-Gets new Metallic Diablo Black colour
-Powered by a 773cc, twin cylinder engine
-The W800 was on sale in India at one point
Kawasaki has taken the wraps off the 2025 W800 in overseas markets. The bike gets a new Metallic Diablo Black colour that complements the modern-retro design of the W800. The colour has a dual-tone effect, separated by a gold coloured pinstripe that’s neatly executed. Adding to the retro look of the bike is the period-correct ‘W’ emblem on the fuel tank and the tank pads that are also functional as they allow the rider to grip the tank.
The Kawasaki W800 is a charming, modern-retro motorcycle and that’s both in terms of design and the mechanicals. The round headlight, tear drop shaped fuel tank, those curved fenders, engine casings and exhaust pipes in chrome and even the wire spoke wheels are all reminiscent of motorcycles of an era gone by.
The W800’s engine is also as close as a modern engine can get to feeling retro. It is a 773, air-cooled parallel-twin engine that makes 52bhp at 6,500rpm and 62.9Nm at 4,800 rpm. It has a bevel gear shaft drive for the SOHC, eight-valve head with a 360-degree crank for the authentic retro motorcycle sound and feel. The engine is paired with a five-speed gearbox.
The W800 uses a double cradle frame that has a telescopic fork at the front and a pair of shock absorbers at the rear to handle suspension duties. The bike rides on a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel setup shod with tube type tyres.
Kawasaki’s W800 is a proper retro motorcycle in comparison to competition like the Triumph Bonneville T100 with more modern features and a liquid-cooled engine. Kawasaki had the W800 on sale in India in 2020 but it is no longer on sale in the market. Kawasaki should perhaps revisit the decision to discontinue the W800, launch it again in India and this time they should heavily localise it to keep the pricing competitive.
