2019 Kawasaki W800 Street- Top 5 Highlights

Kawasaki globally unveiled the 2019 W800 Street at the 2018 EICMA in Italy. Now, almost nine months later, the Japanese manufacturer has launched the motorcycle in India. We tell you what the Kawasaki W800 is all about.

Retro styling

The W800 Street is a successor to the 1966 Kawasaki W1 and is an exact replica of that motorcycle in terms of styling. And since chrome is the untold norm of retro-inspired motorcycles, Kawasaki has given the W800 Street’s headlamp cowl, turn signals, handlebar, exhaust pipes, wheels and rear suspension the chrome treatment. Moreover, the fuel-tank, single-piece seat (which gets a ribbed pattern) round mirrors and fork gaiters complete the W800’s retro appeal. 

Modern features

While the W800 Street is fully retro in its attire, it does get some modern touches to put it on par with current times. The bike’s round headlamp cowl houses full-LED lighting. The turn signals and tail lamp also have LED lighting. Furthermore, the W800 Street sports a twin-pod instrument cluster that features a small LCD display that shows information like trip meter, fuel-gauge, odometer and clock, but only on demand. Lastly, Kawasaki has added a safety net to the W800 Street in the form of a dual-channel ABS.

Not a Kawasaki Z800

The W800, due to its name, might be mistaken to be powered by the Z800’s engine. But there is a difference, or two, in this case. The W800 comes powered by a 773cc, parallel-twin engine that produces 47bhp of power and 62.9Nm of torque. It comes mated to a five-speed gearbox and slipper clutch.

One colour option

Currently, Kawasaki is offering the W800 Street in one colour option in India as well as global markets. It is available in a black with grey dual-tone paint only. We can expect the company to introduce more options a few months after they are launched globally. 

Pricing

The W800 Street comes with a sticker price of Rs 7.99 lakhs (ex-showroom). The company has announced that it will commence deliveries by mid-August 2019. In terms of rivalry, the Kawasaki W800 Street goes up against the Ducati Scrambler Icon and the Triumph Street Twin in the country.