@@IRCTireUSAMoto your enthusiasm is exciting. My son and I have klx230s dual sport models. Primarily for on road. I've been down some dirt roads and trails. But what you did here is a way higher next level. Good job.
Awesome video Rich! Showing the people you don’t need the latest and greatest to get it done. It’s all about developing the skill through consistent practice. Bravo!
I always joke and say that if you can do cool stuff on a bike it doesn't matter how old, or ugly the bike is. But if you're like me and don't have much skill you at least have to have a sweet bike. 😂👍🏻
I like how you include the footage of your attempts,and when you get nervous. Some people only show the successful shots. But in real life we all get nervous,and have to try things over and over before we get it down. 👍🏻
Great vid with the KLX230R! I’m a new rider at 47 years old. Bought a 230R earlier this year along with (2) 140RL’s and a 110RL for my 3 boys. We’ve been having a blast riding trails around the Midwest. I’d love to see more content where you really wring out the slow & mid speed techniques with these trail bikes. My boys and I don’t have much interest in moto tracks…. we want to conquer deep woods trail obstacles! 😊
Lots of folks shutting up right now while they scratch their heads and try to think of new excuses why a "crappy" bike just did what they swore could only be done with a KTM one million. It's always been rider, rider, rider, rider, bike. Nice display, homie.
This is so cool,. I have a KLX230. My first bike. I'm 53 and been riding for 8 months. I just purchased a KTM 250 XC-W, thinking I needed to upgrade. Looks like I will continue riding the KLX for a while too. Probably didn't need the upgrade, but my ego got the best of me. So glad you made this video. You may have just helped many people save thousands of dollars.
I learned so much of my technique doing things like this on my Honda grom for 5 years! Not even an exaggeration, single track, hopping over trees, jumping, balancing, no foot down riding and so much more. People were always insanely surprised at the thing I’d do. I still ride the grom but now I have a proper 250 2 stroke enduro bike.
Love to see that it's not the brand, the farkles and the price, but it's all about practice, skill development, trial, trust and overcoming fear ! Look forward to seeing the average, everyday bikes as well as the latest and greatest.
The Man The Myth the Legend So cool to see you show it’s all rider not the bike. Your instructions and descriptions on how to do things get better and better with every video so thankful for everything you do for the sport
I have two klx 230s, one for me and one for my son. Im new to dirt bikes. Im glad to see this video. Im no where near the skill level to do these things yet. Will watch more of your basic instructional videos and practice. Thanks, Michael in AZ
A long awaited Video - highly appreciated. After 2 1/2 Years on my small KLX 140 grinding my Basics, I can say with absolute Confidence. “98 % of the Hobby Riders are not able to outride this Bike”. I would say it is even better than than the 230, if you are not taller than 180 cm, because it is about 15 KG lighter and has a Carb for very smooth running. You can upgrade it later on with a good Mechanic to about 190 cc, put a 11 Tooth Front Sprocket, and have an Hard Enduro Tractor to go up steep Mountains and rocky Terrain. And afterwards you have to face the next excuse after having decent riding skills, which is the lack of fitness to handle it - lol.
Thanks for showing that it's primarily the rider and technique and not a fancy, expensive machine that makes these drills effective. Keep these coming!
You are by far the best dirt bike "how to" instructor on You Tube. Especially this video, you show "by example". I've got a Honda xr230 and always believed the bike wasn't capable, but now I see differently. Thank you for opening my eyes. Next ride, I'm going to spend time at the humble beginnings .... balance drills, then some clutch drills like you suggested. Super video!
That was some of the best double blip training I've seen you do yet Rich! Perhaps it was just the first time that I really understood it! It just seemed clear this time to me. Thanks bud! Just set my daughter and son-in-law up with KLX230s. My wife went from the 230 to the Husky FE350S with a get ECU!
I personally love my KLX230. It’s my slowest, smallest bike I have ever owned, but it’s my favorite I have ever owned. Almost 12k happy miles since May 2022.
I have never seen someone showing their mistakes before getting it right. Even though I was watching a recorded video, you made me feel like. it is happening right now. Wish to meet you someday. Love you.
You make it look easy! I bought a 230SE dualsport a couple years ago and it's perfect out on the dirt roads for this 70 yr old man. Very capable but still forgiving enough to keep me out of trouble 😁
Thanks Rich, Such an awesome vid to know what the little turtle is capable of. Bought my 2023 KLX230r, first bike at 49 yrs and trying hard to incorporate all your technical advice. The idle screw is a must, I’m also running a 12 T front sprocket and 65 kg/mm front springs. Makes punching logs a lot easier but I can only dream to be half as good as you. Keep up the great work and thanks again for the education!
