W175 Photos

The Kawasaki W175 is one of the best-looking motorcycles under Rs 1.50 Lakh in India - a claim that holds up in person, not just in press photos.

The teardrop fuel tank is the centrepiece. Long, swooping, with a chrome-ringed fuel cap that genuinely looks like it belongs on a vintage café racer. The proportions are right in a way that most retro-styled modern bikes get slightly wrong.

The round halogen headlamp sits in a chromed nacelle with period-correct round mirrors flanking it. No modern daytime running LEDs disrupting the silhouette - Kawasaki kept the front-end deliberately classic.

The ribbed split seat with dual-tone finish and visible piping adds to the period detail. The seat sits low and level, giving the bike a relaxed, approachable stance.

The 17-inch spoke wheels front and rear are a genuine differentiator at this price point. Most rivals at similar prices use alloy wheels, which always look slightly incongruous on a retro body. The W175's spokes are the real thing - they work visually and practically.

The chrome exhaust exits at a classic low-to-slightly-upswept angle. The visible engine fins of the air-cooled motor contribute to the visual appeal rather than being hidden behind plastic cladding.

Side-on, the profile is lean and upright - classic without being theatrical. Kawasaki achieved a genuine retro aesthetic without the bulk that usually comes with it. The W175 looks like a heritage piece that happens to be new, not a modern sportsbike wearing period costume.