For the past 40 years of motorcycle history, there has been one common complaint about dual sport bikes: They’re too tall for riders with short legs. Or at least, that’s what most people think; watch a short-legged rider likeMegs Braaprip and tear around on an enduro, and you’ll see that vertically-challenged riderscanmake a jacked-up bike work. But most of us aren’t Megs and don’t have her riding capability. That’s why we get the new KLR650S and updated KLX230S from Kawasaki.

Both of these machines are based on existing dual sport bikes. The 230 has only been on the market for a short time, but the updated KLR is a well-known friend. Both bikes are actually pretty accessible to shorter riders; the KLR has a 34.3-inch seat height, and the KLX has a 34.8-inch seat height. That might sound like a lot, but if you sit on these bikes, their soft suspension squishes down to an easy-to-handle range.

But still, some riders are intimidated, so we get the new, lower S models. On the 230, that translates to a 32.7-inch seat height. The KLR version has a 32.1-inch seat height.

There are a few other minor changes. The KLX20S now has the ability to disable ABS for off-road riding, and a new LED headlight. The KLR gets a new seat and revised shifter positioning to match the lowered suspension:

The new KLR650 S is built off of the reputable and reliable KLR650 platform and carries over all of the same great features, including its fuel-injected 652cc single-cylinder engine, multi-functional digital instrumentation panel, high-tensile double-cradle frame, and LED headlight. For 2023, the KLR650 S receives lowered front and rear suspension with dedicated settings that help enhance the rider’s reach to the ground yet retain the excellent handling and comfort characteristics of the KLR650. Accompanying the lower suspension settings is a new low seat, updated shifter-to-footpeg distance, and shorter side stand.

US pricing for the new bikes isn’t listed yet; Canadian pricing is $5,749 for a non-ABS-equipped KLX230S, and $7,999 for a non-ABS-equipped KLR650S.