Kawasaki W800 (2020-2022) Review: A Timeless Dance Between Retro Charm and Modern Refinement

Introduction

The Kawasaki W800 isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a time capsule with a heartbeat. Slotted between vintage nostalgia and modern usability, the 2020-2022 W800 generation captures the essence of motorcycling’s golden era while quietly embracing 21st-century engineering. Designed to evoke the spirit of Kawasaki’s 1966 W1 (Japan’s first large-displacement four-stroke motorcycle), this parallel-twin masterpiece feels like a love letter to riders who crave authenticity without sacrificing reliability.

Over a week-long test ride, the W800 revealed itself as more than a retro poser. It’s a machine that rewards patience, celebrates simplicity, and turns every errand into a Sunday cruise. Let’s dissect why this modern classic deserves a spot in your garage—and why MOTOPARTS.store is your go-to for keeping it in prime condition.

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Design: A Masterclass in Retro Aesthetics

Kawasaki’s designers deserve a standing ovation. The W800’s silhouette is a symphony of curves and chrome, from its teardrop fuel tank (available in lustrous Metallic Ocean Blue or Candy Cardinal Red) to the long, flared fenders that could’ve been lifted straight from a 1960s catalog. The 19-inch front wheel wrapped in a bias-ply Dunlop K300 GP tire adds visual bulk, while the slender rear 18-inch wheel maintains proportion.

Key retro touches:
- Bevel gear camshaft drive: A chrome-covered mechanical jewel visible on the engine’s right side.
- Peashooter mufflers: Straight-cut exhaust tips that emit a throaty, rhythmic bark.
- Chrome accents: Handlebar, mirrors, headlight bezel, and engine covers glint like jewelry.
- Tuck-and-roll seat: Thickly padded and stitched with a diamond pattern that’s equal parts vintage and vandal-resistant.

Yet modernity peeks through: the LED headlight (a 170mm round unit) casts a crisp white beam, while ABS sensors hide discreetly behind wire-spoked wheels. At 225 kg (496 lbs) wet, it’s no featherweight, but the low 790mm (31.1") seat height lets most riders flat-foot at stops.

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Engine & Performance: The Soul of Simplicity

Specs at a glance:
- 773cc air-cooled parallel-twin
- 47 HP @ 6,000 RPM / 62.9 Nm (46.4 lb-ft) @ 4,800 RPM
- 5-speed transmission with assist/slipper clutch
- Chain final drive

Fire up the W800, and the 360-degree crankshaft delivers a lumpy idle (1,200 RPM) that vibrates the handlebars like a purring cat. This isn’t the sterile hum of a liquid-cooled engine—it’s alive, tactile, and unapologetically mechanical. Throttle response from the 34mm Keihin injectors is deliberate, not abrupt, rewarding smooth inputs with linear acceleration.

On the road:
- 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): ~5.5 seconds—leisurely by sportbike standards, but brisk enough to outpace urban traffic.
- Torque curve: Max twist arrives at 4,800 RPM, making third gear your Swiss Army knife for city streets and lazy backroads.
- Redline: 6,500 RPM (indicated), but the engine feels happiest between 3,000-5,500 RPM.

The assist/slipper clutch is a revelation. Lever effort is lighter than a Royal Enfield’s, and the slipper function prevents rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts. That said, the 5-speed gearbox feels dated beside 6-speed rivals—you’ll hunt for a non-existent sixth on highways.

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Handling & Comfort: Graceful, Not Gymnastic

With a 26-degree rake and 94mm (3.7") trail, the W800 favors stability over flickability. The 41mm telescopic fork and twin rear shocks (preload-adjustable) are tuned for compliance, soaking up potholes without wallowing. This isn’t a canyon carver—it’s a bike that prefers sweeping bends to tight switchbacks.

