8th Japan Motorcycle of the Year 2025] Kawasaki W230 and MEGURO S1 won the Grand Gold Award in the light motorcycle category!

The W230/MEGURO S1, sold by Kawasaki Motors Japan, Inc., won the Grand Gold Award in the Light Motorcycle category at the 8th Japan Motorcycle of the Year 2025 awards ceremony held by the Japan Motorcycle Culture Association on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. The Ninja 1100SX SE and Ninja 7 Hybrid/Z7 Hybrid won Gold Awards in the Light Motorcycle Division and Electric Motorcycle Division, respectively.

Light Motorcycle Division Grand Gold Award [W230

[The "Kawasaki W," a brand name that has marked a milestone in Japanese motorcycle history, was born in the 1960s, and by the 1970s had established the image of a large motorcycle. The "W" that gave birth to so many fans began a new history in 1999 as the W650, which evolved into the W800, and the W230 developed a traditional design in a familiar class against the backdrop of this history.The 232cc air-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC single-cylinder engine, which produces abundant torque, provides a lively and nimble riding feel, the compact chassis size enhances the sense of security for all who ride, and the elegant styling brings the joy of motorcycle ownership. The W230 is the perfect companion for both new and experienced motorcycle riders, and is the perfect way to explore a new world.W230 product pagehttps://www.kawasaki-motors.com/ja-jp/motorcycle/w/retro-classic/w230

Light Motorcycle Category Gold Award 【MEGURO S1

Meguro Seisakusho, founded in 1924, started out manufacturing engine parts, gears, and other items before moving on to full-scale motorcycle production. The MEGURO S1, born 60 years later, is a model that strongly reflects the design philosophy of the former Kawasaki 250 MEGURO SG. The color scheme is based on a black background, with effective chrome plating that shines through. The fuel tank is hand-colored and highlighted by a three-dimensional "Meglo" emblem. The engine, with its large cooling fins, is an air-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder. The engine cover has a classical shape, and the cylinder is painted in heat-resistant black, reminiscent of steel parts of the past. MEGURO S1 product pagehttps://www.kawasaki-motors.com/ja-jp/motorcycle/meguro/retro-classic/meguro-s1

Small Motorcycle Category Gold Prize[Ninja 1100SX SE

The Ninja 1100SX SE offers uncompromising individuality. It inherits the spirit of the Ninja series for the experienced solo sport rider, while gaining sport-touring performance that allows you to enjoy the journey with your friends. The Ninja SE is equipped with a variety of technologies, such as traction control and cruise control, to meet the demands of the riding scene.In addition, the new model offers improved driving performance and enhanced rider support functions. The engine displacement has been increased, and in combination with an optimized gear ratio, the power feeling has been improved in the low and mid-speed ranges. KQS, USB Type-C port, heated grips, and ETC2.0 are also standard. In addition, smartphone connectivity with voice command functionality and a navigational function are newly added.The SE model also features Brembo front brake components and Ohlins rear suspension. This enables high-quality sport riding and provides a rider with a more fulfilling riding experience.Ninja 1100SX SE product pagehttps://www.kawasaki-motors.com/ja-jp/motorcycle/ninja/sport/ninja-1100sx

Gold Prize in the Electric Power category [Ninja 7 Hybrid/Z7 Hybrid

Both the Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z7 Hybrid are the world's first strong hybrid motorcycles. The unique power unit combines a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, parallel twin-cylinder 451cc engine and an AC synchronous motor in a 600cc class chassis.Three driving modes are selectable: "SPORT-HYBRID," which maximizes the power of the engine and motor, "ECO-HYBRID," which starts with the motor and the engine works in concert, and "EV," which allows quiet driving with the motor alone.The "ECO-HYBRID" mode achieves fuel economy comparable to 250cc class motorcycles, while the "SPORT-HYBRID" mode enables start-up acceleration comparable to 1,000cc class motorcycles by activating the "e-boost" system. The new riding sensation that only a hybrid motorcycle can offer can be experienced. The time has come for a major change in the conventional wisdom of motorcycling.

To the gallery (1)