Kawasaki W800 Cafe 2021. Review and test

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).

Kawasaki W800 Vertical Twin

The four-stroke, two-cylinder Vertical Twin engine has an indescribable sound. The Kawasaki growls very quietly at low speeds, as if a tiger is preparing to jump.

An excellent city motorcycle that has a fairly powerful engine, an excellent 39 mm telescopic front fork, which will perfectly take on the unevenness of both asphalt and rough terrain, and you will feel as comfortable as possible on the motorcycle.

Probably the most attractive thing about it is its classic silhouette, the motorcycle is made in the style of classic retro models, a large number of chrome parts, an excellent large seat that allows you to ride with a passenger. The front of the bike has a truly traditional motorcycle look, from the round headlight to the instrument panel.

An excellent choice for lovers of style, comfort, and speed.

Specifications

Technical characteristics of Kawasaki W800:

Chassis and brakes

The frame of the bike is steel and tubular. It has a classic design, reminiscent of those old motorcycles that used to be found in large numbers on European streets and country roads. Of course, the wheels are spoked.

The steering wheel is comfortable and its size corresponds to the standards accepted for retro classic bikes. Yes, and it looks quite stylish, but, like everything else on this motorcycle, it’s not flashy. Models of this class are simply not supposed to be full of bright colors, otherwise something in their classic, dignified appearance will be lost and slip away.

The rear suspension of the Kawasaki B800 is pendulum and equipped with two shock absorbers. Its stroke is 106 mm. The front suspension is represented by a 39 mm telescopic fork with a travel of 130 mm.

The rear brake is a 160 mm drum, while the front brake is a 300 mm disc with a two-piston caliper. These brakes are enough to regulate the speed of this average-powered motorcycle.

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.

Peculiarities

The first thing that attracts attention is management. Steering the bike is very comfortable, which is facilitated by the wide handlebars, proportions, and classic vertical seating position. In addition, the motorcycle is stable and has a smooth ride. The brakes are also excellent, the front disc does its job fully, and in severe cases it is helped by the rear drum.

The main feature of the “eight hundred” is its engine. The operating figures are almost identical to those of the 650, but at the same time the engine is much more torquey and quieter, and has lower operating and maximum speeds. In other words, at medium and low speeds it will “pull” well even in high gears.

The design is also top-notch – a ribbed saddle, wheels with thick spokes, a lowered steering wheel, and exhaust trims. All parts are either chromed or lacquered, which, combined with the restrained color scheme and overall layout, creates the impression of a real British retro of the mid-20th century.

The instrument panel combines classic and modern: an analogue tachometer and speedometer are adjacent to an LCD screen displaying the tripmeter, clock and odometer. Also on the panel are “flashing lights” for turns and neutral, and an oil indicator.

W800 Street

The W800 STREET series has become a real revelation and the latest modification of the motorcycle model. The main feature is the introduction of the latest technologies, which fill the familiar silhouette with all the necessary qualities of a modern bike.

773cc capacity, shaped fuel tank, round LED headlight, 18-inch spoked wheels, improved suspension, classic instrument panel, revised exhaust note highlighting the 360-degree crankshaft, powerful braking force complemented by extremely interesting technologies - slipper clutch with assist mechanism clutch pressure, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and ERGO-FIT (a comprehensive system that allows riders to customize the motorcycle to their individual characteristics).