Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and picture this: a sunlit road, a gentle breeze, and the soft rumble of a bike that feels like it rolled straight out of the 1970s. The Kawasaki W175 isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a time machine on two wheels, blending old-school cool with today’s practicality. Launched as Kawasaki’s most affordable ride in India, this retro cruiser has folks talking with its sleek design, peppy performance, and a price tag that won’t make your wallet weep. Priced between ₹1.22–1.35 lakh in 2025, it’s a nod to simpler days while keeping the planet in mind with its efficient engine. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a ride down memory lane and find out what makes the W175 tick.
Retro Looks That Turn Heads
The W175 looks like it cruised out of a vintage Bollywood flick—round headlamp, teardrop fuel tank, and a slim frame that whispers nostalgia. Its peashooter exhaust and chrome accents add a touch of class, while colors like Candy Persimmon Red and Metallic Ocean Blue bring a modern pop. The 2025 update added Metallic Graphite Grey and alloy wheels on the Street variant, making it even sharper. At 135 kg, it feels light as a feather, perfect for weaving through city lanes or posing at a roadside chai stall. Plus, its eco-friendly paint and minimal plastic use keep production cleaner, a small win for the earth.
Engine Built for Easy Ride
Pop open the throttle, and the W175’s 177cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder BS6 engine comes to life. It churns out 12.8 bhp at 7500 rpm and 13.2 Nm at 6000 rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox that shifts like a dream. This isn’t a speed demon—topping out at 90–100 km/h—but it’s got enough pep for city sprints and lazy highway cruises. Owners rave about its 40–45 kmpl mileage, stretching a 12-litre tank to 480–540 km. That’s fewer fuel stops and less CO2 in the air, a quiet nod to greener rides. The engine’s balancer keeps vibrations low, making every journey as smooth as a Sunday morning.
Handling That Feels Light
Riding the W175 is like dancing with an old friend—effortless and familiar. Its double-cradle frame and 135 kg weight make it a breeze to handle, whether you’re dodging traffic or taking tight turns. Telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks soak up bumps, though rough roads can feel a bit jarring with just 110mm front and 64mm rear travel. A 270mm front disc brake with single-channel ABS and a 110mm rear drum brake stop you steady, even on wet streets. The 17-inch wheels—spoked or alloy, depending on the variant—roll on tubeless tires, adding safety and cutting waste from punctures.
Tech That Keeps It Simple
The W175 isn’t loaded with gadgets, but it’s got what you need. A semi-digital console pairs an analog speedometer with a small digital screen for fuel, time, and trip data—no flashy Bluetooth, just the basics done right. The 60W halogen headlamp lights up dark roads better than most in its class, though some wish for LEDs to save more power. Features like an engine kill switch and electric start add convenience without clutter. Its low-energy design and minimal electronics mean less strain on the battery, keeping things eco-friendly for daily commutes.
Green Vibes All the Way
The W175 isn’t just about style—it’s got a green heart. That 40–45 kmpl mileage means fewer fuel runs, saving ₹10,000–₹12,000 yearly at ₹100/litre. Its BS6 engine cuts emissions, and the air-cooled setup skips liquid cooling’s bulk, reducing waste. Fewer moving parts mean less maintenance—no oil filters to toss, no coolant to leak. Kawasaki’s push for local sourcing (90% parts made in India) trims shipping emissions, and the bike’s lightweight build lowers its carbon footprint. For a retro ride, it’s surprisingly kind to the planet, perfect for eco-conscious commuters.
Price That Fits Most Pockets
Kawasaki slashed prices in 2025, making the W175 a steal. The base Ebony variant starts at ₹1.22 lakh, while Metallic Ocean Blue hits ₹1.31 lakh, and the Street variant with alloy wheels sits at ₹1.35 lakh (ex-showroom). On-road, expect ₹1.40–1.50 lakh with RTO and insurance. That’s ₹25,000 less than its 2023 launch price, undercutting rivals like the Yamaha FZ-X (₹1.38 lakh). EMIs start at ₹3,500/month, and festive deals might toss in free accessories or extended warranties. For a Kawasaki, it’s a budget-friendly ticket to retro glory.
