The Kawasaki W230 is the newest addition to Kawasaki’s retro W family, its rounded tank, wire wheels and chrome detailing a direct nod to the original 1965 W1 while genuinely modern engineering does the work underneath. It is built for riders who want honest, characterful motorcycling rather than the latest electronics, all wrapped in a compact 2,125mm overall length.
A 233cc air-cooled single, SOHC with two valves and an unusually long 67 x 66mm bore and stroke and a 9.0:1 compression ratio, produces 18PS at 7,000rpm and 18.6Nm of torque at 5,800rpm through fuel injection for easy, predictable starting whatever the weather. A six-speed return gearbox and wet multi-disc manual clutch send drive through a chain final drive, with digital ignition, electric start and forced lubrication through a wet sump, and a friendly, approachable power delivery that never overwhelms.
A semi-double cradle steel frame carries a simple 37mm telescopic fork and twin shocks with adjustable preload, tuned for a soft, forgiving ride rather than outright sportiness, with 117mm of front and 95mm of rear wheel travel and a stable 99mm trail. A single 265mm front disc with a dual-piston caliper and a single 220mm rear disc provide reassuring stopping power through 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, spoked rims that reinforce the sixties silhouette. At a light 143kg, just 800mm wide and 1,090mm tall, with a 745mm seat height, a 1,415mm wheelbase and 150mm of ground clearance, it feels immediately manageable for riders of any experience level.
Classic styling, a round headlamp and a chrome-rimmed instrument binnacle bring genuine sixties character to modern roads, and a 12-litre tank keeps the whole package simple and unintimidating to live with day to day, whether that’s a short hop into Plymouth or a longer potter along the coast. It suits riders who want an honest, characterful second bike or a first taste of proper motorcycling, from new licence holders to seasoned enthusiasts after something with real presence at a standstill and genuine charm on the move. Available now at GT Motorcycles, your Kawasaki dealer in Plymouth, serving Devon and Cornwall, with finance and test rides available.
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