| Price (MSRP) | $4,399 | $4,699 |
Engine
KLX230R Engine
The KLX230R is powered by a 233cc air-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine with an electronic fuel injection system. It produces 17 hp and 13 lb-ft of torque at 6500 rpm, providing plenty of power for even experienced riders. The engine is tuned for low and mid-range power, making it perfect for off-roading in rugged terrain. It also has a transversely mounted electric starter motor that makes starting up much easier than traditional kick starters.
CRF250F Engine
The CRF250F is equipped with a 249cc air-cooled single cylinder four stroke engine with an electronic fuel injection system as well. This engine produces 17 hp and 14 lb-ft of torque at 7000 rpm, making it slightly more powerful than the KLX230R’s engine. However, this increased power comes at the cost of lower mid-range power compared to its competitor, which can make it less ideal for off-roading. Like the KLX230R, it also has an electric starter motor for easy starting.
Whether you choose the Kawasaki KLX230R or Honda CRF250F ultimately comes down to personal preference and riding style. The Kawasaki offers better mid-range power while the Honda offers more top end power. Both bikes have powerful engines that will give you plenty of performance no matter where you ride! So take your time comparing them before making your decision—you won’t regret it!
Comparing the KLX230R and CRF250F in Terms of Torque
The Kawasaki KLX230R is powered by a four-stroke single-cylinder engine with an output of 18 kilowatts at 7500 rpm and 19.3 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm. The Honda CRF250F, on the other hand, has an air-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 15 kW at 8500 rpm and 22 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm.
As we can see, the KLX230R has less power but more torque than the CRF250F. This means that it will be slightly slower off the line but will be able to carry heavier loads with ease due to its higher torque output. Additionally, because it has less power overall, it will also consume less fuel and require fewer repairs over time, making it a more cost-effective option for long-distance riders who want to save money while still enjoying their ride.
Both the KLX230R and CRF250F are great bikes for beginners and experienced riders alike. However, when it comes to torque, the KLX230R wins out with its 19.3 Nm output compared to the CRF250F’s 22 Nm. Ultimately, which bike you choose should depend on your individual needs – if you’re looking for something lightweight and efficient for short trips around town or light off-roading duties then the KLX230R is ideal; if you need something with more power for longer trips or tougher terrain then go for the CRF250F instead! No matter what choice you make though, you can’t lose!
Read More: Honda CRF250R Review
Top Speed
KLX230R Top Speed
The KLX230R has an impressive top speed of 72 mph. This makes it one of the fastest models in its class, especially considering its lightweight design. The air-cooled engine gives this bike plenty of power and torque, allowing it to accelerate quickly and reach higher speeds than other models. The efficient transmission also helps the KLX230R maintain its top speed while still getting great fuel economy.
CRF250F Top Speed
The CRF250F has a slightly lower top speed than the KLX230R at 69 mph. However, this bike is designed more for off-road riders who don’t need as high of a top speed as on-road riders do. What’s more, this bike’s liquid-cooled engine gives it plenty of power and torque for off-road riding, allowing it to easily traverse rough terrain without losing much momentum or velocity. The CRF250F also features a four-speed gearbox that helps it maintain its top speed despite any bumps or obstacles in its path.
Transmission
KLX230R Transmission
The Kawasaki KLX230R transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox, which means you have to manually shift through each gear. This transmission is great for riders who want a little more control over their bike and enjoy feeling each shift as they go. The downside of this kind of transmission is that it can be difficult to stay in the correct gear for longer rides, since there are more gears involved in shifting. Additionally, this type of transmission may require more maintenance due to the extra moving parts.
CRF250F Transmission
The Honda CRF250F transmission is an automatic dual-clutch (DCT) system, which means that it shifts automatically without any input from the rider. This makes it much easier for riders who don’t want to worry about constantly shifting or going into too high or low of a gear while riding. On the other hand, some riders find this type of system less engaging than a manual one because they don’t get to feel each shift as they go. Additionally, DCT systems require more specialized maintenance than manual transmissions do because they have fewer moving parts overall but those parts are more complex than those in manual transmissions.
Suspension
KLX230R Front Suspension
The KLX 230R features a 37mm telescopic fork with 7.1 inches of travel, allowing you to easily navigate rough terrain. The bike also features adjustable rebound damping, which helps keep you in control regardless of the terrain. On top of that, the fork offers plenty of stiffness for improved handling and responsiveness.
