Kawasaki adds W800 standard to its retro classic line
If you love the look of the 1960s standard motorcycles then the new-for-2020 Kawasaki W800 may be just what you need.
Or, if you are more of the old-time street racer-type, you may want a W800 CAFÉ, which is back for 2020 after being introduced in 2019.
Kawasaki says the new W800 as well as the W800 CAFE are throwbacks to the1966 Kawasaki W1 650 that “represented Kawasaki’s quest for speed and was a true competitor to the well-established Western manufacturers. Preserving the authenticity of the famed W1, the W800 CAFE and new W800 motorcycles have been modernized for trailblazers and their pursuit of timeless performance.”
The new W800 with its standard style, vintage look and lots of chrome boasts an air-cooled 773cc vertical twin engine, bevel gear-driven camshaft and a long-stroke 360-degree crankshaft.
The bike features a five-speed transmission and final chain drive.
The engine is silver but features a chrome bevel-gear cover, has chrome highlights throughout the styling design and has a clear-coat finish on the outer fork tubes and crankcase cover. The fenders and turn signals are chrome.
The W800 has a 19-inch wheel up front and an 18-incher in the rear.
The W800 frame is double-cradle high-tensile steel, the bike’s seat height is 31.1 inches, curb weight is 496.1 pounds and the wheelbase is 57.7 inches. The fuel capacity is 4 gallons.
The bike comes in one color: Candy Cardinal Red. MSRP: $9,199.
The W800 CAFÉ is powered by the same 773cc vertical twin engine and features an updated modern double-cradle frame design and modern suspension components.
Kawasaki says the W800 CAFE is equipped with a large diameter front fork with stiff springs, a highly rigid lower triple-clamp and sturdy dual shocks to complement the rigid frame, a telescopic front fork that features 41mm tubes and dual rear shock absorbers with adjustable spring preload.
Handling the stopping duties of the W800 CAFE is a full disc brake setup with a large-diameter 320mm disc in front and a 270mm disc in the rear. The setup features modern ABS.
The bike has 18-inch wheels front and rear with sturdy, lightweight aluminum rims that are highly resistant to corrosion. The spokes and nipples are treated with a coating which allows dirt and grime to be simply wiped off. Tube-type tires offer a traditional tread pattern and plenty of traction.
The 2020 Kawasaki W800 CAFE is available in Metallic Matte Fusion Silver/Metallic Spark Black. MSRP: $9,799.
For more information on the entire Kawasaki motorcycle line, go to www.kawasaki.com.