As the off-road motorcycle community in India expands, so does the demand for specialized yet affordable bikes. The KTM 390 Enduro R and Kawasaki KLX230 provide two distinct perspectives on what makes an accessible, dirt-oriented vehicle. Despite a significant performance gap, their price points are noticeably similar. Both motorcycles assert themselves as true off-road machines, but which one meeting this challenge more effectively?
KTM 390 Enduro R vs Kawasaki KLX230: Design and Features
Different designs but a shared purpose for off-road riding
At first sight, the KTM 390 Enduro R resembles a stripped-back version of the 390 Adventure, but a closer look reveals KTM’s commitment to a distinct design. Based on the foundation of the 390 Adventure, it features a larger 18-inch rear wheel, a more compact 9-litre fuel tank, minimal bodywork, and tyres suited for off-road conditions. However, the plastic fuel tank and darker panels have a somewhat inexpensive look and may not endure the test of time.
The off-white panels impart a genuine “enduro” appearance, although concerns about early discolouration arise. Nonetheless, the overall build quality feels robust. The switchgear is adequately designed and provides a tactile experience. The compact TFT display appears premium and includes most desired information, save for the missing fuel gauge, which would be beneficial for those venturing on remote trails.
On the other hand, the Kawasaki KLX230 feels sturdy, boasting durable plastics and a straightforward design. Like the KTM, the KLX230 also faces issues with discolouration, particularly its dual-tone seat, which can stain quite quickly. It comes equipped with a basic LCD display providing minimal information and a straightforward layout. While it includes a fuel gauge, it forgoes features like a rev counter and gear position indicator, which some riders may find inconvenient. The switchgear appears budget-friendly and somewhat simplistic. Additionally, components such as mirrors, indicators, and levers, likely to endure damage during off-road excursions, are more expensive for the KLX due to it being a CKD import.
KTM 390 Enduro R vs Kawasaki KLX230: Ergonomics
Unique compromises in ergonomics for both bikes
The KTM features a seat height of 860mm, which is high but manageable for riders around 5’7″. The Enduro R’s seat is more comfortable and is favorable for carrying a passenger. Riding while standing on the Enduro R feels more intuitive, and it encourages you to ride on your feet over time. The bike also provides adequate mounting options for luggage, making it advantageous for long-distance rides to exciting spots. However, a noticeable drawback is the engine guard which can press against your knees, prompting you to stand more often.
In contrast, the KLX230 maintains an upright seating position, but its ergonomics can feel overly forward-leaning while standing, especially for taller riders needing a higher handlebar. Despite having a seat height of 880mm on paper, the suspension sags under weight, allowing even those around 5’7″ to reach the ground more easily than on the KTM. However, the standard seat quickly becomes uncomfortable during longer road rides.
An unusual challenge arises with the KLX230’s side stand, which requires suspension unloading for retraction, as it does not retract when loaded. Although there are no integrated luggage mounting points, Kawasaki offers an accessory carrier for those looking to travel with gear.
KTM 390 Enduro R vs Kawasaki KLX230: Performance and Efficiency
The 390 Enduro R significantly outperforms the KLX230
The contrast in performance between these two bikes couldn’t be starker. The Enduro R draws power from a 399cc liquid-cooled engine, delivering the same 46hp and 39Nm as its siblings, more than double the maximum output of the KLX230. However, on technically demanding trails, this power may be overwhelming. The engine’s low-end response can be lackluster, leading to a rapid spin of the rear wheel as revs rise. Nevertheless, the engine boasts decent tractability and performs reliably on the road, matching the highway cruising capabilities of the Adventure models.
While the engine might feel a little subdued for seasoned riders familiar with KTM’s aggressive nature, it serves as a welcoming option for beginners. The Enduro R can sustain high speeds comfortably without feeling out of place in city traffic. With its 9-litre fuel tank, the KTM achieves roughly 200km per tank in real-world conditions. The bike’s manageability is further enhanced by its advanced electronics, including switchable ABS, effective off-road traction control, multiple riding modes, and a bi-directional quickshifter, all contributing to a smoother riding experience.
Despite the numerical advantage on paper, the KLX230 holds its own impressively off-road. Equipped with a smaller, simpler engine, it lacks sudden power surges but excels in bottom-end and mid-range torque, which many riders may prefer for off-road adventures. However, the KLX230 struggles on-road, easily left behind by the KTM, with anything over 90kph feeling laborious and requiring careful planning for overtaking.
Interestingly, when comparing fuel efficiency at higher speeds on and off-road, the difference between the KLX and KTM is only about 4kpl. This is mainly because the KLX’s smaller engine needs to exert more effort, resulting in more frequent fuel stops compared to the KTM. Although the KLX230 has minimal electronic assistance apart from switchable ABS, it performs adequately without needing additional features.
KTM 390 Enduro R vs Kawasaki KLX230: Ride and Handling
The KLX230 demonstrates superior off-road handling compared to the KTM
The KTM includes adjustable suspension, yet the India-specific version has reduced travel compared to the international model, with room for improvement in damping settings. On rocky terrains, the KTM proves bouncier than the KLX, which flows smoothly across the same surface, presenting a challenge in management for the rider. Attempting to reduce compression damping for better compliance can lead to bottoming out over jumps, leading to a decision to accept the increased bounciness.
In tight off-road situations, the Enduro R’s greater weight compared to the KLX230 becomes apparent, demanding extra effort from the rider. While the KTM’s suspension may fall short off-road, it excels on paved roads by resisting dive under braking, maintaining excellent stability during acceleration, and handling corners akin to a road bike despite its dual-sport tyres.
The KLX230 features a more basic suspension setup but exhibits remarkable off-road prowess, absorbing bumps seamlessly and instilling confidence in riders to explore more trail. While it boasts 265mm of ground clearance, that height diminishes significantly under rider weight. The KLX230 is forgiving of rider errors; however, pushing it limits may reveal its boundaries, reminding users that neither of these bikes caters to extreme off-road applications. On paved roads, the KLX’s dirt-biased setup is evident in its tendency for front-end dive while braking, yet it performs almost as well as the KTM during testing thanks to its light weight.
The KLX230 shifts direction effortlessly, providing a lightweight and agile feeling. However, its handling on paved roads may come off as vague, requiring acclimatization. The MRF tyres are competent, although the Mitas E-07s on the KTM outshine them.
KTM 390 Enduro R vs Kawasaki KLX230: Verdict
The KTM 390 Enduro R presents excellent value at just an extra Rs 6,000
With a price tag of Rs 3.30 lakh, the KLX230’s appeal starts to diminish due to its lack of features plus its inability to match the KTM’s performance on the highway. Kawasaki is said to be developing a localized version, which may enhance its price competitiveness, but that prospect is still a while away.
Nevertheless, the KLX230 remains an endearing trail bike, and many find it more enjoyable for off-road adventures compared to the KTM. Its lightweight design and reliability encourage exploration without fear of repercussions for mistakes. As a secondary or third bike, it’s an exceptional choice. However, as a primary motorcycle, it’s best suited for true off-road enthusiasts.
For an additional investment of Rs 7,000 over the KLX230, the KTM 390 Enduro R delivers enhanced performance, advanced electronics, and versatility. Although it demands a bit more physically for off-road riding, with enough skill, it can tackle challenges akin to those faced by the KLX while offering superior on-road prowess. Its only major downside is its suspension, but KTM is working on introducing a longer-travel variant soon, though at a higher price point. Given the minimal price difference, the KTM 390 Enduro R stands out as the stronger option for a singular garage addition.
