Kawasaki India has launched the W175 in India at Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and, at this price, takes over from the Ninja 300 as the company's most affordable motorcycle in India.
Kawasaki W175: design and features
The Kawasaki W175 borrows design cues from its charming elder sibling, the W800, and that's not a bad thing at all. The round headlight, teardrop-shaped fuel tank and boxy side panel is reminiscent of the W800. Likewise, you've got a curved fender at the rear, with the tail-light and indicators attached to it.
Meanwhile, the 790mm, single-piece seat itself looks well padded. And as far as equipment is concerned, you've got a simple analogue speedometer and six tell-tale lights – neutral, high beam, turn indicators and a couple of warning lights.
The bike will be offered in two models: Standard (black) costing Rs 1.47 lakh, and Special Edition (red) costing Rs 1.49 lakh.
Kawasaki W175: engine, chassis
The Kawasaki W175 is powered by a 13hp, 13.2Nm, 177cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine – now fed by fuel-injection to meet BS6 norms – that’s paired to a 5-speed gearbox. The power and torque figures may seem modest, but what should help the W175's case when it comes to performance is its 135kg kerb weight.
The W175's underpinnings are pretty simple. The bike employs a tubular semi double-cradle frame that's suspended by a telescopic fork and twin shock absorbers. Speaking of, the rear suspension travel is only 65mm. We wait to see how the bike rides over our monsoon ravaged roads in a few weeks.
Braking duties are handled by a single disc at the front and a drum at the rear. The absence of a disc brake at the rear is disappointing, considering the price point.
Kawasaki W175: bookings
Bookings for the Kawasaki W175 open on September 26, 2022 at all authorised dealerships and deliveries are expected to begin in December.
Let us know what you think of this affordable, retro-styled Japanese motorcycle in the comments.