Kawasaki's modern classic motorcycle W175 its most affordable at Rs 1.47 lakh
Kawasaki has localised the production of W175 for the Indian market and is currently the only model in the Japanese brand’s lineup to be locally manufactured in India completely.
Kawasaki has rolled out a new entry-level model in the form of W175 with prices starting at Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom). With this launch, W15 becomes the most affordable offering in the Japanese brand’s lineup in India, displacing the popular Ninja 300.
It is also the most affordable bike in the W range of modern classic motorcycles comprising models like W250 and W800—the latter being sold in the Indian market. The company has started accepting bookings for W175 while deliveries are expected to commence from December 2022 onwards.
Design
W175 flaunts a modern classic design which borrows retro styling elements from its elder siblings. The bike oozes an old-school retro charm with its round headlight, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a traditional curved fender at the rear, round taillights and turns indicators, circular rearview mirrors, fork gaiters and a boxy side panel.
Modern classic design of Kawasaki W175
A peashooter exhaust muffler and wire-spoked rims further amplify the old-school charm of the bike’s aesthetics. The motorcycle offers relaxed ergonomics with an upright riding posture and centre-set footpegs. The single-piece saddle is accessible at 790mm. Kawasaki is offering W175 in two colour options– a standard Ebony Black and a Special Edition Red which costs Rs 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
Features
Kawasaki W175 boasts very humble equipment comprising features like halogen illumination and a retro-style analogue speedometer with a small digital display for fuel gauge and odometer. The round console is flanked by six tell-tale lights– neutral, high beam, turn indicators and a couple of warning lights.
Kawasaki W175 in Special Edition Red
Mechanical specs
Powering W175 is a 177cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected motor that produces a modest 13 hp at 7,500rpm and a peak torque of 13.2 Nm at 6,000rpm. This engine is paired with a five-speed transmission. While output figures are nothing to rave about, a low kerb weight of 135 kg helps the bike’s case.
Even the hardware components involved in W175 are very basic. The retro motorcycle is underpinned by a tubular semi-double-cradle frame suspended on 30mm telescopic forks up front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. The rear unit has a travel of only 65mm which seems inadequate for a bike on Indian roads.
177cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected motor in W175
ALSO READ
Anchorage duties are handled by a single 270mm disc brake at the front and a 110mm drum brake at the rear, complemented by a single channel. The wire-spoked rims are shod with thin 80/100 front and 100/90 rear tyres. Considering its price, W175 competes against the recently launched TVS Ronin and Royal Enfield Hunter 350, although it is down on specifications when compared to both.
Edited by Kanishk Singh