Like giving Tiger Woods a baseball bat to play golf. Regardless of equipment, he's still gonna be better than most anybody else. Your a great talent, thanks for taking the time to put together these videos.
Have I been waiting for THIS! It's my bike! Though mine is actually black, I have the KLX230ABS bought here in Sweden in the end of 2020. It's what I started with at enduro school untill they told me I need a 350 KTM or I'll break my KLX. It's like you're borrowing my KLX230, showing what it can do. It looks and sounds so good, and that higher idle gets lower once the motor gets warmer. There's a little servo that keeps adjusting the idle rpm automatically so that noobs won't flame out (I'm kind of a noob). But you look so cool on the bike, Rich. I'm so happy that you bought the KLX230. Keep it, never sell it!
@@d1aman .. oh I see. Yes it is. It must be the muffler and the large lamp at the front, also maybe the swingarm and fork. The frame, engine and stuff is the same.
Rich, you make the best instructional videos, hands down! I wasn't expecting to learn a ton from this video just because I thought you'd just be reviewing the bike, but, as always, you're focused on helping the viewers be the best riders they can be. I really appreciate the effort you put in as well as the fact that you don't just show your perfectly executed attempts. Your precision is incredible. Thanks so much!
Thankyou Rich for showing that we dont have to go big to be capable, we just need to be more capable rider. I got klx 230 which i convert it to supermoto and i daily it in indonesia, and i love it for soaking bad roads in here, the engine is pretty capable one. And somehow u remind me that this bike is just enough to do many things, its me who need to practice my riding
Once again, simply outstanding moto content by the best instructor on ytube. Showing techniques with a regular bike makes this so much more relatable and hopefully you'll make it a regular part of your channel, maybe even do back to back with a regular bike and a competition level machine to show the realistic differences. Thank you for your work and my next set of tire will again be IRC as a means of support.
The manual idle adjustment on this bike is a must, especially since you're a "low idle" guy! My son just put the manual adjuster on his girlfriend's bike and it works great now. Excellent vid on showing what can be done by a great rider on any bike!
@@IRCTireUSAMoto Welcome to all the KLX230 goodness! Thanks for demonstrating the capabilities of these great little bikes. Idle screw delivery is expected to take place tomorrow. If you have any issues, just drop me a line. Cheers, Grace (HiVolt Spares)
Was downsizing from my DRZ400 a few years back. Which although a great bike, was a heavy Pig, like my XT600 was. So my goal was maximum weight loss in a Road Legal bike to get me to trails (which The KLX 230 &150 are in Oz), and also light & nimble in tight single trails. I tried the 150 (144) first as i knew the power difference would be significant, so i didnt want the 150 to be 'compared in power' to the 230. So i just rode the 150 for what it was and i really felt it was enough for what i want ..'exploring' bush trails, many of which are single trails. So i was content with it, it was super light, and a tight turning circle. Then i tried the 230. Clearly a more capable bike, but it wasnt hugely different in weight than the DRZ400. So i went with the KLX150. I absolutely love that mud sized bike, and im 5'11" and 85kg. It does everything i need. Front forks need to be resprung heavier for my weight, as when i hit steep jumps or bigger rocks, the front bottoms out. But other than that its very capable. Its sweet spot is 80kph on the Hwy (it will do 90-100kph ...but its straining. I dunno why Kwaka didnt give it a 6th gear like the 230 for the Hwy. But its so fun in the bush(woods). And i put it places i wouldnt put a bigger/heavier bike. The only other Kwaka i owned was a KZ1100 in the early 90s. And this is as much fun as that! Remember how much fun you had on mini bikes as a kid, then over time you got bigger and bigger bikes (esp Road riders), but it became sort of ordinary after time ...well this 150 is that childhood fun vibe again! If they still made the KDX200 ide have gone that way as its a very versatile 2stroke, but i was told, generally 2strokes dont like cruising for an hour distances on sealed roads, and that 4strokes were better for that ...except maybe the KDX?
Great demonstration of skill on a bike that’s capable of doing more than most will ever do on one. I’d love to see more videos of more intricate trail riding on something like to prove how valuable skills really are. Well done
This is epic! Thanks Rich. I learnt that I don’t need the latest and greatest to have fun!! I have a 450, way too much bike for me, but journalists sold me on having something ‘good enough’. Turns out a used 200ish aircooled bike would have been way cheaper and way more fun than being scared to death by a 100 mph dirtbike.
Aside from all of your excellent advice about technique the one thing you don’t say with words is expressed with action and laughter. Yup. All bikes are fun and it’s up to us to face that fear, embrace it and laugh our way out obstacles. Keep it up my guy. 👊🏽✊🏽🤘🏽
Would love to see a version on a clutch less electric bike like an Ultra Bee. Specifically interested in your approach resolving power collection there with the clutch less electric motor.
