Kawasaki W800

Last updated
Kawasaki W800
Kawasaki W 800 right side.jpg
Manufacturer Kawasaki
Production2011–2016 [1]
2019–present
Predecessor W650
Class Standard
Engine 773 cc (47 cu in) 4-stroke, air-cooled, OHC, long-stroke, 360° parallel-twin
Bore / stroke 77 mm × 83 mm (3.03 in × 3.27 in)
Compression ratio 8.4:1
Power 52 hp (39 kW) @ 6,100 rpm (claimed) [2]
Torque 64 N⋅m (47 lbf⋅ft) @ 2,500 rpm (claimed)
Transmission 5-speed, chain-drive
Frame type Double-cradle, high-tensile steel
Suspension Front: 39 mm telescopic forks
Rear: Dual shock absorbers
Brakes Front: 320 mm disc, Tokico twin-piston calliper
Rear: 160 mm drum (2011–2016)
Rear: 270 mm disc, twin-piston calliper (2019–present)
Tyres Front: 100/90-19
Rear: 130/80-18
Rake, trail 27° / 108 mm
Wheelbase 1,465 mm (57.7 in)
DimensionsL: 2,180 mm (86 in)
W: 790 mm (31 in)
H: 1,075 mm (42.3 in)
Seat height791 mm (31.1 in)
Fuel capacity15 litres (3.3 imp gal; 4.0 US gal)
Fuel consumption50–62 mpgimp (5.6–4.6 L/100 km; 42–52 mpgUS) [3]
Related W1

The Kawasaki W800 is a parallel-twin motorcycle manufactured and marketed by Kawasaki from 2011 to 2016, and then since 2019. The W800 is a retro-classic design model that emulates the Kawasaki W series, three models that were produced from 1967 to 1975, and which in turn were based on the British BSA A7. [4] It replaced the W650, which was produced from 1999 to 2007. The W800 has an air-cooled, OHC, long-stroke, 773 cc (47 cu in) 360° parallel-twin, four-stroke engine, with shaft and bevel gear driven overhead cam. The carbureted W650 was discontinued because it could not meet emissions regulations. [3] Unlike the W650, the W800 is electronically fuel injected and does not have a kickstart. [5]

The retro style includes a highly polished, gloss-painted and pinstriped fuel tank, as well as a ribbed saddle, wire wheels and a special W-logo on both sides of the tank, which refers to the W1-model. [6] Besides the regular W800 model there is the W800 Special Edition. In 2012 the S.E. has gold-anodised wheelrims, 2 black exhausts, and a black engine. [7] For both models, there is the Café Style option, with a front cowl, and a cafe racer-inspired seat. [1]

Kevin Ash wrote, "The performance feels distinctly retro too, but in a good way, as the W800 purrs along. The sound is friendly and mellow and the engine pulls well enough not to feel breathless, as the W650 could". [6]

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References

  1. 1 2 dePrato, Bruno (June 10, 2016). "Farewell to the Kawasaki W800". Cycle World . Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  2. W800 @ Kawasaki UK
  3. 1 2 Ash, Kevin. "Kawasaki W800 review" . Retrieved 20 August 2011.
  4. Brown, Roland (November–December 2005). "Kawasaki W2TT Commander". Motorcycle Classics.
  5. Penfold (May 2011). "Kawasaki W800 - 2011". Cycle Torque. Archived from the original on 26 March 2012. Retrieved 1 March 2012.
  6. 1 2 Ash, Kevin (26 October 2011). "Kawasaki W800 review". The Telegraph. Retrieved 1 March 2012.
  7. "Kawasaki W800 Special Edition". Archived from the original on 19 October 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2013.