Since last fall, Kawasaki has been showing the new classic W 230 and Meguro S1 models in Asia at various events.
The bikes are essentially identical, as has been the case with the Meguro brand for some time, and are expected to go on sale from the end of 2024 and then as a 2025 model year to replace the current 175 cc bikes.
Although the technical specifications have not yet been released, we can safely speculate about these two sophisticated models dedicated to those who want a motorcycle with a perfectly classic look and absolutely accessible in terms of cost, management and performance. The engine could be derived from an already well-known unit, the one that equips the Kawasaki KLX 230, albeit with different crankcases.
Undoubtedly an air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke, it would have two valves with a single camshaft and an almost square ratio between stroke and bore: 66 mm in the first case and 67 mm in the second. Compression, in the case of the KLX, is 9.4:1, maximum declared power is 19.5 hp at 7600 rpm and maximum torque is 20 Nm at 6100 rpm. The gearbox on the KLX is six-speed, but on the W it could have longer ratios and be five-speed, as is the case with its bigger sister, the W 800, which, however, we remind you, has a dedicated and very special mechanism.
Of course, the frame of the Kawasaki W 230 and Meguro S1 is as classic as you could wish for, with a double cradle frame and a tubular steel swingarm, a pair of shock absorbers at the rear and a conventional telescopic fork with bellows at the front. The wheels are spoked and are 18“ at the front and 17” at the rear. Both axles have disc brakes with ABS.
We’ll keep an eye out for any news from the Japanese manufacturer.