Kawasaki W175 Expert Review

The Kawasaki W175 is the smaller and more affordable sibling of the W800, carrying the same classic retro styling. It gets a round chrome-trimmed halogen headlamp, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, curved fenders, a boxy side panel and a simple tail-lamp, giving it an old-school look. While the design is attractive, the motorcycle looks a little small and basic, especially in the black colour.

The W175 has a comfortable and upright riding position with an easy reach to the handlebar and front-set footpegs. Its 790mm seat height also makes it approachable for most riders. However, the seat is narrow and has limited cushioning, which can become uncomfortable on longer rides. Taller riders may also find the compact dimensions slightly cramped.

The 177cc air-cooled engine produces 13hp. While it is not the most powerful motorcycle in its segment, its light 135kg weight helps it feel lively at city speeds. The engine is refined, has a pleasant exhaust note and delivers a strong mid-range with good low-speed tractability. It pulls well up to around 80kph before performance starts to fade.

The W175 offers a good balance between comfort and handling. It feels light, easy to ride and turns into corners effortlessly. Despite its slim Ceat tyres, grip and rider feedback are confidence-inspiring. The suspension handles most road imperfections well without feeling too soft or too firm, although sharper bumps can unsettle it at times.

The W175 stays true to its retro theme with a simple analogue instrument cluster and basic equipment. It comes with a front disc brake and single-channel ABS. However, features like a rear disc brake, dual-channel ABS, a tachometer and a USB charging port are missing, making the equipment list feel limited for its price.

The Kawasaki W175 is positioned as a premium retro commuter. If you want a simple, easygoing and classic retro motorcycle with a strong focus on riding experience, the W175 delivers on its promise.