That was your best vid yet! (Maybe I'm a little biased as a KLX250S owner). You just become more real (for me) than ever, in other words, it was good to hear your were nervous, and accepted the challenge on the little klx anyway. Thanks.
I want to see you have a go with something electric like an Ultra Bee or Eride Pro. I've been hitting big obstacles with my E-ride pro ss with 21/18 setup and your videos have been really helpful. No clutch on it but I'm getting it. I do find that it's hard to think about moving your body after placing the wheel on the obstacle and then throttling over. Good stuff.
Really appreciate the break down on the double-blip, I must learn this! I feel like most of the riding I do here in the rockies, slow slippery roots, rocks, picking through mud pits, really steep rocky climbs, a 230 or 250-4 is a better tool them my KTM 300, which has too much power to get the perfection in traction that I would like (or I am just not good enough with it yet, or have the powervalve\cdi map right) I feel so much faster on my friends old WR250f, I rode a Honda 150 once, so good for technical slow riding. Many of us use M5b's out here, clear the clay\mud quite effectivly and long life.
Awesome video rich. My first bike was a klx230r then went to a bigger bike after 2 years. But after I sold the klx I eventually bought another because they are an excellent backup/buddy bike.
Great video! I picked up a 23 klx230r to have fun on. It's a cheap, simple, easy to maintain bike. Hope to see more content with this bike, just subscribed!
I have the 300L Rally. Like most people, I used to just ride and thought it was enough. And then I found Rich’s channel. Now I am actually trying to learn these basic fundamentals. I hope to be able to get to the point that I can lift the front wheel when I need to. I find it hard on the rally. I would love to see you test the rally! Just so I can see that it could be done! 😂
Had a 2020. It's a head scratcher how a bike with an idle control valve didn't get the control loop programmed into the ECU, and passes the EPA tests and Kawasaki internal tests anyways. Service manual specifies 1800 rpm plus or minus 100. I clocked my idle as high as 3750 rpm. The manual adjuster helps, but isn't perfect by any means. Sold the 230 for a xt250. Very happy.
I try clutch ups and small double blips on my klx300DS with some success, Thanks Rich! I will probably end up breaking the headlight and a lot more :). How about a small video on what the modern dual sport is capable of. Thanks for the awesome content. Cheers.
Watching here in the Philippines🇵🇭 I always watch your videos many times but i was inspired by this video because this is also my bike. Hopefully there will be more videos to show on this bike. Ride safe and enjoy💪😊
Amazing educational video! I suspect that it would be challenging for bikes to take dual sports like crf300l klx300 and try them on such specific track with a professional rider like you and see how capable dual sports really are.
How ironic, I never could see myself dropping a 12k euro queen down a rock wash! My 5k second hand KX already iis dented and brused enough to make me cry and ride a 2k klx as a sacrifice to the baby head hills of the West. Great Vid!
YOU 'RE AWESOME !! AMD ISPIRATION to all of us watching ! we have a saying in greece that "the rope doesn't make the pope".. meaning that it's YOU that matters , not your equipment ! (i ride a Honda XR250 , and i'm keeping up with the latest models with ease ) because of practise !!
This is awesome. I have an 08 CRF230F and have been looking through your videos to improve my trail skills and share them with my daughters. Its nice to know most stuff translates to the air cooled bikes. I am curious as to how much difference the rear disc brake on the kawasaki makes over the drum on the honda and yamaha 230s
Rich. I just got a great idea! You should try some of this stuff on the Yamaha TW200, to see what can be done on it. How about it? .. what's that japanese text on your outfit?
Thanks for this video Rich, lots of lil nuggets of wisdom thrown in. I'd like to hear your opinion/see your review of Kawasaki's KDX 200 / 220.. Keep shreddin man!
This is awesome. Now I have to go through all your videos to double check please do a hard Enduro on WR250R what can it handle? I would love to see from a professional perspective
This is an awesome video. I wonder if it would be more difficult to lower the power further with something like a 125L or to increase the weight with a street legal version of a 200-250cc dual sport? Its amazing how capable the little 230 is in the hands of a skilled rider. I was influenced a few years back to get a Yamaha XT225 after seeing a couple Japanese instructional videos showing trials techniques using a Yamaha XT250, and the rider was able to climb up vertical rock faces far taller than the motorcycle using something like a double blip technique.
