COLOGNE SHOW: 2011 Kawasaki W800
Classic cruiser fans rejoice, there's another new model in the wings and it looks very smartThe Kawasaki W650 is back -- well sort of. Meet the W800, which boasts a larger engine than its predecessor and plenty of retro cool, which it will need if wants to do battle with the Triumph Bonneville.
Launched at the 2010 Cologne motorcycle show, the new casual cruiser is powered by a 773cc parallel twin-cylinder engine, surrounded by the kind of minimal-but-attractive design that will have custom bike shops chomping at the bit to get their hands on one. Or several.
The fuel-injected vertical twin features single overhead cams and four-valves per cylinder for improved reliability, with a bore and stroke of 77mm x 83mm. The air-cooled engine develops "loads of torquey feel-good power" according to Kawasaki, along with "the charactertistic handling that comes from a sturdy frame with large-diameter wheels".
How much power? Kawasaki isn't saying. Torque? Same again, though the Japanese motorcycle maker does talk about maximum torque arriving at 2000rpm, which combined with a 216kg kerb mass will ensure it's truly an easy rider.
It's classic looks are backed with classic components, which means it won't be a cornering scalpel (probably more of a butter knife) with a 300mm single disc brake at the front, a drum brake at the rear, spoked wheels, lots of chrome, and a cushy suspension tune via 39mm front 'tubes' and dual rear shockers with adjustable spring preload.
But motorcycles like the new 2011 W800 aren't about bouncing off the rev limiter and frying the brakes, they're about comfortable cruising, enjoying the journey and looking supremely cool while doing so.
The 790mm high seat looks very welcoming and little touches like the rubber knee pads on the lovingly-designed 14lt fuel tank give the new model plenty of appeal.
If the price is right - and it probably will be, as this is a relatively simple machine - the new Kawasaki W800 could be a very handy addition to the big K's range. Thankfully it's a case of 'when', rather than 'if' the new model comes to Australia in 2011.
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