Editor’s note: When Kawasaki handed over its new W230 for testing, they requested that we get a beginner to test it. My younger sister recently got her motorcycle endorsement and bought a new Kawasaki Eliminator after not getting along with a Honda Rebel 300 test bike. With less than a year’s worth of experience under her belt, she got the nod to test the W230. We’ll do a full “expert” test of the W230 soon, and you can read all the technical details in our First Look coverage. In the meantime, read what a beginning motorcyclist thinks about the new 2025 Kawasaki W230 retro bike. Some of her observations surprised the experienced staff riders. Take it away, Allison…
This bike is so cute!
On the first ride, I worked on some of the skills I need to improve on—circles for one—and it was easy to maneuver. Associate Editor Kelly Callan—my sister-in-law—gave me great tips to improve on these particular skills. One piece of advice she gave me was to drag the rear brake as I keep the throttle steady when doing a U-turn or circle in a small area—the best advice I have ever received. Practicing these skills on the W230 really boosted my confidence to become more proficient on my Eliminator.
On the nearby rural back roads and twisting suburban roads, I felt enough confidence in the bike and the IRC Grand High Speed GS-11 tires to lean it over farther than I thought I could. It also helps that the W230 is light.
Buzzing around San Luis Obispo, the W230 is super fun and easy to ride. Obviously, it has a smaller engine than my Eliminator’s 451cc twin, but it is still fun. Also, the throttle feels stiff; I have to put in more effort to turn it to get to the power. I haven’t ventured out on U.S. Route 101, as I don’t have enough confidence yet to take on freeway traffic, so it had enough power for where I ride.
The firm seat is not very comfortable, and the suspension is a bit stiff, making for a “hard” ride. The brakes are great, though with a quick response, so I have to be careful not to squeeze the lever too hard or too fast.
Initially, I had trouble shifting. The clutch has a late engagement, which was difficult for me to get used to. There were times that I couldn’t get my Sedici Tourisma boot under the shifter, or I would downshift when trying to feel for it. Kelly gave me her Alpinestars Stella Faster-3 riding shoes. The shoes’ lower profile made all the difference in shifting the W230. The Sedici Tourisma boots have a much higher profile.
Also on the subject of changing gears, I don’t like that the dash doesn’t tell me what gear I am in and there’s no gas gauge.
I think the 2025 Kawasaki W230 is a great beginner bike, perfect for riding around a small town like San Luis Obispo. However, I think young beginning riders may quickly outgrow it. Even though I prefer my Eliminator because of the huge difference in power, I would keep the W230 if I could because it really is lots of fun, cute, and lightweight.
Photography by Don Williams
RIDING STYLE
- Helmet: Arai Signet-X
- Communications: Cardo Packtalk Pro
- Jacket: Sedici Stretto
- Gloves: Alpinestars Stella SMX-1 Air v2
- Jeans: Alpinestars Cult-8
- Boots: Sedici Tourisma
2025 Kawasaki W230 Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Single cylinder
- Displacement: 233cc
- Bore x stroke: 67 x 66mm
- Maximum torque: 14 ft-lbs @ 5800 rpm
- Compression ratio: 9.0:1
- Fueling: EFI w/ 32mm throttle body
- Transmission: 6-speed w/ Positive Neutral Finder
- Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Semi-double cradle
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 37mm fork; 4.6 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Spring-preload adjustable shocks; 3.7 inches
- Tires: IRC Grand High Speed GS-11
- Front tire: 90/90 x 18
- Rear tire: 110/90 x 17
- Front brake: 265mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper
- Rear brake: 220mm disc 2/ single-piston caliper
- ABS: Standard
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 55.7 inches
- Rake: 27.0 degrees
- Trail: 3.7 inches
- Seat height: 29.3 inches
- Fuel capacity: 3.1 gallons
- Curb weight: 315 pounds
- Color: Metallic Ocean Blue/Ebony
2025 Kawasaki W230 Price: $5599 MSRP
