Kawasaki W800

SquadraCorse

SquadraCorse

Coast to Coast
Pretty slick looking IMO:

12432.jpg


http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/kawasaki-w800-classic-revealed/13734.html
 
Great looking bike. The problem with new bikes that look vintage is that people expect vintage prices for them. It may have a chance in North America if priced competitively with the Triumphs and Guzzis. But crickey, the kickstarter is gone!
 
looks like a bonneville but fucked an xs650, and the offspring of that is a hipster wearing a cb450 head.



its OK for a factory bike though!
 
Local ride reports say its gutless - something like 50hp and not a huge amount of torque. I would be keen to install an updated camshaft, I mean... 50hp from 800cc? Come on!

- boingk (written on my phone using no-one gives a stuff)
 
G'day there Boingk,

Now the old W650 with carbs was good for 50bhp.

I don't think Kawasaki would bore it out and add fuel injection for zero power gain.

I've read reports that it's more like 70bhp.

Would be great to take one for a test.
 
I think it's pretty, but if I want brand new retro cool that doesn't go fast I'll get an Enfield at almost half the price.
 
That green one's tripping me out, am I crazy or does it have carbs? I see a float bowl, and a bunch of other junk that looks to intricate to just be sloppy reflections of a photo studio in a chrome FI cover.


I agree with most here I suppose in that I'd have a hard time spending that money on something that's fake old... that's why I bought my Monster instead of a Thruxton... the Thruxton was just too much like what I already had at home. I don't think it's surprising that you'd get that response on a forum like this full of DIY-ers but I do think there's a market for it, just not us. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on one of those front ends though.
 
Yeah, and I think that's the rub.

When it it comes to bang for your buck. There are 100's of new rides that are faster and way more advanced. So it doesn't make sense to buy it from that angle.

BUT, there is a whole industry in Japan, Europe and now Australia (Deus) that make a packet turning these things into personalised fashion accessories for cashed up metrosexuals and Kawasaki wanna a piece of that action.

I reckon they could sell it way cheaper, it's just a slightly beefed up W650 so no new tooling required, but they don't have to because Deus versions sell for up to $20,000.


Here in OZ old SR's and W650's sell for way above their market value for this very reason.


This bike is all about STYLE over substance................(not that there's anything wrong that, much really).


My point is some people will always make descisions based on the their Hearts and not their Head. And that is Kawasaki's target market.
 
Well said 754! Hows that bike of yours going?

Anyway, guess my point was that from the reviews and rider reports I've read/heard, they really are a very sedate ride. Nothing wrong with that, but a lot of test riders are being put off by the engine.

As for price, I believe its not much dearer than a Bonneville. Then again, if you want to look at it from a different viewpoint - its dearer than a similar, more high specced bike in the same category. Thats not a good thing usually. As always, sales will tell.

As for 'having carbs', thats the latest manufacturer trick - make a retro-revivial model look the part with carburettor-styled injector unit housings. All the look and none of the hassle, plays right into the retro market. Triumph started this when they had to give the Bonnies injectors for emission tests, by the way.

Cheers - boingk
 
Hey BoingK,

It's not, so i'm still getting around on my SRV250. But one day.

As for the W800, $12.490.00 ride away at the Kawaski dealer around the corner from me (Race Replica in Yarraville, VIC).

I will have to go down and see if I can go for a test run.

So Deus have got their hands on one already. Wonder what they are asking for this with the slight mods? A packet I'd wager.
 
I bought one :P
They don't go too bad. Obviously not a rocket but not bad.
The finish is excellent. Plus they have more on them standard than a bonnie has unoptioned.
Its comfy and pretty good on fuel. (getting around 24km/l and its just had its first service)
I have my old restored Sr500 but I bought this to put km on commuting and getting around. Save the Sr for the fun rides :) \
I will admit just like the bonnie It may look old but it rides too much like a new bike. Lacks the character of an old bike. Things like no kickstart and its too smooth and quiet :P It doesn't get me in the headspace the Sr does.
IMG_1207.jpg

IMG_1211.jpg

Bad attempt but its hard to photograph the paint. Trust me it is soo metallic its nuts
IMG_1208.jpg
 
Yeah, with drag bars and some Norton-style coned pea-shooters tilted 15-20 degrees to match the sloping of that seat, it would be even more awesome.

I love that tank. You have a nice bike on your hands. :)
 
I like them, there is a lot to be said for a nice pretty bike, with a warranty, that starts and runs all the time, and doesn't look like a robot/insect/alien.
It would be nice to putt around on while everything else is torn-down in the shop.
And I bet there is a lot of performence left in that motor for after the warranty period. Maybe bigger cams and higher compression.
 
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