NEW! 2025 Kawasaki W230: A Great Way To Discover Motorcycling!

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  • Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
  • The new 2025 Kawasaki W230 is a great bike for new or returning riders who aren't obsessed with speed, but want to fall in love with motorcycling!
    Check it out for yourself by connecting with the awesome team at Jim Gilbert's PowerSports here: powersports.wh...

Комментарии • 186

  • @00J3553
    @00J3553 16 дней назад +9

    There is something about the look of this bike that I just love.

  • @MrSpeed-lt8gr
    @MrSpeed-lt8gr Месяц назад +36

    That’s a good looking motorcycle. I loved the Suzuki TU250. I learned on that bike and was sad they stopped producing it. This Kawi is sweet.

    • @thejaysun
      @thejaysun Месяц назад +3

      Had a tu250 at my safety course too. Was sooo fun to drive. I hope to pick one up someday for Sunday drives.

    • @captaindanield5827
      @captaindanield5827 Месяц назад +1

      GZ250 is my favorite bike for around town.

    • @webbsamples
      @webbsamples Месяц назад +6

      @@thejaysun The TU250X are still out there. I bought a 2009 in near perfect condition for $2500. Will never sell it or my Road King.

    • @clydeosterhout1221
      @clydeosterhout1221 Месяц назад +2

      Love my TUx. Almost 50,000 trouble free miles on my 2011 so far!

  • @silverfish764
    @silverfish764 Месяц назад +18

    Kawasaki designers have done a great job. Each component, stance and vehicle geometry is bloody perfect.

  • @webbsamples
    @webbsamples Месяц назад +20

    This bike compares very similar to the TU250X. Looks great, low seat, not heavy. Both are excellent for returning riders. Neither are fast, but still fun to ride. The low weight will also be appreciated.

  • @franzjaegers
    @franzjaegers 13 дней назад +3

    I've ordered the Kawasaki W230 two weeks ago and yesterday it arrived at my dealer. Now we just have to wait for the papers to arrive so I can register it and get my plates. According to my Dealer it was mandatory for all Kawasaki Dealers in Germany to order at least a demonstrator. It cost 5245Euros in Germany or around 5500$. 4995Euros base price including the taxes and 250Euros delivering fees.

  • @avarria587
    @avarria587 28 дней назад +5

    Honestly, if someone doesn't ever plan to go on the interstate, this is all you really need. I would love this as a first motorcycle.

    • @ToddSloanIAAN
      @ToddSloanIAAN 10 дней назад

      I would like it as a first motorcycle if it could reach 90 miles an hour, well, 67.

  • @maisielouis2013
    @maisielouis2013 Месяц назад +14

    I bought one 2 days ago. Fun to ride and peppier than you might think for 233cc. Can’t wait to get through the break in miles as it will be a lot more fun when can get close to the 8500 redline. It’s the little brother to my W800

    • @flatlandriver2471
      @flatlandriver2471 29 дней назад +2

      If it breaks in like my klx230 did then at about 1,000 kms it will feel like a different machine and you will be flying!

    • @onanysundrymule3144
      @onanysundrymule3144 28 дней назад

      Great, where re you Masie, USA or Europe? I am looking forward to seeing one of these myself here in the UK, I could be mighty tempted.

    • @maisielouis2013
      @maisielouis2013 28 дней назад +1

      ⁠@@onanysundrymule3144, I’m in California. Had my first little gas mileage test. I’ve ridden it 60 miles (just commuting so stop and go and stops at traffic lights) and it used only .7 gallons (and maybe less if dealer hadn’t filled tank to the top). So I think out on the country roads easily over 100 mpg

    • @onanysundrymule3144
      @onanysundrymule3144 28 дней назад

      @@maisielouis2013 Thanks Masie, keep us updated on here. Best regards.

    • @maisielouis2013
      @maisielouis2013 21 день назад

      Haven’t had too much time to ride it so just got through the initial 150 mile break-in period. I know that many say there’s no need to follow the break-in instructions in the manual but I thought I would just to be safe. For the first 150 miles the maximum RPMs was about 4000. Now I can ride up to about 6000 RPMs. It is definitely a much more fun motorcycle to ride between 4000 and 6000 RPMs rather than trying to keep around 4000. Very peppy little engine and surprisingly smooth. At 6000 RPMs in sixth gear it is cruising fairly comfortably at about 65 miles an hour. Also decent acceleration in 4th and 5th gears. After another 150 miles should be able to push it a little harder and get close to the 8500 red line.

  • @dbx1233
    @dbx1233 Месяц назад +10

    This bike is so good looking, I would buy it just to put in my living room as a piece of art.

  • @jackjohnson65
    @jackjohnson65 16 дней назад +2

    Moto educator for 33 years, standard motorcycles are great for people starting out.

  • @FredVanderhoek
    @FredVanderhoek Месяц назад +2

    Back in the day, my 1965, 305 Honda Scrambler was a young man's freedom to explore the world. It was plenty for me to feel my freedom. The new bikes today are sure a lot better.

  • @rickreid81
    @rickreid81 Месяц назад +5

    That's the size bike i did choose to take my MSF course in. I rode roughly 50-60 miles on/off road on my KLX-300 before taking it. With that smaller more nimbler and forgiving bike. I got a 100% on the driving course. It was an excellent decision to choose it.

