If you love bikes and have a thing for retro, well, then you are going to dig the new Kawasaki W230 250cc Class Retro Sports Bike. Celebrating 60 years since the birth of the W brand with the 650-W1 in 1965, Kawasaki has launched an oh-so-retro W230. I may not have been born yet, but as I was growing up, I saw this beauty zipping around the streets and on TVs. So, seeing the Kawasaki W230 250cc Class Retro Sports invokes a sense of nostalgia.
This slim and compact throwback weighs just 143 kg (315 lbs), making it as easy to ride as it is to stare at for long, awkward amounts of time. It’s powered by a 232cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that delivers 18 PS at 7,000 rpm and 18 Nm of torque at 5,800 rpm—enough to relive your dad’s glory days without actually breaking your back.
As you can see, the look is unmistakably classic Kawasaki. Think teardrop tank, twin analog meters, steel fenders, and spoked wheels. The upright riding position and low 745 mm (29.3 in) seat height make cruising a relaxed affair, even if you’re just riding to the coffee shop and back.
Other spec-sheet details include a 6-speed manual, ABS, 11-liter (2.9 gal) tank, and fuel economy up to 48.4 km/L (114 mpg) under ideal conditions—meaning no traffic, no wind, and probably no other people.
Anyhoo, the Kawasaki W230 is available in Japan for 643,500 yen [JP] (around US$4,150). Whether you’re a new rider or just chasing that vintage vibe, this little W is here to serve. Here, take a few more looks at this retro beauty:
Images: Kawasaki Motors [JP].
