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If you’re in the market for a dual-sport motorbike in India, then the Kawasaki KLX230 and Hero Xpulse 210 should be two of the top choices for the year
2025. Equally good off-road and urban worlds riders, there’s a subtle difference between the two, though. KLX230’s been making headlines recently after a hefty Rs 1.30 lakh price cut which saw it available for Rs 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom) thereby reducing the difference between it and the Xpulse 210. So, which bike is for you? We look into their comparisons in terms of price, performance, and practical features to help you figure out your ideal ride. Also Read: 2026 Kawasaki KLX 230 Launched In India At Nearly Rs 1.3 Lakh Less Than Before; Complete Details
Kawasaki KLX230 vs Hero Xpulse 210: Price
Kawasaki KLX230: Rs 3.33 lakh (ex-showroom) was the original starting price of the KLX230 at launch; now, with local assembly, it will begin at only Rs 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom).Hero Xpulse 210: Rs 1.76 lakh is the price of the Base variant, and Rs 1.86 lakh is the price of the top variant (ex-showroom).
After this major rebate in costs, the KLX230 has gotten much more competitive and offers dedicated off-road hardware at a price that’s almost level with the Xpulse.
Kawasaki KLX230 vs Hero Xpulse 210: Engine and Performance
The KLX230 draws power from an air-cooled SOHC mill of 233cc that is capable of churning out around 18.1 hp and 18.3 Nm torque figures mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It would hence be extremely light, very close to about 139 kg making it not only agile but also supportive to attack the trails.On the contrary, the XPulse gets a more powerful liquid-cooled DOHC mill of 210cc which is capable of producing roughly around 24 hp and near about 20.7 Nm torque figure mated again here too with a 6-speed gearbox setup. This motorcycle is heavier as it tips close to between 168-170 kg but delivers better highway performance and has got much stronger power delivery.
Kawasaki KLX230 vs Hero XPulse 210: Off-Road Capabilities and Features
For the old school, in terms of pure off-road capability, the Kawasaki KLX230 churns out an impressive ground clearance of about 265 mm coupled with long-travel suspension mated to a sturdy steel perimeter frame. It is trail-ready right out of the box. The Hero Xpulse 210 has slightly lower ground clearance at around 220 mm but makes up for it with more tech. A TFT display is on offer which comes equipped with turn-by-turn navigation and ride-by-wire throttle; USB charging port plus switchable ABS are thrown in.Also Read: TVS Ntorq 150 India Launch: First Teaser Revealed; What To Expect
Kawasaki KLX230 vs Hero XPulse 210: Hardware
The Kawasaki KLX230 Perimeter setup uses high-tensile strength steel. Supporting it upfront are 37 mm telescopic forks and at the rear is a new monoshock with preload adjustability. Stopping duties are taken care of by a 265 mm disc at the front grabbed by twin-piston callipers on duty while the rear gets a 220 mm disc with single-piston setup.The Hero Xpulse 210, meanwhile, has 41 mm telescopic forks at the front that give 210 mm of wheel travel, and an adjustable monoshock at the rear offering 205 mm of travel. It gets its stopping power from a 276 mm petal-style disc up front and a 220 mm disc at the back.
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