Kawasaki W230 Announced For The UK: Does It Make Sense For India?

Kawasaki has announced a new retro-styled roadster, the W230 for the UK market, to go on sale in 2026. With 1960s inspired styling, particularly inspired by the 1965 Kawasaki 650 W-1 model, the new W230 promises to take on other modern classic models in Europe, like the Honda GB350S, BSA Bantam 350 and Royal Enfield Classic 350. On paper, the Kawasaki W230 seems to make for a good candidate for the Indian market as well, with growing popularity in the sub-350 cc modern classic segment.

Also Read: Kawasaki KLX230 First Ride Review

But will it be launched? And if it is, will Kawasaki be able to make the cut and make the W230 a success, unlike the similar-styled W175? We take a look at what the W230 offers and if it has a chance to make Indian retro-styled roadster loves warm up to this new Kawasaki modern classic.

The W230 is based on a 233 cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 17.3 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 18.6 Nm at 5,800 rpm. With a kerb weight of just 133 kg, and a 745 mm seat height, the W230 looks to be a promising entry-level modern classic, with 150 mm ground clearance and 12-litre fuel capacity. Suspension set-up consists of 37 mm telescopic front forks and twin shocks with adjustable preload. Braking duties are handled by front and rear discs, with a 265 mm front disc with a dual-piston caliper and a 220 mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper.

Also Read: Kawasaki KLX230 Prices Reduced To Rs. 1.99 Lakh

On the styling front, the Kawasaki W230 seems to nail the modern classic design look, and the overall dimensions and key specifications also look promising. If Kawasaki does consider introducing it in India, what will be a deciding factor will be localisation and pricing. If Kawasaki India manages to chalk out a similar India strategy for the W230 as it did for the KLX230 dual-sport, the W230 could be one single-cylinder Kawasaki model which could make the Japanese brand more widely known.

In the end, the Kawasaki W230 promises to be a lightweight modern classic alternative to bestsellers in India, like the Royal Enfield 350s, Honda CB350, Jawa and Yezdi models, even though on paper, power and torque figures of the W230 look to be lower than others in the sub-350 cc modern classic segment. What goes for it, is its lightweight design, which should make new riders and even first-time owners feel comfortable with its compact size and easy dimensions.