New Kawasaki W800 [Archive] - Aussie Streetfighters

HOS

13-03-2011, 06:47 PM

The W650 returns with a bigger motor and more retro looks.
Cruisers do`nt have to be feet-forward. I`d say this is a cruiser [8D]

http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/W800

Air cooled 773cc 8valve twin.
Bore and stroke 77 x 83mm
Kerb weight 216 kg
Wheels 19" front and 18" rear.
Power is around 60 bhp.

Gitzy

13-03-2011, 07:18 PM

I personally reckon its a winner.. Love it..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf5YJt43ej4

HOS

14-03-2011, 03:07 AM

One of the road testers said the build quality is top notch.

I reckon there`s a few cafe racers to come from this bike [8D]

HOS

14-03-2011, 03:11 AM

MCN First ride...

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/videos/2011/March/mar0411-video-kawasaki-w800-first-ride/

HOS

14-03-2011, 03:18 AM

Flat tracker already [:p]

http://www.clubman.de/php/start.php

fimpBIKES

14-03-2011, 11:27 AM

"distinct handling character that comes with large-diameter wheels"
yep, so the tyre choice for these will be pretty narrow
metzler lasertec is the only thing i can ever get for the kat LOL
http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-tires/metzeler-lasertec/

and where is this awesome kwaka traction control i read all about in rapid?
i thought it was supposed to be the "bees knees" but it cant be very good if they arent using it on this, there most newly released "sports bike" (going off the catagories in aus kwak site)

anyways, its not a real clasic bike unless it marks its territory wherever you park it :D

Jinx

14-03-2011, 04:53 PM

Good retro styling is let down by a high price $13K, crap rim sizes and lack of decent rubber. The rear drum brake and a dual piston front caliper on a single disc are hardly what I would call confidence inspiring on a 216kg machine. Why does retro automatically mean sub standard tyres, brakes and suspension. I learnt to ride on shit like that in the early 70s and 40 years later you can still buy them. Fix up those fuck ups and Kawasaki might have a chance of selling a few. Much better bikes out there for the same sort of money.

fimpBIKES

14-03-2011, 10:47 PM

actually, this bike has me wondering now

its got a drum rear brake, stupid out of date wheel sizes and makes fuck all power from its 800cc's
have kwaka literally gone to the archives, found some bike from the 70s and bunged on efi and some new clocks???

HOS

15-03-2011, 06:48 PM

The W800 is kinda messed up when you consider the old 850cc Norton Commando weighed the same, although it had slightly less power output.

The W800 could have had a pair of 18" wheels like my Zephyr11, hence "reasonabe" tyre choices. (Avon Storms on mine).
It could have been built MUCH lighter and had some sports suspension.
That small amount of power would have been more fun in a classy chassis ?