Kawasaki reveals W230 retro for UK
Kawasaki goes classic with the reveal of a brand-new W230, based on the brand's 1960s 650-W1 model.
Well, we weren’t expecting this. Kawasaki has entered the small-capacity retro scene with the new W230, which is set for an early 2026 release in the UK.
The W230 arrives after a recent boom in the segment, with a number of sub-500cc bikes, like Honda's GB350S, proving to be popular.
(You might like to read Editor Toad Hancock’s review of the 2025 Honda GB350S)
The new 2026 model from Kawasaki is spiritually based on the company's bigger 650-W1 which was first launched in 1965.
The W230, makes its public debut in the UK at MCL25, and will be on display at the event until 24 November at the NEC in Birmingham. It’s set to land in dealerships from January with a price of £4,654.
It makes use of a 233cc fuel-injected single-cylinder engine that produces 17.3bhp at 7,000rpm and 13.7 Ib-ft of torque at 5,800rpm.
Keeping with the look of the 650-W1, the new W230 adopts the same lightweight, low seat height, and "friendly power character that opens up '60s design to more riders than ever before", says Kawasaki UK.
Braking sees a single 265mm disc paired with a dual-piston caliper at the front. At the rear is a single 220mm disc and single-piston caliper.
The suspension setup comprises 37mm telescopic forks at the front and twin shocks with adjustable preload.
Seat height is set at 745mm, with the bike featuring an estimated dry weight of 133kg. From there, the W230 gets 150mm of ground clearance and a 12-litre fuel capacity.
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Chris Cope is a fourth-generation journalist, originally from Texas. He has lived in the UK for roughly two decades and has been writing about motorcycles for most of that time. He has written for dozens of publications and websites in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
