2020 Kawasaki W800 // First Impressions
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- Опубліковано 22 жов 2019
- This morning in Tokyo, Kawasaki introduced the 2020 W800.This will be sold alongside the W800 Cafe and the W800 Street, but will be a more faithful rendition of the classic W1 from 1966.
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If you want top notch quality, attention to details, super retro looks, good ride traits, why bark about price. What other bike out there offers a 360 degree crankshaft in true Brittish engine layout that not even Triumph uses anymore. Get after market pipes and aftermarket fuel sensors for really sweet sound.
Beautiful machine! This is truly a memento to the dreams of my youth.
Reminds me of my 1978 KZ-400 most reliable bike I ever owned. Added cafe handle bars when I bought it at Delray Kawasaki in Florida. A-1-A in Palm Beach was my favorite road in the state to ride on
I had a W650 and really loved that bike. Besides the price for this, which is quite high, I wish they included the backup kickstarter the W650 had... I know it's not "necessary," but I really liked it and it added to the retro nature of the bike. I'm also not so sure I like the tank graphics/paint on this bike. The red is OK, but the silver outline just looks tacky. The 650 two-tone colors pattern really made it look more traditional. On a positive note, the stance looks great and the handle bars fit the style better than the high and wide bars on the W650, which I disliked. I've been eyeing the Royal Enfield, but alas the nearest dealer to me is 4 hours away, which means I haven't seen one in the flesh and it gives me some pause about being able to get service. I'm afraid they likely won't sell many of these new. The W650's languished in showrooms in the U.S., which was unfortunate but now they are considered quite collectible. Maybe I'll be able to buy one of these still new in showrooms in two years like I got my old one?
I really like the W800. Actually, I like it better than the new Thruxton. We have a shop full of bikes all the time, both new and old. I still ride my 2005 ZRX1200R regularly. It’s hard to beat, but it’s water cooled. I prefer these air cooled models like I started out riding some 53+ years ago! Ride safe my friend!
The best looking classic bike out there
Over the Triumph Thruxton?
@@BurtoniMotors yes even over that based on the 65 w1 Kawasaki the proportions are just right
Lovely machine!
Beautiful motorcycle. This and the CB1100 . Kawasaki got so many things right with this bike as far as appearance. Hope it does well for them...
Absolutely perfect.
@@joestephens8541 That's exactly what I said to my wife when I sat on the 2019 W800 Street. Having previously sat on the Royal Enfield Interceptor, Triumph T100 and Speed twin and the Guzzi V7. Bought the W and am loving it.
You're right!
Own both. A 2011 W800 and a 2013 CB1100, lovely motorbikes. Both have run a lot of kilometers now. Trusty and reliable. Though wouldn't buy the last released ones new as I once did. They are way to expensive these days. Also I prefer the looks of the earlier models.
Also own a 2016 Bullet Classic Chrom for 2 years. All three bikes fit nicely together. Simply the motorbike style I enjoy. Aircooled, torquey and something you can ride and look at with a satisfying feel never being bored.
You are EXACTLY me- Mr. classic bike/'standards', inline Japanese 4's and Brittish styled vertical twins. A late 60's Bonnie and an early '70's CB 750 most beautiful/neatest bikes ever made. Highpoints of both- Triumph simple, beautiful looking engine and horizontal-to-back 'peashooter' exausts. CB love those 4 into 4 upswept pipes and the paint schemes and tank design.
Beautiful! Even better looking than the Z900RS. It doesn't have that silly gap between the fender and rear tire.
I kind of understand that bike and yamaha’a xsr 900 but at the same time the “classic” styling is just not there.
Beautifully styled.This,to me,is the best looking retro bike out there,second only to the Honda CB 1100.
The Thruxton has to be at the top of the list, yeah?
Berlin Biker
Yes,the Thruxton is a sharp bike as well.
Burtoni Motors
For sure.Triumph make some great looking bikes.
Todd K
Guzzi has always made some beautiful bikes.
Beautiful looking bike awesome
Agreed. Stunning bike.
I have a W650. I like the news that this new version is more comfortable. My only major issue with my bike is the riding position they have you in can leave you occasionally with cramped legs, and should have been better thought out.
I envy you!
Great looking bike but as you stated the pricing is on the high side. If they cut a grand they would sell a lot more.
Your thoughts on RE 650 as an owner? Worth buying?
I want one, unfortunately I just bought a Drz400sm last year
Good looking bike. Looks like an old Triumph. Love the looks though.
It's a very classical look. That's for sure.
As the owner of five "real" Triumphs {Meriden}, carb ticklers and seamless {bottom} tanks all, have to say this is a classic. Stupidly expensive though. Should be in the old Triumph Green and the purple too! Only huge mistake is no kicker, negligible savings for sure and the heart and soul of riding a bike like this.
