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 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) 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 fuel injected and does not have a kickstart.[5]

Kawasaki W800
ManufacturerKawasaki
Production2011–2016[1]
2019–2020
PredecessorW650
ClassStandard
Engine773 cc (47 cu in) 4-stroke, parallel-twin
Bore / stroke77 mm × 83 mm (3.03 in × 3.27 in)
Compression ratio8.4:1
Power47 hp (35 kW) @ 6,500 rpm (claimed)[2]
Torque44 lb⋅ft (60 N⋅m) @ 2,500 rpm (claimed)
Transmission5-speed, chain-drive
Frame typeDouble-cradle, high-tensile steel
SuspensionFront: 39 mm telescopic forks
Rear: Dual shock absorbers
BrakesFront: single 300 mm disc, twin-piston calliper
Rear: 160 mm drum
TyresFront: 100/90-19
Rear: 130/80-18
Rake, trail27° / 108 mm
Wheelbase1,465 mm (57.7 in)
DimensionsL: 2,180 mm (86 in)
W: 790 mm (31 in)
H: 1,075 mm (42.3 in)
Seat height790 mm (31 in)
Fuel capacity14 litres (3.1 imp gal; 3.7 US gal)
Fuel consumption45–55 mpg‑imp (6.3–5.1 L/100 km; 37–46 mpg‑US)[3]
RelatedW1

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]

References

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  1. ^ a b dePrato, Bruno (June 10, 2016). "Farewell to the Kawasaki W800". Cycle World. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  2. ^ W800 @ Kawasaki UK
  3. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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.
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