The Kawasaki W800 is more than just a motorcycle; it's a rolling tribute to a bygone era. This retro-styled machine blends classic design with modern engineering, offering a unique experience for riders who appreciate character and timeless aesthetics. Let's delve into what makes the W800 such a compelling choice:
Vintage Charm with Modern Refinements:
Retro Inspiration: The W800 draws heavily from Kawasaki's illustrious W series motorcycles from the 1960s and 70s. Its round headlamp, chrome detailing, and teardrop-shaped…
The Kawasaki W800 is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a rolling tribute to a bygone era. This retro-styled machine blends classic design with modern engineering, offering a unique experience for riders who appreciate character and timeless aesthetics. Let’s delve into what makes the W800 such a compelling choice:
Vintage Charm with Modern Refinements:
Retro Inspiration: The W800 draws heavily from Kawasaki’s illustrious W series motorcycles from the 1960s and 70s. Its round headlamp, chrome detailing, and teardrop-shaped fuel tank exude a timeless elegance that evokes nostalgia for the golden age of motorcycling.
Modern Touches: While embracing a vintage look, the W800 isn’t stuck in the past. Features like fuel injection, a digital instrument cluster (integrated into a classic housing), and disc brakes with ABS ensure a smooth, reliable, and safe riding experience.
Thumping Twin-Cylinder Engine:
Air-cooled Soul: The W800 boasts a 773cc, air-cooled, vertical twin engine. This iconic engine configuration delivers a distinct thumping sound and a satisfying pulse that reminds riders they’re piloting a classic machine.
Effortless Power: Don’t be fooled by the lack of liquid cooling. The engine provides enough power for relaxed cruising and enjoyable city commutes. It prioritizes character and a nostalgic riding experience over outright acceleration.
Comfort and Handling:
Upright Riding Position: The W800 offers a relaxed and upright riding position, perfect for comfortable cruising and providing good visibility in traffic.
Balanced Handling: The lightweight chassis and well-tuned suspension contribute to balanced handling, making the W800 an enjoyable motorcycle to maneuver around town or navigate twisty backroads.
Other Specifications:
Weight: 218 kg (curb weight)
Seat Height: 790 mm (might be challenging for shorter riders)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15 liters
Top Speed: Around 180 km/h (claimed)
Fuel Efficiency: Around 20 kmpl (claimed)
Price and Competition:
The Kawasaki W800 comes at a premium ex-showroom price, reflecting its unique character and blend of vintage aesthetics with modern functionality.
It competes with other retro-styled motorcycles like the Triumph Bonneville T120, Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, and Moto Guzzi V7 series, each offering distinct design elements and engine configurations.
Pros:
Timeless and elegant retro design that turns heads.
Characterful air-cooled engine with a distinct thumping sound.
Comfortable upright riding position for relaxed cruising.
Balanced handling for enjoyable maneuvering.
Kawasaki’s reputation for reliability and performance.
Cons:
Premium price tag compared to some other retro-styled motorcycles.
Seat height might be challenging for shorter riders.
Lower fuel efficiency compared to some modern motorcycles.
Lacks features like a modern instrument cluster (on some variants).