I agree, it would be great to have the backup kickstart but that would also add some weight.
Beautiful bike but the additional $3K stings a bit. I know I can find a MG V7 leftover for under/around $7K. Hmmm...
Prices r up quite a bit. i think ur RE 650 is good enough for relaxed riding these bikes r designed for
First impressions of a sales brochure. Let me know when somebody actually rides one.
I want one!
You and me both!
I wonder if the centre stand you can see in the pics is standard or is that another £/€300+ on top?
I can't think of another competitor that comes stock with a center stand. Not even adventure bikes. I would image you've got to pay the premium to get that.
Standard equipment on CB1100...and very handy.
The centre stand is standard equipment on this model of W800, but exacts a 10 lb weight penalty.
@@BurtoniMotors I specified the centre stand option for my 2014 Honda CB500X, much easier to lubricate the chain, while in the centre stand!
@@fredtracy1673 Fred, just use an adjustable telescopic mechanics mirror while sitting on the upright bike. Works like a charm!
Bella moto
Is it available in the USA?
Yep! It's on Kawasaki's US website so that's confirmation that it will be coming here.
@@BurtoniMotors It's gorgeous: Candy Cardinal Red/Galaxy Silver!!
I understand that the W800 understandably has more torque than the W650 but not much more horsepower. Its also significantly heavier. The beauty of the bike it imitates, the 650 Bonneville, is light weight and good horsepower to weight ratio. If Kawasaki made a 410 pound handler with 55 hp I will be in line to buy one.
I weigh 140 lbs, 5'6 &1/2inches, and am 65. If you cant handle a bike under 500 lbs. maybe you should consider one of those tri-wheeled motorcycles.
I find my W800 Street feels very !ight and flickable at 490lb. Remember, the old Brit bikes didn't have heavy electric start motors or counter balancers. Mind you, many of the old bikes got lighter as you rode them (depending on which parts vibrated off)
Came out in 1999 as the w650 which I think looks nicer than the w800. By 2003 Kawasaki couldn't give them away and reduced the price to £3500 in England. I have one, a great copy of a 60s British bike.
It's crazy that in 2003 no one wanted a 60s clone, now everyone is making them.
@@BurtoniMotors With these days of engine displacement wars, angular designs, and bikes going faster and faster I think there is now a sizeable population of riding enthusiasts that want to ride a more easy going and simpler bike with a design that harkens back to simple pleasure riding days on a country road. Would you agree? (Now pretty much all of these bikes are super reliable as a bonus)
I sadly missed that boat, bought a 2004 Vulcan 500 LTD two years after the last W650 was sold in Canada.
@@fredtracy1673 I bought my W800 Street as a demo model and saved quite a bit but took a pounding on the trade in bike. Also in Canada.
I have one. Japanese work of art.
I know someone that has 2002 650 and 2019 800 and there is much difference in performance but yet try find a used one in Ontario Canada, Good luck , If you find one in good shape expect to pay a good price for one,
You have to pay if you want quality!
I saw one for sale in Owls Head (Rockland) Maine in September, 2019. It was the 2000 model, and I wanted so bad!! 😟
Paid $400 for my 78 KZ 400 in 84. Sold it in 86 for $500 after riding all over Florida
Next bike for me, this or the Guzzi V7
Gorgeous bike would like to see a ride review
You and me both.
In India the W800 street (2018) costs 12500$ approx and Z900RS costs 24K $ on road with taxes whereas the Conti/Interceptor costs around 4300$ on road. Whatever your heart says one can't overcome the brain in this case. Plus the Kawak service and parts are insanely expensive and service quality is poor because of lack of consumer laws here.
Awsome $9199?? Cheapper than 2019?? OMG....
Been riding my Royal Enfield Interceptor since June. 2700+ miles. What a marvelous piece of machinery.
Nice bike and a little premium priced but so is the Triumph. The RE is a bargain but not in the same league as this or the other premium retros.
definitely better quality than RE and cheaper than the triumphs that matter. Plus, I would take japanese over everyone else any day. However the classic segment overall is woefully overpriced. I am still waiting for someone to get it right while crying zipping around on my 10 yr old second hand dirt cheap, unbeatable value 140 bhp beasts. I am not willing to take the 3-5k pricedrop hit on buying these new classics. What they would lose by dropping prices they would more than make up with volume. Apparently they forgot the japanese lessons from the 60s-70s.
When I first saw this bike I said Wow! When I saw the RE Interceptor I said double Wow!
RE is killing it right now with the 650. I absolutely love mine.
looks great! Just not too excited about the chrome though.
Agreed. Would love to see an all-black version of this. Kind of like the Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark.
@@BurtoniMotors Sounds a bit like the W800 street.