  • @captaindanield5827
    @captaindanield5827 Месяц назад +13

    Air cooled, fuel injected, pea shooter pipe, 6 speed tranny, disc brake! A great smaller retro bike. I own a W650. This 230 would make a great twin 460cc bike

    • @krollpeter
      @krollpeter 28 дней назад +1

      ... and that what they should do, a simple twin 400 (or 460).

  • @jerrym3261
    @jerrym3261 Месяц назад +5

    I think people overlook how much less heat you feel on these bikes when it's hot outside. You may not realize it but, I bet you'll find you'll ride one of these when if you all you have is big bikes, you'll choose the AC in your 4 wheeler. Not only does engine size matter but, state of tune does too. Yeah, it's cool like not sweating your clothes wet cool.

  • @elwood62
    @elwood62 Месяц назад +12

    I love small bikes, I will always have one in addition to my big bike. It’s great that this is 100 pounds lighter than the Classic 350, but it costs $1000 more. Even Honda’s cbr300 is cheaper, although it obviously doesn’t have the same retro style. It just seems like a lot of money for a sub 20hp motorcycle. Look great though.

    • @achalaman8560
      @achalaman8560 Месяц назад +1

      Have you looked at the Honda CB350?

    • @elwood62
      @elwood62 Месяц назад

      @@achalaman8560they don’t have it in the US

    • @domenik8339
      @domenik8339 Месяц назад +1

      I shared the same thought, this bike doesn't make sense on paper. Too much money and doesn't compare to it's competition, but perhaps there's other qualities about it that people can appreciate and opt to spend more for. You just won't find those qualities on the spec sheet.

    • @elwood62
      @elwood62 Месяц назад +2

      @@domenik8339I do expect the finish to be better on this bike vs something by royal enfield. Apparently this is a copy of an earlier bike by Kawasaki and still keeps the Meguro name in Japan. It has a sort of cult following like the Bullet in India. I think it’s a hard sell though to markets without an emotional attachment. Classics and Bullets are cheap. This is also cheap, but not in comparison.

  • @nitinshirke1755
    @nitinshirke1755 18 дней назад +3

    Very nice bike .....👌👌👍👍

  • @bradaltemeyer4472
    @bradaltemeyer4472 Месяц назад +3

    I like the look, (started three years in Taipei on a Sanyang 125, now on a Kawasaki Versys x300) have fun.

  • @matusknives
    @matusknives Месяц назад +4

    Absolutely lovely little bike - I will definitely check it out once it arrives here in Germany (sometimes in the spring). This kind of motorbikes is basically absent - the next closest competition being Hinda CB350s or the 350 models from Royal Enfiels - all of which are a lot heavier, even if slightly more powerful (though not faster). I hope it will sell well and stay on the market.

  • @jimmymac9388
    @jimmymac9388 12 дней назад +2

    Also older riders wanting to downsize to a smaller,lighter bike will like this.

  • @pleasedontwatchthese9593
    @pleasedontwatchthese9593 Месяц назад +7

    I have one and its great. It does have a ~73mph speed limiter though as a warning (it starts to like cute fuel at that speed no matter the gear or rpm).

    • @jessbailey6718
      @jessbailey6718 Месяц назад

      What kinda mileage you get? Love this bike!

    • @JacobWillits
      @JacobWillits Месяц назад

      Not bad

    • @pleasedontwatchthese9593
      @pleasedontwatchthese9593 Месяц назад

      @@jessbailey6718 65mpg highway 75 city 80 if your going really easy on it.

    • @onanysundrymule3144
      @onanysundrymule3144 28 дней назад

      You shouldn't be up at that speed if you're running in. Maybe after running in there is a CPU re-map to lift the rev limiter to the red line proper?

    • @christopherpekel6096
      @christopherpekel6096 25 дней назад

      ​@@onanysundrymule3144running in is all BS these days

  • @pleasedontwatchthese9593
    @pleasedontwatchthese9593 Месяц назад +4

    6:06 the compression ratio is lower on the w230, the crankshaft is also different, the redline is different, and its down by at least 1hp from the KLX. Not a big deal.

