Battle Of Small-capacity Retros: Kawasaki W175 vs Yamaha FZ-X

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

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

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

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

(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.