Following the rich heritage of the classically-styled Kawasaki W series first introduced in 1966, the all-new W230 brings the W heritage to the 250cc class with a light weight and seat height that allows even more motorcyclists to experience the Kawasaki W tradition.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2025 Kawasaki W230 ABS: CLASSIC AND MODERN.
Introducing the 2025 Kawasaki W230 ABS…
Kawasaki proudly announces the addition of the all-new 2025 W230 ABS motorcycle to its iconic W series, a line renowned for its blend of classic design and reliable performance. The storied lineage of the W series began with the 1965 650-W1 model and has evolved through the decades, staying true to its heritage while embracing innovation. The latest member, the W230 ABS, marks a significant expansion into the popular 250cc category, offering a 233cc retro sport motorcycle that combines timeless style with modern accessibility. Designed to cater to a broader range of riders, the W230 ABS features an inviting seat height and lightweight build, making the classic W experience more attainable than ever before.
The W230 ABS is powered by a 233cc air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC, single-cylinder engine that delivers a delightful, rumbling performance. The engine’s linear power delivery and ample torque across the rev range ensure smooth and comfortable acceleration, particularly in the low- to mid-rpm zones. This is complemented by a balancer that enhances overall smoothness, providing a riding experience that is both engaging and refined. The bike’s compact, lightweight chassis supports both enjoyable cruising and nimble handling, offering a versatile ride that reflects Kawasaki’s commitment to rider-friendly design.
Aesthetically, the W230 ABS embodies the classic elegance of the W series while integrating contemporary touches. Its styling pays homage to the traditional proportions and graceful lines that have long defined Kawasaki’s retro machines, yet the modern engine and updated features create a well-rounded, stylish package that appeals to enthusiasts of many generations.
Following the rich heritage of the classically-styled Kawasaki W series first introduced in 1966, the all-new W230 brings the W heritage to the 250cc class with a light weight and seat height that allows even more motorcyclists to experience the Kawasaki W tradition.
2025 Kawasaki W230 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- 233cc air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC single-cylinder engine
- Lightweight semi-double cradle frame
- Relaxed, upright riding position with low 29.3-inch seat height
- 37mm telescopic fork paired with twin shocks
- Large-diameter spoked wheels
- W-family style brake components equipped with ABS
- Traditional instrumentation with modern functionality
- Iconic W-series styling that pays homage to the 650-W1
ENGINE
• Tuned to prioritize torque and deliver robust low and mid range power with a flat torque curve for strong and predictable acceleration.
• The crankshaft’s moment of inertia contributes to smooth low-end performance, while the heavy flywheel contributes to smooth acceleration and reduces sensitivity to sudden throttle inputs so the W230 is easy to ride.
• Gear-driven engine balancer reduces engine vibration and helps smooth power delivery at all rpm, contributing to rider comfort and ride quality.
• Electronic fuel injection settings help deliver smooth, precise throttle response that facilitates initial acceleration from a stop and making tight low-speed turns.
• Intake duct length, narrow intake port and small intake valve optimize airflow to help provide smooth roll-on throttle response.
• Buffed stainless steel exhaust pipe has an attractive curving line stretching from the engine to the tip of the muffler.
• The muffler produces a pleasant rumble during acceleration, but is more subdued when cruising at partial throttle for a more pleasant ride feel. Both the muffler tip and exhaust pipe upstream of the muffler have the same diameter for a streamlined appearance.
• Six-speed transmission provides excellent performance on city streets and easy cruising when the road opens up.
• Long final gearing allows a wide speed range in each gear for smooth cruising.
• Lightweight semi-double cradle frame has geometry that provides predictable, simple handling.
• Optimized rigidity balance contributes to the light weight and light, natural cornering performance.
• The swingarm has an elliptical cross-section to reduce its diameter while providing optimum torsional rigidity and flex.
• Twin rear shocks and 37mm front fork provide a supple ride and composed handling character.
• Spoked wheels enhance the traditional W-family looks.
• Single 265mm front brake disc with dual piston caliper and 220mm rear disc squeezed by singlepiston caliper provide ample stopping power.
• Standard ABS provides added reassurance to riders in many situations.
• Relaxed, upright riding position contributes to ride comfort and rider control.
• Low seat height and slim seat design helps inspire confidence by allowing a wide range of riders to easily touch their feet to the ground at stops.
• Sculpted fuel tank provides a natural place for the for the rider’s knees to grip, contributing to ride comfort and feeling of control.
• Rubber seat pads where it contacts the frame, rubber-surfaced footpegs with vibration-absorbing weights, and handlebar end weights help reduce vibration reaching the rider for a more comfortable ride.
HISTORIC APPEARANCE
The W230 features styling touches directly descended from the original W1 model and exudes a simple, timeless beauty that classic motorcycle enthusiasts will appreciate.
