Kawasaki W 800

The W800 is the result of a thorough pursuit of the beauty and ride feel possessed by vintage motorcycles. It offers a rare beauty care of components meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail, as well as a feeling of authentic quality that can only come from using metal parts. The throb of the air-cooled Vertical Twin engine, and the distinct handling character that comes with large-diameter wheels recalls the ride feel of machines from an older generation, gone but not forgotten. The W800, in both looks and feel, pays homage to Kawasaki's legendary W1, the model that started a brand that spans 45 years.

Features

CLASSIC BEAUTY
Visual impact from the striking Vertical Twin engine, classic proportions from a compact frame with large-diameter wheels and a meticulous attention to detail give the W800 an authentic quality and classic beauty difficult to find on modern motorcycles. Painstakingly sculpted forms, an abundance of steel and metal parts, and a liberal use of chrome result in a high quality machine - a worthy successor to a brand that spans 45 years.
 

Engine
* Building a beautiful engine" was a key concept when designing the new air-cooled Vertical Twin. The classic-styled engine is lightweight, simple and a joy to behold.
* Iconic bevel-gear-driven cam adds beauty to the cylinder head while contributing to the engine's classical appearance.
The entire engine is a lustrous silver (either polished aluminium, with a clear coat finish, or chromed), adding to the engine's presence and giving it a high-quality look.
Chromed covers conceal the FI components, keeping the engine's appearance tidy.

* Drive sprocket cover with holes helps reduce mechanical noise and while adding to the engine's appearance.
* Simple, elegant muffler design comprises smooth curves and long, straight lines.
Peashooter-style silencers with slim chambers and long tailpipes add a vintage touch.
 

'W' Styling
* Chassis concept follows the overall design criteria for simplicity,functionality and elegance.
* Large diameter wheels and a compact overall design create a well-balanced package with classic proportions.
* Voluptuous fuel tank finished in high-quality paint contributes to the W800's aura of functional elegance.
* Using immersion graphics technology, a very delicate colour gradation was added to the sides of the tank while maintaining a seamless surface finish.* Newly designed tank emblems, finished in chrome, contribute to the high quality appearance.
* Side covers formed from steel contribute W800's high quality styling.

* Traditionally styled front fork uses rubber gaitors to protect the fork tubes and ensure long fork seal life. Outer tubes have a buffed finish, which contributes to the light looking front end.
* Rear shock absorbers forego covers, allowing their simple design to contribute to the bike's styling.
* Lightweight spoked wheels with aluminium rims contribute a look that never goes out of style.
* Single 300 mm front disc brake offers sure stopping power.

* 160 mm rear drum brake complements the simple, uncluttered design of the W800's rear end.
* Front wheel hub and rear drum brake side panel have a buffed finish, giving them a lightweight appearance.
* Large round turn signals add to the classic styling.
 

Instrumentation
* Traditional 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.
* Compact switchgear gives the handlebars a light, uncluttered look, and enhances the classic look.
 

Details
As much as possible, plastic was eschewed in favour of metal. The result is a feeling of authentic quality that can only be obtained from the solid feel of metal parts.

* Use of many polished components gives the W800 a very high-quality look and feel.
* High-quality paint and chrome, together with corrosion-resistant fasteners, ensure that the W800 will retain its good looks for years to come.
* Lightweight aluminium rims are highly resistant to corrosion. The spokes and nipples are treated with a Cosmer NC finish that allows dirt to be simply wiped off.
* While the frame uses a square-section backbone, round pipe downtubes contribute to the classic look. Gussets and brackets were kept to a minimum for improved aesthetics and reduced weight.
* Headlamp stays are chromed.
* Elliptical mirrors have a nice chrome finish.
* Shift lever and rear brake pedal are finished in chrome.
* Chromed chain guard like that on the W1 contributes to the W800's high quality finish.

* Brake master cylinder and switch housings are formed from blacked-out aluminium. Chromed throttle cable guides further contribute to the classic beauty of the W800.

* The throb of the Vertical Twin engine pumping out loads of torquey feel-good power, the characteristic handling of that comes from a sturdy frame with large-diameter wheels, and the throaty roar from twin exhausts were all carefully cultivated to recall the bikes of yesteryear.
Modern concessions include fuel injection for clean emissions and enhanced fuel efficiency, a balancer shaft to dampen vibration and hassle-free push-button starting.
 

