2026 Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa, Think of the 2026 Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S ABS and KLX230 DF ABS as utilitarian versions of the KLX230 dual sport. While the Sherpa and DF share the same underpinnings as the KLX, they move away from the motocross-inspired look customary to the dual sport category. Instead, there’s minimalistic bodywork that lends a bit of an outdoorsy, Cabela’s vibe. Lest the utilitarian rework is dismissed as a styling conceit, it’s worth asking: “What isn’t a styling conceit?” After all, the KLX230’s Kawasaki Racing Green radiator shrouds epitomize form before function. Because, you know, the KLX230 doesn’t have radiators; its 233cc single-cylinder engine is air-cooled.
The Sherpa and DF models share the same engine, perimeter frame, 21/18-sized wheels, and styling. The main differences are down to suspension and, consequently, seat height. In Kawasaki nomenclature, the “S” denotes a short seat-height model. Accordingly, the Sherpa S has a 32.5-inch seat height. It uses a 37mm right-side-up fork with dual-rate springs and 6.2 inches of travel, and a new Uni-Trak dual-rate monoshock with 6.6 inches of travel. The 18-inch rear uses a tubeless tire for easy repair, while the front uses a tube. The DF (think of it as a “non-S” Sherpa) has a taller, 33.3-inch seat height thanks to longer-travel suspension—7.9 inches in the front, 8.8 inches in the rear—giving it almost an additional inch of ground clearance (9.4 inches) compared to the Sherpa S. Both bikes have switchable ABS, LED headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, hand guards, and aluminum skid plates. The DF comes standard with a luggage rack and engine guards.
2026 Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa
| MSRP: | $5699 / $5799 |
| Engine: | SOHC, air-cooled, 4-stroke single-cylinder |
| Displacement: | 233cc |
| Bore x Stroke: | 67.0 x 66.0mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 9.4:1 |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Claimed Horsepower: | 17.0 hp @ 8000 rpm |
| Claimed Torque: | 13.3 lb.-ft. @ 6400 rpm |
| Fuel System: | DFI w/ 32mm throttle body |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | TCBI Electronic Advance |
| Frame: | High-tensile steel, box-section perimeter |
| Front Suspension: | 37mm telescopic fork; 6.2 in. travel / 7.9 in. travel (DF) |
| Rear Suspension: | Uni-Trak linkage system and single shock, spring preload adjustable; 6.6 in. travel / 8.8 in. travel (DF) |
| Front Brake: | 2-piston caliper, 265mm petal disc w/ABS |
| Rear Brake: | 1-piston caliper, 220mm petal disc w/ ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | 21 in./18 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | 21 x 2.75 in. / 18 x 4.10 in. |
| Rake/Trail | 24.4°/3.8 in. / 24.6°/3.8 in. (DF) |
| Wheelbase: | 53.3 in. / 53.7 in. (DF) |
| Ground Clearance: | 8.5 in. / 9.4 in. (DF) |
| Seat Height: | 32.5 in. / 33.3 in. (DF) |
| Fuel Capacity: | 2.0 gal. |
| Claimed Wet Weight: | 298 lb. / 302 lb. (DF) |
| Contact: | motorenginesusa.com |
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