• W models have always had an identifiable engine, and that of the W230 features large, rounded cylinder head cooling fins with machined tips that helps the engine to stand out as a styling feature.
• The all-black cylinder is set against silver cases and the silver cylinder head is a further throwback to the original W1 model.
• Curving crankcase covers contribute to the classic look. The right side cover is a single surface also reminiscent of the W1, with lines added around the case that further enhances the appearance. The left side cover blends with the counter shaft sprocket cover to maintain the W family appearance.
• Chrome throttle body cover accentuates the retro style.
• Peashooter muffler is consistent with the W1 heritage.
• Classic teardrop fuel tank with special 3-D W emblem helps form horizontal lines to match the muffler and seat.
• Like previous W models, the seat is true to the heritage with a black padded-style design on the seat top, white sides and white piping as an accent.
• The front fender edges fold inward for an elegant look when viewed from the front and sides.
• Blending retro looks with modern designs, the LED headlight casts a bright, white light for excellent visibility at night, while the painted headlight housing maintains provides just enough volume to maintain the W look.
• Stylish taillight is complemented by a vintage-styled stay, while large round turn signals complete the retro theme.
• Traditional instrumentation includes separate speedometer and tachometers with classic analog dial displays. A small multi-function LCD screen incorporates the odometer, trip meter and a clock., while a full range of indicator lamps includes FI warning, turn signal indicators, low fuel warning, high beam indicator and neutral indicator.
KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES FALL RELEASE OF 2025 STREET MOTORCYCLES
No matter what type of motorcycle you’re looking for, Kawasaki’s 2025 lineup has the model for you as it welcomes the return of several hypersport, supersport, sport, retro classic, hypernaked, supernaked, mini naked, retro sport, cruiser, adventure touring, and dual-sport models to its street motorcycle lineup. These 2025 model-year motorcycles are set to arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the fall months so that riders can continue to “Let the Good Times Roll.”
2025 Kawasaki W230 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
ENGINE
The Kawasaki W230 ABS retro sport motorcycle is designed with a focus on blending classic style with modern engineering. At its heart lies a fuel-injected 233cc air-cooled 4-stroke single engine, which embodies reliability and delivers strong performance. This engine configuration features a bore and stroke of 67.0 x 66.0mm. It is finely tuned to prioritize torque, offering a robust low to mid-range pull that is both strong and predictable, ideal for riders seeking a manageable ride. Additionally, the optimized intake duct length, narrow intake port, and small intake valve promote quick intake airflow, ensuring smooth acceleration. Iridium spark plugs are used to improve combustion, further enhancing the engine’s efficiency and performance.
The simplicity of the engine is highlighted by its SOHC 2-valve design, which reduces complexity and contributes to its rider-friendly character. This design makes the W230 ABS particularly suited for fun and relaxed cruising. The fuel injection system enhances this experience by providing precise and stable fuel delivery that is unaffected by external conditions like air temperature or atmospheric pressure. This system ensures excellent starting capabilities, whether the engine is hot or cold, and helps maintain clean emissions. The ECU settings are specifically tailored to the W230 ABS, optimizing throttle response during initial acceleration and providing riders with confidence and control.
Further contributing to the smooth and enjoyable ride is the crankshaft’s moment of inertia, which facilitates smooth performance at lower RPMs. The heavy flywheel mass reduces throttle sensitivity and makes the engine less likely to stall when the throttle is opened at slower speeds. This allows the W230 ABS to maintain a consistent RPM, promoting a gentle and calm cruising experience. The motorcycle’s comfort and ride quality are enhanced by a gear-driven engine balancer, which effectively minimizes engine vibrations and ensures smooth power delivery across all RPM ranges. This helps to reduce rider fatigue on longer rides and combined with the smooth power delivery of the engine, adds to the quality feel of the motorcycle.
The exhaust system is a testament to its blend of functionality and aesthetics. The pipe, with its buffed finish, is designed to be visually appealing. The exhaust port is strategically located to emphasize the graceful curve of the exhaust pipe as it extends from the engine to the silencer. The inclusion of a catalyzer in the center pipe meets emissions standards, and a heat guard maintains a sleek appearance by making the curved pipe appear straight. The internal structure of the silencer is designed to produce a sound with plenty of bass and resonance, contributing to the engine’s pulse when the throttle is opened. At partial throttle, the sound is subdued, enhancing the overall ride experience.
The transmission features six speeds, providing versatile performance that excels on the road. The long secondary reduction ratio allows for a wide speed range in each gear, facilitating smooth cruising. The clutch is equipped with friction material selected for its ability to deliver a smooth response when feathering, ensuring seamless transitions and enhancing the bike’s overall ease of use.