  • @sadkeanu808
    @sadkeanu808 Месяц назад +5

    When they announced this bike, I didn’t get it either. It’s basically a lower displacement SR400 with electric start and 6 speeds. Performance is worse and no aftermarket to speak of. $6000 usd for 17 HP. BUT… I changed my perspective. One of the best motorcycles I’ve ever had was a 21 Honda Monkey. Stock, that bike (along with the Grom, CT125, Dax, etc) only puts out 9 HP. I changed the tires, got the ECU reflashed , changed out the intake and exhaust and piston, front sprocket, just to increase the performance from the 56 mph top speed to 65 (and that was only achieved in a full tuck). Brand new that bike was about $4200 not including tags etc. My mods (and I didn’t even mention all of them) were easily another $1200+. I had my eyes on a big bore kit that would have easily been $2000 including buying everything that would have made the engine as reliable as stock. I even priced a 250cc swap at another $3200-$4000 just to go 80mph. I loved that bike, but a 1.2 gallon fuel tank and it being a 4 speed (the newer ones have 5 speed, but the engine is not as mod friendly), all those mods would have made it even less practical as range would have suffered. With the w230, when compared to full sized motorcycles, the price of admission makes no sense at all. But if you look at it as one of the largest displacement mini motos you can buy that can do 70 mph, has a range of 150+ miles, and has a bulletproof engine BEFORE modding, then $6000 starts to look pretty reasonable. There’s even a guy in the Philippines that was able to flash the ECU on a KLX230 (which is practically the same engine this has) to increase the top speed to 80ish. With that potential in mind, on a brand new bike, that has yet to get aftermarket support (ie full exhaust, farkles, engine mods, etc), this could be a great contender to explode in the mini moto market. Slow bike, fast then mod/customize the hell out of it is the name of the game here. Wait a year if the price of admission is still too high and get a used one. By that time, hopefully the aftermarket will start catching up. Awesome as a first bike, but keep it, buy a bigger bike if you need to, and daily this as it will run forever if you treat it right.

    • @psalm2forliberty577
      @psalm2forliberty577 Месяц назад +2

      Or just get an uber clean used bone stock Suzuki V-Strom 650 for $3,000 - half these blue sky financing prices.
      No engine mods needed it's got 70 HP stock and can tour Highway or Dirt roads (w proper tires), already has fairing just add side bags.
      Now I'm all for small bikes this Kawa 230 looks sweet - but at $6,000 + it tells me these manufacturers & dealers are still clueless about attracting new riders.
      You can get clean used cars all day long for $5,000 or less - so today's risk adverse teen aged potential riders STILL have
      $ -1,000 incentive to come over and learn to ride.
      As an example in 1980 when I was a HS sophomore a new modest to nice car was $5000 - 6000.
      That amazing new Yamaha DT250 was $1375, total out the door.
      Or, just 1/3 to 1/4 the cost of a car.
      My HS budget STILL couldn't pay $1,375 so I waited a year & snagged the DT250 - still perfect condition for $700 !
      I'm just saying that IF the dealers / manufacturers would do a "loss leader / new rider" deal on these entry level bikes for say $3,500 helmet gloves included they'd have them lined up at the door.
      To "mint" New Riders is to secure more profitable long term customers later.
      At $6,000 all they'll do is sell this cute retro entry bike to well heeled (rich, not price sensitive) older riders WITHOUT explaining Cyclings dramatically shrinking pool of riders.

    • @sadkeanu808
      @sadkeanu808 Месяц назад +1

      @@psalm2forliberty577 A lot of the younger crowd seem to be buying mini motos (typically used) and are modding them. Then they move onto the bigger bikes (if they stick to riding). You have a good point. I DO think $6000 for this kind of bike is asking a lot when you can get used Ninja 300s.MT3s, low displacement motorcycles for half of that just about everywhere. I hope the W230 fills the vacuum the TU250 left, but I feel it would would be the alternate bike you would ride when you don't feel like bringing out the liter bike/bagger. If you already have the gear and a bigger bike, this would be an excellent putz around bike that wont cost an arm a leg to repair and maintain.

    • @psalm2forliberty577
      @psalm2forliberty577 Месяц назад +2

      @sadkeanu808
      100% agreed.
      I do love it's retro looks.
      But $6,000 worth.
      Nah.
      Id look up a used Suzuki TU250 or maybe even a Vstar 250 for a quickie bike.
      It'll be prob $2-3k tops in Houston or DFW.
      I prob already mentioned my daily ride is my 2008 V-strom 650 purchased as a low miles garage queen (12,000 + one owner) for $3,600.
      That's why I laugh at $6,000 for an entry level bike.
      I'm a member of the BMW+ Club & some of these guys are loaded & have half a dozen bikes
      Heck they buy on a whim what I budget for.
      SOME of them are the kind who'd buy this bike - maybe for the wife or GF.
      But as I said, it seems the purpose of an "entry level bike" is to gain New Riders to our sport, and pricing it as they have kills any incentive the other aspects possess.

    • @libraeotequever3pointoh95
      @libraeotequever3pointoh95 10 дней назад

      CSC SG-250.
      Kawasaki W230.
      Very interesting comparison.

  • @o00scorpion00o
    @o00scorpion00o Месяц назад +4

    Gorgeous, so much better than having TFT display which has taken over our lives, it's so refreshing to see beautiful analogue dials.
    Much more beautiful than the plastic stick bug transformer style bikes manufacturers have been churning out for years.
    Bring it to Europe !
    Now make a 600 cc.
    Honda's GB350 s is beautiful but Honda went too modern with the speedometer and digital display shoved into the analogue dial, the Kawasaki W230 would be my choice simply because it's the most genuine looking modern retro with beautiful analogue dials out there. Not even Royal Enfield can get the analogue speedo correct except maybe on the interceptor. Even the classic 650 is let down by modern style analogue speedometer and stupid TFT nav screen fuck this shit on a retro style bike and well done to Kawasaki for getting such an important part of the bike correct.

  • @d.4tay549
    @d.4tay549 Месяц назад +2

    Great idea, looks great. I will get a used one in a year or two when its $2,900.

