Kawasaki KLX230 / KLX230S (LX230) — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
233cc Air-Cooled Single-Cylinder SOHC 2-Valve Fuel-Injected Dual-Sport (6-Speed Wet Multi-Plate) · Source: Kawasaki KLX230 / KLX230S (LX230) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications
According to the Kawasaki KLX230 / KLX230S (LX230) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications, the 2020–Present Kawasaki KLX230 / KLX230S (LX230) (chassis LX230A/LX230G/LX230P) requires 1 L (1.06 US qt) of SAE 10W-40 (JASO MA2, API SG/SH/SJ/SL/SM) engine oil for a drain-only change and 1.1 L (1.16 US qt) with filter service (52010-1053 / HF112). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 150 kPa / 1.50 bar / 22 PSI front (2.75-21 45P (80/100-21)) and 150 kPa / 1.50 bar / 22 PSI rear (4.10-18 59P (100/100-18)), paired with 1× NGK LMAR9G spark plug(s) and a YTZ7S battery.
Drain only: 1 L (1.06 US qt)
R 150 kPa (1.50 bar)
Est. Range: ~248 km (154 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Wet Multi-Plate Manual Clutch NEVER use JASO MB |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 10W-40 (Alt: SAE 10W-50 (하절기 임도 고부하)) · JASO MA2 · API SG/SH/SJ/SL/SM |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 1 L (1.06 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 1.1 L (1.16 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 1.3 L (1.37 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | 52010-1053 / HF112 |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | Hold bike upright on level ground 3–5 min after warm shutdown; read crankcase sight glass |
| Oil Drain Bolt Torque | 20 N·m (14.8 lb-ft / 2.04 kgf·m) — Use fresh crush washer |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 2.75-21 45P (80/100-21) · Rear: 4.10-18 59P (100/100-18) (Tube-Type Spoke Rim) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 150 kPa / 1.50 bar / 22 PSI Rear: 150 kPa / 1.50 bar / 22 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 150 kPa / 1.50 bar / 22 PSI Rear: 175 kPa / 1.75 bar / 25 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | NGK LMAR9G × 1 (Gap: 0.7–0.8 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | YTZ7S (12V 6.0Ah Lightweight AGM) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | 520 Sealed Chain (106 links, 14T/45T) — Maintain 35–45 mm trail slack |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · Simple Air-Cooled Single (No radiators or hoses to puncture in trail crashes) |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 233 cc · 19 hp @ 7,600 rpm · 19.8 N·m (14.6 lb-ft) @ 6,100 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 885 mm (34.8 in) · 134 kg (295 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 7.5 L (2.0 US gal) · ~33 km/L → ~248 km (154 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,000 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 6,000 km / 12,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 12,000 km / 12,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 12,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
Introduced in 2020 with an 885 mm seat, the LX230 family added the lower-seat KLX230S (830–845 mm) and 17-inch supermoto KLX230SM in 2022, plus a revised subframe, thicker seat, and switchable rear ABS in 2024.
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
With no liquid radiator to shed heat during slow first-gear woods climbs, the air-cooled 233cc single relies heavily on its small 1.1 L oil bath—change full-synthetic SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50 JASO MA2 every 1,500–2,500 km of dirt riding.
Garage Wrenching Gotchas
- Watch out for the small coil spring behind the 52010-1053 (HF112) paper oil filter—it loves to stick to the old filter and drop unnoticed into your drain pan!
- Factory dual-sport cold pressure is 150 kPa (22 PSI) front and rear; before airing down to 12–15 PSI on rocky trails, confirm rim locks (bead stoppers) are installed so the inner tube stem doesn’t shear.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the oil capacity and filter number for the Kawasaki KLX230?
Refill is 1.0 L without filter and 1.1 L (1.2 US qt) when replacing the 52010-1053 / HF112 paper oil filter element.
Why choose an air-cooled KLX230 / KLX230S over heavier liquid-cooled dual-sports?
Weighing just 134 kg with zero radiators to smash on rocks—plus an 830–845 mm low-seat KLX230S option—it shrugs off trail drops effortlessly.
What OEM spark plug fits the Kawasaki KLX230?
Kawasaki specifies a single long-reach 10 mm NGK LMAR9G spark plug—do not confuse it with short-reach plugs used on older carbureted playbikes.