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The small bike business is a-booming. Or at least that’s what recent releases would have you believe.
One manufacturer has been betting big on the sub-300 cc class as of late. That manufacturer is Kawasaki. It’s only placing more chips on the table with the arrival of the 2026 Ninja 300 and W175 LTD.
Guess who’s back
Remember the Ninja 300? The Ninja 300 that debuted in 2013. The Ninja 300 that became the Ninja 400 in 2018. Well, that Ninja ultimately grew into the Ninja 500 by 2024. In doing so, the entry-level offering inched its way into the mid-size category, vacating the small-capacity ranks in the process. That, in turn, prompted Team Green to revive the Ninja 300 after a nine-year hiatus.
Not much has changed after nearly a decade, either. The beginner sport bike retains its 296 cc parallel twin, which still produces around 39 horsepower and 20 foot-pounds of torque (claimed). The steel-tube diamond frame returns. The preload-adjustable shock and non-adjustable fork are back. Even the instrument panel’s analog tach and LCD display go unchanged.
Aside from minor changes such as a taller windscreen and ABS included as standard, the Ninja 300 is restored to its former glory. In certain respects, that’s a good thing, especially for newer, younger riders, who should find the model’s 30.9-inch seat height and 381-pound listed curb weight quite welcoming.
It’s no surprise Kawi is leaning into small sport bikes. Not only did displacement creep leave a hole in the brand’s Ninja lineup, but sport bike sales have spiked in recent years. It isn’t the only growth opportunity Kawasaki sees, though.
Around towner
When the W230 broke cover in 2024, it already seemed too small for most U.S. customers. Little did we know that the retro runabout would earn an even smaller sibling two years later. Cue the W175 LTD. Like the W230, the sub-200 cc city bike harnesses an air-cooled, two-valve, single-cylinder engine. The major difference is this thumper’s 177 cc displacement.
Listed at 13 horsepower (at 7,500 rpm) and 9.6 foot-pounds of torque (at 6,000 rpm), the W175 is sporty by no means. What it is, above all, is affordable. With an MSRP of $2,999, it’s the most accessible model in Kawasaki’s street-legal lineup, by far — priced lower than even the Z125 Pro mini bike. It’s accessible in other ways, too.
With a claimed curb weight of 298 pounds, riders of the slightest build should be able to handle the kawaii Kawi. A 30.9-inch stand-over height only increases those chances. Unfortunately, the W175 has its limitations. That’s because the model will undoubtedly struggle amongst faster-moving interstate traffic. Those interested in the W175 will likely stick to surface streets for that very reason.
All of which begs the question: how long will this small-bike surge last?
A slice or a sliver?
Quarter-liter-or-less bikes are popping up at an increasing rate. In 2023, it was the Honda XR150L. In 2025, it was the W230. Manufacturers have introduced five such models in 2026. One is Yamaha’s WR125R. The other four come from Kawasaki: the KLX230 Sherpa S, KLX230 DF, Ninja 300, and W175 LTD.
The proliferation of small-capacity bikes is a welcome change in the U.S. market. Welcome change or not, only so many will be viable options for U.S. buyers. The United States is a big country. One that’s connected by a vast network of highways. Riding on those highways requires a motorcycle of no less than 150 cc. While five of the six models listed above meet that qualification, few riders would choose any of them for highway duties.
The success of Honda’s miniMOTO range proves that there’s a market for small motorcycles in the states. However, success in that segment, like success in any segment, is finite. The more models that join the fray, the less customers to go around.
Yes, the small-bike business is (seemingly) a-booming. Whether or not the small-bike business will be a-booming for Kawasaki is a different question entirely.
| 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 300 | 2026 Kawasaki W175 LTD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $4,999 | $2,999 |
| Engine | 296 cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, parallel twin | 177 cc, air-cooled, two-valve, single |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed, chain | Five-speed, chain |
| Claimed horsepower | 38.9 @ 11,000 rpm | 13 @ 7,500 rpm |
| Claimed torque | 19.3 foot-pounds @ 10,000 rpm | 9.6 foot-pounds @ 6,000 rpm |
| Frame | Steel tubular | Semi-double cradle |
| Front suspension | 37 mm fork; 4.7 inches of travel | 30 mm fork; 4.3 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock, adjustable for spring preload; 5.2 inches of travel | Dual shocks, adjustable for spring preload; 2.5 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Single two-piston calipers, 290 mm discs with ABS | Single two-piston calipers, 245 mm discs with ABS |
| Rear brake | Two-piston caliper, 220 mm disc with ABS | 110 mm mechanical drum |
| Rake, trail | 27.0 degrees, 3.7 inches | 26.0 degrees, 3.1 inches |
| Wheelbase | 55.3 inches | 52.0 inches |
| Seat height | 30.9 inches | 30.9 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 gallons | 3.2 gallons |
| Tires | 110/70-17 front, 140/70-17 rear | 80/100-17 front, 100/90-17 rear |
| Claimed weight | 381 pounds | 298 pounds |
| Available | Now | Now |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
| More info | kawasaki.com | kawasaki.com |
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