CHASSIS
The Kawasaki W230 ABS chassis is crafted to deliver a lightweight and agile riding experience, well suited for a range of riders. Its lightweight frame is paired with dimensions that promote straightforward and easy handling, allowing for comfortable cruising and a light, predictable riding character. This design philosophy ensures that the W230 ABS maintains its reputation for being fun and accessible, offering a riding experience that can be appreciated by all. The semi-double-cradle frame features optimized rigidity, contributing to the motorcycle’s overall light weight without compromising structural integrity.
A key aspect of the chassis is the rigidity of the frame and swingarm. This design choice helps to keep the weight low, contributing to the model’s status as one of the lightest in the 250cc retro sport category at just 315.3 lbs. The reduced rigidity enhances the bike’s natural cornering performance, ensuring that the handling remains predictable and unhurried. Additionally, the four rigid engine mounts effectively reduce unwanted machine vibrations, providing a pleasant pulsating ride feel that complements the bike’s overall character. This thoughtful engineering results in a chassis that not only supports the retro aesthetic but also delivers a modern, enjoyable riding experience.
SUSPENSION
The Kawasaki W230 ABS motorcycle is equipped with a suspension system designed to enhance rider confidence and enjoyment through its supple ride and composed handling. At the front, a 37mm telescopic fork contributes significantly to the bike’s well-balanced and steady performance on the street. This fork is complemented by a 190mm fork tube pitch, a 27.0° caster angle, and 3.7 inches of trail, all of which work together to provide slow-and-steady lean characteristics. These features ensure that the W230 ABS handles smoothly and predictably, allowing riders to feel secure and in control, whether navigating city streets or taking on mountain roads.
At the rear, the W230 ABS sports a twin shock setup, offering a classic ride feel that is both comfortable and responsive. These rear shocks come with a 5-step preload adjustment, allowing riders to tailor the suspension settings to match their personal preferences and riding conditions. This adjustability ensures that the motorcycle can accommodate a variety of rider weights and loads, maintaining optimal performance and comfort. Additionally, the swingarm’s elliptical cross-section is designed to reduce diameter and optimize torsional and lateral flex, contributing to the overall agility and stability of the bike. This suspension setup makes the W230 ABS an appealing choice for riders seeking a blend of classic aesthetics and modern handling capabilities.
BRAKES & WHEELS
Fitted with spoked 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, the Kawasaki W230 ABS features a classic design that evokes the traditional aesthetics of the W-family. These wheels not only enhance the retro look but also contribute to a high-quality ride comfort by optimizing the relationship between the suspension and tire pressure. The tires, designed with a retro-style profile, complement the overall vintage appeal of the bike. The front tire is sized at 90/90-18M/C 51S, while the rear is 110/90-17M/C 60S, providing a balanced and stable ride across various road conditions.
For braking, the W230 is equipped with a reliable system that ensures rider confidence. The front features a single round 265mm brake disc paired with dual-piston calipers, delivering ample stopping power while maintaining the W-family style. At the rear, a 220mm round disc operated by a single-piston caliper offers effective braking performance. The inclusion of standard ABS provides riders with added reassurance in various riding situations. This combination of traditional aesthetics and modern safety features makes the W230 a compelling choice for riders who appreciate both style and functionality.
ERGONOMICS
The ergonomics on the Kawasaki W230 ABS are designed to offer a comfortable and accessible riding experience for a wide range of riders. Its lightweight chassis, combined with a low seat height of 29.3 inches and a slim seat design, facilitates the reach to the ground, enhancing confidence and control. The relaxed, upright riding position, achieved through the thoughtful placement of the handlebar, seat, and footpegs, not only provides comfort but also facilitates excellent control of the motorcycle.
Further enhancing rider comfort, the W230 ABS features a sculpted fuel tank that offers excellent grip at the knees, contributing to a stable and comfortable ride. The footpegs are equipped with rubber pads and vibration-absorbing weights. Bar end weights on the handlebar also help to minimize unwanted vibrations, allowing riders to enjoy the pleasant pulsating sensation of the engine. These ergonomic features combine to create a riding experience that is both enjoyable and accommodating, making the W230 ABS a versatile and appealing choice for a wide range of motorcyclists.
INSTRUMENTATION
The traditional instrumentation found on the W230 ABS seamlessly blends classic aesthetics with modern functionality. The motorcycle’s dashboard includes separate speedometer and tachometer gauges, each with a classic display that enhances its retro charm. An integrated multi-function LCD screen provides additional information, such as the odometer, trip meter, and clock, offering riders a comprehensive overview of their ride. The full range of indicator lamps includes an FI warning lamp, dual turn signal indicators, a low fuel level indicator, a high beam indicator, and a neutral indicator, ensuring that essential information is always easily accessible.
