There are only few motorcycles which resembles the retro character with modern techs. Technology ruined the old school way of motorcycling but I never failed to admit that it improved the ride quality and ensured the rider's safety. While everyone is racing in the competitive moto industry, some of the bike makers still gives the retro feel via their models. Kawasaki W175 is one of it and so the article is all about.
Kawasaki's W model is a line of motorcycles which shared some of its elements with the British models. Began in the year 1965, Kawasaki traveled its journey through time and like every other bike makers, they also migrated to modern electronics for both fueling and safety purposes.
In India, Kawasaki introduced its W moniker through the W800. But, it hasn't reached much customers. Years later, W175 joined the family which became a eyeball grabber due to its affordability and personality. While everyone is on the lust of modern fancy electronics and other stuffs, Kawasaki is one of the few manufacturers still sticks to the word retro.
To begin with, tear drop shaped fuel tank is bolted to steel double cradle frame which is suspended on 30mm telescopic forks on the front with 110mm travel and preload adjustable dual shocks on the rear with 64mm travel. Other retro elements includes circular halogen headlamp with chrome bezels and turn indicators, long piece flat seat, minimalized body panels and single piece grabrail for the pillion.
Handlebar is upright and together with the center set footpegs, it gives the rider a comfy riding ergonomics and maneuverability. Sitting under the fuel tank is a air cooled 177cc single overhead cam driven 2 valve motor punching out 13PS of power & 13.2Nm of torque @ 7500 & 6000rpm respectively and the motor is paired to a 5 speed transmission system. This may not be the perfect setup for freeway cruising but the best one for the day to day city usage.
Fuel tank's capacity is 12 litres and the 17" wired spoke rims are wrapped with 80 & 100 section rubbers. Talking about the wheels, front rim is bolted together with 270mm disc and clamped up with dual piston caliper with ABS function. To retain the nostalgic feel, drum setup is implemented on the rear which is becoming very rare to see.
Semi-digital mono cluster pod incorporates a analog speedometer and others like odometer, trip meters, fuel level are all showed on a small digital display. The asymmetric looking instrument cluster is also fitted with the front license plate which slightly looks awkward for me. Fork gaiters and shooter styled muffler adds some more essence.
All together weighs the motorbike only about 135kg. This roadster is one among the few with that elegance retro feel and It'd be great if the bike maker introduces the Cafe Racer version of this model to improve the sales factor of the lower cc models in our country as everyone started to talk about the affordable retroism.
Image courtesy - Kawasaki
Kawasaki's W model is a line of motorcycles which shared some of its elements with the British models. Began in the year 1965, Kawasaki traveled its journey through time and like every other bike makers, they also migrated to modern electronics for both fueling and safety purposes.
In India, Kawasaki introduced its W moniker through the W800. But, it hasn't reached much customers. Years later, W175 joined the family which became a eyeball grabber due to its affordability and personality. While everyone is on the lust of modern fancy electronics and other stuffs, Kawasaki is one of the few manufacturers still sticks to the word retro.
To begin with, tear drop shaped fuel tank is bolted to steel double cradle frame which is suspended on 30mm telescopic forks on the front with 110mm travel and preload adjustable dual shocks on the rear with 64mm travel. Other retro elements includes circular halogen headlamp with chrome bezels and turn indicators, long piece flat seat, minimalized body panels and single piece grabrail for the pillion.
Handlebar is upright and together with the center set footpegs, it gives the rider a comfy riding ergonomics and maneuverability. Sitting under the fuel tank is a air cooled 177cc single overhead cam driven 2 valve motor punching out 13PS of power & 13.2Nm of torque @ 7500 & 6000rpm respectively and the motor is paired to a 5 speed transmission system. This may not be the perfect setup for freeway cruising but the best one for the day to day city usage.
Fuel tank's capacity is 12 litres and the 17" wired spoke rims are wrapped with 80 & 100 section rubbers. Talking about the wheels, front rim is bolted together with 270mm disc and clamped up with dual piston caliper with ABS function. To retain the nostalgic feel, drum setup is implemented on the rear which is becoming very rare to see.
Semi-digital mono cluster pod incorporates a analog speedometer and others like odometer, trip meters, fuel level are all showed on a small digital display. The asymmetric looking instrument cluster is also fitted with the front license plate which slightly looks awkward for me. Fork gaiters and shooter styled muffler adds some more essence.
All together weighs the motorbike only about 135kg. This roadster is one among the few with that elegance retro feel and It'd be great if the bike maker introduces the Cafe Racer version of this model to improve the sales factor of the lower cc models in our country as everyone started to talk about the affordable retroism.
Image courtesy - Kawasaki
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Retrosters