Lightweight retro bike priced at $2,9992026 kawasaki w175 ltd officially announced for usLast November, we reported that a new 177cc retro bike from Kawasaki had received approval from the California Air Resources Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Today, the bike is officially confirmed, with Kawasaki announcing the W175 LTD for the U.S. market.Read More:2026 Kawasaki W175 LTD Planned for US Market2025 Kawasaki W230 – First Look2019 Kawasaki W800 Cafe ReviewLike the W230 and W800, the W175 LTD is styled after Kawasaki's W models from the '60s, which in turn were BSA clones licensed by the Japanese brand Meguro before it got folded into Kawasaki in 1963. And while it nails the look, the question remains: do we need an air-cooled 177cc bike with a rear drum brake in this market, especially when the W230 exists?2026 kawasaki w175 ltd officially announced for usPerhaps it would be better to put it this way: is there a market for a Kawasaki motorcycle priced below 3 grand? At $2,999, the W175 LTD is almost half the price of the W230, and lower than all of Honda's Minimoto models except for the even smaller Navi, which comes in at $2,199. And even there you're looking at front and rear drum brakes, and funky styling that isn't everyone's cuppa tea.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you want an inexpensive motorcycle from a major manufacturer with full-sized wheels and retro British flair, you'd have to go up to at least $4,299 for one of Royal Enfield's 350 models. With the W175 LTD, Kawasaki has found a pricing sweet spot not occupied by brands that can boast the same level of dealer support.2026 kawasaki w175 ltd officially announced for usThe W175 LTD is powered by a fuel-injected air-cooled 177cc SOHC Single, with Kawasaki claiming a peak output of 13 hp at 7,500 rpm and 9.6 lb-ft. at 6,000 rpm. Modest figures for sure, but again: $2,999. The engine is paired with a five-speed gearbox designed to maximize the limited torque.The engine is mounted to a rigid semi-double cradle frame Kawasaki says "strikes a balance between functional performance and relaxed, enjoyable control – perfect for navigating urban environments or meandering back roads."2026 kawasaki w175 ltd officially announced for usUp front, the W175 employs a 30mm telescopic fork with 4.3 inches of travel. For the rear, Kawasaki opted for dual preload-adjustable rear shocks mounted at about a 70° angle to balance comfort and control and contribute to the vintage-inspired silhouette.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe front wheel employs a single two-piston caliper and 270mm disc, with an anti-lock braking system, but for the rear, you get a 110mm drum brake. The cast wheels are each 17-inches in diameter, with a 80/100 tire up front and a 100/90 for the rear.2026 kawasaki w175 ltd officially announced for usThe W175 LTD offers a fairly upright riding position, with pullback handlebars, neutral footpegs and a thick cushioned seat. The 30.7-inch seat height should allow for a comfortable reach to the ground for most riders.The 2026 Kawasaki W175 LTD should be available in dealerships now, with a choice of two colors: Ebony or Candy Emerald Green.2026 Kawasaki W175 LTD SpecificationsMSRPStarting at $2,999Engine Type4-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves, air-cooledDisplacement177ccBore x Stroke65.5mm x 52.4mmCompression Ratio9.1:1Maximum Horsepower13 hp at 7,500 rpm (claimed)Maximum Torque9.6 lb-ft. at 6,000 rpm (claimed)Fuel SystemDFI with 28mm throttle bodyIgnitionTCBI with Digital AdvanceTransmission5-speed, return shiftFinal DriveSealed chainElectronic Rider AidsFront wheel Anti-lock Brake SystemFront Suspension30mm telescopic fork, 4.3 inches of travelRear SuspensionTwin shocks with spring preload adjustability, 2.5 inches of travelFront Tire80/100-17Rear Tire100/90-17Front BrakesSingle 245mm disc with 2-piston calipers, ABSRear Brakes110mm mechanical drumFrame TypeSemi-double cradle, steelRake/Trail26.0°/3.1 inchesOverall Length78.9 inchesOverall Width31.7 inchesOverall Height44.5 inchesGround Clearance5.9 inchesSeat Height30.9 inchesCurb Weight297.7 pounds (claimed)Fuel Capacity3.2 gallonsWheelbase52.0 inchesColor ChoicesEbony, Candy Emerald Green2026 Kawasaki W175 LTD Gallery2026 Kawasaki W175 LTD GalleryView GalleryAdvertisementAdvertisement24 photosCredit: Photos by KawasakiBecome a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
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