The "W230" and "Meguro S1", which made their appearance at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, have finally been announced in the United States and Thailand. The introduction to Japan is expected in December, but let's first introduce the American and Thai specifications.
- The "W230" and "Meguro S1" will be introduced in the Thai and American markets.
- What's the difference? Sister Motorcycles W230 and Meguro S1
- A 223cc engine and a new frame create a new era of retro-modern
- When will it be introduced to Japan?? And what about the price??
- W230/Meglo S1 Main Specifications (2025/Thailand specs)
The "W230" and "Meguro S1" will be introduced in the Thai and American markets.
Kawasaki's motorcycles have their roots in Meguro. The old W series was based on Meguro's K series, and it is still fresh in our memory that the Meguro K3, a tribute to the current W800, was released in 2021.
At the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, Kawasaki exhibited two new models, the W230 and Meguro S1, equipped with a 230cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine. The arrival of Kawasaki's vintage style light motorcycle class model, which had been vacant for a long time after the Estrella series was discontinued, was naturally a hot topic. The original design of the Estrella was based on Meguro's Junior series, and it is obvious that the Meguro S1, based on its successor model, the W230, will join Kawasaki's successful neo-classic strategy line.
The W230 and Meguro S1 were also exhibited at the Motorcycle Show, and their arrival was eagerly awaited, but they have finally been announced for sale in the United States and Thailand.
The US spec Metallic Ocean Blue x Ebony was released after the Thai spec, and is also available in Thailand.
Although it has a classical design, the W230 has a somewhat modern feel thanks to the colored finish on the front and rear fenders.
The Meguro S1 has a more classic look with its plated fuel tank and blacked-out fenders and side covers.
What's the difference? Sister Motorcycles W230 and Meguro S1
The W230 and Meguro S1 are basically sister motorcycle that share the same engine and body, but the design of the exterior parts is basically different.
The W230 has a pearl ivory/ebony color scheme with the tank and front and rear fenders painted in the same color. The tank has a W emblem and the seat is two-tone. The double cradle frame has a round headlight, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, spoke wheels, metal fenders, etc., and it can be said that it is a timeless and modern reconstruction of Kawasaki's vintage design.
The Meguro S1, on the other hand, has a plated tank and blacked-out fenders, etc., which enhances the classical image. According to Kawasaki, the design of the Meguro S1 was inspired by the 1964 Meguro SG, and its design is used in each part. The tank has a Meguro emblem, and the side covers and speedometer panel have "Meguro" written in katakana, paying tribute to the Meguro brand in the past. The seat is black with white piping, giving it an even more classical look.
The American version of the W230. It is a fresh image since only white is presented in Japan.
The American version of the W230. The U.S. lineup is only available in blue, not white.
Light side view with the exhaust system making its presence felt. A simple, motorcycle-like chassis configuration that is typical of neo-classics.
The left side, which has no exhaust system, gives a more nimble impression. The two-tone seats create a stylish image.
The headlights are LED, and the fuel tank with the W logo badge has a 12-liter capacity. The taillights and blinkers are unitized.
The design is basically the same as the W230, but the coloring, including the chrome, gives a very different impression.
The Meglo emblem on the tank, as well as the "Meglo" logo that appears on the side cover, evoke a sense of nostalgia.
The meter itself is modern, but the "Meguro" logo makes it look classical. The headlights are LED, just like the W230. The seats have stylish white piping. The taillight unit is also basically the same as the W230.
A 223cc engine and a new frame create a new era of retro-modern
The engines installed in the W230 and Meguro S1 announced in Thailand are based on the air-cooled SOHC 2-valve 233cc engine installed in the KLX230 series. The engine improves the power feeling at low and mid-range speeds, and the balancer reduces unnecessary vibrations and improves ride comfort. This engine has a maximum output of 12.9kW/7000rpm and a maximum torque of 18.6N-m, which is slightly less powerful than the KLX230, but the rotation speed is lowered accordingly, so it can be said that it is easy to handle.
