Indian motorcyclists have a thing for retro motorcycles. Royal Enfield’s massive success from its 350cc portfolio is proof enough to show this love affair. Challenging Royal Enfield’s success are Honda CB350 lineup, TVS Ronin, Triumph 400 lineup, Yamaha XSR155, Harley-Davidson X440 along with Jawa Yezdi motorcycles.
There could be a new rival entering the scene soon in the form of Kawasaki W230, which has been teased for India for the first time. Launch is not confirmed, but might happen in 2026. If Kawasaki gets the pricing right, one can expect W230 to garner decent reception from Indian motorcycling enthusiasts. Let’s take a closer look.
Kawasaki W230 Teased For India
Team Green recently took to social media and published a video celebrating 60th Anniversary of its revered ‘W’ lineup of motorcycles. However, the entire video only featured W230 model and even the caption of this video was mostly about W230 and how it inherits traditional style and riding pedigree of W family.
This could be a hint of Kawasaki contemplating to launch W230 in India. If launched, it will slot above W175 in the lineup. Design wise, Kawasaki W230 borrows the iconic styling characteristics of the W family in the form of its teardrop shape fuel tank, classic-style front and rear fenders with chrome finish, circular headlights and ORVMs, among others.
Engine bay gets a Silver finish and the chrome extends to fuel filler cap, headlight cowl, exhaust end can and exhaust pipes, wire-spoke rims and others. It bears simple cycle parts in the form of regular RSU front forks, rear twin shockers, 265 mm front disc, 220 mm rear disc, ABS, front 18-inch wheel and rear 17-inch wheel.
Where features are concerned, Kawasaki W230 gets a twin pod semi-digital instrument cluster with analog speedo and tacho along with a digital odo and trip computer. There is also a 3D W badge on the 11.73L fuel tank. Kawasaki W230 has 150 mm ground clearance, 744 mm seat height and a kerb weight of around 143 kg.
Will it launch in India?
Where powertrains are concerned, Kawasaki W230 gets a rather simple 233cc single-cylinder air-cooled SOHC 2V/cyl engine. This is the same engine, which also powers Kawasaki KLX230 ADV on sale in India. This engine develops around 17 bhp of peak power and 19 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
Kawasaki India is yet to confirm whether W230 will launch here. It has to be noted that Kawasaki KLX230 is currently assembled in India, which will share its engine with W230 if confirmed for an India launch. If Kawasaki gets the pricing right on the first time, it looks like it has the sauce to pull buyers.
Source: Bike - rushlane.com
