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2020 Kawasaki W800 Preview

Kawasaki adds to its retro-themed motorcycle line with the standard W800.

October 25, 2019

With the arrival of the 2020 Kawasaki W800, consumers now have two retro classic Kawasaki motorcycles to choose from. The W800 has the look and feel of the 1966 W1 while the W800 Café offers the sporty style made popular by the racers back in the day.

2020 Kawasaki W800 Engine

The long-stroke 773cc engine is tuned for low-midrange performance and delivers plenty of torque and power. It even features a bevel gear-driven single overhead cam that gives the 2020 W800 the old-school tech to go along with its old-school cool style.Kawasaki

The W800 is powered by the same 773cc bevel-driven parallel twin introduced previously on the Café. This compact engine pumps out 46 pound-feet of torque and has a deep exhaust note from its dual chrome exhaust pipes that is a byproduct of the 360-degree crank. A lot of thought was put into these retro rides and the quality of the exhaust note is just the beginning.

2020 Kawasaki W800 Chassis And Suspension

Got chrome? The 2020 Kawasaki W800 has lots of shiny parts including chrome-plated steel fenders, tank badges, handlebars, headlight brackets, turn signals, mirrors, chain cover, shift lever, brake pedal, and oil filter cover.Kawasaki

The tubular steel chassis was designed to work in concert with the stiff, sporty suspension components starting with the 41mm hydraulic fork and ending with the preload-adjustable dual rear shocks. The riding position is upright and comfortable thanks to tall, wide bars, relaxed footpeg placement, and a thickly padded two-passenger seat. The seat is narrow at the front to help make for an easier reach to the ground. A nice-looking fuel tank holds 4 gallons of petrol for your weekend ride or your daily commute.

As you look through the images it appears as though Kawasaki paid great attention to the details that help separate the W800 series from other retro bikes. The chrome is quality and the paint on the tank has been buffed to a rich luster right out of the gate. It's a good thing too because the W800 has plenty of shiny parts to dazzle you with. Switch gear is nice and tidy while the dual dial instrument helps maintain the vintage look.

2020 Kawasaki W800 Modern Updates

The 2020 Kawasaki W800 twin exhausts are tuned to showcase the characteristic sound of the engine’s 360-degree crankshaft configuration. This creates a deep tone that helps make its distinctive sound.Kawasaki

Not every component of the W800 is classic in nature though. It is equipped with ABS as well as an Assist & Slipper Clutch that offers a very light pull at the lever while keeping untimely downshifts from upsetting the chassis. An LED-based headlight looks retro but is completely modern by design.

Overall, the W800 is a nice blend of classic style with an infusion of modern engineering. The result is a bike that is fun and easy to ride, which just happens to be the premise that made the original so popular five decades ago.

The large 320mm front disc and 270mm rear disc provide plenty of stopping power, while the ABS adds a little safety tech in case the need arises.Kawasaki

2020 Kawasaki W800 Price And Specifications


PRICE	$9,199
ENGINE	773cc, SOHC, air-cooled, 4-stroke vertical twin; 8 valves
BORE x STROKE	77.0 x 83.0mm
COMPRESSION RATIO	8.4:1
CLAIMED TORQUE	46.4 lb.-ft.
FUEL DELIVERY	DFI w/ dual 34mm throttle bodies
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	5-speed/chain
CLUTCH	Assist and slipper clutch
FRAME	Double-cradle high-tensile steel
FRONT SUSPENSION	41mm telescopic fork; 5.1-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	Twin shocks adjustable for spring preload; 4.2-in. travel
FRONT BRAKE	2-piston caliper, 320mm petal-style disc w/ ABS
REAR BRAKE	2-piston caliper, 270mm petal-style disc w ABS
TIRES, FRONT/REAR	TBD; 100/90-19 / 130/80-18
RAKE/TRAIL	26.0°/3.7 in.
WHEELBASE	57.7 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	31.1 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	4.0 gal.
CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT	496 lb.
WARRANTY	12 months
AVAILABLE	TBD
CONTACT	kawasaki.com

A 41mm fork with stiff springs feature black rubber fork boots to protect the fork tubes and fork seals. This little extra attention to detail helps give credibility to the retro look of the 2020 W800.Kawasaki

Kawasaki’s advanced dynamic analysis was used to determine the exact required rigidity for each piece of the 50mm square-section backbone and round pipe downtubes to make sure the frame can handle its sporty performance with minimal weight gain.Kawasaki

The W800 features a 19-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel that help create the vintage riding experience. By using tube-type bias-ply tires the W800 stays true to its origins.Kawasaki

Kawasaki has used the rotational forces of the clutch hub and pressure plate, so that when the clutch is forced together during acceleration (assist function) fewer and lighter clutch springs can be utilized. The result is the 2020 Kawasaki W800 has a very light feel at the lever.Kawasaki

The 2020 Kawasaki W800 comes equipped with a two-person seat that features a thick, padded tuck-and-roll design that adds to the retro character while providing a comfortable place for both rider and passenger.Kawasaki

A large LED headlight has six chambers—four for low-beam and two more for high beam. Position lamps in the high-beam chambers ensure the whole lamp appears lit, like a retro-style bulb-powered headlight.Kawasaki

A multifunction LCD screen incorporates an odometer, tripmeter, and clock. A full range of indicator lamps includes a FI warning lamp, dual turn signal indicators, low fuel level indicator, high-beam indicator, neutral indicator, and an oil pressure warning lamp.Kawasaki

The 2020 Kawasaki W800 is a homage to the look and feel of Kawasaki’s original, big-bore W1 model released back in 1966.Kawasaki

The W800 is designed to inspire you to get out and ride. Go somewhere special, see something amazing, or at the very least just go somewhere and enjoy the views.Kawasaki