  • @clivecartey
    @clivecartey Месяц назад +2

    At last, a great honest review - "thank you".

  • @Beanerds
    @Beanerds Месяц назад +3

    Just a ' Motor Cycle ' no electronic gizmos that will break down and have you stranded somewhere .

  • @patrickkasper2776
    @patrickkasper2776 28 дней назад +1

    Nice complete review, especially going over the controls.

  • @Halfbittenjalapeno
    @Halfbittenjalapeno Месяц назад +9

    Like people have said. It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.

    • @lawrencebecht660
      @lawrencebecht660 Месяц назад

      Not sure how you ride a slow bike fast slow is slow hello😮

    • @stevec-b6214
      @stevec-b6214 Месяц назад

      I know exactly what you mean! I also like to ride a slow bike slow ;)

  • @T30-z5w
    @T30-z5w Месяц назад +2

    Instrumentation looks like what I have on my W800. Nice! I may buy one for my girlfriend.

  • @jamessabbagh6014
    @jamessabbagh6014 Месяц назад +3

    I have fond memories learning to ride on a 200cc Triumph Cub.😃

    • @onanysundrymule3144
      @onanysundrymule3144 28 дней назад

      Me too, pre-age and off road.
      When I came of legal road age, I bought a brand new Kawasaki Z200, which was my homage to the tiger cub.
      It was my 'Ziger Cub'.

    • @jamessabbagh6014
      @jamessabbagh6014 28 дней назад

      @ 👍

  • @newlife155
    @newlife155 Месяц назад +2

    Totally agree about slow maneuvering with this style bike versys a cruiser.

  • @EndTheCrazy-956
    @EndTheCrazy-956 29 дней назад +4

    I would like to see a comparison with one of the RE 350 models. They are typically $1500 less than the W250. The Kawasaki looks great and I've been looking forward to it coming to the US but it has to compete against RE and hopefully the Honda CB350.

    • @onanysundrymule3144
      @onanysundrymule3144 28 дней назад

      Yes, but bear in mind it is 120cc less in capacity for performance comparison.

    • @andreaceria8481
      @andreaceria8481 28 дней назад +1

      ​@@onanysundrymule3144and also 50 Kg lighter...

  • @umakantgajjewar8898
    @umakantgajjewar8898 Месяц назад +2

    Lovely bike and a very good review video !

  • @cadesmith4278
    @cadesmith4278 Месяц назад +4

    C'mon Kawasaki!! Priced the same as a Z500 ABS for God's sake. The W does look way cooler to us old guys with the twin shocks and analog gauges, but the Z is so much more motorcycle for the same price! $4999 max!

  • @SmithSmith-t9o
    @SmithSmith-t9o Месяц назад +32

    $5599 + $400 destination fee +$335 tax +$200 dealer fees. =$6530 for a 17 horsepower bike. The Triumph speed 400 is $4999 and has 40hp. It's a absolute no brainer. The Kawasaki 230 is going to rot on dealer floors.

    • @dcjr1053
      @dcjr1053 Месяц назад +2

      Yep. Like the W650's did years back.

    • @TheAnnoyingBoss
      @TheAnnoyingBoss 29 дней назад +3

      I dont support british motorcycle company made in india

    • @onanysundrymule3144
      @onanysundrymule3144 28 дней назад +4

      Are you saying that the Triumph costs $4999 including all the fees?
      Do you like that you can inadvertently disable the Triumph with simple cosmetic damage to the plastic key bezel ring? (proximity code reader to the key fob). See the TDUBs Kid's experience on a simple forest trail, cost big dollars to reflash the whole deep rom system and re-loom. Overerly tech, hahaha, designed to be richly rewarding for "dealer only" accessible service 'magic'. So that is where the extra hidden 'purchase costs' are deferred to......... to the dealer's income stream over many subsequent years. Hahaha.
      The Triumph is watercooled too, so that is yet another component-rich system to pander to.
      Go for it, like you say, No Brainer!!
      Bikers with Bains like simple tech, like this aircooled W230, or maybe the aircooled Honda GB350 too.

    • @SmithSmith-t9o
      @SmithSmith-t9o 28 дней назад +2

      @@onanysundrymule3144 umm no. No key fob on the triumph speed 400. Regular key. Also, what part of 40 HP are you not understanding? All in price for NEW speed 400 is $5995.
      Millions and millions of bikes are liquid cooled, so there goes your argument with that.
      Listen, if you want to spend $6500 for a 17 hp 315 lbs air cooled bike. Have at it.

    • @silverianjannvs5315
      @silverianjannvs5315 28 дней назад +3

      ​@@TheAnnoyingBoss you're mistaken Royal Enfield with Triumph. But Triumph had factories in Thailand though...

  • @bogdanvarna1184
    @bogdanvarna1184 Месяц назад +3

    Absolutly agree.i have many morcycle but before i own a marauder 250cc.what is let s say the same with this kawa.dont judge this motorcycle by te numbers go to a test drive you will be amaze how difrent you will fill from what you aspect from a bike with sach a small specs.
    so if you need:
    -good looking bike
    -economic.its not quait cheeap to buy but a god fuel economy and maintanace low
    -confort of the seat and you will fealeat to ride like a toy
    -if you like to ride solo between 80-100kmh(or you make commuting) i prefer this in compering with hornet 600 or other midle naked, it s a relaxing bike.
    From my point of view this is the esence of a motorcycle and has only the minimum what you need from a motorcycle
    Even you have almost 20 years of motorcycle just go to a test ride you will se that less is more

  • @paulscountry456
    @paulscountry456 27 дней назад +2

    That motor would last forever ...

