The 2026 Kawasaki W175 LTD is an approachable and attainable new choice for beginner riders, offering a relaxed ride and a price tag of only $2,999 MSRP, as well as retro-inspired styling. It joins Kawasaki’s W series alongside the existing W230 and W800.
Powering the W175 LTD is an air-cooled 177cc single-cylinder engine with fuel injection. The engine is tuned for strong low-end pull, helping to avoid stalling when taking off from a stop. The Single is mated to a 5-speed transmission and features blacked-out components, and the peashooter-style muffler is also blacked out.
The engine is nestled inside a semi-double cradle frame. Suspension includes a 30mm telescopic fork with 4.3 inches of travel and dual rear shocks that offer 2.6 inches of travel and 5-step preload adjustability. Slowing things down are a 270mm front disc pinched by a 2-piston caliper and a drum brake at the rear. Front-wheel ABS is included for additional safety. Cast wheels in 17-inch sizes allow for mounting a wide range of tire options.
Like the engine, the bike’s ergonomics are designed to suit the needs of a beginner rider, offering a laid-back riding position with a pullback-style handlebar and neutral footpeg placement. The seat is thickly padded for both rider and passenger, and a seat height of 30.7 inches makes it approachable for most riders. The curb weight is listed as 297.8 lb.
As a W-series model, the W175 LTD adds retro flair to its beginner-friendly setup, including details like a round chrome-rimmed headlight, analog-style instrumentation, and teardrop-style tank. Also included are tie-down hooks at the rear.
Riders can also choose to add Kawasaki genuine accessories to their W175 LTD, like an engine guard for protection from damage, knee pads for the tank, or a centerstand for easy maintenance.
The 2026 Kawasaki W175 LTD is available in Ebony or Candy Emerald Green starting at $2,999. Visit the Kawasaki website for more information.
Check out more new bikes in Rider‘s 2026 Motorcycle Buyers Guide
Motorcycle engineer
Aapki bike bahut acchi hai aur yah mujhe chahie aur yah kis Liye hai
I like the W230 – but a 230 is too small for North America. A 175cc bike is going the wrong direction.
Have you ridden the w230? Perfect lil commuter bike and decent for relaxed back roads cruzing.. not a interstate bike but it can reach 70mph
Both are completely capable as a city bike. 230 can even do short highway stints.
Can it achieve 70 to 75mph for highway speed?
Probably not as the w230 is governed / limited to 73 mph Max
Bring back the kX 500……..
Sorry. $3000? Plus tax. For a 175? Hard pass.
Here’s the thing. You don’t buy this bike to commute on the interstates. You buy it as a better choice than virtually all 150cc scooters. It’s tougher and more mechanically forgiving than any 150cc scooter. Add a small set of bags and a windshield and you’re good to go for a 15 mile commute to the train station or office.
I bought a 250LTD in 1981 and rode it back and forth from Escondido to Claremont. Also to all the beaches to body surf. Rode it over through Romona through the desert and came out to 395 and back down to Escondido many times. Moved to the Verge Valley Az and rode back and forth to Sedona for 2 years until I traded in for KZ 650.
Styling appears reminiscent of the late1970’s and 80’s.
I like it. Now make it a 750 para twin.