REVIEW – KAWASAKI W800 CAFE – a new era of retro classics in 2021

Model of a retro classic motorcycle Kawasaki W800

replaced the Kawasaki W650 model in 2011 and differed from it in a larger engine, fuel injection and the absence of a kick starter. The update of the Kawasaki W650 motorcycle was necessary due to the introduction of new environmental emission standards, which this model did not meet. In general, the Kawasaki W800 and Kawasaki W650 are practically no different from each other.

Main modifications of the Kawasaki W800:

• Kawasaki W800 Special Edition
  is a special black version of the motorcycle.
• Kawasaki W800 Cafe Style
  - the regular and special versions of the motorcycle can be ordered in a cafe racer style with a front fairing.
• Kawasaki W800 Final Edition
  is the last modification of the W800 model before being discontinued. It features an orange tank color, a gold emblem and some other visual elements. Available from July 2016.

A special feature of the Kawasaki W800 is its in-line 2-cylinder air-cooled engine with a capacity of 773 cc. see, producing 48 hp. power and 60 Nm of torque. Unlike its predecessor (Kawasaki W650), the engine produces approximately the same characteristics in numbers, but has become noticeably more torquey, with lower maximum and operating speeds.

In 2021, Kawasaki announced the end of production and sales of the W800 model in the European market due to the release of new Euro 4 environmental standards, releasing a modification of the Final Edition, available from the summer of 2021.

In 2021, Kawasaki resumes production of the W800, offering 2 modifications:

• Kawasaki W800 Street
• Kawasaki W800 Cafe

Compared to the previous generation, the new one has a number of differences:

• Engine
  . New settings.
• Pendant
  . The diameter of the fork stays increases from 39 to 41 mm.
• Brakes
  . The diameter of the front brake disc increases from 300 to 320 mm, the rear drum is replaced by a disc brake (270 mm disc, 2-piston caliper). The motorcycle comes with ABS as standard.
• Wheels
  . The front wheel is now 18 inches (instead of 19), thereby equalizing the size of the front and rear wheels.
• Fuel tank
  . Increase in capacity from 14 to 15 liters.

In 2021, Kawasaki introduced the new generation W800. The classic version of the W800 has been updated, receiving components from the more recent Street and Cafe modifications. In particular, the braking system (320 mm front disc, 270 mm disc instead of the rear drum, ABS system), suspension and fuel tank. The updated Street and Cafe versions have received a new color scheme. Japanese versions of motorcycles declared a power of 52 hp. (versus 48 hp in previous export versions). In addition, a new modification was offered exclusively for the Japanese market - Meguro K3

. It is built on the basis of the regular version of the W800, but with a higher handlebar and the exclusive Japanese retro style of Meguro motorcycles produced since the 30s of the last century. It is noteworthy that Kawasaki has patented the Meguro brand for its future models, and the Meguro K3 version itself is positioned by the company as a separate model, and not a modification as part of the W800.

By 2022, the Kawasaki W800 has largely disappeared from foreign markets (with the exception of the base W800 version, which is still produced and sold for North America), remaining available only in Japan.

Brief history of the model

• 2011 - start of production and sales of Kawasaki W800.

Model

: Kawasaki W800, Kawasaki W800 ABS (Japan, Europe).
Frame number
: EJ800A-000001-004232, EJ800A-004233-.
Factory designation
: EJ800ABF, EJ800ABS.

• 2012 - a Special Edition version is sold in parallel with the regular version. In addition, a Cafe Style option is available for both versions.

Model

: Kawasaki W800 (Japan, Europe).
Frame number
: EJ800A-008001-015000.
Factory designation
: EJ800ACF, EJ800ACFA, EJ800ACFB.

• 2013 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki W800 (Japan, Europe).
Frame number
: EJ800A-015001-.
Factory designation
: EJ800ADF, EJ800ADFA.

• 2014 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki W800 (Japan, Europe).
Frame number
: EJ800A-018001-.
Factory designation
: EJ800AEF, EJ800AEFA, EJ800AEFB.

• 2015 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki W800 (Japan, Europe).
Frame number
: EJ800A-023001-.
Factory designation
: EJ800AFF, EJ800AFFA, EJ800AFFB.

• 2016 is the last year of production and sales of the W800 model for the European market. The appearance of the Final Edition modification.

Model

: Kawasaki W800 (Japan, Europe).
Frame number
: EJ800A-026001-.
Factory designation
: EJ800AGF, EJ800AGFA, EJ800AGS.

