Kawasaki unveils W230 retro motorcycle with 233 cc engine at $5,599

Kawasaki's W230 takes the retro look of the W800 and puts it on a smaller, easier-to-handle motorcycle aimed at new riders. The 2025 model year bike has a US list price of $5,599 and comes in one colour: Metallic Ocean Blue/Ebony.

The styling draws on British motorcycles from the 1950s and 1960s. A teardrop tank, round LED headlight, round gauges and wire-spoke wheels stand out. The tank has a white stripe and a flying W logo, and there is no 230 badge on the bike.

Engine and transmission

The 233 cc air-cooled single shares its bore, stroke and two-valve head with the KLX230, but the crankcases are completely different. A heavy flywheel and a tune that favours low and mid-range revs give it 14 lb-ft of torque at 5,800 rpm. A balancer shaft keeps vibration in check. Unlike the KLX230, the exhaust exits on the right side of the frame. The six-speed gearbox uses Kawasaki's Positive Neutral Finder, and the final drive is by chain.

Chassis, brakes and dimensions

The semi-double cradle frame carries a non-adjustable 37 mm front fork and twin rear shocks with five-step preload adjustment. The front wheel is 18 inches and the rear 17 inches, fitted with IRC Grand High Speed GS-11 tyres. Braking comes from a 265 mm front disc and a 220 mm rear disc, with ABS as standard.

The stepped seat sits at 29.3 inches (about 744 mm). The tank holds 3.1 gallons of fuel, and the kerb weight is 315 pounds (about 143 kg). Wheelbase is 55.7 inches.

Riding impressions

In a test by Ultimate Motorcycling, a new rider described the W230 as light, easy to manoeuvre at low speed and confidence-inspiring in corners. The throttle was reported to be stiff, the seat and suspension firm, and the clutch slow to engage. The instrument panel has no gear indicator and no fuel gauge. Riders who want more power may find the bike limiting as their skills grow.