I love seeing “less capable” bikes doing this stuff I ride a 1978 ts185 30% of the time in a bunch of hard stuff and usually with guys on new enduro bikes and always keep up or make it further than the group. Keep it up bro
So cool. Marketing makes us attribute skill issues to product issues. Its easier to buy stuff than to practice. Itd probably be harder to get your hands on but id love to see you do something similar with the opposite end of the spectrum, a 690/701 enduro
I often get to ride one of those, between two rides with my 300 two-stroke. It's a lot of fun, so easy to handle and very capable. Some riders poo-poo on anything falling in that category (see also, the TTR230 haters) but they really don't know what they're talking about.
Nice demonstration Rich! Now you're approaching the level of Gatti Ogawa, the Japanese #1 trials rider on TH-cam. He has a playlist doing obstacles on the CRF250L (adventure bike).
I've been thinking about a 230 size bike for play and technical stuff for a while now. If it's kinda trials bike but a smaller goaty 4 stroke, why not? Might be really fun in hard enduro terrain! We have all sorts of canyons, hill climbs and ledges here in AZ. Hmm... Just might pull the trigger now and best part is that it's green!
I love this! Thank you so much. This is the bike I have for my son and my wife. Mine on the other hand, I'm curious it has a recluse. Is this something that I can still do with a recluse or do I need to remove it? Thank you for your help! I really want to learn better. Fundamentals cuz it just looks more fun
Ive been seriously considering buying one of these as a low maintenance fun jungle trail bike. Where I like I can get a new one for around 4k and there are plenty of mods available.
I realize that this is my deficit: I don’t know how to ride anything like this. But as a long term rider, when most instructors talk about riding, I understand what they are taking about. When Rich talks, though I know he’s right, it sounds like a foreign language. I realize that he is speaking the language of high level enduro riding but I don’t think I will ever truly understand that.
Bought my wife the 2022 klx230 and she loves it. But yes the idle drop off lags a bit and that high idle kinda drive me nuts but I'm also on a 2019 wr450f trying to work my self up to doing this stuff but haven't found an area to try it out at like the set up u have there ( located in Phoenix AZ)
Next Rich Larsen Japanese bike review request: Yamaha YZ 125x. Show us how capable a small bore 2 stroke is. It would be so insightful to see you push a 125 two stroke in hard Enduro / hard Enduro drills like you did with the 230. Thanks!
Excellent topic! Not everyone can buy a $12K machine. This will help grow our sport too!
Exactly!! Thanks!
@@IRCTireUSAMoto your enthusiasm is exciting. My son and I have klx230s dual sport models. Primarily for on road. I've been down some dirt roads and trails. But what you did here is a way higher next level. Good job.
Awesome video Rich! Showing the people you don’t need the latest and greatest to get it done. It’s all about developing the skill through consistent practice. Bravo!
Well said! I appreciate the support!!
Such a cool idea and thoughtful video! You are the best!
I always joke and say that if you can do cool stuff on a bike it doesn't matter how old, or ugly the bike is. But if you're like me and don't have much skill you at least have to have a sweet bike. 😂👍🏻
I like how you include the footage of your attempts,and when you get nervous. Some people only show the successful shots. But in real life we all get nervous,and have to try things over and over before we get it down. 👍🏻
Great vid with the KLX230R! I’m a new rider at 47 years old. Bought a 230R earlier this year along with (2) 140RL’s and a 110RL for my 3 boys. We’ve been having a blast riding trails around the Midwest. I’d love to see more content where you really wring out the slow & mid speed techniques with these trail bikes. My boys and I don’t have much interest in moto tracks…. we want to conquer deep woods trail obstacles! 😊
Lots of folks shutting up right now while they scratch their heads and try to think of new excuses why a "crappy" bike just did what they swore could only be done with a KTM one million. It's always been rider, rider, rider, rider, bike. Nice display, homie.
Thanks for watching! Haha glad you enjoyed it!
It is my goal to shift from beta back to my Crf 300L.
I have both bikes.
Just saw a Japanese guy who did a trial riding with this same model. However, they modified the sprockets - 10T/51T.
Unreal the value of content this channel gives us moto heads. Thank you!
Glad to hear it! 🙌
Brilliant explanation and demonstration. No need to throw money at the bike, just more practice and good instructions.
This is so cool,. I have a KLX230. My first bike. I'm 53 and been riding for 8 months. I just purchased a KTM 250 XC-W, thinking I needed to upgrade. Looks like I will continue riding the KLX for a while too. Probably didn't need the upgrade, but my ego got the best of me. So glad you made this video. You may have just helped many people save thousands of dollars.
I learned so much of my technique doing things like this on my Honda grom for 5 years! Not even an exaggeration, single track, hopping over trees, jumping, balancing, no foot down riding and so much more. People were always insanely surprised at the thing I’d do. I still ride the grom but now I have a proper 250 2 stroke enduro bike.
Love to see that it's not the brand, the farkles and the price, but it's all about practice, skill development, trial, trust and overcoming fear !