💣
keşke kickstart'lı olsa tam mükemmel olacaktı.
Attractive retro-glide, tho pricey for its level of performance. Steve H. is right - a backup kick starter would be a very nice touch on a retro like this.
I understand what Kawasaki are trying to emulate with this bike, but the price is just too high. Other retro bikes around $10k offer much more. This is more like an Enfield 650 but will be reliable. It should be around $7500 at most.
Edit: At the end you said basically the same thing LOL
Hahaha, Glad we are on the same page.
I got the Royal enfield bullet 500 2017, it gave the me a lot of problems (the chassis was broken under warranty). buy moto guzzi v7 744cc, made in italy, is the best at a good price!
W 800 has the best quality from all retro bikes,royal enfield has the worst.Your compare is a joke.
@@constantineco I agree, after closely comparing them all I reached the same conclusion as you. I'm super satisfied with my purchase. Outstanding engineering and quality fit and finish. Do the other bikes around that price offer: slipper clutch, simple air cooling, LED lighting, 4 valves per cylinder, alloy rims with stainless steel spokes, 360 degree crankshaft like the old British bikes, a great sounding factory tuned exhaust, regular gas compliance and long life, quiet bevel drive top end?. . .
Ya, I didn't think so.
In my eyes the red looks better - but it probable will appeare in green
I don't mind either color honestly.
I just finished buying the W800 Street. Not as pretty as this model but still a handsome bike. The Street felt just right for my 5'9 height . Very comfortable!
Looks cool, but T 120 truimph bonnevvel, haves more aftermarket parts. Hard to beat.
Triumphs have infinite amount of aftermarket parts ready for the Bonniville. British Customs would have so much of my money if I owned a Triumph.
I totally blows my mind how expensive these Kawis are...too bad they probably won't be a big seller just because of the price...
They are trying to push into the Triumph territory with this bike.
@@BurtoniMotors Triumph dropped the ball when they switched to 270° firing interval. Just my opinion.
@@fredtracy1673 I agree, 360 degree crank makes a nice sound and good torque.
@@dougfielding8215 Yup, sounds more "British "!🇬🇧
@@fredtracy1673 Far more like the classic Brit bikes than modern Triumphs (and no puddles or carb tickling). The bevel driven top end is the cherry on top. Expensive, but if this honest bike (air cooling so no fake cooling fins, no FI made to look like carbs, long stroke 360⁰ crank) is what you want, the Kawasaki W800 will make you feel privileged to own such a great bike.
It's expensive bc it's mostly steel and not plastic.
Noah Morphew - Even the side panels are metal
What they don't write Kawasaki on it ⁉
On the back of the seat! ;)
Glad I bought a Royal Enfield Interceptor.
I’m a huge fan of my Continental GT
@@BurtoniMotors boy oh boy I can't tell you how happy I am with mine.
It's absolutely gorgeous and mechanically marvelous.
I haven't gone past 90 mph yet but that was 2 up at 7,000 ft altitude. I've had it up to 10,236 above the snow a month ago in the Sequoia national forest.
I'm so damn happy with it.
@@burtvhulberthyhbn7583 Hi. How much time did you wait for Interceptor to come? :) and where do you live?
@@SashaHonda14 no waiting. 3rd week of June I walked into the San Diego California dealer. One gray. One ravishing red. I've always had a thing for red. 30 mins later I bought it.
@@burtvhulberthyhbn7583 nice.. I've booked the black one :) my first bike!
Love this bike but lost me on price
I think that is the general consensus across the globe.
I would pay the price for the honest to God, 360° British sound!! 🇬🇧
Onizuka sensei
KAWASAKI MANTAP.. MADE IN JAPAN.. 🤗😘👰💑👨👩👧💞💓🇮🇩🇯🇵💪👏🤝👍🙏
id love to have that but its so overprice...everything is overpriced but thats another level..a ninja 400 should cost 2000$
More like a BSA to my mind
Ragimund - this is one of the few bikes made in Japan (most Japanese bikes are now made in Singapore or in Taiwan where worker's wages are less). When you closely examine the quality of this bike and the fit and finish it will also help you to understand the price. You get what you pay for with the W800 bikes.
It is a beautiful bike, although a tad heavy...
There is a lot of metal on that bike, which definitely feels nice compared to a lot of bikes that are going for cheaper materials. The added weight is a side affect of better build quality.
Looks like they tried to copy my Yamaha 1978 XS650SE. Mine is the real thing, not a make believe retro. In addition to electric start, I also have kick start.
