The Kawasaki W230 is coming!

[misterprofessionality]

https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/motorcycle/w/retro-classic/w230

Looks like it's the same little air cooled thumper from the KLX230 dual sport in a BEAUTIFUL chassis! I can't believe we're getting this in North America! We never get cool small bore bikes like this! i'm over here measuring my garage for space....

 

[pdedse]

https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/motorcycle/w/retro-classic/w230

Looks like it's the same little air cooled thumper from the KLX230 dual sport in a BEAUTIFUL chassis! I can't believe we're getting this in North America! We never get cool small bore bikes like this! i'm over here measuring my garage for space....

Hmmm...that looks familiar!

 

[michael1954]

https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/motorcycle/w/retro-classic/w230

Looks like it's the same little air cooled thumper from the KLX230 dual sport in a BEAUTIFUL chassis! I can't believe we're getting this in North America! We never get cool small bore bikes like this! i'm over here measuring my garage for space....

Hmmm...that looks familiar!

Hmmm...that looks familiar!

When will it hit the USA?

 

[misterprofessionality]

They're calling it a 2025 model, so i'm not expecting it to be long.

 

[peterbaron]

It's a beauty!
Will check if it's coming to Canada???

 

[misterprofessionality]

It should be on the Canadian Kawasaki website if it is

 

[peterbaron]

don't see any yet ...????
https://www.kawasaki.ca/en-ca/purchase-tools/compare-vehicles/motorcycle/z

 

[Cormanus]

No sign of one Down Under.

 

[misterprofessionality]

No sign of one Down Under.

I think in some other markets it's being sold as the "Meguro S1"

 

[peterbaron]

Just checked:
1* US specification available
2* Canadian and European specs N/A :

Email from a third party:
"I sent an e-mail to Kawasaki Canada yesterday asking if there were any plans to bring the W230 or Meguro S1 to Canada.
They responded today saying those decisions are made in Japan, who then inform Canada and other countries of any new bikes they can expect.
They said they would forward my message to Kawasaki Japan. I doubt very much we will see the W230 in 2024, if ever. I think the market in North America for small retro style bikes might just be too small."

 

[misterprofessionality]

Just checked:
1* US specification available
2* Canadian and European specs N/A :

Email from a third party:
"I sent an e-mail to Kawasaki Canada yesterday asking if there were any plans to bring the W230 or Meguro S1 to Canada.
They responded today saying those decisions are made in Japan, who then inform Canada and other countries of any new bikes they can expect.
They said they would forward my message to Kawasaki Japan. I doubt very much we will see the W230 in 2024, if ever. I think the market in North America for small retro style bikes might just be too small."

and yet we're getting it in the US against all odds. I'm thinking this could be my new Small Bore when it arrives. It may replace the CT125.

 

[PowerDubs_imp]

Fuel injected? Great.

F/R disc brakes? Great.

2 valve head? BOO!!

A quick look around...the dirtbike version puts down 17whp / 13wtq.. but has 9.4/1 CR instead of 9/1 and makes peak tq 300RPM higher.

More than likely just a different head gasket. Might have a different camshaft...but at that point there are probably aftermarket for it.

Given the streetbike probably has quieter intake / exhaust as well...it probably puts down more like 13/14hp....but room to play.

If it was a 4 valve head...I'd say it had 25whp potential... with the 2 valve head... probably 18-20 with mods.

Looks like some crazy company makes a 300cc stroker / piston kit.. but you really have to like the look of this bike combined with light weight...

Probably just open the airbox, change the exhaust, and adjust the air fuel- add 2 teeth to the rear sprocket and enjoy. A familiar formula.

 

[Tev62]

I wonder why they didn't just stick with the Kawasaki Estrella 250 (W250) which has been around for ages? It comes with a 250cc, 2-valve air-cooled motor. Only sold in Japan but was available in Europe for a while.

 

[misterprofessionality]

could be emissions tech they needed to re-develop. everybody right now is scrambling to patch and adapt their ICE motors to constantly evolving requirements.

 

[misterprofessionality]

The TU250 was the ultimate MSF bike if you ask me. Even better than the rebel 250. This bike really feels a lot like the TU.

 

[Ollie]

I like the styling. Would like the bike a lot more though if it was built around a 350-400cc single putting out 30ish HP with a strong midrange.

 

[Gone in 60]

The TU250 was the ultimate MSF bike if you ask me. Even better than the rebel 250. This bike really feels a lot like the TU.

Interesting comment. We didn't get the TU250 in California due to emissions stuff, so my MSF bike was a Rebel 250. Once I was ready to choose my first bike, it seemed logical to pick the Rebel's bigger brother, a Shadow. That lead to larger cruisers, culminating in a VTX1800.

Once I rode a bike that could turn and stop, and not just be a locomotive, I never looked back at cruisers.

I wonder if my MSF bike had been something like a TU, if I would have gravitatated to naked standards off the bat.

 

[misterprofessionality]

That is why i say the TU was the greatest MSF bike, because it introduced new riders to a more nimble platform and promoted more technical riding and countersteering control. Also the tight figure 8 maneuvers they teach in the MSF are a lot easier with the short wheel base, so it's just better for the students.

We're all influenced by what we're comfortable riding. what's familiar is what's comfortable. the interesting thing is my local MSF course is running out of TU250s and Rebels both, and have been using dirt bikes to teach students! I can't help but wonder what kind of new riders this is giving birth to.