The 2026 Kawasaki W175 appeals to Indian riders with its classic retro look inspired by the W-series. It combines vintage style with a practical 177 cc engine, making it great for city commutes and short trips. This lightweight bike stands out for its solid build, smooth low-end power, and dependable efficiency, even among rivals with more features. Whether you’re weaving through city traffic or taking a relaxed ride on the highway, the W175 offers straightforward enjoyment and Kawasaki’s trusted durability. It’s a strong option for those who value authenticity over raw power.
The Kawasaki W175 combines a classic retro look with modern reliability. It has a 177 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 9.6 kW (13 PS) at 7,500 rpm and 13.2 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. The bike features fuel injection, a simple SOHC two-valve setup, and a 9.1:1 compression ratio. It also includes digital ignition and an electric start for easy use. An engine balancer helps reduce vibrations,making rides smoother and more enjoyable. The build quality is strong, comparable to that of more expensive bikes, which adds to its durability.
The W175’s 177 cc engine delivers ample low- to mid-range torque, making it ideal for navigating congested Indian traffic without frequent gear changes. Power output of 9.6 kW at 7,500 rpm supports unhurried yet fun performance, aided by the lightweight 135 kg kerb mass and rigid double-cradle steel frame tuned for stable handling. Riders experience smooth acceleration in urban conditions, with the air-cooled setup proving reliable for daily commutes and short tours.
The W175 comes with a 5-speed gearbox and a wet multi-disc clutch, making gear changes smooth and easy. This setup works well with the engine’s strong torque, so riding stays comfortable even at low speeds. The Kawasaki W175 can reach a top speed of about 110 kmph, which is enough for overtaking and steady cruising on Indian highways. This matches its commuter-retro style, focusing more on useful torque than high speed.
MILEAGE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY
The W175 has an ARAI-certified mileage of 45 kmpl for all versions. With its efficient fuel-injected 177 cc engine and a 12-litre tank, it can go over 540 km on a full tank. This shows Kawasaki’s focus on fuel efficiency for Indian buyers who want to save on running costs.
In real-world use, Indian riders report an average mileage of 40 kmpl. City rides usually give 37-41.5kmpl, while highway rides can reach 44 kmpl. Factors like traffic, rider weight, and maintenance can affect these numbers, sometimes dropping to about 39.7 kmpl in city tests. Still, these figures are good for this segment.
FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY
The Kawasaki W175 stands out in India for its retro-inspired design, blending classic looks with practical features for daily commuting.
Engine: 177 cc air-cooled,SOHC 4-stroke single-cylinder with fuel injection (FI), 9.6 kW (13PS) @ 7,500 rpm, 13.2 N·m @ 6,000 rpm, 9.1:1 compression, bore x stroke 65.5 mm x 52.4 mm, electric start.
Frame:Double cradle, high-tensile steel for rigidity and stability.
Suspension Front: 33 mm telescopic fork with 130 mm travel.
Suspension Rear: Swingarm with twin gas-charged shocks, 5-step preload adjustable, 150 mm travel.
Brakes Front: 270 mm disc with single-piston calliper.
Brakes Rear: 200 mm drum.
Wheels Standard (W175): 17-inch spoke wheels with tubed tyres (80/100-17 front, 90/80-17rear).
Wheels Street Variant: 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres (100/80-17 front, 130/80-17rear).
Dimensions: Wheelbase 1,325 mm, rake/trail 27.0°/99 mm, ground clearance 157 mm, seat height 790 mm, fuel tank 12 litres, kerb weight 135 kg.
Tyres: Front 80/100-17 M/C 46P tubed (standard), Rear 90/80-17 M/C 50P tubed (standard);tubeless on Street.
Instrument Console: Analogue speedometer with digital tachometer, odometer, tripmeter, fuel gauge, clock, and gear position indicator.
Lighting: Round halogen headlamp (35/35 W), LED taillight, position lamps.
Electricals: 12V 6 Ah battery, 35/35 W headlight, 5 W taillight.
Seat: Long split tuck-and-roll retro seat for pillion comfort.
Additional: Engine balancer for reduced vibration, side-stand interlock, and bonded aluminium fuel cap.
BUILD QUALITY
The W175 uses a double-cradle high-tensile steel frame, built to high standards. Its premium paint resists chipping and gives the bike a solid feel, setting it apart from other bikes in its class. The 33mm telescopic forks and twin rear shocks also offer strong damping.
