Meguro: 100 Years of Motorcycle History—from Gearbox Production to Kawasaki Integration in 1964

Meguro was founded in Japan in 1924, initially as a manufacturer of transmissions. In 1937, the company began developing motorcycles of its own, starting with the 500 cc Z97. Around 30 models followed over the next three decades. Kawasaki fully acquired the brand in October 1964. The year 2024 therefore marked the 100th anniversary of Meguro’s founding and gave Kawasaki the reason to reactivate the name as a distinct sub-brand. The first step had already come at the end of 2020 with the Japan-market Meguro K3, based on the W800. The S1 for the 250 class followed in Asia from 2023 and arrived in Europe in 2025.

Visually, the Meguro S1 draws directly from the 1964 Kawasaki 250 Meguro SG, the final model of Meguro’s independent era before the brand was absorbed into Kawasaki. The black-and-chrome treatment, M emblem, and peashooter exhaust are historically traceable references rather than generic retro decoration. MY2026 brings no technical changes from the 2025 specification, and the motorcycle remains available in one color only: Ebony.

Meguro S1 vs. W230: Identical Hardware, Fundamentally Different Design—What the EUR 700 Premium Buys

Engine, chassis, brakes, tires, weight, and seat height are technically identical on the Meguro S1 and W230. The EUR 700 premium only buys design differences, however those differences are substantial. The W230 uses matte paint in green or blue with a three-dimensional W badge on the tank and contrasting chassis colors. The Meguro S1 instead gets a chrome-plated tank with painted side panels, an entirely black chassis, and more chrome detailing throughout the motorcycle. As a result, the S1 sits much closer visually to historic Meguro models than the W230 does to the W1. The W230 is recognizably retro; the Meguro S1 commits to the idea more completely.

The Meguro S1 cockpit is also different. Instead of the W230’s single round instrument with an integrated digital display, the S1 uses two separate classic-style round gauges with a typeface recalling older Meguro models and the iconic red Meguro logo in Katakana script along the lower edge. The three-dimensional M emblem on the tank is another exclusive feature. The S1 comes only in Ebony black, while the W230 is offered for 2026 in Metallic Matte Dark Green.

Engine and Character: 233 cc With an Appetite for Revs—Identical to the W230, but Subjectively a Different Experience

The 233 cc single-cylinder engine uses DOHC, two valves, fuel injection, a balance shaft, and a high crankshaft moment of inertia. It produces 18 hp at 7,000 rpm and 19 Nm at 5,800 rpm. The technical description is identical to the W230. Kawasaki deliberately chose a relatively high crankshaft inertia to create a rhythmic, pulsing character. Power delivery is restrained at low rpm and develops more personality higher in the rev range; despite the balance shaft, vibration is noticeable toward the top. The engine is more willing to rev than the lower-spinning 350 cc singles from Honda and Royal Enfield.

What changes is the context around that engine. The Meguro S1 wraps the same 233 cc single in a more uncompromising retro presentation, making relaxed, deliberately unhurried riding feel even more central to the concept. It answers the question of purpose more clearly than the W230: this is for riders who put historically inspired design first and see modest performance as a deliberate counterpoint to the industry’s horsepower race. The peashooter exhaust, described in the W230 road test as surprisingly full-bodied, sounds the same here.

Chassis and Ergonomics: 37 mm Fork With Gaiters, 143 kg, 740 mm—Accessible and True to the Concept

The Meguro S1 chassis is technically identical to the W230. Up front is a conventional 37 mm telescopic fork with gaiters and 117 mm of travel. At the rear are twin shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustment and 95 mm of travel, mounted to a steel semi-double-cradle frame. Rear preload is the only suspension adjustment. The setup is softly tuned for comfort and suits city riding and relaxed backroads. Ground clearance is 150 mm.

Kawasaki lists the Meguro S1 seat height at 740 mm, compared with 745 mm for the W230, a difference likely explained by the slightly different seat shape. Curb weight is 143 kg. Together, those figures make the Meguro S1 one of the most accessible motorcycles in its particular retro niche: considerably lighter and lower than the Honda GB350S at 179 kg and 800 mm, and directly comparable with the W230. Wire-spoke wheels measure 18 inches front and 17 inches rear, with 90/90-18 and 110/90-17 tires. Brakes are the same as the W230: 265 mm front and 220 mm rear discs, with ABS standard.

Cost: EUR 6,095—A EUR 700 Design Premium Over the W230, Brand History Included

The Meguro S1 costs EUR 6,095 including destination. That is EUR 700 more than the W230 at EUR 5,395 for identical mechanical hardware. The surcharge is purely a design premium: chrome tank, black chassis, twin instruments with Meguro-specific typography, and the three-dimensional M emblem. If those details are compelling to you, the premium is easy to justify. If you simply want an affordable retro motorcycle, choose the W230. Technically, there is no reason for the price difference; it is entirely a matter of taste.

