Battle Of Small-capacity Retros: Kawasaki W175 vs Yamaha FZ-X
- by Bernard Mascarenhas
- Oct 3, 2022
- | Views: 4168
How does the smallest Kawasaki retro bike stack up against its main rival on paper?
Kawasaki recently launched the W175 retro roadster in India, making it the most affordable offering in the Japanese marque’s Indian lineup. While it does come at a rather premium price tag when compared to its natural rival, the Yamaha FZ-X, here’s how the two stack up on paper.
Engine
Specifications |
Kawasaki W175 |
Yamaha FZ-X |
Engine |
177cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 2-valve engine |
149cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 2-valve engine |
Power |
13PS @ 7,500rpm |
12.4PS @ 7,250rpm |
Torque |
13.2Nm @ 6,000rpm |
13.3Nm @ 5,500rpm |
Gearbox |
5-speed |
5-speed |
As you can see from the table above, there is a slight difference in the engine displacement, where the Kawasaki W175 gets a slightly larger cubic capacity than the FZ-X. However, despite the higher capacity, the W175 produces only 0.6PS more power than the FZ-X, while making slightly lesser torque.
A thing of note is that the W175 develops its peak performance slightly higher in the rev-range, which for a small capacity, air-cooled engine is not ideal to ensure optimum reliability, especially if ridden at such high rpms.
Underpinnings
Specifications |
Kawasaki W175 |
Yamaha FZ-X |
Front suspension |
30mm Telescopic fork |
41mm Telescopic fork |
Rear suspension |
5-step preload-adjustable Dual shock absorbers |
7-step adjustable monoshock |
Front brake |
270mm disc brake |
282mm disc brake |
Rear brake |
Drum brake |
220mm disc brake |
Front tyre |
80/100 -17M |
100/80 -17M/C |
Rear tyre |
100/90 -17M |
140/60 R17M/C |
In terms of underpinnings and hardware, the FZ-X takes a clear win with a beefy front suspension, while also offering more adjustability at the rear. It also gets discs at both ends when compared to the W175. Further, the FZ-X is equipped with chunkier tubeless tyres, with the rear also being a radial unit, thus offering comparatively better handling and more convenience during punctures. That said, both the bikes come with the safety net of single-channel ABS.
Dimensions
Specifications |
Kawasaki W175 |
Yamaha FZ-X |
Wheelbase |
1,320mm |
1,330mm |
Ground clearance |
165mm |
165mm |
Fuel tank capacity |
12-litres |
10-litres |
Seat height |
790mm |
810mm |
Kerb weight |
135kg |
139kg |
The Kawasaki W175 is lighter, and with a lower seat height of 790mm, it is slightly more accessible than the FZ-X for shorter riders. The most affordable Kawasaki bike is also slightly more compact with a wheelbase of 1320mm, while also featuring a two-litre larger fuel tank.
Features
In terms of features, the Kawasaki W175 gets a simple semi-digital instrument console, sans connectivity, which shows basic information like odometer, fuel level and a clock, while the Yamaha FZ-X comes with a fully digital display with Bluetooth connectivity, that displays phone notifications like incoming and missed call alerts, SMS and e-mail notifications along with phone battery level status.
The FZ-X can also be paired to a mobile application called ‘Y-Connect’, which provides the rider information about fuel consumption, revs dashboard, last parking position, malfunction and maintenance recommendation.
Price & Verdict
Kawasaki W175 |
Yamaha FZ-X |
Rs 1,47,000 - Rs 1,49,000 |
Rs 1,33,900 |
(all prices ex-showroom Delhi)
The Kawasaki W175 and Yamaha FZ-X are almost evenly matched in the engine department; however, the FZ-X pips its Japanese retro counterpart in underpinnings and features, while also undercutting it by a considerable margin. If you're looking for a value-for-money, neo-retro bike, then the Yamaha FZ-X is the right pick for you. However, if you want a quintessential, no-frills retro bike and don't mind paying the extra premium, consider the Kawasaki W175.