• 2017 - Model available only in Japan.

Model

: Kawasaki W800 (Japan).
Factory designation
: EJ800AHF.

• 2019 - resumption of production of the model. The previous generation has been replaced by two modifications - Street and Cafe.

Model

: Kawasaki W800 Street;
Kawasaki W800 Cafe (Japan, Europe, North America). Factory designation
: EJ800BKF; EJ800CKF.

• 2020 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki W800 Street;
Kawasaki W800 Cafe (Japan, Europe, North America). Factory designation
: EJ800BLF; EJ800CLF.

• 2021 - restyling of the model. The emergence of a new modification of Meguro K3.

Model

: Kawasaki W800;
Kawasaki W800 Street; Kawasaki W800 Cafe; Kawasaki W800 Meguro K3 (Japan, Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation
: EJ800DMFNL (W800, North America); EJ800BMFNN (W800 Street, Australia); EJ800CMFNN (W800 Cafe).

• 2022 - only the basic version of the W800 is available in the North American export market, while in Japan the model is available in all modifications.

Model

: Kawasaki W800;
Kawasaki W800 Street; Kawasaki W800 Cafe; Kawasaki W800 Meguro K3 (Japan, North America). Factory designation
: EJ800DNFNL / EJ800DNFNN (W800, North America).

Peculiarities

The retro classic Kawasaki W800 is a continuation of the Kawasaki W650. It differs from the prototype in its increased engine capacity and the presence of a gasoline injection system. In addition, it does not have a kick starter. The reason for updating the once popular Kawasaki W650 motorcycle was the introduction of new environmental standards for atmospheric emissions, which the model did not comply with. In general, the W800 and W650 motorcycles are almost identical.

Kawasaki W800 has two modifications. The most common is the basic version, without a fairing. In addition to it, there is a Cafe Style option, the design of which is in the “cafe racer” style. This series is distinguished by the presence of a front fairing. There is also a special series - Special Edition, which is a stylish black version of the base motorcycle.

A special feature of the Kawasaki W800 is an in-line 2-cylinder air-cooled engine, the volume of which is 773 cm3 and the power reaches 48 hp.

Specifications

Technical characteristics of Kawasaki W800:

Style

The Kawasaki W800 engine itself can be called a work of art. It is not covered with casings and can be seen with the naked eye. The design is complemented by a stylish gas tank. Some parts of the motorcycle are chrome-plated, some are made of sparkling aluminum. The retro style is emphasized by the alloy coating and impressive spokes. The wheels have a large diameter. The exhaust pipes are designed in the "peashooter" style.

Reviews

Reviews about Kawasaki W800:

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Greetings to all. I want to share my impressions of this motorcycle, which I became the owner of this year. This is not my first motorcycle and my impressions of it are therefore quite conscious and balanced. I myself am a fan of classic motorcycles. Before making my choice, I looked closely at potential candidates for quite a long time and these included Triumphs (Bonnevilles) and Kawasakis (W650) and the very exotic Motoguzzi…. What held me back in the acquisition, and of course, first of all, money.... well, God bless them... One way or another, it coincided that at the end of last season information appeared about a “new” model in the Kawasaki line - the Kawasaki W800 retrobike. Well, then I fell for him... When I got acquainted with the technical data for it and completely realized that it was mine... In March I purchased this motorcycle from the office. Kawasaki dealer in St. Petersburg and I assume that I am probably perhaps the first owner of this model in Russia. Motorcycles (like the entire class of these motorcycles), of course, are not for everyone... in the good sense of the word, and therefore, they will not be particularly popular in our country (which, of course, does not bother me at all). The appearance is simply superb. Everything is done with super high quality and soundness. Only metal and high-quality chrome. If you compare it with Triumph, then perhaps it will even surpass it in this sense (my opinion). :blush2: The engine is just super! Injection of course adds a completely new quality to this motorcycle (the previous model was carb). Excellent peak torque already at 2000-2300 rpm. min., which makes for very comfortable movement in a reasonable speed range (up to 120) and at lower speeds it’s just a delight. Potentially capable of ventilating the brain (maximum speed is about 180, although, of course, it is not 100% for this). Minimum vibrations and quite pleasant sound. The brakes are sufficient for a calm, balanced driving style (although, of course, there are never too many of them). Good light (solidly good). Good place for a passenger and footrests for him. In general, the motorcycle can be described as a very well made (I mean all components), comfortable motorcycle for long-distance trips and for daily trips. From a technical point of view, no exotics, only time-tested solutions in high-quality implementation from excellent materials. So far only positive impressions, and then we’ll see...