The stainless steel exhaust system is placed on the right side of the engine to emphasize the curve extending from the engine to the tip of the muffler in order to enhance the beauty of the overall design. The catalytic converter, which has become a necessity now, is built into the center of the exhaust pipe and covered with a heat shield to achieve a straight and stylish appearance.
The engine is tuned for low to mid-speed, based on the air-cooled SOHC 2-valve 233cc engine used in the KL230 series. The crankcase cover and other parts have been newly designed to match the atmosphere of the W and Meguro.
Both the W230 and Meguro S1 are very light, weighing just 143kg, and the lightest steel frame in its class is what contributes to this light weight. This frame is combined with a conventional 37mm telescopic front fork, with a caster angle of 27.0° and a trail of 99mm, creating slow and stable cornering characteristics. The rear shock is a twin shock type with five-stage adjustment, combining a classic look with high driving performance.
The wheels are 18 inches in the front and 17 inches in the rear, and are spoke type, which enhances the classic image. The brakes are disc type with front and rear ABS, supporting safe and comfortable riding.
The lightweight steel double cradle frame keeps the vehicle weight at just 143kg. The handling is gentle, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed ride.
The front fork is 37mm in diameter and the rear shock is adjustable in 5 stages. Wheels are 18" front and 17" rear spoke type, and both front and rear brakes are disc type with ABS.
When will it be introduced to Japan?? And what about the price??
The W230 and Meguro S1 are manufactured in a factory in Thailand, so they should be considered to have been introduced in Thailand first, and they should be introduced in Japan with almost the same specifications. As for the domestic introduction, Kawasaki has already officially announced that they are preparing for introduction, but the introduction date has not been decided at this time. Naturally, they will be released at the same time in Japan, but according to the information currently received by the editorial department, it may be about one month earlier than the new KLX series. There is also information that the KLX was originally scheduled to be introduced in December but has been postponed to January, so domestic sales will probably start in December.
As for the price, the W230 has been announced to be 149,900 baht in Thailand, and the Meguro S1 is 167,900 baht. As of October 1st, 1 baht = 4.44 yen, so if you calculate it as it is, the W230 will be $4457.96 and the Meguro S1 will be $4993.27. By the way, the price of the Ninja ZX-4R SE, which is also manufactured in Thailand, is 320,000 baht in Thailand, which is $9564.89 when converted to Japanese currency, but the selling price in Japan is $7515.27. In other words, the domestic price of the Ninja ZX-4R SE is about 80% of the Thai price, so if we apply this formula, the W230 would be about $3566.36 and the Meguro S1 would be about $3994.61. Of course, there are fluctuations in the exchange rate, so we can't be definitive, but it seems reasonable to say that the W230 is around $3683.95 and the Meguro S1 is around $4018.86.
W230 photographed during the March 2024 motorcycle show; no major changes appear to have been made to the production model.
W series tank batch. Designed to match the smaller W230 tank, it is less three-dimensional than the W800.
Meglo S1, also photographed at the March 2024 Motorcycle Show, also with an eye-catching plated tank.
The old Meglo tank badge is almost exactly the same design as the old Meglo tank badge. If you are an old bike fan, you will want this badge alone!?
W230/Meglo S1 Main Specifications (2025/Thailand specs)
Overall Length x Width x Height: 2125 x 800 x 1090 mm
Wheelbase: 1415mm
Seat Height: 745mm (W230)/740mm (Meglo S1)
Dry Weight: 143kg
Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 2-valve single cylinder 233cc
Maximum Output: 12.9kW/7000rpm
Maximum Torque: 18.6N-m (1).(86 kgm)/5800rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 12L
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tire: F=90/90-18, R=110/90-17
Price: 149,900 baht (about $4420.75, W230, Thai local price), $5599 (about $5358.48, W230, US local price)/167,900 baht (about $4956.59, Meglo S1, local price in Thailand)