The bike’s 135 kg kerb weight shows good engineering without making it too heavy. Indian riders appreciate the quality, mentioning tight panel gaps, strong chrome accents on some parts, and an engine bay that feels like it belongs to a bigger bike. Some minor weld marks can be seen if you look closely.
HANDLING
The strong double-cradle frame, along with a 27° rake and 99 mm trail, gives the W175 stable handling, agility in city traffic, and steady performance up to 90 kmph on highways. The 17-inch wheels and well-sized tyres help with predictable cornering, and the low centre of gravity makes it easy to change direction quickly, even on rough Indian roads.
Reviewers say the W175 has neutral steering and doesn’t wobble much during braking, making it good for beginners and still fun on winding roads. However, the tall gearing means riders need to adjust when riding slowly.
COMFORT
The upright riding position, 790 mm seat height, front-set footpegs, and wide handlebars make the W175 comfortable for riders up to 6 feet tall. It’s great for city commutes and short trips. The split seat has enough padding for rides up to two hours, and the soft front forks and adjustable rear shocks do a good job of absorbing bumps without hitting the limit.
There’s plenty of space for a passenger, thanks to the long rear seat. The engine balancer keeps vibrations low, so long rides are less tiring. However, taller riders might find the legroom a bit tight.
STYLING
The W175 has a classic retro look, with a teardrop-shaped 12-litre fuel tank, ribbed split seat, and round halogen headlamp that reminds you of Kawasaki bikes from the 1960s. Chrome details on the fuel cap and exhaust add a premium feel.
The blacked-out engine and frame give the bike a modern, simple look without using flashy plastics. Its upright stance, rounded fenders, and either wire-spoke or alloy wheels (depending on the variant) complete the classic style. The W175 stands out in Indian cities for its true retro appeal, focusing on simple,durable design. Subtle graphics on the tank add a bit of personality,
COLOUR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS
Kawasaki offers the W175 in six striking colours
Ebony (deep black)
Metallic Graphite Grey
Metallic Ocean Blue
Metallic Moondust Gray (Street Variant)
Candy Emerald Green (Street Variant)
These colours boost the bike’s retro appeal. Dual-tone options, like red with classic pinstripes, add extra style. Ebony gives an all-black, stealthy look, while bright colours like Candy Persimmon Red and Candy Emerald Green stand out on Indian roads. All colours are available on different variants at no extra cost, and recent updates keep the choices fresh for personalisation.
The W175 is available in two variants :
Standard – 17-inch wire-spoke wheels and tubed tyres (80/100-17 front, 90/80-17 rear), emphasising classic ruggedness.
Street – The Street variant upgrades to 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres (100/80-17 front, 130/80-17 rear) for puncture resistance and easier maintenance.
Both variants have the same mechanical parts but different wheels. The Street version is better for city riders who want less maintenance. There are no extra sub-variants like Cafe or TR in India, so the lineup stays simple and easy to choose from.
VALUE FOR MONEY AND PRICINIG
The Kawasaki W175’s ex-showroom price in Delhi starts at ₹1,19,000. It offers great value with its strong build, smooth 177 cc engine, and real retro style, which is hard to find in bikes under ₹1.5 lakh. This makes it worth the extra cost for fans who want something special. Owners mention its long-term reliability, low maintenance (like Honda), and good resale value, which help offset its basic features, such as the drum rear brake and the lack of ABS. Plus, its 40+ kmpl mileage helps save money over time.
Critics say the W175 has less power and fewer features than some rivals, but it stands out for its pure riding feel and brand prestige. This makes it a good choice for buyers who care about image, even at a price of ₹20,000-30,000 higher. Overall, it attracts riders who value heritage over specs and gets high marks for durability in Indian reviews.
Primary rivals include the
Yamaha MT-15
Yamaha FZ-X
Honda Hornet 2.0
Bajaj Avenger 160
However, the W175 stands out because of its compact size and Kawasaki’s reliable performance, especially in Indian cities.
VERDICT
Overall, the Kawasaki W175 is a standout retro commuter in India. It’s popular for its strong build, authentic vintage style, and easy ownership, even though it doesn’t have the most power or features. It’s an excellent choice for riders who want Japanese reliability, smooth rides, and eye-catching looks, rather than the latest technology found in bikes like the TVS Ronin or Royal Enfield Hunter 350.
