Kawasaki’s W800 Even more retro (these days)
In the year Kawasaki launched the Z900RS – a retro-styled bike utilising modern tech – with a huge marketing push, it seemed fitting to take out the modern tech, retro-styled bike that they didn’t push.
Launched in 2011, the W800 never seemed to get the support it deserved, despite great feedback from reviewers and owners. Production ceased in 2016. We took out a 2014 bike with 13,373 miles under its belt (and a custom paint job from 8 Ball Paints).
Give me some spec
A 773cc, air-cooled parallel twin (not Euro 4 compliant, sales didn’t warrant development cost) is housed in a tubular steel double cradle frame. It puts out 47bhp at 6500rpm with maximum torque of 60lb-ft at 2500rpm, capable of 110mph and weighs in at 216kg. Stopping comes via a 300mm single front disc with two-piston caliper and 160mm rear drum.
So what’s it like to ride?
Small, narrow and light, this is an easy bike to paddle. ‘The controls fall easily to hand’ (couldn’t resist), the bars curve gently back, the mirrors work and your view is graced with a twin-set of fantastic retro looking clocks feeding information at a glance. Talking glances, be prepared for gentlemen of a certain age announcing ‘I had one of those as a nipper’ before doing a second-take. The W800 pulls cleanly, picks up speed nicely (50 to 70 effortlessly during one overtake). Those narrow tyres give a skittish feel initially, but you adapt quickly. I sat upright to begin with but soon tucked in, hugging the rubber tank pads with both knees. It is all-day comfortable, the saddle is supportive, the riding position is easy on the rider and the suspension soaks up most stuff. The style, low redline (7000rpm) and maximum torque (2500rpm) suggest bimbling in the low to mid-range. Don’t. The W800 works well at 6000rpm and up. The engine is keen to get on with it, though you would never know as it thrums pleasantly no matter what you do. Backing off I found vibrations kicking in at 3500rpm, smoothing out above thanks to the twin balancer shafts. The peashooter exhausts hint at serious noise, but this is a quiet motorcycle. The W800 is fun in corners, tipping quickly (though not accurately). Work with it, dig a knee into the tank pad, dip your shoulder and stick you hip into the bend. The clutch is light, the brakes are… adequate. Added to the lack of engine braking, they’ll haul you up in their own time, but plan ahead and squeeze firmly.
What nick is it in?
The dealer told me the previous owner loved this bike and it shows; that custom paint job has a thick, lustrous sheen, the chrome shines. The only blemish is some slight pitting on the engine casing.
What’s it worth?
The dealer wants £5199 for a 2014 bike with 13,373 miles on the clock (and gorgeous custom paint job). A dealer search revealed a dozen or so used examples, ranging from a 2011 bike with 14,300 miles clocked for £4499 to a 2016 bike with just 710 miles logged at £6499.