Kawasaki has found another way to deploy the novice-friendly air-cooled, two-valve, 233cc powerplant that has been successful in the KLX dirt, dual-sport, and supermoto lineups. The 2026 Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S ABS marks a return of the Sherpa name to the brand. We last saw a Kawasaki Sherpa in 2009. Although the 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa was a dual-sport bike with a 249cc engine, this is an entirely different motorcycle. So, rather than compare the new Sherpa to the long-gone Super Sherpa, let’s start from scratch.
- The 2026 Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S features shorter suspension and a lower seat height compared to the standard S. Kawasaki has reduced the fork travel from 7.9 inches to 6.2 inches and the rear wheel travel from 8.8 inches to 6.6 inches. The wheelbase on the Sherpa is almost a half-inch shorter, while the rake is tucked in 0.2 degrees. This works out to a seat height reduction of 0.8 inches and 0.9 inches less ground clearance for the Sherpa compared to the standard S.
- The suspension features dual-rate springing at both ends. Kawasaki tuned the fixed damping to maximize the shorter suspension travel. The gas-charged shock is hooked up to a new linkage system.
- In addition to riders who will benefit from the lower seat height, off-road explorers will gravitate to the 2026 Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S ABS. The Sherpa comes standard with handguards, an aluminum skidplate, and its own bodywork. It’s a more rugged-looking KLX230, and the low seat height will make it more manageable on technical trails. The Sherpa features the same off-roadable IRC dual-sport tires as the other KLX230s, along with the dirt-ready 21-/18-inch wheelset.
- The seat has two textures. The top is dimpled for traction, and the sides are smooth to facilitate moving around off-road.
- ABS is standard and tuned for dual-sport action. For off-roading, the rear-wheel ABS can be defeated. The larger 265mm front disc used on the ABS version of the KLX230 S is on the Sherpa S.
- The dual-LED headlight cowling on the 2026 Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S ABS is angularly purposeful. A metal bar wraps around the lower portion for protection.
- The LCD dash can be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth and Kawasaki’s free Rideology The App. The app can be used to record routes using GPS and let the rider know when servicing is needed.
- The 2026 Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S ABS comes in one oddly named color—Whitish Beige. The list price is $5699 and should be at your local dealer now.
2026 Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S ABS Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Single-cylinder four-stroke
- Displacement: 233cc
- Bore x stroke: 67.0 x 66.0mm
- Compression ratio: 9.4:1
- Valvetrain: SOHC; 2 valves
- Cooling: Air
- Fueling: EFI w/ 32mm throttle body
Transmission: 6-speed - Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 37mm fork; 6.2 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted spring-preload adjustable shock; 6.6 inches
- Front tire: 2.75 x 21; IRC Trails GP-21F
- Rear tire: 4.10 x 18; IRC Trails GP-22R
- Front brake: 265mm petal disc w/ 2-piston caliper
- Rear brake: 220mm petal disc w/ single-piston caliper
- ABS: Standard
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 53.3 inches
- Rake: 24.4 degrees
- Trail: 3.8 inches
- Seat height: 32.5 inches
- Ground clearance: 8.5 inches
- Fuel tank capacity: 2.0 gallons
- Curb weight: 300 pounds
- Color: Whitish Beige
2026 Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S ABS Price: $5699 MSRP
2026 Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S ABS Photo Gallery