Riding impressions:
- Urban crawling: The upright riding position (chromed handlebar, mid-set pegs) provides a commanding view. At 1465mm (57.6") wheelbase, U-turns require planning.
- Highway cruising: 110 km/h (68 mph) sees 4,500 RPM in fifth gear. Wind protection is minimal—plan to invest in a flyscreen from MOTOPARTS.store.
- Two-up touring: The bench seat accommodates passengers in relative comfort, though the suspension firms up noticeably with a pillion.

Ground clearance (124mm/4.9") is adequate for spirited riding, but the hero blobs will sing if you push too hard. Braking via the single 320mm front and 270mm rear discs (2-piston calipers, ABS) is confident, though lacks the initial bite of radial setups.

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Technology & Features: Less Is More

Kawasaki keeps tech subtle:
- Instrumentation: Analog speedo and tach flank a monochrome LCD (clock, tripmeter, fuel gauge).
- ABS: Non-switchable but unobtrusive.
- Lighting: LED headlight with position lamps that mimic vintage bulbs.

Missing are ride modes, traction control, or USB ports—a blessing for purists, a dealbreaker for tech-reliant riders. The 15L (4 US gal) tank delivers ~250 km (155 mi) between fill-ups.

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Competition: How the W800 Stacks Up

1. Triumph Bonneville T100 (900cc):

• Pros: More power (64 HP), 6-speed gearbox, heated grips option.
• Cons: Liquid cooling dilutes retro charm, heavier (221 kg/487 lbs).
• Verdict: The Bonneville is the better all-rounder, but the W800 feels more authentic.

2. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650:

• Pros: $2k-$3k cheaper, lighter (202 kg/445 lbs), punchier mid-range.
• Cons: Build quality inconsistencies, softer suspension.
• Verdict: The Enfield wins on value, but the W800’s fit/finish is superior.

3. Honda CB1100 RS:

• Pros: Inline-4 smoothness, premium suspension (Showa), 6-speed.
• Cons: Heavier (252 kg/555 lbs), discontinued after 2021.
• Verdict: A niche choice for those craving retro-Japanese muscle.

W800’s ace card: Its air-cooled engine and bevel-gear cam drive are mechanical theater no competitor can match.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Retro Heart Beating

The W800’s simplicity is a DIY enthusiast’s dream. Key considerations:

1. Oil Changes:

• Spec: SAE 10W-40 (2.9L/3.06 qt with filter).
• Interval: Every 6,000 km (3,700 mi).
• Pro tip: Use MOTOPARTS.store’s synthetic blend for smoother shifts.

2. Valve Adjustments:

• Interval: Every 24,000 km (15,000 mi).
• Complexity: Moderate (requires removing tank).

3. Chain Care:

• Type: DID 525VM2 (15T front/37T rear).
• Maintenance: Clean/lube every 500 km (310 mi) with MOTOPARTS.store’s chain kit.

4. Tire Pressures:

• Front: 2.0 bar (29 psi)
• Rear: 2.25-2.5 bar (33-36 psi)

5. Spark Plugs:

• Type: NGK CR8E (standard) or CR8EIX (iridium).
• Gap: 0.7-0.8mm (0.028-0.031").

Common upgrades:
- Progressive rear shocks (improves laden handling)
- Aftermarket exhaust (enhances the stock bike’s muted tone)
- Gel seat (for all-day comfort)

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Conclusion: The Timeless Allure of Authenticity

The Kawasaki W800 isn’t fast, flashy, or packed with tech. What it offers is something rarer: character. This is a motorcycle that demands engagement, rewarding riders who appreciate the journey over the destination. The air-cooled thrum, the way the chassis settles into corners, the envious glances at red lights—it’s a package that transcends spec sheets.

For those who’ve outgrown the race-replica mindset, the W800 is a sanctuary. And with MOTOPARTS.store’s curated selection of maintenance kits and tasteful upgrades, you can ensure this modern classic ages as gracefully as the icons that inspired it.

Ride not because you must, but because the machine asks you to.

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Specifications sheet

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