Kawasaki W175: In the bustling streets of India’s metropolitan cities and the winding roads of its countryside, a new contender has emerged in the retro motorcycle segment.
The Kawasaki W175, affectionately dubbed by enthusiasts as “RX 100 ka Dushman” (Enemy of the RX 100), has finally made its grand entrance into the Indian market.
With its unmistakable classic styling, modern engineering, and a price tag that challenges established competitors, the W175 isn’t just another entry in Kawasaki’s lineup—it’s a statement.
Kawasaki W175 The Arrival of a New Challenger
The launch event in Delhi last week wasn’t just another corporate unveiling; it was a celebration of motorcycling heritage merged with contemporary sensibilities.
As the covers came off the gleaming W175, the gathered crowd—a mix of industry veterans, motorcycle journalists, and nostalgic enthusiasts—fell into an appreciative silence before erupting in applause.
“We’re not just launching a motorcycle today,” announced Hiroshi Yamada, Director of Kawasaki Motors India. “We’re bringing back the joy of simple, pure motorcycling that an entire generation grew up with—but with the reliability and refinement that modern riders demand.”
This sentiment captured exactly what Kawasaki aims to achieve with the W175. In a market saturated with plastic-clad sports bikes and utilitarian commuters, the W175 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic motorcycling—a direct challenge to the nostalgic dominance of bikes like the legendary Yamaha RX 100.
Styling That Speaks Volumes
The first thing that strikes you about the W175 is its unapologetically retro appearance. Unlike many “retro-modern” motorcycles that merely hint at vintage design, the W175 embraces its classic inspiration with conviction.
The round headlamp, adorned with a chrome ring, sits proudly at the front. The teardrop fuel tank—a masterpiece of metal craftsmanship—catches reflections like a polished gem. The straightforward instrument cluster consists of an analog speedometer and basic tell-tale lights—no digital screens or unnecessary complications here.
Chrome accents on the exhaust, rims, and mirror stems provide just enough flash without venturing into gaudiness. The seat, with its simple yet elegant stitching, completes the picture of a motorcycle that could have rolled out of a factory in the 1970s—except for the telltale modern touches like the disc brake up front and the subtle Kawasaki badging.
Available in three colors—Ebony Black, Candy Persimmon Red, and a stunning Special Edition Metallic Ocean Green—the W175 offers enough variety to appeal to different tastes while maintaining its classic identity.
Manoj Sharma, a 54-year-old former RX 100 owner who attended the launch, couldn’t contain his excitement. “It takes me back. Way back,” he said, running his hand along the fuel tank. “But it’s cleaner, more… proper somehow. Like the bikes we used to dream about, but better built.”
Engineering: Old-School Charm Meets Modern Reliability
Beneath the nostalgic exterior beats the heart of a thoroughly modern motorcycle. The 177cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine might seem modest on paper, producing 13 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 13.2 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. However, these numbers don’t tell the complete story.
The engine, unlike the two-stroke screamer of the RX 100, is a four-stroke unit that prioritizes linear power delivery and reliability over raw performance.
The five-speed transmission offers smooth shifts, while the relatively lightweight 135 kg chassis ensures that the available power translates to a spirited riding experience.
“We weren’t chasing horsepower figures,” explained Kawasaki’s Chief Engineer Takeshi Watanabe. “The W175 is about the quality of the experience—the sound, the feel, the connection between rider and machine. It’s engineered to deliver joy at every rpm, not just at the redline.”
This philosophy becomes evident when riding the W175. The engine note—a deep, satisfying thump rather than the high-pitched ring of a two-stroke—has been carefully tuned to deliver auditory pleasure without becoming obtrusive.
The throttle response is immediate yet controllable, offering enough acceleration for urban environments without intimidating newer riders.
Fuel efficiency, a crucial factor for the Indian market, is impressive at approximately 45 kmpl under real-world conditions. The 12-liter fuel tank provides a reasonable range of around 500 kilometers before needing a refill—perfect for both daily commutes and weekend getaways.
Handling: Simplicity Breeds Confidence
The W175’s relatively basic chassis setup—a semi-double cradle frame, telescopic front forks with 110mm travel, and twin shock absorbers at the rear with 68mm travel—might seem unremarkable on paper. However, on the road, this simplicity translates to predictable handling that inspires confidence.
