Kawasaki W800
The Kawasaki W800 is a parallel twin motorcycle produced by Kawasaki from 2011 to 2016, and then since 2019. The W800 is a retro style 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, 773 cc (47 cu in) parallel-twin, four-stroke engine, with shaft and bevel gear driven overhead cam. The carburettor-fuelled W650 was discontinued because it could not meet emissions regulations,[3] so the W800 engine is fuel injected. Unlike the W650, the W800 does not have a kickstart.[5]
 | |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Production | 2011–2016[1] 2019–present |
| Predecessor | W650 |
| Class | Standard |
| Engine | 773 cc (47 cu in) 4-stroke, parallel-twin |
| Bore / stroke | 77 mm × 83 mm (3.03 in × 3.27 in) |
| Compression ratio | 8.4:1 |
| Power | 47 hp (35 kW) @ 6,500 rpm (claimed)[2] |
| Torque | 44 lb⋅ft (60 N⋅m) @ 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: single 300 mm disc, twin-piston calliper Rear: 160 mm drum |
| Tyres | Front: 100/90-19 Rear: 130/80-18 |
| Rake, trail | 27° / 108 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,465 mm (57.7 in) |
| Dimensions | L: 2,180 mm (86 in) W: 790 mm (31 in) H: 1,075 mm (42.3 in) |
| Seat height | 790 mm (31 in) |
| Fuel capacity | 14 litres (3.1 imp gal; 3.7 US gal) |
| Fuel consumption | 45–55 mpg‑imp (6.3–5.1 L/100 km; 37–46 mpg‑US)[3] |
| Related | W1 |
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, 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". The 360° engine has a balance shaft to reduce vibration.[6]
References
- dePrato, Bruno (June 10, 2016). "Farewell to the Kawasaki W800". Cycle World. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
- W800 @ Kawasaki UK
- Ash, Kevin. "Kawasaki W800 review". Retrieved 20 August 2011.
- Brown, Roland (November–December 2005). "Kawasaki W2TT Commander". Motorcycle Classics.
- Penfold (May 2011). "Kawasaki W800 - 2011". Cycle Torque. Archived from the original on 26 March 2012. Retrieved 1 March 2012.
- Ash, Kevin (26 October 2011). "Kawasaki W800 review". The Telegraph. Retrieved 1 March 2012.
- "Kawasaki W800 Special Edition". Archived from the original on 19 October 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
External links
- W800 at Kawasaki UK