The Kawasaki W230 arrives as an affordable entry into the storied W series, bringing 1960s-inspired styling to modern riders who seek character without intimidation. Drawing design cues from the legendary 1965 650-W1, this retro-styled street bike combines nostalgic aesthetics with contemporary practicality in a lightweight, accessible package.
Under its classically styled exterior lies a 233cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine borrowed from the KLX230 dual-sport, retuned to deliver 17 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 19 Nm of torque at 5,800 rpm. With a low 745mm (29.3-inch) seat height and a feathery 143kg (315 lb) curb weight, the W230 makes vintage motorcycling approachable for newer riders. Priced at $5,599 in the USA (with Indian pricing expected around Rs 2.5-3 lakh if localized), it features modern conveniences like fuel injection, LED lighting, dual-channel ABS, and a 6-speed transmission with positive neutral finder. The W230 proves that retro character doesn’t require intimidating power—sometimes charm and accessibility matter more than raw performance.
Complete Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $5,599 (USA); Expected Rs 2.5-3 lakh (India) |
| Engine | 233cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder, 2-valve |
| Bore x Stroke | 67.0 mm x 66.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Max Power | 17 bhp @ 7,000-7,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 19 Nm (14 lb-ft) @ 5,800 rpm |
| Fuel System | Kawasaki Digital Fuel Injection (DFI) with 32mm throttle body |
| Ignition | TCBI (Transistorized Coil Battery Ignition) with Digital Advance |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual with Positive Neutral Finder |
| Clutch | Wet multi-plate |
| Final Drive | Sealed chain drive |
| Frame | Semi-double cradle, steel construction |
| Rake & Trail | 27.0° rake, 3.7 inches (94mm) trail |
| Front Suspension | 37mm telescopic fork, non-adjustable; 4.6 inches (117mm) travel |
| Rear Suspension | Twin shocks with 5-step spring preload adjustment; 3.7 inches (94mm) travel |
| Front Brake | Single 265mm disc with dual-piston caliper, ABS |
| Rear Brake | Single 220mm disc with single-piston caliper, ABS |
| ABS | Dual-channel ABS (standard) |
| Front Tyre | 90/90-18 (spoked wheel) |
| Rear Tyre | 110/90-17 (spoked wheel) |
| Wheels | Large-diameter spoked wheels (18-inch front, 17-inch rear) |
| Wheelbase | 1,415 mm (55.7 inches) |
| Overall Length | 2,125 mm (83.7 inches) |
| Overall Width | 800 mm (31.5 inches) |
| Overall Height | 1,090 mm (42.9 inches) |
| Ground Clearance | 150 mm (5.9 inches) |
| Seat Height | 745 mm (29.3 inches) |
| Curb Weight | 143 kg (315 lb) wet weight |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 litres (3.1 US gallons) |
| Estimated Range | ~190 miles at 64 mpg (real-world tested) |
| Fuel Efficiency | 64 mpg combined (real-world); likely higher in city use |
| Seating Capacity | 2 (dual-stepped seat) |
| Instrument Cluster | Dual analogue gauges (speedometer + tachometer) with integrated LCD display |
| Lighting | Round LED headlight with separate high/low beam chambers, LED indicators |
| Special Features | Engine balancer, chrome handlebar, 3D “W” fuel tank emblem, peashooter muffler |
| Available Color | Metallic Ocean Blue/Ebony |
| Warranty | Standard Kawasaki coverage |
About Kawasaki
Heritage of Performance
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, founded in 1896, has grown from a shipyard into one of Japan’s most diversified industrial conglomerates. The motorcycle division, established in the 1960s, quickly earned a reputation for powerful, innovative machines that pushed engineering boundaries—from the legendary Mach III triple to modern superbikes like the Ninja series.
The W series represents a different side of Kawasaki’s character. Beginning with the 1965 650-W1—Japan’s first large-displacement motorcycle—the W line celebrated classic styling and approachable performance over outright speed. After a long hiatus, Kawasaki revived the series in 2011 with the W800, tapping into growing global demand for retro-styled motorcycles that prioritize character over complexity.
With the W230, Kawasaki expands this philosophy into the entry-level segment, proving that heritage design and modern reliability can coexist affordably. The bike serves as both a gateway to motorcycling and a nostalgic nod to simpler times—embodying Kawasaki’s belief that not every motorcycle needs to be the fastest or most feature-packed to be deeply satisfying.
What Experts Are Saying
Key Highlights
- Heritage-Inspired Design: Authentic 1965 650-W1 styling cues with teardrop tank and spoked wheels
- Accessible Entry Point: Low 745mm seat height and 143kg weight for confident handling
- Proven 233cc Engine: Air-cooled single from KLX230, retuned for road use with balancer for smoothness
- Modern Safety Features: Standard dual-channel ABS and LED lighting throughout
- Fuel-Efficient Performance: Real-world 64 mpg with impressive ~190-mile range
- Quality Construction: Semi-double cradle steel frame, adjustable rear suspension, chrome details
- User-Friendly Technology: Positive neutral finder, fuel injection, dual analogue gauges with LCD
- Authentic Character: Engine balancer and tuned exhaust deliver satisfying vintage-style experience
The Kawasaki W230 successfully bridges past and present, offering genuine 1960s style with modern reliability and safety. While its 233cc engine won’t set land-speed records, it provides exactly the right amount of performance for confident urban riding and weekend exploration. The low seat height, light weight, and approachable character make it an ideal choice for new riders or experienced motorcyclists seeking vintage charm without vintage maintenance headaches. At $5,599, it’s positioned as a premium entry-level offering—one that prioritizes authenticity, build quality, and riding enjoyment over raw specifications. For those who understand that motorcycling is about more than just horsepower numbers, the W230 represents a refreshing return to simpler, more soulful transportation.
