Yamaha Lander 250 VS The Kawasaki KLX 230: Image Comparison

We compared both bikes to find out how they perform against each other, on paper

Yamaha Motor India showcased its upcoming 250cc ADV in India – the Lander 250. Currently sold in Brazilian markets, the adventure bike is likely to be launched in India soon and will compete with the Kawasaki KLX 230 in the 200-250cc Adventure bike segment. Here’s how both the bikes compare against each other:

Design

In terms of looks, the Yamaha Lander 250 is a dual-sport bike, which features dirt-bike-inspired design elements like a beak-like front fender and a single-piece headlight unit. The bike also gets an upswept exhaust, which enhances its water-wading capacity. The Kawasaki KLX 230 comes with a proper dirt bike-like design, with bits like headlight, rear-view mirrors and other components that make it road-legal in India. 

While the Yamaha Lander 250 has a slightly bulkier design, the Kawasaki KLX 230 has slim body panels, which would make it easier and more fun to take it off-road.

Engine

The upcoming Lander 250 has a tried-and-tested 249cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine from the  Yamaha FZ-25 (discontinued) that makes 20.5PS and 20.1Nm. Whereas, the KLX 230 is powered by a 233cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 19PS and 19.8Nm. Both bikes are paired to a 6-speed gearbox.

Both the ADVs produce similar power and torque figures, but the Lander 250 has a slightly better output of 1.5PS and 0.3Nm, making it a winner in this department, at least on paper.

Features

The Yamaha Lander 250 is equipped with a negatively-lit LCD instrument console. The Kawasaki KLX, on the other hand, gets a normal LCD instrument cluster. Both bikes feature all LED lighting and smartphone connectivity with call and SMS alerts. Both ADVs also get switchable rear ABS. Hence, both of them provide more or less similar features and miss out on smartphone connectivity.

Underpinnings

Hardware on the Lander 250 consists of a telescopic fork (220mm of wheel travel) and a monoshock (204mm of wheel travel). It is equipped with a 245mm disc at the front and a 203mm disc brake at the rear, with dual-channel ABS. In contrast, the KLX 230 gets a telescopic fork (240mm wheel travel) and a monoshock (250mm of wheel travel). For braking, it uses a 265mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc brake. 

Both bikes come fitted with 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels and dual-sport tube tyres. The Kawasaki KLX 230 emerges victorious in this segment, as it has a longer travel suspension setup and bigger disc brakes. 

Verdict

The Yamaha Lander 250 is based on the Japanese bike maker's existing 250cc platform and is likely to be locally manufactured. As such, it is expected to be priced significantly lower, as compared to the KLX 230. We expect the Yamaha ADV to be priced between Rs 1.70 lakh and Rs 2 lakh (ex-showroom). Whereas, the Kawasaki KLX 230 is sold as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) and is priced quite higher at Rs 3,30,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). 

Based on these assumptions, the Yamaha ADV will be more accessible to the masses in terms of pricing and the Kawasaki KLX will be seen as a more premium bike. Additionally, KLX 230’s maintenance costs are also going to be on the higher slide, comparatively, as it is a CBU.