  • @thepodbaydoorshal
    @thepodbaydoorshal 23 дня назад +2

    W800 owner here. I like the idea of this bike however I think it was rushed out and feels like a cash in on the success of the Royal Enfield Classic 350. It certainly cannot compete with the Classic 350 for styling and character nor the Triumph Speed 400 for outright power, both of which are similarly priced. I love the W800 because it can do everything pretty competently while also being beautiful, characterful and outrageously cool. But even the W800 doesn’t sell like the its competitors in the retro class. I think this W230 is going to have an even harder time in the market. Kawasaki should have taken their time and come up with a better proposition.

    • @libraeotequever3pointoh95
      @libraeotequever3pointoh95 9 дней назад

      Providing a 300cc air cooled engine, with a six speed gearbox, wasn't their first choice, I guess.
      Power to weight, the W230 is competitive with the Royal Enfield 350, though, and the W230 weighs less.

  • @okpanhandlr
    @okpanhandlr Месяц назад +4

    Any storage under the seat and does it come off without tools? List price?

  • @Mike-pt4cq
    @Mike-pt4cq Месяц назад +2

    Very good and honest approach 👍

  • @stevec-b6214
    @stevec-b6214 Месяц назад

    I changed to a smaller bike - 1150cc down to 400cc. Much more relaxed, way better economy, no longer constantly looking to overtake. I am thinking of a cheap 600cc for track days to get a speed fix when required...

  • @coreyjdl
    @coreyjdl Месяц назад +7

    Too expensive. It'll flop, and the manufactures will blame consumers for "not wanting small bikes," when the problem was a price out of reach of new riders.

    • @whatsgoingon71
      @whatsgoingon71 14 дней назад

      This is an asian markets product. They really aren't counting on many sales in north america nor europe. The price is pretty competitive actually. Sub 5000€ in Europe. Where Kawasaki is already in the top 3 in sales of the Z900 alone. It competes against the RE and Honda 350s and build quality wise, they knocked it out of the park. And they beat RE's and honda's 350 on the retro styling by a country mile.

  • @dcjr1053
    @dcjr1053 28 дней назад +2

    I see Kawasaki W 800's and 230's as sort of the mechanical watches of the motorcycle world. Sure, a Casio G-Shock is more functional and more watch for the money, but they don't have the charm and finish of a mechanical watch.

  • @herrtomas6729
    @herrtomas6729 Месяц назад +3

    Hi again. Treating us to two tonight! 😊

    • @PeterLoweOne
      @PeterLoweOne  Месяц назад +1

      Every now and then that will happen this Winter/Spring. 🙂

  • @Lee-70ish
    @Lee-70ish Месяц назад +3

    Smaller bike sales are soaring while overpriced big bore techno bikes sales are falling rapidly.

  • @saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555
    @saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555 Месяц назад +2

    Love it, but hard to see how it could compete with sub £4k Royal Enfield & Honda 350's in the UK.

  • @johnsliney2745
    @johnsliney2745 8 дней назад

    Great look, and great that Kaw. picked up where Suzuki left off. I'd really like to see a set of tubeless spoked wheels on it for convenience, but otherwise it looks like a need is being met.

  • @tdgdbs1
    @tdgdbs1 Месяц назад

    I rode a 2000 Ninja 250 from Texas all the way to Brazil (shipped the Darien gap) and back through Baja California. What a workhorse with just enough speed, how I miss the center stand on small displacement bikes.

    • @spencerdawkins
      @spencerdawkins Месяц назад

      I miss center stands on ANY street bikes!

  • @IndigoJo
    @IndigoJo Месяц назад +1

    You can't get this one in western Europe; the A1/A2 licence system means it's not worthwhile marketing it in places where beginners can't ride anything above 125cc. The 20hp 350s from Enfield and now Honda are doing quite well, but apart from that, above a 125 there's a jump to the 300-400 bracket with liquid cooled engines and 30-40bhp. Kawasaki are marketing their "modern classics" from the Z lineup here but not the W series.

  • @psalm2forliberty577
    @psalm2forliberty577 Месяц назад +2

    Great review BUT at $6,000 - I don't see the appeal to the entry level rider.
    Now I'm all for small bikes this Kawa 230 looks sweet - but at $6,000 + it tells me these manufacturers & dealers are still clueless about attracting new riders.
    You can get clean used cars all day long for $5,000 or less - so today's risk adverse teen aged potential riders STILL have
    $ -1,000 incentive to come over and learn to ride.
    As an example in 1980 when I was a HS sophomore a new modest to nice car was $5000 - 6000.
    That amazing new Yamaha DT250 was $1375, total out the door.
    Or, just 1/3 to 1/4 the cost of a car.
    My HS budget STILL couldn't pay $1,375 so I waited a year & snagged the DT250 - still perfect condition for $700 !
    I'm just saying that IF the dealers / manufacturers would do a "loss leader / new rider" deal on these entry level bikes for say $3,500 helmet gloves included they'd have them lined up at the door.
    To "mint" New Riders is to secure more profitable long term customers later.
    At $6,000 all they'll do is sell this cute retro entry bike to well heeled (rich, not price sensitive) older riders WITHOUT explaining Cyclings dramatically shrinking pool of riders.

