[RodRowdyBiker]

Visited the showroom recently and took a look at the bike in person and heard the exhaust note. The bike itself is underwhelming and nothing about it stood out. Had MRF tyres on it as well. Seems like they would be lucky to sell one throughout India. Considering that the RE twins are 25% of the cost of this bike, I feel like Kawa would be lucky to sell one W800 throughout the entire country.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

W800 receives mild updates for 2020. Revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FMX5pq9K90

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs0cUJAKQ9Q&t=5s

[narula123]

Anyone has any update if Kawasaki has managed to sell 'ANY' units of this?

Even the latest discount offers on the Kawa range does not showcase anything on the W800. Maybe they have already given up on this model looking at the way the RE twins are smashing the classic bike segment.

[FourWheelDrift]

The new "classic" version of the W800 has been announced for the US market in a tasty new colour, different from the grey and green seen in the 2 videos above.

https://www.motorcycledaily.com/2019...0-with-videos/

October 25, 2019
Dirck Edge

Kawasaki Introduces Classic, Upright W800 for 2020 (with videos)

Last year, Kawasaki introduced the W800 CAFE to the U.S. market, with its semi-aggressive ergonomics. For 2020, the standard W800 is being introduced with more traditional looks and ergonomics. In MD’s opinion, this is one of the most beautiful retro models currently available … if not THE most beautiful.

The new W800 features an air-cooled 773cc vertical twin engine, gorgeous detailing in the fit and finish (with the possible exception of tank seams), together with nice, modern features that do not detract from the classic theme. These include ABS brakes, Assist and Slipper clutch, and a bright LED headlight. The 19″ front wheel gives the W800 the proper retro profile. Here is the full press release from Kawasaki, together with several photos and two videos:

The all-new Kawasaki W800 is Kawasaki’s latest addition to Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.’s retro lineup of motorcycles. It’s a true throwback to its 1960’s predecessor, the famed Kawasaki W1.

For 2020, Kawasaki brings class-leading authentic styling, sound, and feel to the category of retro motorcycles. In building the W800, Kawasaki has meticulously crafted one of the most authentic retro bikes in appearance and design, paying homage to the past, all while tastefully incorporating modern technology and features. With the arrival of the W800, riders in search of a taste of history can now enjoy two flavors of W, the W800 and the W800 CAFE.


To read more and see the images, click on the link at the top.

Cheers,

FourWheelDrift

[RodRowdyBiker]

Originally Posted by narula123

Anyone has any update if Kawasaki has managed to sell 'ANY' units of this?

Even the latest discount offers on the Kawa range does not showcase anything on the W800. Maybe they have already given up on this model looking at the way the RE twins are smashing the classic bike segment.

My local Hyd dealer told me that they have sold not a single one as of last Friday.

[ethanhunt123]

Why would anyone buy this in India over RW twins or Triumph classics is beyond me.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Price reduced by one lakh to 6.99 ex-showroom for the 2020 model.

Source. Same has been updated on the website as well.

[Turbanator]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Price reduced by one lakh to 6.99 ex-showroom

I like this bike but even after this reduction, isn't this overpriced for what it is?

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

I like this bike but even after this reduction, isn't this overpriced for what it is?

Wait for them to start localising the Z900RS. Its only a matter of time.

[turbo]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

isn't this overpriced for what it is?

Again, depends on what you think the competition is. Compared to the Interceptor 650, yes? Compared to the Triumph Street twin, not really.
Here's a review. The w800 has a 360 degree crank, air cooling, and a long stroke motor. In a sense this is the closest you can get to an old world motorcycle. The triumph and the re 650 have 270 degree cranks and liquid cooling.

https://youtu.be/Aek4rPmggMM

[RaghavEvoX]

Is the bike locally assembled now ? Now it looks a reasonable price in the midsize premium segment ? Still buyers would prefer looking at RE 650 twins.

A Z900RS version of the same W800 at a similar price is the one that can make wonders. I have always loved the Z900RS for its design and is one of the best designs in the Kawasaki India Portfolio. But that bike is just exorbitantly priced at Rs.15.70 Lakhs ex-showroom.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by turbo

Compared to the Triumph Street twin, not really.

Bonneville T100 is a more apt comparison IMHO, with the Street Twin being a modern iteration.

Compared to the T100 - the Kawasaki is now ~ 2.5 lakhs cheaper even with the BS4 pricing of the Triumph. It is also a more authentic old school motorcycle, but the Triumph brand does have more appeal when it comes to modern classics.

[Skidrow]

Originally Posted by turbo

Again, depends on what you think the competition is. Compared to the Interceptor 650, yes? Compared to the Triumph Street twin, not really.
Here's a review. The w800 has a 360 degree crank, air cooling, and a long stroke motor. In a sense this is the closest you can get to an old world motorcycle. The triumph and the re 650 have 270 degree cranks and liquid cooling.

Yes the W800 is I believe what was known as a parallel twin, like the classic 60s British bikes.
The 270 crank engines typically would make more power and have less vibration which is why they became popular about 25 years back.
One small errata - the RE Twins are aircooled not LC engines.

[FourWheelDrift]

To understand the significance of the Kawasaki W800, and the W650 that came before it, one has to go back to the first Kawasaki big bike, after Meguro was taken over by Kawasaki Aircraft. That big bike was the W1.

The W series came even before other Kawasaki series big bikes - like the H and the Z - that made Kawasaki so popular.

For history buffs, you might enjoy this video, where the main engineers and test rider are interviewed about that time and the W1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZZ6...D-FS9zB-Ko3jWA

Cheers,

FourWheelDrift

[Venkatesh]

Kawasaki W800 first ride review

https://youtu.be/IwrJTQGSoN0