2020 Kawasaki W80023rd October 2019 Retro classic | 773cc | Parallel twin ◄PREVIOUS STORY NEXT STORY► 
At this year's (2019) Tokyo Motorcycle Show, Kawasaki announced a new W800 set to roll alongside the existing Street and Cafe models. You can think of the newcomer (which is also something of an oldcomer) as a "standard" model. Or, if you prefer, "classic". But so far, Kawasaki has simply called it the W800. Purist W800 fans will no doubt consider this a welcome return to the more traditional styling of the bike which was dropped in 2016 due to Euro4 emission issues. But the company has evidently cleaned up its act with suitable engine revamps and tweaks, and has reintroduced the old favourite ensuring that it's appropriately the same, but respectably different. 
New features include a 19-inch front wheel (to replace the 18-inch hoop on the Cafe and Street models). More chrome has been slapped on. The headlamp has been brought up to date, style-wise (which, note, might offend one or two hardcore purists). A slip-assist clutch has been fitted. The ABS braking system has been revised. The mudguards are more fulsome. And the general stance is slightly more sit-up-and-pose. The power output of the 773cc, bevel-driven OHC, parallel twin engine is unchanged at 48PS @ 6,000rpm. The torque is also the same at
62.9Nm (46lb-ft) @ 4,800rpm. But with this laid-back, casual urbanite, torque numbers are pretty much irrelevant. Riders want a simple, smooth, and even dignified ride. 
So far, the only colour listed is Dark Green, but we suspect that Kawasaki will warm that up when refreshment time comes around. And naturally, a range of accessories will be following this motorcycle into the showrooms. No prices yet. But the Cafe is currently asking around £9,000. The Street is cheaper at around £8,300 
▲ 2020 Kawasaki W800. The prodigal classic has returned. It's cleaner (emission-wise), and the steering should be just a little perkier thanks to a revised front wheel. In short, it's what the fans wanted. 
▲ 2019 Kawasaki W800 Cafe. This coffee-coloured cafe racer sits in the middle of the current 3-bike range. Check our Kawasaki W800 page for a bigger image and more on the W800 family. 
▲ 2019 Kawasaki W800 Street. Not everyone wants traditional to be quite so traditional. Or so is/was Kawasaki's thinking. So this flat black Street model is intended to address the need some riders have for a bit more attitude when they're on a roll. Not quite our taste, mind, but any W800 is a great motorcycle—and we wouldn't boot one out of the garage over a little disagreement over paint. How about you?
◄PREVIOUS STORY NEXT STORY► | 
