2011 Kawasaki W800
The latest model to add to a 45-year-old nameplate, the W800, has arrived in Australia, priced to compete against the BonnevilleThe 2011 Kawasaki W800 made its debut at the 2010 Cologne motorcycle show in late 2010, and now the "modern classic" has reached Australian shores.
Priced at $11,990 plus on road costs, the Kawasaki W800 will rival the likes of the Triumph Bonneville ($11,990) and Honda VT750S ($8,990) and is offered in only one colour scheme, metallic dark green.
Successor to the much-loved Kawasaki W650, the new W800 is powered by a fuel-injected, eight-valve 773cc parallel twin-cylinder engine, but exact power figures have not been revealed by the Japanese motorcycle maker.
The company says "...the vertical twin engine pumps out loads of torquey feel-good power" and delivers a "throaty roar from twin exhausts" which are "carefully cultivated to recall the bikes of yesteryear."
The twin-cylinder SOHC air-cooled engine also features a balancer shaft to reduce vibration and though it won't say how much torque the engine generates, we understand that it peaks at a low 2000rpm, which in theory should ensure effortless rideability.
Kawasaki's 773cc parallel twin has a bore and stroke of 77mm x 83mm, and the classically style motorcycle has a kerb weight of 216kg.
Offered at a friendly $11,990 price, the 2011 Kawasaki W800 doesn't come with Ohlins or Brembos, but it does get a range of components that suit its traditional styling, such as a 300mm single disc brake at the front, a drum brake at the rear, a cruisey suspension setup thanks to 39mm front 'tubes' and dual rear shockers with adjustable spring preload.
Spoked wheels, rubber knee pads on the tank and smatterings of chrome also contribute to the bike's retro image, while the 790mm seat height will ensure that motorcyclists of all sizes can easily throw a leg over.
This attractive retro motorcycle has a 14lt fuel tank and, as has already been shown via LSL's W800 Flat Tracker custom bike, the new Kawasaki retro roadster also makes a good blank canvas for motorcycle customisers.
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