Almost a year and a half later…….
I will express a certain idea that is IMPORTANT in my opinion, which (I think) will be useful for those who are considering purchasing this model.
When thinking about buying this moto, you should clearly understand and imagine that any dynamic (by modern standards) riding will be impossible in principle, even for a short time.....Bonneville (for example), in this sense, is significantly preferable. We can only talk about style, ease of control and comfort (taking into account the class of the model and at speeds up to 100). In this situation, Bonneville is not so convincing.

This motorcycle is simply damn beautiful, attractive, and considering it from the point of view of modern technologies and modern technical solutions is completely unacceptable. In fact, it itself (and its technical characteristics) is a reflection of the middle of the last century, only in a modern incarnation and this is its whole essence.....And THIS is exactly what you need to understand and you need to be prepared for THIS, especially if this is not your first spendthrift. Otherwise disappointment is inevitable!!!

It’s easier for beginners (without motorcycle driving experience), for them everything is all over again and for the first time, although especially “gifted” motorcyclists may quickly get bored with it and begin to think about changing.....or frankly regret the purchase.

REVIEW – KAWASAKI W800 CAFE – a new era of retro classics in 2021

The KAWASAKI W800 CAFE revives a legendary series of bikes with more than 50 years of history. It seemed that in 2021 the Japanese stopped the production of truly classic W-series motorcycles, but now it is clear that this was just a pause in order to gather strength and roll out a completely new version.

The first-born of the cult line KAWASAKI W1, which appeared to the world in 1965, has become canonical in many ways. It was the “largest” Japanese bike at that time with its two-cylinder W-shaped engine with 624 cc. It was with this model that the history of the Japanese manufacturer’s great achievements began, so the special trepidation of the creators from KAWASAKI regarding the revived series of classic cars is understandable.

In the new iteration of the W line, in addition to the KAWASAKI W800 CAFE, which is clearly styled as a cafe racer, there is also a vintage road bike KAWASAKI W800 STREET with almost identical technical parameters. For the 2021 model range of old-school motorcycles, 90% of components, parts and stylistic solutions have been redesigned. In this regard, the ability of the creators to preserve the general concept, image and charisma of a classic bike, while creating a completely new machine, is amazing.

Revival of icons: KAWASAKI W800 CAFE and its “technical twin” KAWASAKI W800 STREET against the backdrop of the iconic first-born of the KAWASAKI W1 series for the Japanese

Comparing the 2021 homologation with the previous W800, which was produced from 2011 to 2021, even with a close look, you will not be able to see obvious differences. But now it is a bike that more closely meets modern requirements, which at the same time remains true to the retro canons of classics that never lose their relevance.

2021 KAWASAKI W800 CAFE Design

Looking at the new star of the W series from KAWASAKI, it’s hard to believe that the release year of this discreetly beautiful machine is 2019. The bike, like a time capsule, makes the cherished dream of owning a truly old-school motorcycle come true for many.

The duplex frame recreates a recognizable silhouette from the 60s, the visual center of which is organically completed by a “muscular” engine with cylinders rising strictly vertically. The engine is painted in discreet black, but the eye is immediately drawn to the visual accents of the chrome muffler pipes that encircle the heart of the car on both sides and extend onto a clear horizontal line. Even the release nuts are worked in amazing detail, exactly repeating the shape and purpose of elements from the last century.

A true time capsule - the 2021 KAWASAKI W800 CAFE

The Japanese have chosen a strict but effective color for the new KAWASAKI W800 CAFE: the main color Metallic Magnesium Gray ("magnesium gray metallic") is diluted with a cool light Galaxy Silver ("galaxy silver"), which without kitsch emphasizes the bright stylistic accent in the form of a streamlined blister of the headlight with a short windshield. The image of the bike is seamlessly complemented by a low-grip clubman-style handlebar and a saddle covered in mixed leather, forming a recognizable aerodynamic tail of the Cafe Racer style in the rear, while maintaining a full-fledged comfortable place for two.