Look forward to seeing the average, everyday bikes as well as the latest and greatest.
Thanks so much! Stoked enjoy it! Hope to do more!
Great video. You just proving what I always tell people. 90% rider. 10% hike.
🙌🙌
The Man The Myth the Legend So cool to see you show it’s all rider not the bike. Your instructions and descriptions on how to do things get better and better with every video so thankful for everything you do for the sport
I appreciate that! Thanks so much for the support!!
I have two klx 230s, one for me and one for my son. Im new to dirt bikes. Im glad to see this video. Im no where near the skill level to do these things yet. Will watch more of your basic instructional videos and practice. Thanks, Michael in AZ
A long awaited Video - highly appreciated. After 2 1/2 Years on my small KLX 140 grinding my Basics, I can say with absolute Confidence. “98 % of the Hobby Riders are not able to outride this Bike”. I would say it is even better than than the 230, if you are not taller than 180 cm, because it is about 15 KG lighter and has a Carb for very smooth running. You can upgrade it later on with a good Mechanic to about 190 cc, put a 11 Tooth Front Sprocket, and have an Hard Enduro Tractor to go up steep Mountains and rocky Terrain. And afterwards you have to face the next excuse after having decent riding skills, which is the lack of fitness to handle it - lol.
Couldn’t agree more! Maybe I’ll add come mods to this one!!
Thanks for showing that it's primarily the rider and technique and not a fancy, expensive machine that makes these drills effective. Keep these coming!
You are by far the best dirt bike "how to" instructor on You Tube. Especially this video, you show "by example". I've got a Honda xr230 and always believed the bike wasn't capable, but now I see differently. Thank you for opening my eyes. Next ride, I'm going to spend time at the humble beginnings .... balance drills, then some clutch drills like you suggested. Super video!
That was some of the best double blip training I've seen you do yet Rich! Perhaps it was just the first time that I really understood it! It just seemed clear this time to me. Thanks bud! Just set my daughter and son-in-law up with KLX230s. My wife went from the 230 to the Husky FE350S with a get ECU!
Always appreciate your get right to it content. No bs fluff just rider education, learn so much by watching your guides. Much appreciated...
I personally love my KLX230. It’s my slowest, smallest bike I have ever owned, but it’s my favorite I have ever owned. Almost 12k happy miles since May 2022.
I have never seen someone showing their mistakes before getting it right. Even though I was watching a recorded video, you made me feel like. it is happening right now. Wish to meet you someday. Love you.
Your "self talk" was actually super helpful for some reason. Thanks for NOT cutting that stuff out. 👍
You make it look easy! I bought a 230SE dualsport a couple years ago and it's perfect out on the dirt roads for this 70 yr old man. Very capable but still forgiving enough to keep me out of trouble 😁
I actually have that bike and had no clue that all of that was possible, which was obviously the whole point you were making. Nice Rich!
Thanks Rich, Such an awesome vid to know what the little turtle is capable of. Bought my 2023 KLX230r, first bike at 49 yrs and trying hard to incorporate all your technical advice. The idle screw is a must, I’m also running a 12 T front sprocket and 65 kg/mm front springs. Makes punching logs a lot easier but I can only dream to be half as good as you. Keep up the great work and thanks again for the education!
1/8
Like giving Tiger Woods a baseball bat to play golf. Regardless of equipment, he's still gonna be better than most anybody else. Your a great talent, thanks for taking the time to put together these videos.
Have I been waiting for THIS! It's my bike! Though mine is actually black, I have the KLX230ABS bought here in Sweden in the end of 2020. It's what I started with at enduro school untill they told me I need a 350 KTM or I'll break my KLX. It's like you're borrowing my KLX230, showing what it can do. It looks and sounds so good, and that higher idle gets lower once the motor gets warmer. There's a little servo that keeps adjusting the idle rpm automatically so that noobs won't flame out (I'm kind of a noob). But you look so cool on the bike, Rich. I'm so happy that you bought the KLX230. Keep it, never sell it!
Haha stoked dude! Glad I got your bike!! It’s all possible!!
Most of these aircool bike are more capable than most people will ever be
Klx230r is 20kg lighter than dual sport klx230
@@d1aman .. oh I see. Yes it is. It must be the muffler and the large lamp at the front, also maybe the swingarm and fork. The frame, engine and stuff is the same.
@@d1aman Yes, it is.
The control you have is insane! much respect!
Rich, you make the best instructional videos, hands down! I wasn't expecting to learn a ton from this video just because I thought you'd just be reviewing the bike, but, as always, you're focused on helping the viewers be the best riders they can be. I really appreciate the effort you put in as well as the fact that you don't just show your perfectly executed attempts. Your precision is incredible. Thanks so much!