Against its rivals, the Meguro S1 sits above the Honda GB350S and Royal Enfield Hunter 350 on price, but counters with a design concept that is unique in Europe and backed by genuine brand history. Kawasaki’s EUR 230 starter bonus also applies to the Meguro S1. The warranty is four years with unlimited mileage. The S1 comes only in Ebony; if you want another color, buy the W230.

Verdict

The Meguro S1 is the more uncompromising expression of the same technical concept. It uses the W230 platform but creates a clearer and more historically specific image: black and chrome, Katakana script, twin gauges, and 100 years of Meguro history. Riders who want their motorcycle to make a statement about brand authenticity will find the Meguro S1 more convincing than the W230. Riders who place less value on appearance and would rather save EUR 700 should buy the mechanically identical W230.

 

Quick Check

+ 100 years of Meguro brand history: founded in 1924, first motorcycle in 1937, acquired by Kawasaki in 1964; the S1 is the most consistent revival of the sub-brand.

+ Design directly inspired by the 1964 Kawasaki 250 Meguro SG: chrome-plated tank, black chassis, peashooter exhaust.

+ Twin instruments with Meguro-specific typography and iconic red Meguro Katakana logo—no other motorcycle in the lineup has this cockpit detail.

+ Three-dimensional M emblem on the tank: a clear visual brand identifier.

+ More chrome than the W230: chrome-plated tank with painted side panels instead of a single-color matte finish.

+ Same strengths as the W230: 143 kg curb weight, 740 mm seat height, rev-happy 233 cc engine, exceptionally light clutch action.

+ Six-speed transmission, ABS on both wheels, passenger seat, steel fenders, fork gaiters.

+ A design concept unique in Europe with credible brand history behind it.

+ EUR 230 starter bonus available; 4-year warranty with unlimited mileage.

+ EUR 6,095 including destination: fairly positioned for the design concept and brand substance.

 

– EUR 700 premium over the mechanically identical W230: pure design surcharge, no technical added value.

– 18 hp / 19 Nm / 233 cc: measurably less than the Honda GB350S and Royal Enfield Hunter 350 despite the higher price.

– Available only in Ebony black: no color choice.

– Halogen and incandescent-bulb lighting rather than LED: consistent with the retro concept, but behind modern standards from a safety standpoint.

– No tachometer as standard despite the twin-instrument appearance: the gauges provide speed and indicator functions, not engine rpm.

– Suspension is non-adjustable except for rear preload and reaches its limits during sporty cornering.

– 12-liter tank: smallest fuel tank among its direct rivals.

– MY2026 technically unchanged: no update, no power increase, no LED lighting.

 

Technical Specifications: Kawasaki Meguro S1 (2026)

Model Series: EJ230B, 2025-present; MY2026 technically unchanged

Engine: Single-cylinder, 233 cc, air-cooled, DOHC, two valves; fuel injection; balance shaft; high crankshaft inertia; six-speed; chain final drive—identical to W230

Power: 18 hp / 13.2 kW at 7,000 rpm

Torque: 19 Nm at 5,800 rpm

Frame: Steel semi-double-cradle frame

Fork: Conventional 37 mm telescopic fork with gaiters; 117 mm travel

Rear Shocks: Twin shocks; five-position preload adjustment; 95 mm travel

Geometry: 1,415 mm wheelbase; 63-degree steering-head angle; 150 mm ground clearance

Front Brake: Single 265 mm disc; two-piston caliper; ABS

Rear Brake: Single 220 mm disc; single-piston caliper; ABS

Wheels: Wire-spoke wheels; 18-inch front / 17-inch rear

Tires: IRC GP-21F / GP-22R; 90/90-18 front; 110/90-17 rear

S1-Exclusive Design: Chrome-plated tank with painted side panels; all-black chassis; twin round instruments with Meguro typography and red Katakana logo; three-dimensional M emblem; more chrome detailing than W230

Cockpit: Twin retro-style round instruments; Meguro-specific colors and typography; red Meguro Katakana logo; no tachometer; halogen/incandescent lighting

Weight: 143 kg fully fueled

Seat Height: 740 mm

Fuel Tank: 12 liters

Top Speed: Approx. 130 km/h

Fuel Consumption: Approx. 2.3 L/100 km WMTC; around 3.0 L/100 km in real-world use

2026 Color: Ebony black, only available color

Warranty: 4-year Kawasaki factory warranty with unlimited mileage

Price in Germany: EUR 6,095 including destination; EUR 230 starter bonus available