Kawasaki Retro-Themed W800 Motorcycle Spreads A 1960s Vibe In 2022

    Posted On: May 17, 2022

    Kawasaki’s retro-themed W800 motorcycle returns for 2022 with numerous features inspired by the 1960’s-era W1. (Photo courtesy of Kawasaki.)

    Kawasaki has returned its handsome, retro-styled W800 motorcycle to its product lineup for 2022 featuring a strong mix of past and present. The bike’s classic look and feel draws inspiration from Kawasaki’s 1960s-era W1, whose “sweeping contours and meticulous fit and finish” redefined motorcycle design standards for that decade, the company says. The W800 incorporates such W1-inspired elements as a Candy Fire Red and Metallic Diablo Black paint job, a 4-gallon (15-liter) sculpted fuel tank, retro-themed 19-inch (482.5-millimeter) front and 18-in. (457-mm) back wheels with silver alumite rims, and an air-cooled 773-cc vertical twin-cylinder engine. These are combined with up-to-date features such as LED lighting, a double-cradle frame design and suspension components, and Kawasaki’s Assist and Slipper Clutch technology.

    Retro Goes Modern

    The W800’s standard handlebar and tuck-and-roll seat create a relaxed riding position. It sports classic-styled twin mufflers, rubber gaiters that protect the fork tubes and provide extended fork seal life, compact and clean-looking switchgear, chrome-plated steel fenders, and large round turn signals.


    The W800’s retro style elements include a Candy Fire Red and Metallic Diablo Black paint job, custom alumite wheels, and a sculpted fuel tank. (Photo courtesy of Kawasaki.)

    The bike’s individual speedometer and tachometer also recall a look of the past, with a multifunction LCD inset that provides a modern twist. The 6.7-in. (170-millimeter) LED headlamp also projects a cool retro vibe with its chromed ring and convex lens that belie the complexity of its four-low beam and two high-beam chambers. Kawasaki says position lamps in the high-beam chambers ensure that the whole lamp appears lit, similar to a retro-style bulb headlamp.

    The W800 At Work

    The four-stroke, fuel-injected engine that powers the W800 features a bevel gear-driven camshaft and SOHC (single overhead camshaft) four-valve head that Kawasaki says is tuned for strong low- to mid-range performance. The engine generates 46.4 pounds-foot (62.9 newton-meters) of torque and is paired with a five-speed transmission. The bike also includes a five-way adjustable clutch lever and a four-way adjustable brake lever.


    The W800 is powered by an air-cooled 773-cc SOHC vertical twin-cylinder engine. (Photo courtesy of Kawasaki.)

    A Kawasaki anti-lock braking system (ABS) works with the W800’s 320-mm front and 270-mm rear pedal-style, dual-caliper disc brakes to provide plenty of stopping power. The W800’s 41-mm telescopic front fork provides 5.1 in. (129.5 mm) of travel. The rear suspension offers 4.2 in. (107 mm) of travel and features twin shocks with spring preload adjustability.

    Find Your Next Kawasaki Motorcycle

    MotorSportsUniverse.com is where you’ll find a big selection of new and used Kawasaki motor sports vehicles for sale, including a number of motorcycles.

    Source: Kawasaki

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