A Surprising Brand’s Stunning, Super-Affordable New Retro Motorcycle Revives Throwback Thrills

Funny thing about motorcycling here in the US of A: Most of us learn to ride on relatively small bikes, yet the market itself is pretty chock full of bigger ones. 

This is not purely anecdotal. If you don’t own a motorcycle or have one to borrow, your basic rider course wheels will most likely be in the 250cc class. 

Kawasaki

Yet while most of the world embraces such bikes, in America, 75 percent of motorcycles sold are 750cc and larger.

This scenario robs many of us of even considering smaller bikes that look great, cost less, are easier to ride (especially in urban areas) and can be, frankly, just plain fun.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t out there, though. Witness this classically styled sub-$6,000 gem amidst a whole fleet of 2026 releases from Kawasaki: the W230 ABS.

Looks could thrill

Kawasaki is so well known for its Ninja sport bikes and off-road offerings, it’s easy to forget they make a whole range of motorcycles, including cruisers, touring bikes, street fighters and retro classic roadsters.

That last category is rather limited, comprising only two bikes, the W230 and the W800. 

Kawasaki

But dammit if Kawi didn’t really nail it with the smaller option, proving it’s not just Royal Enfield, Triumph and Honda serving up head-turning old-school style.

After all, the W230 boasts many hallmarks of a small-displacement classic, headlined by that lovely teardrop tank with a specially designed 3D emblem. 

Kawasaki

The silhouette, meanwhile, recalls the original W1, which hit the North American market way back in 1966. 

Additional charming retro touches include the steel fenders, spoked wheels and silver pea shooter exhaust pipe, plus the classically round LED headlight, round indicators, reflectors and mirrors and round twin gauges in front of the bars.

Ready to ride

That said, the W230 does not exist merely to sit pretty. One of a number of Kawi bikes badged “new rider friendly,” it is absolutely meant to be ridden.

The beating heart is a 233cc air-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder engine making a claimed 17 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and max torque of 14 lb-ft 5,800 rpm. 

Kawasaki

That’s not exactly going to blow anyone’s proverbial hair back, but that’s not the intent. 

With a curb weight of 315 pounds, seat height of 29.3 inches, relaxed riding position and 6-speed return shift transmission, it is instead a super-approachable way to get the hang of classic motorcycling fundamentals.

Kawasaki

Adding to the safety and comfort here is a 37mm telescopic fork with 4.6 inches of travel, twin shocks with spring preload adjustability and 3.7 inches of travel and reliable disc brakes with a modern feature those ’60s bikes sure didn’t have: ABS.

That should give noobs the confidence to safely navigate city traffic, while even seasoned vets can saddle up and find plenty of joy in the two-lane twisties.

Availability and pricing

The 2026 Kawasaki W230 ABS is available now in Metallic Matte Dark Green, starting at $5,699.

Kawasaki

2026 Kawasaki W230 ABS

• Starts at $5,699

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