  • @Brian-qg9bm
    @Brian-qg9bm Месяц назад +1

    My first bike, at 15, was a Suzuki SP125.
    I could barely make highway speed, if I kept my chin tucked to the gas tank and there wasn't any head wind. I could get a girl on it, but couldn't do much more than suburb speeds. On any kind of incline, like on the way up to "lover's leap" - forget it. Not enough power.
    Telling a girl she's "too heavy" for anything at all... well...
    Something like this would have been a lot closer to perfect.

  • @nostradamus7648
    @nostradamus7648 Месяц назад +2

    A 70's standard with modern technology?
    Sure, why not.

  • @kz1000st1
    @kz1000st1 Месяц назад +2

    The price is crazy. It isn't really Interstate compatible. It won't rock your world. It costs as much as a Z500 and won't do as much. Yes, it's cute and nostalgic but unless you want an addition to your other three bikes to go for Take Out it makes little sense. Buy a Grom size bike or go online and get a Mail Order Chinese 250cc Dual Sport or other style bike for half or third as much.

  • @ryancraig2795
    @ryancraig2795 Месяц назад

    Great looking little bike. Nice retro style.

  • @mcdemo7600
    @mcdemo7600 25 дней назад +1

    Nice motorcycle 👍

  • @MartinStockel
    @MartinStockel Месяц назад +1

    Will this 2025 Kawasaki W230 accept a larger sprocket and off-road tires for mild trail riding? A great looking motorcycle.

  • @jaide1312
    @jaide1312 Месяц назад

    In my eyes something like this would make for the perfect second bike to have, where I live they're priced the same as the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, and this is a way nicer machine for that money.

  • @warrenstephens3705
    @warrenstephens3705 27 дней назад +2

    $6500+ ??? Kawasaki has priced their self out of the game!

  • @foolonthrn
    @foolonthrn Месяц назад

    It looks just like my Honda twinstar I just got done restoring

  • @samuelbwell
    @samuelbwell 10 дней назад

    I need Help!
    Would you recommend this over a Klx 300 sm?
    I’m a new rider looking for the smoothest entry possible!

    • @PeterLoweOne
      @PeterLoweOne  9 дней назад

      I would recommend this over a KLX 300SM, but that doesn't mean it's best for you. It all comes down to buying something that you love.

  • @theodorerobinson2819
    @theodorerobinson2819 Месяц назад

    Could this be available in the Philippines and Australia?

  • @DodyIrawan-qj9ik
    @DodyIrawan-qj9ik 25 дней назад

    Iam curious.. How come theres no left side view ?.. My friend .. I love to see bike from any angle 🙏🙏🙏

    • @PeterLoweOne
      @PeterLoweOne  24 дня назад

      I'll try to cover that better next time. I'll be getting it on camera again soon. Thanks for the suggestion.

  • @nicholaskalogris9985
    @nicholaskalogris9985 Месяц назад

    Definitely a starter bike worth considering.

  • @Nurych312
    @Nurych312 Месяц назад

    It is the best review of W230 I have seen in any language so far. Big thanks Peter for this great video. I am almost convinced to buy it now. But I have three questions. 1. Does it have hazard lights? 2. What is its total load carrying capacity? I know that some small motorcycles can carry only 150 kg including the rider himself, which is not much, especially if there are two grown men on a bike. 3. What is your height exactly? You said "about 6 ft", but it would be great if you could give me a specific number. What surprised me was that you look fairly proportionate on the motorcycle despite your height. Some Japanese reviews said that W230 was good only for people of 170-175 cm (5.5-5.7 ft). I would really appreciate it if you could help me with my question. I really like this motorcycle and want to buy it.

    • @PeterLoweOne
      @PeterLoweOne  Месяц назад +1

      I'll try to answer your questions... It does not have hazard lights, I'm not sure of it's total carrying capacity, but I would guess it wouldn't be much more than you hint at in the 150 kg range, maybe a little bit more, but not a lot... but that's just my guess. Lastly, I'm 5'11 and 3/4 or so... so I'm always careful not to say SIX feet because people get upset about that when you're not OVER six feet, but I'm very close, and would be 6 feet with shoes on.

    • @spencerdawkins
      @spencerdawkins Месяц назад

      ​@@PeterLoweOne- no hazard lights? I'm not horrified, but I'm a bit surprised about that on a street bike.

    • @onanysundrymule3144
      @onanysundrymule3144 28 дней назад +1

      ​@@spencerdawkinsI have 5 current motorcycles, I don't even think my W800 has hazard lights.
      Anyway, all my previous machines never had them, and I've never had to use them even if they did/did not. 1976 when I launched on the road (an FS1E) and motorcycling all year round, every year - by preference to a car - ever since.
      49 years, not even daytime running lights on most of them, especially earlier ones, and only on two of my current ones.