2021 KAWASAKI W800 CAFE two-seater saddle, stylized to resemble the rear tail feathers according to the Cafe Racer canons

The dashboard of the new W800 CAFE has a separate layout and is designed in the same general style. The right round block contains a dial tachometer with an informative set of indicator lamps, and the left one contains a speedometer and an LCD display of the trip meter. Even the marking fonts for the speedometer and tachometer were the same as in the 60s of the last century. Well, where would we be without the main attribute of classic sports instruments - dials painted white.

Vintage 2021 KAWASAKI W800 CAFE dashboard

Engine KAWASAKI W800 CAFE

The in-line twin with cylinders positioned strictly vertically meets the stringent EURO 4 emissions requirements in 2019 thanks to electronic fuel injection. A pleasant side effect of the innovation is smoother engine operation at idle. Otherwise, it is still the same W-shaped power unit with a gear camshaft drive and air cooling.

Muscular W-twin engine KAWASAKI W800 CAFE classic layout with 360-degree crankshaft

The main feature of the 773 cc KAWASAKI W800 CAFE engine is a 360-degree crankshaft. A solution that has been practically abandoned in modern engine building due to the desire for speed and dynamics, provides the rider of a classic car with colossal traction almost from idle. High revs are not the element of this engine. With a maximum power of 48 horses, it will be difficult to compete in races with modern bikes of similar capacity. But the torque of almost 63 Nm does its job, allowing the rider not to think about the selected gear: for a spectacular shot from any speed, you just need to open the throttles to full and let loose the shudderingly powerful guttural roar of two carefully tuned exhaust pipes.

2021 KAWASAKI W800 CAFE Chassis

In the new version of the retro bike, the chassis has undergone major changes, although not all of them are visible to the eye. Thus, the duplex twin-tube frame made of high-strength steel remains externally the same as in the previous version of the 2021 KAWASAKI W800. But with an increased diameter of the pipes, the frame design received a variable cross-section: the wall thickness changes in different areas. This allowed the frame to be strengthened without adding weight.

In the new version, the bike received all-round disc brakes instead of the archaic rear drum, which was equipped with previous KAWASAKI W series from 2011 to 2021, and an electronic anti-lock braking system on both wheels.

The designers managed to maintain a balance between improving the motorcycle and preserving a truly classic concept. A new 41-mm telescopic fork with increased stiffness springs and 18-inch spoked wheels with a cast rim helped improve handling and riding comfort. At the same time, the use of wheel size R18 instead of R19 on the front axle made it possible to obtain a sportier and faster visual image.

The list of technologies equipped with the 2021 KAWASAKI W800 CAFE is extremely short and simple. This is the Ergo Fit system, which allows you to adjust the position of the main controls to the rider’s parameters, the aforementioned ABS braking system and the ASSIST & SLIPPER CLUTCH slipper clutch, which dampens shocks and locks the rear wheel in the event of an unsuccessful downshift. The list of innovations is complemented by an LED headlight - in this car such a feature can also be called technological. It is noteworthy that the rest of the outdoor lighting is implemented using ordinary filament incandescent lamps - another reference to retro.

The LED headlight adds brightness and expressiveness to the bike on the road during the day, plus it does an excellent job of its main function - illuminating the road at night.

This is what a true icon of vintage bikes will look like in 2021, as seen by the Japanese manufacturer. When creating the revived representative of the W-series, the creators paid maximum attention to preserving the iconic image of the motorcycle from the 60s. Attention not only to appearance, but also (which is especially valuable in the modern race for achievements) to technology. That is why the bike turned out to be absolutely authentic, remaining true to the exceptional charm of the old school of motorcycle building, as if there was no time gap of more than 50 years between the first W1 and the real retro machine of 2021 KAWASAKI W800 CAFE.

Audience

Who is most often seen riding a retro motorcycle? The first thing your imagination will most likely draw is a big bearded biker, perhaps even a gray-haired one. It is logical to assume that a motorcycle in the best traditions of the sixties is more likely to find fans among the old-school biker crowd. Meanwhile, the Kawasaki W800 can often be found under the saddle of a very young rider. It’s not for nothing that they say that this motorcycle belongs to that rare category of things that will always be out of fashion and timeless. Therefore, they will not lose relevance even after many years.

This bike will appeal to those who value style, who are not alien to the pursuit of fleeting, changing fashion, aerodynamic body kit, and super-speed indicators. In other words, the Kawasaki W800 is chosen by those who simply need a good motorcycle.

In terms of functionality, this motorcycle is a typical city bike. You can use it for a fairly serious trip with a significant mileage, and for a little racing. But its main purpose is driving around the city.