Kawasaki has finally announced the official release of its new vehicle, the MEGURO S1, which was unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 in the fall of 2023. The long-awaited release date is Wednesday, November 20th, with a price tag of 720,500 yen. It will be available in only one color: Ebony with Chrome plating.
The Kawasaki 250 Meguro SG, released in 1964,
is now available as a new, stylish model equipped with modern technology!
The highly anticipated second model in Kawasaki’s Meguro brand, the MEGURO S1, has finally been released! While it can be considered a derivative of the classic naked model W230, which was released at the same time, it boasts a completely different look thanks to its exclusive emblem, graphics, and a different seat fabric. Paying homage to the Kawasaki 250 Meguro SG, released in 1964, the look is a stunning example of classic style.
The Meguro brand originated in 1924 with motorcycles manufactured by Meguro Manufacturing, a company founded in 1957. It is a glorious and historic Japanese motorcycle brand, boasting a one-two finish in the 500cc class at the second Asama Volcano Race in 1957. The company merged with Kawasaki Aircraft (now Kawasaki Motors Corporation) in 1964, and its lineage continues to this day.
The signal for the revival of the Meguro brand was the release of the MEGURO K3, based on the W800, in 2021, which caused a sensation and became a huge hit, selling out immediately. Considering that the new MEGURO S1 is in the light motorcycle class, which does not require vehicle inspections, it is likely to gain immense popularity among beginners and veterans of all ages and genders. With the current “Showa boom” in the air, just imagining cutting through the wind on a MEGURO S1 is sure to get you excited on the weekends. It’s fun to ride an old bike while taking care of it, but the fact that you can now enjoy the retro style with ease and peace of mind makes this the perfect new model lineup for long-awaited fans.
Pursuing the rich flavor of an air-cooled single-cylinder engine in an easy-to-ride injection vehicle!
The classic-style MEGURO S1 is designed for a relaxed and calm cruising experience. The lightweight semi-double cradle frame and low torsional and lateral rigidity of the frame and swingarm ensure smooth cornering without any stiffness. The retro-style 90/90-18 front and 110/90-17 rear tires contribute to stable handling. The engine is based on the
KLX230 series’ air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC, two-valve single-cylinder engine, featuring a curved crankcase and cylinder head with large, rounded fins for a stylish appearance. The exhaust port is located on the right side of the vehicle to recreate the traditional beauty of the original Meguro exhaust pipe shape.
The feel is enhanced by a cam profile for firm engine characteristics, a heavy flywheel with a high moment of inertia, and ECU settings that prevent engine stalls at low rpm. The muffler sound has been tuned to silence noise while still producing a rich bass sound, and the 6-speed transmission makes for a pulsating ride.
The appeal of motorcycles is diverse; for example, high-spec super sports bikes offer exciting riding performance. The MEGURO S1 takes a completely different approach, offering a tasteful experience that is hard to put into words…in other words, it satisfies the sensibility of “riding a retro motorcycle.”
Detailed explanation
Based on the W230, the MEGURO S1 is given the distinctive character of the Meguro brand, with a special emblem, a chrome-plated tank, a specially designed meter, seats with different surface materials, etc. The classic horizontal form will satisfy your desire to own it just by looking at it.
ADVERTISEMENT
The relaxed, upright riding position, low seat height of 740mm, and light weight of 143kg make it easy for anyone to handle. Rather than riding an old bike with anxiety, you can easily enjoy the classic style.
The engine is an air-cooled SOHC 2-valve single-cylinder similar to the KLX230, but it also features special designs in many areas, such as a special head with the exhaust pipe laid out on the right side, and rounded air-cooling fins and crankcase cover.The output characteristics are tuned to produce sufficient torque at low rpm.
The front forks are upright types with an inner tube diameter of 37mm. The tires are 18 inches in the front and 17 inches in the rear, pursuing stable handling. The headlights are LED lamps with low and high beams separated into upper and lower sections, but by equipping the top and bottom with position lamps, it gives the impression that the entire light is lit.
ADVERTISEMENT
The muffler that stretches out on the right side of the vehicle is a cabton-type design that emphasizes the beauty of the original Meguro. It is made of buffed stainless steel and has been tuned to sound like Meguro.
A photo of the MEGURO S1 and the W230, which will be released at the same time. As they are sibling models, the vehicle specifications are almost identical, but the MEGURO S1 has a 5mm lower seat height. The main difference is in the design, centered around the coloring, with the MEGURO S1 having a more classic and high-quality finish.
The biggest feature of the MEGURO S1 is its tank, which was inspired by the classic Kawasaki 250 Meguro SG. The reproduced “MEGURO” emblem, chrome accents, and rubber knee pads create a unique character.
The meter has a special design, with a white panel and the “Meguro” logo creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The LCD display can be switched to show the odometer, trip meter, and clock.
ADVERTISEMENT
The exclusive plain seat upholstery pursues a classic feel, and white piping from the seat sides to the tail adds an effective accent.
The gently curved side cover features the shining red “Meguro” lettering. It is a Kawasaki motorcycle, but it also clearly shows that it is a part of the historic Meguro brand.
The presence of the MEGURO S1, centered around the tank, is so beautiful that it can be called a genuine custom model. Its character makes you want to enjoy the gracefully flowing scenery together.
The MEGURO S1 is based on the W230, but with a special exterior that brings it back to the classic Meguro brand. The price difference between the W230 and the MEGURO S1 is 77,000 yen, but considering the resale value and the presence that doesn’t require customization, it will feel cheap.
Main specifications/Meguro S1
Overall length: 2,125mm Overall
width: 800mm Overall height:
1,090mm
Seat height: 740mm
Seating capacity: 2 people
Displacement: 232cc
Vehicle weight: 143kg
Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 2-valve single cylinder
Maximum output: 13kW (18ps) / 7,000rpm
Maximum torque: 18Nm (1.8kgf・m) / 5,800rpm
Transmission: 6-speed return type
Fuel tank: 11L
Brakes: Front disc, rear disc
Tire size: Front 90/90-18M/C 51S, rear 110/90-17M/C 60S
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (including 10% consumption tax): ¥720,500
