Kawasaki W800 Spotted At Dealership; Launch In January

Retro motorcycles are a category of bikes that don’t age. Packed with modern tech and features, the new-age retro motorcycles provide a balance of riding a motorcycle that transports you to yesteryears nostalgia but at the same time ensures a trouble free ownership experience. In India, the love for classic bikes is growing considerably. Currently, there are few brands like Triumph, Indian and Harley-Davidson that offer retro styled motorcycles in the Indian market for the discerning biker. 

The newest entrant in this category, the W800 was spotted at a Kawasaki dealership in Pune. With a design belonging to the 70s, the W-series from Kawasaki features simplicity in design with unique mechanicals. Now, in its modern form, the W800 retains the classic retro look while offering modern tech underneath its skin. The good news is that sources close to the manufacturer have confirmed that the W800 is set to launch in India next month. 

Staying true to the old-school design language, the W800 comes with a round headlamp unit twin-pod meters chrome mudguards and highlights. It has spoke wheels and a pair of pea shooter exhausts.

Carrying a rich heritage, on the mechanical front, the engine powering the W800 features a 773cc air-cooled vertical twin mill with fuel-injection that develops 48PS of power and 60Nm of peak torque. The uniqueness of the engine's design is the bevel-gear-driven cam that adds to a unique feel while contributing to the engine’s classic appearance. Transmission duties are handled by a 5-speed gearbox. 

For other cycle parts, the motorcycle features telescopic forks and twin dampers at the back. Braking duties are handled by a 300mm disc brake at the front and a drum brake for the rear.

On the price point, it is expected that Kawasaki will launch the retro W800 motorcycle at a price tag around Rs 6.5 lakh ex-showroom. At that price, the W800 would be a very attractive offering considering it heritage and styling. The Kawasaki W800 will rival against the likes of the Triumph Street Twin and the Harley-Davidson Street 750.