  • @shop970
    @shop970 Месяц назад

    We can hear the comments about what a great bike is. And yes part of that is price. And I found out. What you can find available. Opposed to what is advertised or on line. Get the model and color maybe not at all .
    Small classic bike should be reasonable and affordable with well built features...
    Who ever has great prices and models . Becomes a factor.

  • @wuseling
    @wuseling Месяц назад +2

    'd like to have one. But ... > 5200€ ?

  • @bfarm44
    @bfarm44 Месяц назад +2

    Meanwhile Honda sits on its ass with a 350 single that’s not coming here

  • @enricohagn
    @enricohagn Месяц назад

    Lovely 'lil bike for the Ol'Lady 👍

    • @sandymorelli3210
      @sandymorelli3210 Месяц назад

      Yeah that's me just sold my Triumph speed up looking for something retro

    • @enricohagn
      @enricohagn Месяц назад

      @sandymorelli3210 this, or Royal Enfield 350?

  • @RaverCJ
    @RaverCJ Месяц назад +6

    I don't understand the $5,600 pricing at all. That's more than the Triumph Speed 400, Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Honda Rebel 300, and the BMW G 310 R. Add just $600, and you can get an RE Interceptor 650.

  • @mr1bienvenu1
    @mr1bienvenu1 Месяц назад

    Beautiful bike. They need to make a parallel twin in a 800 that doesn't have engine vibration and has a 270 crank. 😊

  • @tony-ce7qp
    @tony-ce7qp Месяц назад +1

    can we get it in the USA!

  • @squarebackjedi
    @squarebackjedi Месяц назад

    Thanks for the great review. Tired of stuff that looks like it’s produced by AI. For my first bike, I’m thinking about this Kawi vs a Honda Dax. I’d be learning to ride on it and using it as a neighborhood commuter, don’t need to take on FWS/ HWS. With the Kawi I’d get a bigger engine and a bigger gas tank-looks cool. Dax is cool and costs less, and I like how light weight it’d be. Any thoughts out there for me?

  • @sammoser5806
    @sammoser5806 28 дней назад

    No kicker?

  • @MrBrunnolf
    @MrBrunnolf Месяц назад +3

    Too expensive for a 230cc. I’m my area is almost 7500 outdoor, has a lot of crap fees

  • @mantarayal
    @mantarayal Месяц назад

    I thought you might ride it, or at least start it. Nice bike.

  • @davelafaille2518
    @davelafaille2518 Месяц назад

    Yoshi exhaust available yet? Hahaha 😊

  • @DerekFrampton
    @DerekFrampton Месяц назад

    REALLY wish it was at least a 286 like the Hondas in this price|size-point IE Rebel 300, CB300R etc.

    • @PeterLoweOne
      @PeterLoweOne  Месяц назад

      A twin cylinder would have added a lot more range to the potential customers for this bike. I'll compare it to the Eliminator 500 tomorrow and get that video up as soon as possible.

  • @tango165
    @tango165 Месяц назад +1

    Very cool!! #gomotorcycling

  • @carlarthur4442
    @carlarthur4442 28 дней назад

    Lovely looking bike , but price is a bit pricey .

  • @blakewixom2893
    @blakewixom2893 24 дня назад

    wish they would have given it chrome fenders

  • @graemetaylor629
    @graemetaylor629 Месяц назад

    all depends how they price it, looks cool though

  • @news603redux
    @news603redux Месяц назад +3

    Waaay too much money for what it is. I'll bet it's thirty or forty percent less overseas.

  • @onanysundrymule3144
    @onanysundrymule3144 28 дней назад +2

    Sir, you need to 'up' your audio gain in edit. The adverts blow my ears out when I compensate with tablet volume. Thanks for the articulate review.

  • @jeffwatson4908
    @jeffwatson4908 Месяц назад

    If you want a retro bike why not a Royal Enfield for relatively the same price?

  • @thanosa2206
    @thanosa2206 Месяц назад +3

    Too expensive for what it is

    • @majortolleson7976
      @majortolleson7976 27 дней назад

      Welcome to 2025
      Everything is expensive for what it is.

    • @thanosa2206
      @thanosa2206 27 дней назад

      @majortolleson7976 honda gb350s has the same price with this 125cc machine
      So not exactly

  • @peterp5099
    @peterp5099 Месяц назад +1

    Nice machine, but too expensive compared to the competition, check Royal Enfield and Honda.

  • @dannyvan5792
    @dannyvan5792 Месяц назад

    if yoy by a kawa ,,,,, after 1 year you are a diplomate motor mecanic

  • @howtoexactly691
    @howtoexactly691 6 дней назад

    Cylinder is not aluminum?? It looks cast iron

  • @user-pp2tl9dz1w
    @user-pp2tl9dz1w Месяц назад

    I bought a 2023 ZX-14R for $13 .7K. That’s a good value, but $6.5K for this?

  • @nathanruben3372
    @nathanruben3372 Месяц назад +2

    You do not see your legs. You are bending as if it were a race bike. This motobike is not suitable for people six foot and over. pegs are too high and back.

