Kawasaki India is all set to introduce its smallest retro vehicle. It was previously believed to be the W800, although a recently released brochure suggests it is the W175. Let’s examine all the information that has been leaked.
With its electric and hybrid drivetrains, Kawasaki has garnered much media attention lately. The Japanese corporation intends to offer fully electric and hybrid cars in its lineup by 2035. In this regard, Kawasaki recently unveiled a hybrid prototype similar to the Ninja 250 and a fully electric prototype similar to the Z250.
With futuristic prototypes on display, Kawasaki India is now all set to return to the traditional and vintage bikes with the possible release of the Kawasaki W175. Looking at the leaked brochure and Kawasaki’s Block Your Date invite on September 25, it is highly likely that the W175 will be the next offering from the company. Additionally, it is widely believed that it will be produced in India to reduce prices.
Kawasaki W175 Brochure
Even though Kawasaki is currently best recognized for its multi-cylinder engine in India, the company has a history of offering affordable commuters like the Boxer with Bajaj.
The W175 can be anything but a budget bike. It is also available in countries like Indonesia and is aimed at the luxury commuter market. Regarding Indonesia, the W175 has received a new update. There are three avatars available: TR, TRSE, and Cafe Racer. TRSE is a Roadster, a Cafe Racer, a Cafe Racer, and TR is a Scrambler. Only one regular model will be available in India in Ebony and Special Edition Red.
Kawasaki W175: Features
The India-made Kawasaki W175 will get halogen headlamps, turn indicators and taillights, an analogue speedometer, odometer, and trip meter. The bike also features Spoke wheels with a simple, minimal appearance and lower body panels.
Kawasaki W175: Specification and Price
A 177cc single-cylinder engine powers the Kawasaki W175 motorcycle. It is an air-cooled motor mated to a 5-speed gearbox that can generate 13 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 13.2 Nm at 6,000 rpm. After reading the specifications, one might think this engine is heavy. However, Kawasaki is trying to make up for it with another figure. Its weight or lack thereof. It is much lighter than any classic bike with an engine of this size, weighing only 135 kg.
Even the 150cc FZ X is 139kg heavier. The Kawasaki W175 from India gets dual shock absorbers at the rear and telescopic suspension at the front of 110mm. The braking system is also somewhat weak when there are only front disc brakes. However, the drum brakes are from the rear. They all have two cradles in their chassis. However, the W175 is likely to have a marginally better power: weight ratio than its competitors due to its slight weight advantage. The W175 is expected to appeal to riders of all heights due to the 790 mm seat height.
At the moment, neither the launch date nor the price of the new W175 has been officially announced. However, we expect Kawasaki to announce the bike soon.
Kawasaki W175: Rivals
The Kawasaki W175 doesn’t have many competitors. Regarding high-end vintage bikes, we have FZ X, Royal Enfield, Honda, Jawa and Yezdi bikes on the low end. Looks like Royal Enfield has downgraded its position to Rs. 1.5 lakh with Hunter 350. Price point Rs. 1.5 lakh is the subject of much speculation. The Kawasaki W175 seems like a reasonable choice considering Kawasaki’s quality reputation and lightweight 135kg specification.
Image Credit: Rushlane
