In this lengthy post, we'll compare the recently updated W175 Street to its strong rival, the Yamaha FZ-X, in great detail. Kawasaki just added alloy-wheels to the W175 and launched the W175 Street variant. Let’s take a look at how it fares against one of its primary rivals, the Yamaha FZ-X.
Key Features
1.Design and Aesthetics: The battle begins with a visual inspection of the two motorcycles. The Kawasaki W175 Street’s overall design aesthetic screams retro from the moment you lay your eyes on the bike. The alloy wheels and the new paint schemes (Candy Emerald Green and Metallic Moondust Grey) do add a modern touch to it. Kawasaki has even chosen to keep the headlight halogen, adding to the retro appeal. The footpegs are high set, which might make the seating posture a bit uncomfortable for taller riders during long commutes.
2. Performance and Handling: Dive into the engine specifications, power delivery, and handling characteristics of these two contenders.
3. Technological Features: Explore the technological prowess of both motorcycles.
4. Riding Experience and Comfort: Beyond the specs, we'll discuss the practical aspects of owning and riding these motorcycles. Compare the riding comfort, ergonomics, and overall experience offered by the Kawasaki W175 Street and Yamaha FZ-X.
5. Price and Value for Money: An essential factor for many riders is the cost of ownership.
6. Design Aesthetics: The Kawasaki W175 Street exudes a retro vibe with its overall design, featuring alloy wheels and new paint schemes in Candy Emerald Green and Metallic Moondust Grey. In contrast, the Yamaha FZ-X, a neo-retro sibling to the FZ Fi Version 3.0, boasts a distinctive design with boxier fuel tank profile, fork gaiters, and a modern LED headlight.
7. Engine Powerplay: Under the hood, the W175 Street houses a 175cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, producing 13PS at 7,500rpm and 13.2Nm at 6,000rpm. Surprisingly, despite its larger engine, it shares similar power and torque figures with the Yamaha FZ-X's 149cc engine, which generates 12.4PS at 7,250rpm and 13.3Nm at 5,500rpm.
8. Underpinnings and Dimensions: The W175 Street employs a 30mm telescopic fork, dual shock absorbers, and a 245mm front disc brake with a rear drum brake and single-channel ABS. Meanwhile, the FZ-X stands out with a fatter 41mm telescopic fork, a modern monoshock suspension, and a more advanced braking setup, consisting of a 282mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc with single-channel ABS. In terms of dimensions, the FZ-X has a slightly longer wheelbase, higher ground clearance, and a taller seat height compared to the W175 Street.
The W175 Street features a round semi-digital instrument console with retro charm but lacks Bluetooth connectivity. The FZ-X also comes equipped with LED taillights, turn indicators, a USB charging port, and traction control. While the W175 Street nails the retro aesthetic and adds a touch of modernity with alloy wheels, it falls short in power delivery and lacks key features like Bluetooth connectivity and a rear disc brake. For a mere Rs 1,200 more, the Yamaha FZ-X presents a superior package with modern performance, additional features, and a unique neo-retro styling that might appeal to a broader audience.