As of late, riding motorcycles on the road brings me no real joy. It's not because I'm getting old or scared or whatever anyone else uses as an excuse, it's just not as much fun as riding off-road. That might not be true for everyone, but the fantastical ability to get off the beaten path and explore the world around me is far more enjoyable of an experience than pavement pounding ever was.
But even in this space, there are levels to that enjoyment and, unlike what you've likely been told by the media or influencers, rarely is it tied to larger displacement.
Small motorcycles, such as Royal Enfield's brilliant Himalayan 450, CFMoto's Ibex 450, Honda's CRF300L Rally, and Suzuki's DR-Zs, all prove this reality, as low displacement coupled with high capabilities make for an excellent off-road dancing partner. And while Kawasaki has a few motorcycles that may fit this bill in certain regards—hello, KLR—the company doesn't have one as bespoke to the space as those mentioned above.
That's no longer the case, so allow me to introduce you to the 2026 KLX230 Sherpa S. Who's ready for an adventure?
The KLX230 Sherpa S basically fills the gap within Kawasaki's lineup that any of the above would hold, i.e. a lightweight, nimble, small-displacement off-road adventure motorcycle designed to get you out there. It's made to be rugged, easily fixed, and, most of all, easy to ride whether you're a seasoned pro or someone just getting into off-road adventure riding. This is no Tenere 700 competitor.
According to Kawasaki, the KLX230 Sherpa S is powered by a 233cc fuel-injected, air-cooled single cylinder engine that's been tuned for "trail-riding versatility, [with] the engine offer[ing] a blend of strong, accessible power and smooth torque across the rev range,[that] results in linear acceleration and reliable low-speed control that enhances rider confidence." Kawasaki hasn't, however, disclosed horsepower or torque for the Sherpa as of this writing. However, when RideApart's own Robbie Bacon rode the new KLX230R, that was sending 19 horsepower to the rear wheel.
Riders also get disc brakes, selectable ABS for better off-road traction management, and both a 21-inch front tire and 18-inch rear tire—both tubeless—complete with IRC GP knobby tires. The Sherpa comes with 8.4 inches of ground clearance from the factory, and its suspension offers riders 6.2 inches of travel at the front, and 6.6 inches of travel at the rear, making it perfect for leisurely to mildly aggressive single-track trails or rutted-out fire roads.
You also get a 2-gallon fuel tank, which is more than enough for a full day's ride on the sipper of a bike. Though if you want to extend your travels, the Sherpa S can be outfitted with a 10-inch by 10-inch rear carrier that will hold up to 6.6 pounds. Rotopax ready, then.
As for price, that's where the 2026 Kawasaki Sherpa S really shines, as the motorcycle starts at an extremely reasonable $5,699. Compare that to a lot of its competitors, as well as bigger, badder adventure motorcycles, and you begin to really see the appeal of a cheap, efficient, small-displacement off-road motorcycle that you can fix with a stick in the woods.
I know I'm already daydreaming about where to take it.