Engine
* With a bore and stroke of 77.0 mm x 83.0 mm, the air-cooled 4-stroke Vertical Twin displaces 773 cm3.
* Tuned for strong low-mid range torque, the max torque arrives at 2,000 rpm.
* The rich engine character and strong low-end response enhance the unhurried pleasure derived from riding a classic motorcycle.
* Fuel injection offers precise fuel metering, clean emissions and easy starting.
* World's first use of a compact external in-line high-pressure fuel pump enables the design of the elegant fuel tank to remain the same.
* 034 mm throttle bodies are arranged to ensure a straight line from the airbox to the cylinders.

* Sub-throttles are used to ensure ideal engine response as well as reduce noise emissions.
* Compact 12-hole injectors save both weight and space.
* Long-stroke 360° crankshaft gives the W800 its signature pulse.
* Heavy flywheel contributes to the strong low-mid range torque feel.
* Bevel gear cam drive and SOHC 4-valve heads give the W800 a wide spread of responsive power.
* Lightweight pistons are the same weight as those of the W650 - despite having a 5 mm larger bore.
* While cam timing and lift are unchanged from the W650, fat cam profiles (quick to open, slow to close) contribute to greater overall performance.
* Long, slim intake funnels deliver enhanced low-mid range performance.
* Slick-shifting 5-speed transmission has a gear for every occasion.
* Fine-tuned 1st gear ratio offers strong launches from standstill.

* Traditional mufflers 27 emit the throaty exhaust note for which parallel twin engines are famous.
* Muffler internals (chamber arrangement, diameter/length of baffle pipe and trans-chamber pipe, and large honeycomb catalyser) and were designed to deliver low-mid range performance while ensuring strict exhaust and noise emissions regulations are met. Increased silencer volume, care of a straight pipe design (compared to the tapered silencer of the W650), also contributes to improved performance.

Handling
* Lightweight 28 double-cradle frame uses a sturdy, 50 mm square-section backbone to give the W800 a very stable ride quality and compact overall design.
* A stiff swingarm further enhances handling qualities while minimising weight.
* Telescopic front fork features stiff, 39 mm tubes and easily soaks up bumps on well-travelled city streets.
* Dual rear shock absorbers, adjustable for spring preload, offer a smooth ride and clean look.

* Large-diameter 19" front and 18" rear wheels give the W800 its classic handling: a fine balance of relaxed, light turning and straight-line stability. The large front wheel especially contributes a characteristic unhurried steering feeling.
 

Ergonomics
* Natural riding position is very comfortable and makes the W800 ideal for a wide range of riding applications.
* Handlebar position is the same as that of the low-handle position of the W650.
* A 22.2 mm bar is used (rather than an inch-bar), facilitating customisation with aftermarket parts.
* Long, comfortable seat with thick, ribbed padding has plenty of room for rider and passenger. Urethane at the front of the seat was shaped to facilitate the reach to the ground. Piping around the edge of the seat follows the line between the rider and passenger's legs to ensure it does not cut into the rider's thighs when stopped.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Engine
* Engine features a balancer shaft to dampen vibration.
* Protective covers on the muffler and exhaust pipe joint ensure riders' legs do not touch them when stopped at lights or putting down the side or centre stand.
 

Chassis
* 5-way adjustable clutch lever and 4-way adjustable brake lever enable riders to fine-tune lever position.
Rider footpegs are collapsible, folding up out of the way at deep lean angles. The pegs fold straight up and down (rather than up and back), minimising distraction when operating foot levers.
Convenient centre stand facilitates maintenance chores. Large stepping surface make it easy to lift the bike onto the stand.
Handy grips on the 35 left and right side of the bike can be used to help lift the bike onto the centre stand and double as tandem grips when riding with a passenger. Chrome finish adds a quality touch.
* Two convenient helmet locks are available. The left-side lock is external (aft of the side cover); the right-side helmet holder is located under the seat.

* There is space under 38 the seat for a U-lock.
* Thin 520-type drive chain and sprockets help reduce weight.
* Tube-type Dunlop TT100GP tyres offer a traditional tread pattern and high grip.
* Rear tyre valve is a side-facing type, offering easier access.