Adding to the classic feel, the meter gauges prominently display the iconic “W” brand logo, and the use of a specially designed font with yellow text on a black background contributes to an elegant appearance. Despite the retro styling, the compact switchgear on the handlebars ensures a light and uncluttered look while incorporating modern internals for a sleek appearance. This thoughtful combination of traditional style and modern technology makes the W230 ABS’s instrumentation both functional and visually appealing, enhancing the overall riding experience.
STYLING
The Kawasaki W230 ABS proudly carries the torch of the W series, embodying the classic styling that has defined the lineage since the original models. This motorcycle exudes a simple, timeless beauty that resonates with enthusiasts of classic motorcycles. The design team focused on “building a beautiful engine” which is evident in the meticulous styling touches added to the air-cooled single engine. This classic-styled engine is not only lightweight and straightforward but also a joy to behold. The cylinder head features rounded, large-size fins that accentuate the engine’s elegant shape, while the fin tips are machined to stand out visually, emphasizing the distinctive air-cooled identity of the W series. The cylinder’s black paint pays homage to the 650-W1 model, firmly establishing the W230 ABS as part of the W family.
The attention to detail continues with the crankcase covers, which are crafted to display curvature for a refined and high-quality look. The right-side crankcase cover is integrated into a single curved surface, a design nod to the original 650-W1. This highlights the engine’s presence with added lines that create a sense of undulation and a crisp, clean appearance. On the left side, the crankcase cover is seamlessly blended with the chain case, mirroring the shape of the 650-W1 and reaffirming the connection the W230 ABS has to its heritage. Additional retro touches include a chrome fuel injector cover and an elegantly constructed oil filter cover, enhancing the engine’s overall aesthetic.
The exhaust system also reflects its classic roots, featuring a peashooter silencer design similar to that of the 650-W1 motorcycle, crafted from all-stainless steel with Kawasaki’s premium buffed finish. This, along with the horizontal lines of the teardrop fuel tank, silencer, and seat, creates a harmonious and elegant vintage style. The fuel tank is adorned with a specially designed 3D “W” emblem, whose flowing design from front to rear expresses a sense of speed and riding enjoyment. Complementing this is the chrome-plated handlebar, adding to the bike’s stylish, high-quality appearance. The seat features a classic Kawasaki shape with horizontal lines, padding and white piping which round out the vintage look.
Adding to the distinctive styling are the elegantly curved side covers and the swingarm pivot cover, contributing to a neat and tidy appearance. The front fender is crafted with just the right amount of curvature, and its edges are carefully folded inward for a high-quality, elegant look. The blend of retro and modern design is highlighted in the 130mm LED headlight, which casts a bright, white light and features two chambers for low and high beams. The headlight housing, with its balanced volume and quality paint, adds to the W aesthetic. Large-sized turn signals and a stylish taillight echo classic Kawasaki models, enhancing the bike’s elegance and sense of belonging to the W family. The color and graphics merge inspiration from its W heritage with modern elements, ensuring broad appeal among riders. With strategic use of steel and chrome, the W230 ABS achieves a high-grade look reminiscent of large-displacement W models from past and present.
ACCESSORIES
A number of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories (KGA) are available for the W230 ABS, allowing riders to customize their motorcycle, including knee pads, a rear carrier, type-C USB outlet, and chrome engine guards.
2025 Kawasaki W230 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $5,599 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ NA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
POWER
| POWER | |
| Engine | 4-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves, air-cooled |
| Displacement | 233cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 67.0 x 66.0mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Maximum Torque | 14.0 lb-ft @ 5,800 rpm |
| Fuel System | DFI® with 32mm throttle bodies |
| Ignition | TCBI with Digital Advance |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return shift |
| Final Drive | Sealed chain |
| Electronic Rider Aids | Anti-lock Brake System |
PERFORMANCE
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel | 37mm telescopic fork/4.6 in |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel | Twin shocks with spring preload adjustability/3.7 in |
| Front Tire | 90/90-18 |
| Rear Tire | 110/90-17 |
| Front Brakes | Single 265mm disc with 2-piston calipers, ABS |
| Rear Brakes | Single 220mm disc with 1-piston caliper, ABS |
DETAILS
| DETAILS | |
| Frame Type | Semi-double cradle, steel |
| Rake/Trail | 27.0°/3.7 in |
| Overall Length | 83.6 in |
| Overall Width | 31.4 in |
| Overall Height | 42.9 in |
| Ground Clearance | 5.9 in |
| Seat Height | 29.3 in |
| Dry Weight | 293.2 lb** |
| Curb Weight | 315.2 lb* |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.1 gal |
| Wheelbase | 55.7 in |
| Color Choices | Metallic Ocean Blue/Ebony |
2025 Kawasaki W230 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
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2025 Kawasaki W230 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
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Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
