Hero Xpulse 210 Vs Kawasaki KLX 230 Comparison Review: Dual-Sport Dilemma

PHOTOGRAPHY: VAIBHAV DHANAWADE

The definition of adventure motorcycles today no longer pertains only to big, intimidating machines designed for long-distance wanderers. For many motorcyclists, especially in India, an adventure or dual-sport motorcycle doubles up as a daily workhorse – something you use for commutes to the office during the week and go exploring on weekends. Fitting that description in an accessible way are two motorcycles, the first is the latest Hero Xpulse 210, the next successor to the Xpulse 200, and the second is the Kawasaki KLX 230 (India-spec), the road-legal version of the pure trails/off-road machine, the KLX230R S.

On paper, they might look similar in their intent, but on the road and off it, they’re unique in their own way. So, here’s the question – If you could keep only one bike in your garage, which one should you pick? Read on to find out.

Xpulse 210 Vs KLX 230: Design and Dimensions

The Hero Xpulse 210 is a mature version of the Xpulse 200, packing much-needed muscle and a more contemporary design. The overall design on the motorcycle now looks more cohesive and has been put together maintaining a high build quality and fit-n-finish. The Xpulse 210 continues to follow the philosophy of being the motorcycle for all seasons. It looks like an ADV, designed to behave like a friendly commuter, while packing the capabilities to handle a dusty trail or mild off-roading. It might not be able to take on hardcore terrain in the stock setup; however, it is a motorcycle that encourages you to enjoy the ride without overthinking about the terrain ahead.

The Kawasaki KLX 230, on the other hand, follows the same minimalistic approach as the competition-spec machine it is based on. The body panels are more off-road focused, as is the overall silhouette of the motorcycle. The KLX 230 is a motorcycle that isn’t designed to attend to your office commutes, or luggage needs, or even comfort, for that matter. Kawasaki designed it like a dirt bike that somehow managed to sneak its way into showrooms with mirrors, headlamp, and a number plate. It is stiff and tall but also light and built with the idea that the real world begins where road need not exist.

Xpulse 210 Vs KLX 230: Features & Ergonomics

Saddle on the Xpulse 210 and you are instantly welcomed by a comfortable riding posture. The seat height is set at 830mm, which is manageable for most riders in this segment, the handlebars and footpegs are easy to reach and feel natural, while the cushion itself is soft and well-suited to longer distances. Apart from that, you also get a windscreen to deflect headwind away from the rider, knuckle-guards, and a luggage rack at the back to mount a top box or bungee up luggage.

In the features department, the Xpulse 210 is the better-equipped machine. It comes with a 4.2-inch TFT unit that is Bluetooth-enabled with connected features like turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and more. Additionally, the motorcycle comes with dual-channel ABS along with three ABS modes – Road, Off-Road, and Rally.

Hop onto the KLX 230 and suddenly everything feels serious. The seat height is set at 880mm, tall enough to make shorter ADV riders reconsider before taking on uneven ground. The seat is narrow and deliberately firm because you are expected to stand up more often than you sit. The handlebar is wide and flat, while the footpegs are tall yet neutrally set for a more focused approach. The KLX is not designed keeping comfort in mind rather is focused on an off-roading committed stance.

Regarding the pillion, while the Xpulse 210 can easily accommodate two-up riding, the KLX is not by any means. The space provided for the pillion is only for the sake, and the high-mounted exhaust muffler is very close to the pillion’s right thigh, which leaves the KLX more of a solo riding motorcycle.

Also Read: Hero XPulse 210 First Ride Review: Bigger, Better & More Fun!

Xpulse 210 Vs KLX 230: Engine & Performance

Thumb the starter on the Xpulse 210, and the first thing you notice is how refined the engine feels. The 210cc liquid-cooled motor feels smooth, predictable, and easy to get along with, even in traffic. The power figures stand at 24.26 bhp at 9,250 rpm and 20.7 Nm at 7,250 rpm, and while it is more than the KLX, it doesn’t overwhelm you with power because that isn’t the intent. Instead, it gives you the confidence to keep going, whether that’s through the city, down the highway, up the hill, or along a gravel path.

The KLX 230 feels different from the very first crank. The 233cc motor has a sense of urgency, a snappy nature that tempts you to blip the throttle just for the fun of it. It may not be refined or vibration-free, but the charm with this one lies in its rawness. Power figures on this air-cooled mill stand at 18.74 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 19 Nm at 6,000 rpm. The character of this mill is close to its personality, alive, eager, and always ready to leap forward the moment you open the gas. From darting ahead at a traffic signal to climbing an incline or jumping over a ramp that appears on the path, it wants to do it all.