    • @PeterLoweOne
      @PeterLoweOne  Месяц назад +2

      I was comfortable. It's absolutely something that I would be comfortable riding. I do agree that if you're taller than me, it could feel a little small.

    • @FCorneil
      @FCorneil 21 день назад

      I had already seen on photographs that the pegs are way too high, but here it is obvious they are way far back on top of that. Upper body upright, lower body sports bike stance, same error as with the CB500X. I wonder whether comfortable would still apply to Peter after an hour, sitting on it for a minute is not the same. Regardless, it really, really looks wrong. There is a review of the GB350s where the guy shows his feet are exactly under his knees (lower legs vertical) which matches his upper body stance. That is the right positioning. Unfortunately I will save up money for the W230 regardless as the 143kg wet weight is more appealing to me than the 178kg wet of the Honda. But I am hoping there will be an aftermarket solution for lowering the pegs even if just a little as I won't be in agreeance with my 5ft10. Photographs showing Asian ladies on it do look right (though pegs STILL a bit high), we're talking about 5tf3 then.

  • @domenik8339
    @domenik8339 Месяц назад

    When I saw the price of this motorcycle my jaw literally dropped . . . in horror. These will come out to be around $6,500 out the door. It's an outdated air cooled 230cc engine that they borrowed from their KLX230. At least it's a 6 speed. The headlight doesn't match the style of the rest of the bike. But with only being a 230cc and being $6,500 out the door it's obsolete on arrival. You could have one of the Royal Enfield 411 based bikes for $3,000 cheaper. The big 4 just don't get it.

  • @MirBasithali
    @MirBasithali 27 дней назад

    Plz cme to India soooon.....😅

  • @SuperGregore
    @SuperGregore Месяц назад +2

    Sadly the bike is overpriced

  • @jamesburns2232
    @jamesburns2232 27 дней назад

    At 7:40 in the video, the oil sight gage looks like the Engine is low on oil. 🤓🧐

  • @rickrigsby7620
    @rickrigsby7620 Месяц назад +1

    234cc🤔Rebel 250

    • @PeterLoweOne
      @PeterLoweOne  Месяц назад +1

      Haha... not the Rebel exactly, but that would be the closest comparison. My exact first bike wasn't sold in the U.S. but it was for a short time in Canada.

    • @jerrym3261
      @jerrym3261 Месяц назад

      @@PeterLoweOne Aww! I was guessing your first bike is my most ridden bike, a 1994 Honda 250 Nighthawk. It has the drum brake on the front instead of the disc brake that was on the Rebel but, same engine and a lot more like the W230. I have 11 motorcycles and the 250 Nighthawk is the one that gets ridden 95% of the time. The Nighthawk is not perfect though. I'd like a front disc, 18" wheels front and back and a better way to carry things. I've had a 1970 Honda CL175 rolling frame for years, recently got a title for it and bought a 2000 Rebel 250 with a lost title, original key, out of state inspection stickers, had been sitting a long time and a clear VIN check. There are lots of challenges to swapping over the engine and front end but, the engine does fit so, there's hope.

    • @rickrigsby7620
      @rickrigsby7620 Месяц назад +2

      @@jerrym3261 at one time or another my(wife’s) Rebel has been parked beside bikes ranging from 80cc up to 1400cc and I enjoy it as much as any of the others. I like riding.

    • @jerrym3261
      @jerrym3261 Месяц назад

      @@rickrigsby7620 I would have never gotten to that engine if it hadn't been for helping a friend learn to ride and get his first motorcycle. I started him on one of my Honda Cubs and figured a mild, buy for $1500, drop a few times while learning, sell for $1500, Honda Rebel was the way to go for a first bike for him. It is what happened for him but, the one I found for him was 100 miles away and it was up to me to ride it home for him. I sure didn't like the forward pegs and it felt way too small for me but, I wanted that engine.

  • @nickexarheas2880
    @nickexarheas2880 Месяц назад +1

    Too little too late Kawasaki.

  • @ImranKhan-zw8sg
    @ImranKhan-zw8sg 21 день назад

    Please start a business in Pakistan

  • @Makul-rt4sz
    @Makul-rt4sz Месяц назад +1

    Royal Enfield classic 350 looks much better and has more power

  • @pipelee727
    @pipelee727 Месяц назад

    Classic 350 is better

  • @scrambler69-xk3kv
    @scrambler69-xk3kv 25 дней назад

    Peter it is time for a new stance. Every one of your videos look the same. Vespa whatever damn.

    • @PeterLoweOne
      @PeterLoweOne  24 дня назад

      I don't have a lot of moves. That's every dance move I'll ever have. That's how cool I am.

    • @scrambler69-xk3kv
      @scrambler69-xk3kv 21 день назад

      @@PeterLoweOne Just so tired of looking at that same pose. From Vespa to this. I am sorry but it has gotten old. Maybe a real job then?

  • @jimevans9550
    @jimevans9550 4 дня назад

    Or you could buy an old bike that already has crappy performance and looks even more old fashioned.

    • @PeterLoweOne
      @PeterLoweOne  4 дня назад

      Sure! But then you deal with bad brakes. Less reliability. Poor parts availability. Some people like the charm of the old. Others are going to like this. To each their own!