The ’60s-styled Kawasaki W800 motorcycle is ready to take on the likes of Triumph Bonneville T100 and the upcoming 750cc motorcycle from Royal Enfield. Spotted at a dealer in Pune hints that the bike should be launched pretty soon.
Why the British should be worried?
It’s Japanese! The W800 isn’t British but the styling is very, very authentic. The idea of this motorcycle is to give a feel like of the 1960s – something with proper character but blended with perfect new age engineering and technology. Do not expect oil leaks and less reliable electrics !!
What it gets?
- Classy looking long seat reminds of classic motorcycles
- “W” logo designed on tank, finished in chrome gives emphasis to the fact that it was derived from Kawasaki’s W650 range in the ’60s.
- Simple, elegant muffler design with smooth curves, straight lines and long tailpipes add a vintage touch
- The front fork still uses a pair of rubber gaiters as a protection seal against dirt and dust.
- Iconic gear-driven cam adds beauty to the cylinder head while contributing to the engine’s classical appearance
- Instrumentation includes individual speedometer and tachometer with classic display. 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.
- 5-way adjustable clutch lever and 4-way adjustable brake lever enable riders to fine-tune lever span
- The W800 is propelled by a 773cc, four-stroke air cooled parallel twin that kicks out 70PS@ 6,500rpm, while the torque rating is 60Nm @ 2,500rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
- The W800 stops on a single 300mm front disc brake system, while the rear has the 160mm drum brake.
The Rivals
Triumph Bonneville T100
The Bonneville is one of the most iconic names in motorcycle history and the T100 is the most popular Bonneville model available now. The T100 is part of Triumphs “Modern classics” range that is designed to attract both young and old. The old school style mixed with plenty of contemporary technologies is what the T100 all about.
The T100 is powered by a 900cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine making max power of 55 PS @ 5,900 rpm and torque of 80 Nm @ 3,230 rpm
Royal Enfield 750cc
The test mule of the Royal Enfield 750cc motorcycle was spied testing in UK. The new motorcycle is based on the modified chassis of Continental GT and is powered by a 750cc parallel twin engine, which is expected to produce 45-50PS of power and 60Nm of torque. The 750cc motorcycle will be the flagship model in Royal Enfield’s product lineup and will be launched by March 2017 in India.
Image credits: MCN