CRF250F Front Suspension
The CRF 250F features a traditional Showa 41mm twin-chamber air-spring fork with 10.6 inches of travel, making it an ideal choice for more experienced riders. The air spring allows you to adjust your settings on the fly without having to take apart the entire system—simply use the easy access dial on top of the fork to make adjustments as needed. This makes it easier than ever to fine-tune your ride experience and get exactly what you need from your bike.
KLX230R Rear Suspension
The KLX230R has an adjustable Uni-Trak linkage system with 7.1 inches of travel, giving you plenty of cushion regardless of how bumpy or uneven your terrain may be. Additionally, its preload adjuster lets you tweak your settings quickly and easily—allowing you to customize your ride with just a few clicks of a button!
CRF250F Rear Suspension
The CRF 250’s Pro-Link single shock absorber provides 9.1 inches of wheel travel—giving you an incredibly smooth ride even over rough terrain! It also offers adjustable rebound damping, allowing riders to tailor their ride according to their personal preferences (or conditions). Plus, its compression damping adjuster lets you tune in any extra firmness or softness needed in order to get just the right feel out on the trails!
Size Differences Between the KLX230R and CRF250F
The first thing to consider about these two bikes is their size difference. The KLX230R has an overall length of 81.3 inches with a wheelbase of 51.8 inches, while the CRF250F comes in at 84.5 inches long with a wheelbase of 56.7 inches. That means that the CRF250F is three inches longer than the KLX230R, with a larger wheelbase as well – making it more stable than its smaller counterpart.
KLX230R vs CRF250F Handling Comparison
When it comes to handling, the CRF250F offers superior performance due to its larger frame and wheelbase. This makes it easier for riders to keep their balance on rough terrain or when making sharp turns in tight spaces. The KLX230R’s shorter frame also makes it more maneuverable than the CRF250F – so if you’re looking for a bike that can make quick changes in direction or navigate tight trails, this might be the better option for you!
In terms of power output, both bikes have comparable engines – with 6 speed transmissions and about 20 horsepower each – so there won’t be much of a difference between them in that regard either way! However, keep in mind that the KLX230R does weigh less than the CRF250FI (229 lbs vs 253 lbs), meaning that it may accelerate faster than its heavier counterpart.
Brakes
KLX230R Brakes
The KLX230R has a single front disc brake and a single rear drum brake. The front brake has 190mm of rotor surface area which helps provide powerful stopping power when needed. It also has an adjustable lever which allows riders to customize their braking preferences easily. The rear brakes on the KLX230R are a bit less powerful since they are drum brakes, but they still provide solid stopping power in most situations.
CRF250F Brakes
The CRF250F comes equipped with two disc brakes – one at the front and one at the rear of the bike. Both discs have 220mm of rotor surface area which provides more stopping power than on the KLX230R. The levers on both brakes are adjustable so you can customize your braking experience based on your preferences. Additionally, this bike also comes with wave-style rotors which help dissipate heat better than traditional rotors for improved performance in longer rides or harder stops.
Ground Clearance:
The KLX230R has a ground clearance of 9.8 inches while the Honda CRF250F has a ground clearance of 11.6 inches. This means that if you ride over rougher terrain or larger rocks, the Honda CRF250F may be a better choice as it will have an easier time navigating obstacles with its greater height from the ground.
Fuel Capacity:
Both bikes have a fuel capacity of 1 gallon, so there’s no difference in this area. However, it is worth noting that the KLX230R can get up to 60 miles per gallon while the Honda CRF250F can get up to 65 miles per gallon, meaning that if you’re looking for a bike with better gas mileage then the Honda would be your best bet.
Price:
The KLX230R costs around $4,399 while the Honda CRF250F costs around $5,249 so when it comes to price they are pretty far apart – almost $1000 difference! So if budget is a major factor in your decision-making process then you may want to go with the Kawasaki model instead.
Who is the winner? KLX230R vs Honda CRF250F
The Kawasaki KLX230R and Honda’s CRF250F offer great performance on the trail at different price points depending on your budget and needs. The KLX230R is perfect for those looking for an entry-level bike with reliable power while the CRF250F is ideal if you’re looking to invest in something with a bit more power without breaking the bank. Ultimately both bikes will give you what you need out on the trails so it really comes down to personal preference and budget limitations!