Thankyou Rich for showing that we dont have to go big to be capable, we just need to be more capable rider.
I got klx 230 which i convert it to supermoto and i daily it in indonesia, and i love it for soaking bad roads in here, the engine is pretty capable one. And somehow u remind me that this bike is just enough to do many things, its me who need to practice my riding
Once again, simply outstanding moto content by the best instructor on ytube. Showing techniques with a regular bike makes this so much more relatable and hopefully you'll make it a regular part of your channel, maybe even do back to back with a regular bike and a competition level machine to show the realistic differences. Thank you for your work and my next set of tire will again be IRC as a means of support.
Thanks so much for the support of the channel!!
Hi Rich, that was a really good video. Great display of skills. Great job sharing your knowledge. Really enjoyed it. 👍🇦🇺
The manual idle adjustment on this bike is a must, especially since you're a "low idle" guy! My son just put the manual adjuster on his girlfriend's bike and it works great now. Excellent vid on showing what can be done by a great rider on any bike!
Definitely excited to put it in!!
@@IRCTireUSAMoto Welcome to all the KLX230 goodness! Thanks for demonstrating the capabilities of these great little bikes. Idle screw delivery is expected to take place tomorrow. If you have any issues, just drop me a line. Cheers, Grace (HiVolt Spares)
Your the best Rich. Thank you for your work.
😂 If the 230 becomes Kawasaki’s top selling model I hope they know why! Awesome video as always Rich
THANK YOU! I am looking at a newbie bike and really appreciate you taking the time to show what this regular bike can do! ❤
Was downsizing from my DRZ400 a few years back. Which although a great bike, was a heavy Pig, like my XT600 was. So my goal was maximum weight loss in a Road Legal bike to get me to trails (which The KLX 230 &150 are in Oz), and also light & nimble in tight single trails. I tried the 150 (144) first as i knew the power difference would be significant, so i didnt want the 150 to be 'compared in power' to the 230. So i just rode the 150 for what it was and i really felt it was enough for what i want ..'exploring' bush trails, many of which are single trails. So i was content with it, it was super light, and a tight turning circle. Then i tried the 230. Clearly a more capable bike, but it wasnt hugely different in weight than the DRZ400. So i went with the KLX150. I absolutely love that mud sized bike, and im 5'11" and 85kg. It does everything i need. Front forks need to be resprung heavier for my weight, as when i hit steep jumps or bigger rocks, the front bottoms out. But other than that its very capable. Its sweet spot is 80kph on the Hwy (it will do 90-100kph ...but its straining. I dunno why Kwaka didnt give it a 6th gear like the 230 for the Hwy. But its so fun in the bush(woods). And i put it places i wouldnt put a bigger/heavier bike. The only other Kwaka i owned was a KZ1100 in the early 90s. And this is as much fun as that! Remember how much fun you had on mini bikes as a kid, then over time you got bigger and bigger bikes (esp Road riders), but it became sort of ordinary after time ...well this 150 is that childhood fun vibe again! If they still made the KDX200 ide have gone that way as its a very versatile 2stroke, but i was told, generally 2strokes dont like cruising for an hour distances on sealed roads, and that 4strokes were better for that ...except maybe the KDX?
Great demonstration of skill on a bike that’s capable of doing more than most will ever do on one. I’d love to see more videos of more intricate trail riding on something like to prove how valuable skills really are. Well done
I've been trying to ride a wheelie on my KLX for about a year now. You just make it look so easy. Pretty badass dude
This is epic! Thanks Rich. I learnt that I don’t need the latest and greatest to have fun!! I have a 450, way too much bike for me, but journalists sold me on having something ‘good enough’. Turns out a used 200ish aircooled bike would have been way cheaper and way more fun than being scared to death by a 100 mph dirtbike.
80% rider 20% bike. It’s all about your skill not the capability of the bike. Wise words from the king of hard enduro, Graham Jarvis
It's actually 79% rider 21% bike. But I get the point of what you are trying to say.
Aside from all of your excellent advice about technique the one thing you don’t say with words is expressed with action and laughter. Yup. All bikes are fun and it’s up to us to face that fear, embrace it and laugh our way out obstacles. Keep it up my guy. 👊🏽✊🏽🤘🏽
Super detailed and thorough explanation. Very impressive.
Guess I have no excuse with my WRR now. 😄 Great video idea
One of the best moto training videos I have seen in years
Would love to see a version on a clutch less electric bike like an Ultra Bee. Specifically interested in your approach resolving power collection there with the clutch less electric motor.
😬😬
Love this! I had a CRF230F with upgraded suspension by Bruce’s Suspension in NC. Loved that bike. Totally underestimated as a single track weapon
👍👍Great video.