That is why I lust for the W650, electric/kick start, and a centre stand! 😍
I love these bikes but have always thought that the 773cc engine is too small. After having the 773cc motor on the w800 for so long (10 years?), l had hoped that this years 2020 model would have a bigger engine, after all a big bore kit has been avaialable for this bike for some time. The oñly bikes coming from japan that give you bang for your buck are Suzukis. Remember the triumph is made in Thailand with slave labour and the RE is made in India with slave labour. This is why Harley Davidson could afford to sell their street 500 so cheaply state side, because it is built in India with slave labour.
Big Red - The Harley 500 and 750 are assembled in India for that market. They are made in America for the North American market.
What about the sound...…...…......as everybody knows its all about the sound . Put some straight thru megaphones on it and let us know !!
With the straight through megaphones the bike is going to sound great!
The stock pipes have a nice tone (Kawasaki spent a lot of time tuning the pipes on the 2019 W800)
Far to expensive when compared to the royal Enfield 650 which I think is a better bike
I don't think anyone would argue that the W800 isn't a much better built/finished bike. W800 also has proven reliability (around since ~2014) while the jury is still out on the GT. So better is a very subjective term - are you talking about build, relibiability, performance, maintainability, running costs, etc? I do think the GT with black rims is a better looking bike.
Ride 3
I have a w650 and reliability is priceless. But yes, for a chew up and throw away market this bike has high price... Even so comparing it with the street twin, they should be hand in hand in quality and reliability. Maybe even better has there is no hipster brand value to pay on the kawa. But is it or the street twin or w800 worth the 3k over the RE 650 interceptor?! Don't think so.
The Speed Twin is a modern 1200cc water cooled engine and has a much higher level of equipment and a better finish. As such the w800 should be much cheaper than the Triumph.
@@splodge5714 you are right... Was thinking of the street twin. Just corrected my original post.
@ but that's the price of street twin not speed twin. Anyways non of those are that lovely styled. RE is but the quality is still lower at closer look.
@@UncleLongbeard yup...I have corrected my comment... Was thinking of the street but my heart beats for the speed twin... Hence the honest mistake :)
@@splodge5714 The Ws are one of the few Japanese bikes still made in Japan. Triumphs are made in Thailand and many come with niggling issues with transmissions, wiring and misting instruments (see Stuart Fillingham's woes on his Bonneville and Triumph's lack of support)
T120 tribute. Nice.
Hahahaha, that's funny. Good for Kawi for paying tribute.
Robert Cairns, the W800 pays tribute to the original Kawasaki 650 W1 of the sixties.
I have always loved Kawasaki but for 10,000 you can forget it
Agreed. A bit crazy for a classic bike, but it does look good.
Wait a year or 2 , get one cheap on the used market. Otherwise, nice.
Nice but pricey
When price is no option, I guess people would select this?
$9200.00 ? Hmmm.....
Royal Enfield 650 $5800. Yeah
It's expensive. That's for sure.
The better deal, by far.
Yeah. Let me know when it hits 7K.
I like it but the royal enfield is just as good and way cheaper.
Too heavy for a bike thats supposed to mimic a 650 Bonneville. Kawasaki should stick to the W650 and shave a few pounds.off it.
Is there room in the marketplace for another 650? I have a Royal 650 and honestly I wish it were closer to the 800.
1200 bucks over an ideal price
Dont sweat an extra 1,200, quality galore, minimal plastic, super retro looks, 360 degree crank layout, great ride reviews.
Creo que el motor tambien es de plastico.
I think the engine is definitely metal.
Minimo el plastico esta muey bonita motocycles muey importante mucho denero!
This is what the W800 should look like. The 2019 model is kind of ugly. 😒
I like the looks of the 2019-2020 W800 Street. I think it is a very handsome bike. The satin paint accentuates the chrome parts and I like the few parts they did chrome or leave unpainted alloy. I also like the shape of the abbreviated front fender and the clear lense LED indicater lights that match that big beautiful LED headlight.
@@dougfielding8215 LED's are my only complaint.
You'll appreciate the LEDs on a dark rural highway when you have only ONE headlight as oposed to a car.
@FredTracy One of the modern touches I appreciate, along with fuel injection light feeling slipper clutch and discs front and back. Also, the inner design of the LED headlight reminds me of the chrome trim on American Cars in the '50s.
$10K for 47hp - no thanks.
When you put it that way.... it's a hard pill to swallow.
Dont be cheap for the ultimate retro, mucho quality here.
@@bobmalack481 The retro styling is fine, but Kawasaki should have at least made it as fast as a z650. No one wants to pay more money for less giddy-up.
The 800 has more real world torque than the 650 which really is what a 360 degree crank vertical twin is all about, but the 800 has a rev limiter that kicks in at around 7,000 on the tach which may effect top end. It possibly could be deactivated, but I would check with a tech before messing around, possibly throwing engine tuning off.
@@bobmalack481 The W800s perform much stronger than the spec sheets would have you think. I've never wanted for more power in any situation and find I always have more power in reserve.