WE’RE GLAD to see this one back – though not as glad as Kawasaki dealers who've been missing out on the retro trend over the past couple of years. The retro-styled W800 was maybe a little before its time, launched back in 2011 to replace the 1999-on W650, but was discontinued in 2016 because it didn’t meet Euro emissions regs. For 2018 though, the W800 is back, in Euro4 compliant form, and ready to clean up in the massive retro sector, we imagine.
The 773cc engine remains a parallel twin, air-cooled, and with a sweet bevel-drive overhead camshaft setup, although Kawasaki says the bike is 90 per cent new. Peak power is around 47bhp, though the rest of the specs are to be confirmed in early 2019. The chassis is completely new, with LED lighting and a rear disc brake for the first time.
The W800 comes in Street (below) and Café form, with the Café getting a neat little nosecone, like the Z900 RS Café. They both look ace, and we’re really looking forward to a gentle summer spin on them.
More details early next year, we’re promised.