The 17-inch wheels, shod with 80/100 front and 100/90 rear tires, provide adequate grip on various surfaces. The 790mm seat height makes the motorcycle accessible to riders of varying statures, while the narrow profile allows for easy maneuverability in congested traffic—a significant advantage in India’s crowded urban centers.
Braking duties are handled by a 220mm disc up front and a 110mm drum at the rear. While not the most sophisticated setup available, it provides adequate stopping power for the motorcycle’s performance envelope. The inclusion of single-channel ABS is a nod to modern safety standards without overcomplicating the package.
During our brief test ride at the launch event, the W175 demonstrated composed behavior on Delhi’s varied road surfaces. The suspension, while basic, absorbs most imperfections without transmitting excessive harshness to the rider.
The upright riding position, facilitated by the wide handlebars and centrally placed footpegs, allows for hours of fatigue-free riding—a quality that many more “advanced” motorcycles sometimes overlook.
Challenging the Legend: W175 vs. RX 100
The comparison to the Yamaha RX 100 is inevitable and, indeed, seems to be part of Kawasaki’s marketing strategy. The RX 100, produced in India from 1985 to 1996, has achieved legendary status in the country’s motorcycling history. Its lightweight chassis, punchy two-stroke engine, and simple maintenance requirements made it a beloved icon that continues to command impressive resale values decades after production ceased.
However, direct comparisons between the W175 and the RX 100 reveal more differences than similarities. The RX 100’s 98cc two-stroke engine delivered its power in a characteristically peaky manner, demanding an engaged riding style and frequent gear changes to stay in the power band. The W175’s four-stroke unit, while less exciting at the top end, offers more accessible performance throughout the rev range.
“They’re different beasts, really,” commented motorcycle journalist Rahul Desai. “The RX was raw, demanding, almost temperamental—like dating someone exciting but complicated. The W175 is more like a dependable companion that still knows how to have fun. Less drama, more substance.”
The most significant difference lies in the ownership experience. The RX 100, with its two-stroke engine, required oil to be mixed with fuel and regular maintenance to maintain performance.
The W175, benefiting from decades of engineering advancement, offers modern reliability with significantly extended service intervals and simplified maintenance requirements.
Crucially, the W175 meets current emission standards—something the RX 100 never could in its original form. This allows new riders to experience something of the classic motorcycling ethos without the practical compromises that vintage ownership entails.
Market Positioning: Premium Nostalgia at an Accessible Price
At ₹1.47 lakh (ex-showroom) for the standard variants and ₹1.55 lakh for the Special Edition, the W175 positions itself in an interesting segment of the market.
It’s neither a budget commuter nor a premium indulgence—rather, it occupies a middle ground that emphasizes value through distinctive character rather than outright specifications.
This pricing strategy places it in direct competition with various 150-180cc offerings from manufacturers like Bajaj, TVS, and Honda. However, unlike many of these competitors that emphasize modern styling and features, the W175 banks on emotional appeal and the growing retro motorcycle trend.
“Our research indicated a significant demand for motorcycles that offer a blend of vintage appeal and modern convenience,” explained Kawasaki India’s Marketing Director Sunita Patel.
“Many riders who grew up admiring bikes like the RX 100 now have the purchasing power to fulfill those youthful dreams, but they also value the reliability of contemporary engineering.”
This observation aligns with broader trends in the Indian motorcycle market, where retro-styled offerings from Royal Enfield, Jawa, and more recently, Honda and Yezdi have found considerable success. The W175 enters this burgeoning segment with Kawasaki’s reputation for quality and performance as its backing.
Ownership Experience: Beyond the Purchase
Kawasaki has put significant thought into the ownership experience for the W175. The motorcycle comes with a 2-year/30,000 km warranty as standard, with the option to extend this coverage for an additional year. Service intervals are set at a reasonable 5,000 km, with major services required only every 20,000 km.
The manufacturer has also expanded its service network in preparation for the W175’s launch, adding 35 new authorized service centers across the country in the past six months alone.
This addresses a critical concern for many potential buyers, especially those in smaller cities and towns where premium motorcycle support has traditionally been limited.