The W175 is perfect for city riding, offering real-world mileage of 40 kmpl and easy maintenance. It’s best for riders who appreciate its simple joys. If you want more power for highways, you might want to consider other options. Take a test ride to see its quiet charm for yourself.
PROS
Premium Build and Fit-Finish :A high-tensile steel double-cradle frame, superior paint quality, and solid components rival those of larger bikes, ensuring durability on Indian roads.
Authentic Retro Styling :Teardrop tank, tuck-and-roll seat, round headlamp, and chrome accents deliver genuine 1960s W-series heritage, making it stand out in traffic.
Smooth Low-End Performance :177 cc engine provides tractable torque (13.2 Nm) for effortless city riding, a quick 0-60 kmph in 5.26 sec, and a light 135 kg weight for agility
Comfortable Ride Quality :Upright ergonomics, 790 mm seat height, plush split seat, and plush suspension (130 mm front, 150 mm rear adjustable) suit 1-2 hour commutes and pillion use.
Fuel Efficiency :ARAI 45 kmpl, real-world 40 kmpl average, with a 12-litre tank for 480+ km range, low running costs.
Reliable Gearbox and Clutch :Slick 5-speed shifts (mostly), light clutch action ideal for stop-go traffic.
Good Braking :270 mm front disc with single-channel ABS provides confident stopping (60 kmph in 17.52 m).
Minimal Vibrations :Engine balancer keeps it refined up to 80 kmph, light handling for beginners.
Kawasaki Badge Prestige :Strong resale, widespread service network, and low maintenance like Japanese peers.
CONS
Limited Top-End Power :Struggles beyond 80 kmph, tops 110 kmph with vibes and a lack of steam for highways compared to 200+ cc rivals.
Basic Features :Halogen lights, analogue-digital console (no tach on some), drum rear brake, no USB/Bluetooth, outdated vs LED/ABS rivals.
Premium Pricing :Feels steep for a 13 PS output, and it lacks value compared to feature-rich alternatives like Ronin or Hunter.
Rear Drum Brake :Fades under hard use, lacks confidence in wet conditions without the rear disc option.
Occasional Gear Hesitation :Shifts not always slick, neutral hard to find, worse than some commuters.
Reported Quality Issues :Some users report engine overheating, leg heat, wobbling above 60 kmph, inaccurate speedo/fuel gauge, and poor mileage claims (20-22 kmpl in isolated cases).
No Accessories :Lacks standard backrest, visor, or covers; extras are costly from the dealer.
Heavy Feel in Low Speeds : Tall gearing demands frequent downshifts for turns, which is effortful in dense traffic.
India Kawasaki Motors Pvt. Ltd. (IKM) is a subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Limited, Japan. The Indian journey of Kawasaki began in 2009 with the launch of two iconic models Ninja 650 and Ninja 250. Since its inception, IKM has been committed to delivering high-quality products and services to the Indian market. In July 2013, the company took complete control of its operations in India, including assembly, marketing, distribution, and after-sales service, further strengthening its foothold in the country. This transition marked a new chapter in IKM’s Indian venture, allowing it to establish a stronger connection with its customers and offer them a seamless and satisfying experience throughout their ownership journey.
Journey of Innovation
Over the years, IKM has strived for excellence and innovation, consistently introducing cutting-edge technologies and performance-driven motorcycles to cater to the diverse needs of Indian riders. With a focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, the successful alliance with its Indian partner came to an end on 1st April 2017. This milestone marked IKM’s readiness to face the competition head-on, positioning itself as a formidable force in the Indian motorcycle market.
Performance and Innovation
Today, Kawasaki Bikes stands tall as a brand synonymous with power, performance, and precision engineering. Its wide range of motorcycles appeals to various segments of riders, from sportbike enthusiasts to adventure seekers and touring aficionados. With a commitment to pushing boundaries and a legacy of excellence, Kawasaki continues to leave a lasting impact on the Indian motorcycling community. As it embraces the future with determination, IKM remains dedicated to creating motorcycles that inspire and exhilarate riders, cementing its position as a leader in the two-wheeler industry in India and beyond.
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Hiran Narayanan
Founder & CTO at Bikeleague India
Hiran Narayanan is the Founder and CTO of Bikeleague India, bringing over 15 years of experience in motorcycle technical writing. He develops detailed analyses, tools, model overviews, and blogs that contribute to bikeleague.in's improving rankings.
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