The W230 is one of the lightest models in the 250cc retro sport category at 143 kg, which facilitates handling and enhances rider confidence. An excellent power-to weight ratio is another benefit.
The W230 carries on the proud tradition of the W series with styling touches that have been in-style since the original W. The W230 possesses a simple, timeless beauty that lovers of classic motorcycles will appreciate.
Special attention was given to ensuring that the W230 has a pleasant, rumbling character when twisting the throttle at low- to mid-rpm. The classic riding position, rhythmic pulse, and fine-tuned exhaust note add to rider enjoyment.
With one of the lowest seat heights in its class, the W230 is suited to a wide range of riders, bringing the W heritage to a broader audience and making this W one of the most accessible machines in the 250cc class.
To make the W230 light and facilitate handling for a wide range of riders, the frame is slim, compact and lightweight, and the seat height is low, making it highly accessible for both for new and returning riders. The result is a compact, well-balanced motorcycle chassis.
Position of the handlebar, seat and footpegs put the rider in a relaxed, upright position that facilitates control of the bike.
The header pipe flows elegantly from the engine and ends in a peashooter style silencer to recreate the beautiful look of early W models for true classic styling. The exhaust note was finetuned to produce a deep bass sound and pulsing sensation when accelerating. When cruising, the exhaust volume is approximately the same level as wind noise, contributing to a pleasant ride feel.
Spoked 18” front and 17” rear wheels lend the W230 a distinguished, stylish look and feel that contributes to smooth handling as well as a big-bike appearance.
The chassis is slim with compact proportions for smooth, easy handling for a wide range of riders. The slim design also contributes to a relaxed reach to the ground for the rider’s feet.
Steering was designed to be unhurried like the machines of yesteryear, with the machine reacting predictably to the rider’s inputs and flowing smoothly into turns.
Round, retro-style gauges with a built-in LCD display offer the best of both worlds: classic, easy-to-read looks with the added information a modern LCD display.
The fuel tank’s teardrop shape contributes to the timeless beauty of a W model, while a specially designed 3D emblem catches the eye and distinguishes this model within the category.
Retro-style headlight and taillight feature round housings reminiscent of the original W models.
The machine’s overall proportions are well-balanced, with a classic-looking silhouette inspired by the original W and its older siblings in the W series.
For both the looks from the outside and the feel when riding, the W230’s engine delivers a vintage character. Special care was given to the design to produce classic looks in a modern engine, with sculpted engine parts including large, rounded fins on the cylinder head.
When riding, the engine offers a pleasant pulsating sensation thanks to the crankshaft’s high moment of inertia. Ample torque from the initial twist of the throttle provides a fun, engaging ride quality—especially in the low-to mid-rpm range.
Details like a classic seat design, steel fenders, and spoked wheels contribute to the machine’s timeless beauty and a vintage feel that riders will notice when they first sit on the machine.
| Engine type | Air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Valve system | SOHC, 2 valves |
| Bore x stroke | 67.0 x 66.0 mm |
| Displacement | 233 cm³ |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection: 32 mm x 1 |
| Lubrication | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
| Starting System | Electric |
| Ignition System | Digital |
| Maximum power | 12.9 kW {17.5 PS} / 7,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Maximum torque | 18.6 N•m {1.9 kgf•m} / 5,800 rpm |
| CO2 emission | 58 g/km |
| Fuel consumption | 2.5 l/100km |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return shift |
| Clutch | Wet, multi disc |
| Primary Reduction Ratio | 2.871 (89/31) |
| Gear Ratios 1st | 3.000 (39/13) |
| Gear Ratios 2nd | 2.067 (31/15) |
| Gear Ratios 3rd | 1.556 (28/18) |
| Gear Ratios 4th | 1.261 (29/23) |
| Gear Ratios 5th | 1.040 (26/25) |
| Gear Ratios 6th | 0.852 (23/27) |
| Final drive | Sealed chain |
| Final reduction ratio | 2.714 (38/14) |
| Frame type | Tubular, semi-double cradle |
|---|---|
| Rake | 27.0 ° |
| Trail | 99 mm |
| Wheel travel front | 117 mm |
| Wheel travel rear | 95 mm |
| Tyre, front | 90/90-18 M/C 51S |
| Tyre, rear | 110/90-17 M/C 60S |
| L x W x H | 2,125 x 800 x 1,090 mm |
| Steering angle L/R | 40° / 40° |
| Wheelbase | 1,415 mm |
| Ground clearance | 150 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 12.0 liter |
| Seat height | 745 mm |
| Curb mass* | 143 kg |
| | *Curb mass includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied). |
| Estimated dry weight** | 133 kg |
| | **Estimated Dry weight does not include all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied). |
| Brakes, front | Single disc |
|---|---|
| Front Brake Diameter | Ø 265 mm |
| Front brake caliper type | Dual-piston |
| Brakes, rear | Single disc |
| Rear Brake Diameter | Ø 220 mm |
| Rear brake caliper type | Single-piston |
| Suspension, front | Telescopic fork |
| Front suspension diameter | Ø 37 mm |
| Suspension, rear | Twin shocks with spring preload adjustability |
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