The newest member of the W family nods to the past but rides full throttle into the future. With design inspired by the 1965 650-W1 model, the all-new W230 motorcycle packs a modern punch with Kawasaki’s proven 233cc fuel-injected 4-stroke engine. The original icon continues with a light weight, low seat height, and friendly power character that opens ‘60s design to more riders than ever before.
Low Seat Height
With one of the lowest seat heights in its class, the W230 is suited to a wide range of riders, bringing the W heritage to a broader audience and making this W one of the most accessible machines in the 250cc class.
Vintage Look and Feel
Details like a classic seat design, steel fenders, and spoked wheels contribute to the machine’s timeless beauty and a vintage feel that riders will notice when they first sit on the machine.
Classic-Style Teardrop Fuel Tank with 3D Emblem
The fuel tank’s teardrop shape contributes to the timeless beauty of a W model, while a specially designed 3D emblem catches the eye and distinguishes this model within the category.
Pleasant Ride Feel at Low Speeds
When riding, the engine offers a pleasant pulsating sensation thanks to the crankshaft’s high moment of inertia. Ample torque from the initial twist of the throttle provides a fun, engaging ride quality—especially in the low-to mid-rpm range.
Classic W Ride Feel
Special attention was given to ensuring that the W230 has a pleasant, rumbling character when twisting the throttle at low- to mid-rpm. The classic riding position, rhythmic pulse, and fine-tuned exhaust note add to rider enjoyment.
Elegant Muffler with Fine- Tuned Exhaust Note
The header pipe flows elegantly from the engine and ends in a peashooterstyle silencer to recreate the beautiful look of early W models for true classic styling. The exhaust note was finetuned to produce a deep bass sound and pulsing sensation when accelerating. When cruising, the exhaust volume is approximately the same level as wind noise, contributing to a pleasant ride feel.
Timeless Beauty
The W230 carries on the proud tradition of the W series with styling touches that have been in-style since the original W. The W230 possesses a simple, timeless beauty that lovers of classic motorcycles will appreciate.
Slim, Compact Chassis
The chassis is slim with compact proportions for smooth, easy handling for a wide range of riders. The slim design also contributes to a relaxed reach to the ground for the rider’s feet.
Traditional Instrumentation
Round, retro-style gauges with a built-in LCD display offer the best of both worlds: classic, easy-to-read looks with the added information a modern LCD display.
Relaxed Riding Position
Position of the handlebar, seat and footpegs put the rider in a relaxed, upright position that facilitates control of the bike.
Retro-Style Lighting
Retro-style headlight and taillight feature round housings reminiscent of the original W models.
Light Weight, Light Handling
The W230 is one of the lightest models in the 250cc retro sport category at 143 kg, which facilitates handling and enhances rider confidence. An excellent power-toweight ratio is another benefit.
Large-Diameter Spoked Wheels
Spoked 18” front and 17” rear wheels lend the W230 a distinguished, stylish look and feel that contributes to smooth handling as well as a big-bike appearance.
Vintage-Style Air Cooled Engine Design
For both the looks from the outside and the feel when riding, the W230’s engine delivers a vintage character. Special care was given to the design to produce classic looks in a modern engine, with sculpted engine parts including large, rounded fins on the cylinder head.
Predictable Handling Character
Steering was designed to be unhurried like the machines of yesteryear, with the machine reacting predictably to the rider’s inputs and flowing smoothly into turns.
Regal W-Family Proportions
The machine’s overall proportions are well-balanced, with a classic-looking silhouette inspired by the original W and its older siblings in the W series.
Lightweight Chassis
To make the W230 light and facilitate handling for a wide range of riders, the frame is slim, compact and lightweight, and the seat height is low, making it highly accessible for both for new and returning riders. The result is a compact, well-balanced motorcycle chassis.