Also Read: Kawasaki KLX 230 vs Hero Xpulse 210: Specifications, Features, Prices Compared

Xpulse 210 Vs KLX 230: Ride & Handling

From the spec sheet to the real-world, on riding these bikes back-to-back, there is a strong distinction between the two on how they behave and perform. The main factor behind this is the weight difference, which is impossible to ignore. The Xpulse 210 weighs 170 kg, which is not heavy by ADV standards, but against the KLX 230, which is just 139 kg, is a huge difference of 31 kg, which cannot be ignored, and it changes the overall dynamics in the power-to-weight department.

One nudge on the handlebar and it eagerly changes in the direction you want. Stand up on the pegs, and it almost feels like the bike disappears under you, letting your body weight dictate the movement. This is what has made dirt/trail bikes so much joy to ride on almost any kind of surface, and so is the KLX 230 with is nimble around corners, happy to take on rock beds, or sudden elevation changes, all playfully taken in its stride. The Xpulse 210, on the other hand, with that kerb weight, feels more planted, more balanced, and stable for on-road use. It is more stable at higher speeds, and yet manageable to manoeuvre through traffic, and tackle mild trails.

Also Read: Kawasaki KLX 230 First Ride Impressions: Fun Package!

Moving to the damping characteristics, the Xpulse 210 has suspension that tries to keep you and the pillion happy. On broken city roads, it smoothens out the bumps without sending shocks up your spine. On a trail, it offers enough travel to handle moderate off-road sections with ease. But when you push hard or start tackling technical obstacles, you can feel it nearing its limitations in the stock setup. For a more capable experience, it is the Xpulse 210 Dakar Edition (yet to be launched) that will tackle it all.

Also Read: EICMA 2025: Hero Xpulse 210 Dakar Edition Unveiled

The KLX 230, in contrast, rides like it was put together in a motocross workshop. The long travel suspension feels extremely pliant off-road, soaking up drops and ruts effortlessly. It feels like it floats over stones and ruts, making aggressive riding feel natural. But when you bring it onto city streets or long highway stretches, the same setup feels bumpy and uncomfortable if your commute is anything more than 45 minutes. And when considering long highway trips, you will want to take breaks every hour or every hour and a half to give some rest to your bottom.

Also Read: India-Made Kawasaki KLX 230 Vs CKD Model: Differences Explained

Xpulse 210 Vs KLX 230: Service and Warranty

Keeping aside for a moment what these motorcycles offer, it is also crucial to factor in the dealership network and the maintenance part of things, because buying the bike is one thing, and maintaining it is a whole different story. With the India-spec version, the Kawasaki is almost 40 per cent cheaper than the CKD version. By localizing 95 per cent of it here in India, the motorcycle has become extremely accessible. However, Kawasaki’s dealership network is still limited, as you will find showrooms in metro cities and a few big towns, but beyond that, the brand’s network is quite limited unless you are a grease monkey yourself.

Also, thanks to the revised GST rates, the cost of spares has reduced, and Kawasaki has additionally cut service and parts costs by another 10 per cent, which helps by a considerable margin. And lastly, besides the standard engine warranty of three years, for an additional premium of Rs 2499, one can get an additional seven-year warranty on the engine, which is nothing but solid.

In the case of the Hero Xpulse 210, although the sale of the motorcycle is only through Hero’s Premia outlets, the servicing and maintenance of the motorcycle can be done through select regular Hero dealership, which is a relief considering the current Premia outlets are yet to grow a sizable network. Comparatively, spare parts are cheaper and easily available, which makes ownership simpler. And as for warranty, Hero offers a standard warranty of five years or 70,000 kilometres.

Xpulse 210 Vs KLX 230: Price and Verdict

Priced at Rs 1.71 Lakh ex-showroom (top-spec), Hero’s Xpulse 210 is the more affordable one despite being more feature-loaded and with more motorcycle to live with. Meanwhile, the KLX 230 (India-spec) retails at Rs 1.84 Lakh ex-showroom, which is a premium of about Rs 12,000 over the Hero. The KLX feels expensive for what it offers on paper, but the value here lies in the riding experience, which no other motorcycle currently offers.

The Xpulse 210 is the motorcycle for someone who wants a single bike that can do everything. From daily commuting to weekend rides to the occasional off-road escape, the Xpulse simply makes more sense. It is easier to live with, comfortable, efficient, and affordable. The KLX 230 is for a specific kind of rider – someone who already knows the purpose of the motorcycle and is a passionate off-road enthusiast. If you prefer to make your way out of traffic where other motorcycles cannot, and if weekend trail/off-road runs are your primary criteria, then the KLX 230 is unmatched. It is pure unadulterated fun, something that the Xpulse simply isn’t meant to be.

To conclude, the decision doesn’t come down to which one’s better, but it’s about who you are as a rider. The Xpulse helps you explore the world, while the KLX reminds you how much fun it is to get lost in it.