Another aspect of the ownership experience is the customization potential. Recognizing the popularity of personalization in the retro motorcycle segment, Kawasaki has launched the W175 with an extensive catalog of genuine accessories. These range from practical additions like luggage racks and engine guards to aesthetic enhancements such as alternative seat designs and various chrome embellishments.
“We understand that for many riders, their motorcycle is an extension of their personality,” noted Patel. “The W175 provides a perfect canvas for personalization, allowing each owner to create something uniquely theirs while maintaining the reliability of factory-approved components.”
Initial Reception: Promising Signs
Though only a week has passed since its official launch, initial reception for the W175 has been predominantly positive. Dealerships report strong interest, with some locations in metropolitan centers like Mumbai and Bangalore already accumulating waiting lists for certain color variants.
Social media buzz has been substantial, with the hashtag #RX100kaDushman trending briefly on Twitter following the launch event. Motorcycle forums and enthusiast groups have been abuzz with discussions comparing the W175 to various classics, with many veterans expressing pleasant surprise at Kawasaki’s faithful execution of the retro concept.
“I went to the showroom expecting to be disappointed,” admitted Vikram Nair, administrator of the Classic Motorcycles India online community.
I’ve seen too many so-called ‘retro’ bikes that miss the essence completely. But the W175… they’ve done their homework. It feels genuine, not like a costume a modern bike is wearing.”
This sentiment appears to be particularly strong among riders aged 40-55, many of whom have firsthand experience with the motorcycles that inspired the W175’s design.
However, somewhat surprisingly, the motorcycle has also generated significant interest among younger riders looking for an alternative to the prevalent sports-styled options in this segment.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the generally warm reception, the W175 is not without its critics. Some performance-oriented riders have pointed to the relatively modest power output as a limitation, particularly when compared to similarly priced motorcycles from other manufacturers.
“For the same money, you could get something with significantly more performance,” noted motorcycle reviewer Arjun Mehta in his initial impression video.
The W175 isn’t for those who prioritize specifications over character. It’s definitely making a statement about what you value in motorcycling.”
Other criticisms center on certain feature omissions that have become standard in this price segment, such as fully digital instrumentation, LED lighting, and connectivity features.
Kawasaki’s response to these points has been consistent: the W175 intentionally focuses on delivering an authentic experience rather than a checklist of modern features.
Perhaps the most valid criticism concerns the rear drum brake, which some safety advocates argue should have been upgraded to a disc system with dual-channel ABS, particularly given the motorcycle’s premium positioning.
Kawasaki W175 The Road Ahead: Cultivating a Legacy
With the W175, Kawasaki isn’t just launching a new model—it’s planting the seed for what it hopes will grow into a modern legacy. The company has hinted at the possibility of expanding the “W” retro lineup in India if the W175 meets its sales targets, potentially including the larger W800 that has found success in international markets.
“We’re taking a long-term view with the W series,” Yamada emphasized at the launch. “This isn’t about quick sales volumes; it’s about establishing Kawasaki in a segment that values heritage, craftsmanship, and authentic experiences. The W175 is just the beginning of that journey.”
For riders seeking an alternative to both utilitarian commuters and performance-focused sports bikes, the W175 offers a compelling proposition.
It delivers the essence of classic motorcycling—the simplicity, the mechanical connection, the distinctive character—without demanding the sacrifices that usually accompany vintage ownership.
Whether it truly deserves the moniker “RX 100 ka Dushman” remains to be seen. The RX 100 earned its legendary status through years of proving itself on Indian roads and in the hearts of riders. The W175 stands at the beginning of that journey, carrying potential rather than proven legacy.
What’s certain is that by deliberately avoiding the horsepower race and feature checklist competition that dominates much of the market, Kawasaki has created something distinctive.
In an era where motorcycles increasingly rely on electronic features and aggressive styling to differentiate themselves, the W175’s straightforward approach is, paradoxically, its most radical feature.
As the sun set on the launch event, casting long shadows from the line of gleaming W175s on display, one couldn’t help but feel that Kawasaki might have captured something important here—a reminder that motorcycling, at its core, isn’t about specifications or technology.
It’s about the feeling of freedom, the mechanical symphony, and the simple joy of the ride. And in that most fundamental aspect, the W175 delivers abundantly.