The Kawasaki W800 is a modern-classic roadster with a parallel-twin engine and both the traits make it similar to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. Also, with the BS6 update, Kawasaki has reduced the price of the W800 by a lakh rupees which keeps it further close to the Interceptor in terms of pricing. Now that both bikes are BS6-compliant, we pitch them against each other in this on paper comparison.
Design and features
The W800 and Interceptor both sport a vintage styling with a few common elements such as a round headlamp, twin pod instrument cluster, peanut-shaped fuel tank, dual exhausts, spoke wheels and a high-set rear fender. While the interceptor gets a straight handlebar, the Kwacker comprises of a pulled-back unit. Moreover, as opposed to the flat seat of the RE, the W800 gets a ribbed-pattern, scooped seat. What makes the latter look more modern is the blacked-out finishing on various components such as the engine and mirrors, which come with a chrome treatment on the Interceptor.
Staying true to their old-school ethos, both bikes are quite basic on the feature front. The instrumentation setup comprises of analogue console with a small LCD display and the safety net comes in the form of dual-channel ABS. However, the W800 gets LED headlamp and tail lamp, whereas the INT does away with a conventional lighting setup.
Engine
The Kawasaki W800 packs a larger 773cc, parallel-twin engine which produces 50.2bhp of power and 62.9Nm of peak torque. Meanwhile, the Interceptor makes do with a 648cc, parallel-twin mill which is good for 47bhp and 52Nm. Although the latter packs a smaller motor, it gets a six-speed gearbox as against the five-speed unit of the W800.
Cycle Parts
Both bikes are based on a tubular steel double cradle frame which is suspended by telescopic forks up front and dual shock absorbers at the rear. Furthermore, they also ride on 18-inch wheels while stopping power comes from a single disc at both ends. Weighing at 202kg, the Interceptor 650 is 22kg lighter than the W800 which tips the scales at 224kg.
Pricing
Kawasaki has priced the W800 BS6 at Rs 6.99 lakh. Despite being Rs 1 lakh cheaper than before, it is still much more expensive than the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 BS6 which is pegged from Rs 2.65 lakh to Rs 2.86 lakh, depending on the variant (all prices are ex-showroom).