It's great that you proved that a lower-priced, lower-tech bike is still is quite a bit more capable than most riders want to admit.
Well said! Glad you enjoyed it!
That was your best vid yet! (Maybe I'm a little biased as a KLX250S owner). You just become more real (for me) than ever, in other words, it was good to hear your were nervous, and accepted the challenge on the little klx anyway. Thanks.
This video is really something.. watching you hang off the bike during the full lock turns was really impressive.. makes me want to work on balance
Thank you!! Balance is key!!
I want to see you have a go with something electric like an Ultra Bee or Eride Pro. I've been hitting big obstacles with my E-ride pro ss with 21/18 setup and your videos have been really helpful. No clutch on it but I'm getting it. I do find that it's hard to think about moving your body after placing the wheel on the obstacle and then throttling over. Good stuff.
Best double blip explanation
The joy of the big tire was awesome!
Saying you are more than great pedagoge is not enough. Kudos ❤
Luckily i bought the GF a user TTR230 a month ago...after this video, every guy is gonna go buy up these little bikes to practice on. Cool video!
great video rich, had a light bulb moment when you broke down the double blip
Love that!
love that can you tell us more about the tire pressure and size you used on this... Great video
This was the best detailed explanation indeed! Thanks for the info it's on point! Learned a lot from this content man!🔥
Sending ❤ from 🇵🇭
Really appreciate the break down on the double-blip, I must learn this! I feel like most of the riding I do here in the rockies, slow slippery roots, rocks, picking through mud pits, really steep rocky climbs, a 230 or 250-4 is a better tool them my KTM 300, which has too much power to get the perfection in traction that I would like (or I am just not good enough with it yet, or have the powervalve\cdi map right) I feel so much faster on my friends old WR250f, I rode a Honda 150 once, so good for technical slow riding. Many of us use M5b's out here, clear the clay\mud quite effectivly and long life.
Great video! Very inspirational! Not the bike, the rider.
Awesome video rich.
My first bike was a klx230r then went to a bigger bike after 2 years. But after I sold the klx I eventually bought another because they are an excellent backup/buddy bike.
It’s a great machine!
Great video! I picked up a 23 klx230r to have fun on. It's a cheap, simple, easy to maintain bike. Hope to see more content with this bike, just subscribed!
Awesome bike control very useful for new riders thanks👍🇬🇧
Thank you Rich for your video as usual.
I bought a Beta because of you, now you show me what my CRF300L is capable of.
Love the beta! Would love to test the 300L!
I have the 300L Rally. Like most people, I used to just ride and thought it was enough. And then I found Rich’s channel. Now I am actually trying to learn these basic fundamentals. I hope to be able to get to the point that I can lift the front wheel when I need to. I find it hard on the rally. I would love to see you test the rally! Just so I can see that it could be done! 😂
Great demonstration on such a standard entry dirtbike, thanks 👍
Had a 2020. It's a head scratcher how a bike with an idle control valve didn't get the control loop programmed into the ECU, and passes the EPA tests and Kawasaki internal tests anyways. Service manual specifies 1800 rpm plus or minus 100. I clocked my idle as high as 3750 rpm. The manual adjuster helps, but isn't perfect by any means. Sold the 230 for a xt250. Very happy.
Great video. A lot of riding knowledge/technique has been bestowed upon me.
I try clutch ups and small double blips on my klx300DS with some success, Thanks Rich! I will probably end up breaking the headlight and a lot more :). How about a small video on what the modern dual sport is capable of. Thanks for the awesome content. Cheers.
Watching here in the Philippines🇵🇭 I always watch your videos many times but i was inspired by this video because this is also my bike. Hopefully there will be more videos to show on this bike. Ride safe and enjoy💪😊
That's awesome! Thanks for watching!!
Amazing educational video! I suspect that it would be challenging for bikes to take dual sports like crf300l klx300 and try them on such specific track with a professional rider like you and see how capable dual sports really are.
How ironic, I never could see myself dropping a 12k euro queen down a rock wash! My 5k second hand KX already iis dented and brused enough to make me cry and ride a 2k klx as a sacrifice to the baby head hills of the West. Great Vid!
The klx reminds me of the kdx which is what I ride but they have this defiance to them, that they can do anything and you will never truly expect it.
Out of all the bikes the 230 is what i ride the most, easy and great for the trails!
YOU 'RE AWESOME !! AMD ISPIRATION to all of us watching !
we have a saying in greece that "the rope doesn't make the pope".. meaning that it's YOU that matters , not your equipment !
(i ride a Honda XR250 , and i'm keeping up with the latest models with ease ) because of practise !!
