Kawasaki W230
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki Heavy Industries Motorcycle & Engine Company |
|---|---|
| Production | 2025–present |
| Class | Retro-standard |
| Engine | 233 cc, air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC single-cylinder |
| Bore / stroke | 67.0 × 66.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Top speed | 121–129 km/h (75–80 mph) (est.) |
| Power | 17 hp (12.7 kW) @ 7,500 rpm (claimed) |
| Torque | 19 N·m (14 lb⋅ft) @ 5,800 rpm (claimed) |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain final drive |
| Frame type | Semi-double cradle steel |
| Suspension | 37 mm telescopic fork (front); dual shocks, preload-adjustable (rear) |
| Brakes | Disc front and rear, dual-channel ABS |
| Tires | 90/90-18 (front), 110/90-17 (rear) |
| Wheelbase | 1,415 mm (55.7 in) |
| Seat height | 745 mm (29.3 in) |
| Weight | 133 kg (293 lb) (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 12 L (3.1–3.2 US gal) |
The Kawasaki W230 is a retro-standard motorcycle introduced by Kawasaki for the 2025 model year. It is the smallest model in the Kawasaki W series, positioned below the W800. The motorcycle combines styling elements from earlier W-series models, such as the 1965 Kawasaki 650-W1, with a modern single-cylinder engine and contemporary safety equipment.[1][2][3]
Development
Kawasaki positioned the W230 as an entry-level model in the W series. Its engine is derived from the 233 cc unit used in the Kawasaki KLX230 dual-sport motorcycle, but modified with changes to crankshaft inertia, camshaft profiles, and exhaust tuning for road use and to resemble the character of earlier W-series models.[4][5]
Design and styling
The motorcycle incorporates styling elements from earlier W models, including a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, wire-spoked wheels, fork gaiters, and chrome fenders. It is equipped with a round headlamp, dual analogue instruments, and a one-piece saddle. Modern additions include LED lighting and an LCD display providing trip and fuel information.[6][7]
Technical specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 233 cc, air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC single-cylinder |
| Bore × Stroke | 67.0 × 66.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Claimed power | 17 hp (12.7 kW) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Claimed torque | 19 N·m (14 lb⋅ft) @ 5,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain final drive, positive neutral finder |
| Frame | Semi-double cradle steel |
| Suspension | 37 mm telescopic fork (front); dual shocks with preload adjustment (rear) |
| Brakes | Single 265 mm disc (front), 220 mm disc (rear), both with ABS |
| Wheels/tyres | 18 in front (90/90-18), 17 in rear (110/90-17), wire-spoked |
| Wheelbase | 1,415 mm (55.7 in) |
| Seat height | 745 mm (29.3 in) |
| Ground clearance | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 143 kg (315 lb) (with fluids) |
| Fuel capacity | 12 L (3.1–3.2 US gal) |
Equipment and features
The W230 includes chrome exhausts, rubber fork gaiters, painted steel mudguards, and a multifunction display integrated into the twin analogue dials. Launch colour options were Metallic Ocean Blue/Ebony in North America and Europe, Spark Black in Japan, and Matte Green in parts of Asia.[8][9]
Reception
Press coverage noted the W230's low seat height, light handling, and resemblance to earlier W-series motorcycles. Reviews also observed its modest power output and relatively higher pricing compared with competitors in the entry-level retro motorcycle segment, including the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Benelli Imperiale 400.[10][11]
Model history
| Year | Notes |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Launch of the W230 as the entry-level model in the W series |
See also
References
- ^ Mody, Rishaad. "Kawasaki W230 launched overseas". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
- ^ Williams, Don (2024-10-02). "2025 Kawasaki W230 First Look [6 Retro-Styled Fast Facts]". Ultimate Motorcycling. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
- ^ "Kawasaki W230 might come to India". www.topgearmag.in. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
- ^ "Kawasaki W230 unveiled globally. Will it come to India?". HT Auto. 2024-10-04. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
- ^ Chung, Dennis (2024-10-02). "2025 Kawasaki W230 – First Look". Motorcycle.com. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
- ^ "Kawasaki W230 launched overseas". Autocar Professional. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
- ^ Jouhari, Vedant (2024-10-04). "Kawasaki W230 Launches Internationally: A Look At Specifications And More". www.drivespark.com. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
- ^ Ackodrive, Team (2024-10-03). "Kawasaki Meguro S1 Launched In Thailand". AckoDrive. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
- ^ "New 2025 Kawasaki W230 ABS Specs and Price". Cycle News. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
- ^ Cherney, Andrew (October 2, 2024). "2025 Kawasaki W230 First Look". Cycle World. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
- ^ Sharma, Punya (2024-10-02). "Kawasaki's Answer For The Royal Enfield Classic 350 Has Entered America". TopSpeed. Retrieved 2025-09-01.