QUICKSPIN I 2021 Kawasaki W800
P104
only got the W800 in 2019 when the current
model was created.
It has its charms, no doubt, but the per-
formance isn't what I'd hoped it to be. Better
damping from the front suspension would
be nice, which would crash to the bottom of
the stroke at the first hint of a pothole. Also,
more power from the tiny two-piston front
brake would be a win, too.
The W800 is a pretty little thing, caked
in old-world charm and is absolutely not a
motorcycle designed for fast thrashing. How-
ever, it feels a little antiquated, even for me,
who loves classic riding.
CN
(Top) The front brake
isn't great at braking.
Just saying. (Bottom) The
seat is like an old park
bench—big and comfy.
2021 KAWASAKI W800 ($9199)
ENGINE
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, parallel-twin
VALVETRAIN
8-valve, SOHC
FUELING
EFI
DISPLACEMENT
773cc
BORE X STROKE
77 x 83mm
COMPRESSION RATIO
8.4:1
TRANSMISSION
5-speed
CLUTCH
Wet multi-disc, slip and assist
CHASSIS
Tubular steel backbone
FRONT SUSPENSION
41mm telescopic fork, non-
adjustable
REAR SUSPENSION
Twin shocks with spring preload
FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL
4.2 in.
REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL
4.2 in.
FRONT BRAKE
Single 320mm petal-style disc
with 2-piston calipers, ABS
REAR BRAKE
Single 270mm petal-style disc
with 2-piston caliper, ABS
FRONT TIRE
100/90-19 in.
REAR TIRE
130/80-18 in.
SEAT HEIGHT
31.1 in.
WHEELBASE
57.7 in.
RAKE
26°
FUEL CAPACITY
4.0 gal.
WEIGHT (WET, CLAIMED)
496 lbs.
SPECIFICATIONS
