Kawasaki has finally joined its peers in the competitive lightweight retro-style motorcycle sector, taking on the likes of Royal Enfield, Honda and BSA with the new W230. The W230 features styling inspired by the firm’s 1965 W1 model and the W650 of the early noughties, with a teardrop tank, spoked wheels and plenty of brightwork. All the details hark back to the classic era too, with proper analogue dials, steel mudguards and a polished ‘peashooter’ exhaust. The W230 is powered by an aircooled 233cc four stroke producing 18hp and tuned for low-down torque for unruffled progress on city streets. It’s made easy to ride by its light weight (143kg) and low seat height. The W230 will be in dealerships early in 2026, with pricing starting from £4654.
Kawasaki; 01628 856750; www.kawasaki.co.uk