Rivals in the Retro Race
The W175 faces tough competition in the retro ring:
Yamaha FZ-X (₹1.38 lakh): 45 kmpl, 149cc, more modern tech, but pricier.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 (₹1.50 lakh): 36 kmpl, 349cc, beefier build, higher cost.
TVS Ronin (₹1.35 lakh): 42 kmpl, 225cc, sportier, but heavier at 159 kg.
The W175’s edge lies in its lightweight frame, fuel efficiency, and lower price, though it lacks the power and features of rivals. Its eco-friendly mileage and minimal upkeep make it a practical pick for city riders.
Challenges on the Road
Every bike has its quirks. The W175’s 13 PS output feels tame next to the Hunter 350’s 20 PS, making highway overtakes a slow affair. The halogen headlamp and lack of Bluetooth feel dated when rivals offer LEDs and connectivity. Suspension travel is limited, so deep potholes can jolt you. Some owners note loose fittings—like a shaky fuel tank or rattling number plate—hinting at build quality gaps. And while 45 kmpl is great, heavy traffic can dip it to 38 kmpl. Still, for a retro commuter, these are small bumps on a smooth ride.
Who’s It Meant For
The W175 is for riders who crave simplicity with a side of nostalgia. Think students zipping to college, commuters dodging fuel bills, or retro fans wanting a classic look without superbike costs. Its eco-friendly mileage appeals to green riders, and the low seat height (790mm) suits shorter folks. It’s not for speed junkies or long-haul tourers, but for city hops and casual cruises, it’s a perfect fit.
Where to Snag One
Kawasaki’s 300+ dealerships across India—from Mumbai to Madurai—stock the W175. Online bookings via Kawasaki’s e-shop or Flipkart are live, with EMIs starting at ₹3,500/month. The 2025 price drop makes it a sweet deal, and festive offers might add cashback or free gear. Check local dealers for test rides and variant availability.
Retro Ride Worth the Hype
The Kawasaki W175 2025 is a love letter to simpler times—round headlamp, peashooter exhaust, and a vibe that takes you back to the good ol’ days. Its 177cc engine, lightweight frame, and 40–45 kmpl mileage make it a practical city cruiser with a green streak. Sure, it’s not the fastest or flashiest, but at ₹1.22–1.35 lakh, it’s a steal for Kawasaki’s legacy. For those who dream of retro style without the hefty price, the W175 delivers a ride that’s as timeless as it is eco-smart.
Disclaimer: Specs and prices are based on 2025 reports. Verify with Kawasaki dealers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Kawasaki W175 2025
A retro-styled cruiser with a 177cc BS6 engine, 40–45 kmpl mileage, and prices from ₹1.22–1.35 lakh.
What’s the price after discount
Base model at ₹1.22 lakh; Street variant at ₹1.35 lakh (ex-showroom), down ₹25,000 since 2023.
How fuel-efficient is this bike
It delivers 40–45 kmpl, stretching a 12-litre tank to 480–540 km per fill-up.
What are the color options
Ebony, Candy Persimmon Red, Metallic Graphite Grey, Metallic Ocean Blue, and Street’s Candy Emerald Green.
Is it an eco-friendly ride
Yes, 40–45 kmpl, BS6 compliance, and low-maintenance design reduce emissions and waste.
How does it compare to FZ-X
W175’s cheaper (₹1.22 lakh vs ₹1.38 lakh) with better mileage (45 kmpl vs 40 kmpl), but FZ-X has more tech.
Does it need a license
Yes, its 177cc engine requires a two-wheeler license in India.
Where to buy this bike
Kawasaki dealerships or e-shop, with EMIs from ₹3,500/month, available across India.
