Kawasaki W 800

The Kawasaki W800 is the third addition to the retro W Series line-up after the Street and Café which was introduced in 2019.  The 2020 W800 features the original, old-school looks of the previous generation.

As the Street and the Café of the W range, the 2020 W800 is powered by the same 773cc parallel-twin motor producing 47hp and 62.9Nm.

It has a 19 inch front wheel, opposed to the 18 inch wheels on the Street and the Café. The other differences between the W800 and W800 Cafe. Rather than the Cafe’s competition-style low bars that are painted black, the standard W800 gets a chromed handlebar that sweeps up and to the rider. This puts the W800 rider in an upright position, rather than leaning forward over the four-gallon fuel tank. Further, the Cafe’s faux solo seat—it does accommodate two—is replaced by the W800’s semi-stepped bench seat with a tuck-and-roll finish.

Wire-spoke wheels are retained for the classic look. Era-appropriate bias-ply Dunlop K300 GP tires are mounted on the rims. ABS is standard on the W800, just as it is on the Cafe version.

The retro appearance is further accentuated by the long, chrome mudguard, and mirrors which are also finished in chrome. Kawasaki has also added a chrome tank badge.

ENGINE

Long-stroke 773cc engine is tuned for low-mid range performance and delivers plenty of torquey power. Unlike the predominantly black engine of the W800 CAFE, the W800 engine is mostly silver to highlight its classic form and beauty.

360-degree crankshaft provides a signature engine pulse.
Balancer shaft helps dampen vibration.
Heavy flywheel contributes to the engine’s strong torque feel.
Iconic bevel gear driven single overhead camshaft activates four valves per cylinder. A chrome bevel gear cover helps highlight the classic looks.
Long, slim intake funnels enhance low-mid range performance.

Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®)

Fuel injection offers precise fuel metering, clean emissions and easy starting.
34mm throttle bodies are arranged to provide incoming air a straight path from the airbox to the cylinders. Sub-throttles are used to ensure ideal engine response as well as reduce noise.
Painted steel throttle body cover augments the retro appearance.

Crafted Exhaust Note

Traditional mufflers emit the throaty exhaust note for which parallel twin engines are famous.
The twin mufflers were carefully tuned to bring out the characteristic note of the engine’s 360º crankshaft configuration, creating a hearty roar to complement every twist of the throttle.
The simple, elegant muffler design utilizes smooth curves and long, straight lines. Peashooter-style mufflers with slim chambers and long tailpipes are reminiscent of the original W1.
Muffler internals (chamber arrangement, diameter/length of baffle pipe and trans-chamber pipe, and large honeycomb catalyser) were designed to deliver mid-high range performance while contributing to strict modern exhaust and noise emissions regulations.

Assist & Slipper Clutch

The assist and slipper clutch(KP) is compact and it’s operating plates help reduce lever pull for an extremely light feel at the lever. A wide engagement range helps make the clutch easier to control.
Using the rotational forces of the clutch hub and pressure plate, the clutch is forced together during acceleration (assist function) so that fewer and lighter clutch springs can be used for a lighter feel at the lever. During high back torque, such as when too low of gear is selected during downshifting, the slipper function allows some clutch slippage to help prevent rear wheel hop and stalling due to engine lock-up

CHASSIS

Double-cradle frame uses a sturdy, 50mm square-section backbone to give the W800 motorcycle a stable ride quality and well-balanced overall design.
Complementing the 50mm square-section backbone, round pipe downtubes are a reminder of the classic sixties style. Gussets and brackets were kept to a minimum for improved aesthetics and reduced weight.
Round tubes with a smooth finish and minimum welds and gussets contribute to the quality appearance.
Kawasaki advanced dynamic analysis used to determine the exact required rigidity for each piece of tubing to ensure optimized performance with minimal weight.
Standard center stand eases maintenance.

SUSPENSION

A 41mm front fork with stiff springs, rigid lower triple-clamp, stiff swingarm and stiff rear shocks complement the rigid frame.
Rubber fork boots help protect the fork tubes and fork seals while adding to the retro appearance.
Dual rear shocks with adjustable spring preload are a nod to the suspension of the sixties era.

BRAKES

Large-diameter 320mm front disc paired with a 270mm rear disc provide excellent response and strong stopping power.
ABS assists braking under certain conditions for added rider confidence.

WHEELS/TIRES

Large-diameter 19-inch front wheel combined with 18-inch rear wheel provides a balance of relaxed handling, light turning feeling and excellent straight-line performance while maintaining the vintage ride feel of a true classic machine.
Silver alumite-coated aluminum rims are corrosion resistant, while the spokes and spoke nipples are treated with a coating that helps shed dirt and grime when cleaning.
Tube-type bias ply tires have a traditional tread pattern with the advantage of today’s technology offering high grip.
Relaxed, vintage-style upright riding position.
Five-way adjustable clutch lever and four-way adjustable brake lever enable riders to fine-tune lever position.
Stylish two-person tuck and roll seat is thickly padded for comfort and classic good looks. The front of the seat is shaped to help riders’ feet reach the ground for assurance at stops.
The W800 CAFE model seat is a direct swap for those who want to customize their ride.
Knee pads on the tank help riders grip the W800 with their legs.
Compact switchgear is designed to add a vintage touch and gives the handlebars a light, uncluttered appearance. Underneath the retro-styled exterior are modern internals for reliable performance.

INSTRUMENTATION

Traditional instrumentation includes individual speedometer and tachometer with classic display and model-specific typeface.
A multi-function LCD screen incorporates an odometer, tripmeter, and clock. A full range of indicator lamps includes an FI warning lamp, dual turn signal indicators, low fuel level indicator, high beam indicator, neutral indicator, and oil pressure warning lamp.

LED Headlight

Large 170mm LED headlamp casts a bright, white light for great night- time visibility.
Features six chambers – four for low-beam and two more for high- beam. Position lamps in the high-beam chambers ensure the whole lamp appears lit, like a retro-style bulb headlamp.
Convex lens and chromed headlamp ring add to the high-quality, classic design.
Chrome-plated steel fenders are pure vintage.
Chrome tank emblems complement the fuel tank’s rich paint.
Chrome handlebars, headlight brackets, mirrors, chain cover, shift lever, brake pedal and oil filter cover also help highlight the paint.
Large, round turn signals with orange lenses and chrome bodies are a standout reminder of the W800’s sixties heritage.
Buff and clear-coat finish treatment on the outer fork tubes and the engine’s crankcase cover add to the look.

Model Variations
FEATURE W800 W800 CAFE
733cc Vertical Twin Engine 4 4
Engine color All silver Black/Silver
Wheel size 19”/18” 18”/18”
Wheel rim color Silver alumite Black alumite
Handlebar Standard handlebar, chrome Clubman-style handlebar, black
Seat Standard seat Cafe seat
F/R fender design Standard, chrome Model-specific design, painted
Turn signal design Large, round, orange Compact, clear*
ABS 4 4