The Kawasaki W230, the younger brother of the “W” series, has great ground clearance. The engine is simple and great!

Kawasaki W230: ¥643,500 (including 10% consumption tax)

Color variations

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What brand name best represents Kawasaki? Many users would likely answer “Z” or “Ninja.” Of course, this varies by generation. However, even before the Z, the “W” was the undoubted symbol of envy among motorcycle enthusiasts. Incidentally,

the Honda CB750FOUR, which stunned the world, debuted in 1969. In other words, the 650W-1 reigned supreme as the largest-displacement motorcycle in the Japanese market in the late 1960s.

While this may be an old story, the W’s roots lie in the Meguro “Stamina K.” The K, also used on police motorcycles, was modeled after the British BSA and featured a 500cc OHV twin-cylinder engine. The W was developed as the successor to the Meguro K2, which was released around the time Kawasaki Meguro Manufacturing was absorbed into Kawasaki Aircraft Manufacturing in September 1964.

The K2’s bore and stroke were 66mm x 72.6mm. Originally a long-stroke 497cc model, the W model had its bore increased by 8mm to a short-stroke 74 x 72.6mm, scaling the displacement to 624cc. Incidentally, this was also Kawasaki’s trump card in their bid to enter the American market.

Subsequent W models included the twin-carb W-1S and the W1SA, which featured a left-hand shift via a long linkage. The W eventually evolved into the W3 (also known as the 650RS), but the era of multi-engine models was in full swing. Eventually, the W name disappeared from the lineup.

However, after a hiatus of over 20 years, the “W” brand name made a spectacular comeback in 1998 with the introduction of the all-new “retro sports” model, the W650. The revamped W800 has now been released. The W400 was released in 2006, and the Meguro K3 was introduced in 2020.

Meanwhile, on November 20, 2024, the W230 was introduced as a sibling model. As previously reported on the Meguro S1, it is a twin model developed at the same time, sharing most of the basic parts such as the body and engine. As mentioned

above, the W, which inherits the Meguro lineage, has once again split into the Meguro and W brands over the course of approximately 60 years, contributing to the development of a rich variety of models.

This introduction has gotten a bit long, but the explanation of the body and engine is the same as in the article on the Meguro S1. As you can see, the only differences are the color scheme, seat, and the presence or absence of knee-grip rubbers on both sides of the tank.

While a minor detail, the design of the front and rear integrated double seat is different. As a result, the seat height, as listed in the main specifications, is 5mm higher than the Meguro S1 at 745mm.

The W is also available in two color variations: white and blue. Another crucial difference is the significantly lower vehicle price. The S1 is priced at 720,500 yen including tax, while the W230 is
　　

priced at 643,500 yen. The price difference is just under 80,000 yen. As a quick refresher, as shown in the photo above, the bike uses a semi-double cradle frame made of steel pipes. While this is a fairly conventional approach, the lower seat rail design is particularly striking. The

engine is an air-cooled, SOHC, two-valve, forward-inclined single-cylinder engine that produces 18hp at 7,000 rpm. The bore and stroke is 67 x 66 mm, 232 cc, which is a slightly short stroke but close to a square. It also shares the S1’s unique design with bulging curves on the cooling fins and crankcase cover.

The rest of the suspension is also the same. The front and rear suspension, wheels, and front and rear single disc brakes are also the same, so we won’t go into detail here. The ride is also expected to be basically the same as the S1, but how is it really?

It’s approachable and its mobility is not to be underestimated.

Upon seeing the white test vehicle, the first thing that struck me was the overall plump, rounded exterior design. From the tank design to the slightly protruding side covers on both sides of the body, and even the forward-leaning single-cylinder air-cooled engine and crankcase side covers, the bike boasts a rounded, bulging finish.

Furthermore, the extremely low seat height and 18-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheels give the bike an overall balance that, despite its modest size, feels somehow solid and voluminous, giving it a distinctive W-class presence despite being in the 250cc class.

And yet, the foot reach is exceptionally easy. The low seat height is very comfortable. Please take a look at the foot reach check photo, but there’s plenty of room for the knees, and both heels can firmly grip the ground. When I put my feet out, the bulges of the side covers interfere with the inside of my inner thighs, but because the ground is close, there’s plenty of freedom in where my feet land, and I felt absolutely no anxiety about supporting the bike.

Although the bike’s weight of 143 kg is not particularly light, it is easy to handle and does not feel too heavy. Its friendly usability leaves a good impression. Even small riders will find this approachability very appealing.

The riding position allows you to ride in a very natural position with your back straight and your upper body upright. The seat has ample space both front and back, so it seems to be able to flexibly accommodate riders of all sizes, from small to large.

Even so, the riding feel is extremely secure, gentle on the heart, and it’s reassuring to be able to start the bike with a calm mind.

It has a different character from the type that requires you to be on edge while maneuvering, and is suited to enjoying relaxed, free-spirited touring. In any case, the feeling of easy riding is comfortable from the moment you start. This is why you can fully enjoy the scenery that flows past you from the front to the rear, creating an exhilarating feeling.

The engine, with its excellent mid- and low-speed torque, is flexible and easy to handle right from the start. The throttle response, especially in practical ranges, is always lively, and the speed at which it revs up is impressive, providing ample high performance befitting the W. At the very least, the bike’s full potential is fully realized, befitting its character, so it feels stress-free.

The same is true at high speeds, with a well-balanced, vibration-free ride and strong power output all the way up to high rpm. The appropriate secondary reduction ratio and other features provide a good

balance, making cruising comfortable. The straightforward and easy-to-handle handling, including the braking, and the overall ride feel are essentially identical to the Meguro S1. Functionally, they are almost identical.

However, strangely enough, the emanations of the bikes are different, with the W being far more casual than the S1. Which one is preferable is entirely

up to the individual, depending on their sensibilities and preferences. Personally, I’d say the W is by far the better value, being functionally the same bike at a lower price. Honestly, I think it offers excellent value for money.

Foot reach check (rider height 168cm/weight 52kg)