This is awesome. I have an 08 CRF230F and have been looking through your videos to improve my trail skills and share them with my daughters. Its nice to know most stuff translates to the air cooled bikes. I am curious as to how much difference the rear disc brake on the kawasaki makes over the drum on the honda and yamaha 230s
Rich. I just got a great idea! You should try some of this stuff on the Yamaha TW200, to see what can be done on it. How about it?
.. what's that japanese text on your outfit?
Thanks for this video Rich, lots of lil nuggets of wisdom thrown in. I'd like to hear your opinion/see your review of Kawasaki's KDX 200 / 220.. Keep shreddin man!
Very nice video, super relatable thanks and keep them coming!
This is awesome. Now I have to go through all your videos to double check please do a hard Enduro on WR250R what can it handle? I would love to see from a professional perspective
I'd like to see you do this on an XR150L or something similar in the 150cc class..
Dude, that was outstanding! Looking forward to the Grom video 😈
Stoked you enjoyed it!!
This is an awesome video. I wonder if it would be more difficult to lower the power further with something like a 125L or to increase the weight with a street legal version of a 200-250cc dual sport?
Its amazing how capable the little 230 is in the hands of a skilled rider. I was influenced a few years back to get a Yamaha XT225 after seeing a couple Japanese instructional videos showing trials techniques using a Yamaha XT250, and the rider was able to climb up vertical rock faces far taller than the motorcycle using something like a double blip technique.
I love seeing “less capable” bikes doing this stuff I ride a 1978 ts185 30% of the time in a bunch of hard stuff and usually with guys on new enduro bikes and always keep up or make it further than the group. Keep it up bro
Love that! Thanks for watching!
So cool. Marketing makes us attribute skill issues to product issues. Its easier to buy stuff than to practice. Itd probably be harder to get your hands on but id love to see you do something similar with the opposite end of the spectrum, a 690/701 enduro
This is a pretty old video but 👍 th-cam.com/video/dfjppTKUp24/w-d-xo.htmlsi=O1_9MukMaYdOWoaO
@@IRCTireUSAMoto oh awesome, can't wait to watch it
keep saying it in other videos, it is the rider not the bike - super job Rich thanks IRC
I often get to ride one of those, between two rides with my 300 two-stroke. It's a lot of fun, so easy to handle and very capable. Some riders poo-poo on anything falling in that category (see also, the TTR230 haters) but they really don't know what they're talking about.
Nice demonstration Rich! Now you're approaching the level of Gatti Ogawa, the Japanese #1 trials rider on TH-cam. He has a playlist doing obstacles on the CRF250L (adventure bike).
Would like to see you ride the Stark Varg and show technical techniques with it..
I've been thinking about a 230 size bike for play and technical stuff for a while now. If it's kinda trials bike but a smaller goaty 4 stroke, why not? Might be really fun in hard enduro terrain! We have all sorts of canyons, hill climbs and ledges here in AZ. Hmm... Just might pull the trigger now and best part is that it's green!
Better off with a lightweight 2 stroke if budget allows
I love this! Thank you so much. This is the bike I have for my son and my wife.
Mine on the other hand, I'm curious it has a recluse. Is this something that I can still do with a recluse or do I need to remove it?
Thank you for your help! I really want to learn better. Fundamentals cuz it just looks more fun
And! I must say I'm super thrilled to see you on a 4-stroke. FINALLY!
Ive been seriously considering buying one of these as a low maintenance fun jungle trail bike. Where I like I can get a new one for around 4k and there are plenty of mods available.
I realize that this is my deficit: I don’t know how to ride anything like this. But as a long term rider, when most instructors talk about riding, I understand what they are taking about. When Rich talks, though I know he’s right, it sounds like a foreign language. I realize that he is speaking the language of high level enduro riding but I don’t think I will ever truly understand that.
Bought my wife the 2022 klx230 and she loves it. But yes the idle drop off lags a bit and that high idle kinda drive me nuts but I'm also on a 2019 wr450f trying to work my self up to doing this stuff but haven't found an area to try it out at like the set up u have there ( located in Phoenix AZ)
How do u even learn to do these crazy stuffs..... Amazing skills
Great content from irc guy
Thank you!!
Would be interesting to see whats possible on heavier dual sport bikes like klx300/crf300!
Very nice instruction and nice KLX!😁😁😁
this is proof its always 90% rider, 10% bike.
Next video challenge: same thing but on electric bike without clutch:)
Nobody like those butt huggers.
Next Rich Larsen Japanese bike review request: Yamaha YZ 125x. Show us how capable a small bore 2 stroke is. It would be so insightful to see you push a 125 two stroke in hard Enduro / hard Enduro drills like you did with the 230. Thanks!