Ride and Review of the Kawasaki W800

Rabid Hedgehog is neither paid or in any way affiliated with Kawasaki and its dealers.... Seriously just a mad man with an opinion that got to ride an amazing piece of engineering.
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Gear worn today:
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Specs of the 2020 Kawasaki W800
MSRP $9199.00
Engine
4-stroke, vertical twin, SOHC, 8 valves, air-cooled
Displacement
773cc
Bore x Stroke
77.0 x 83.0mm
Compression Ratio
8.4:1
Maximum Torque
46.4 lb.-ft.
Fuel System
DFI®with 34mm throttle bodies (2)
Ignition
TCBI w/digital advance
Transmission
5-speed, return shift
Final Drive
Sealed chain
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel
41mm telescopic fork with/5.1 in.
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel
Twin shocks with spring preload adjustability/4.2 in
Front Tire
100/90-19
Rear Tire
130/80-18
Front Brakes
Single 320mm petal-style disc with 2-piston calipers, ABS
Rear Brakes
Single 270mm petal-style disc with 2-piston caliper, ABS
Frame Type
Double-cradle high tensile steel
Rake/Trail
26.0 / 3.7 in.
Overall Length
86.2 in.
Overall Width
31.1 in.
Overall Height
42.3 in.
Ground Clearance
4.9 in.
Seat Height
31.1 in.
Curb Weight
496.1 lb.**
Fuel Capacity
4.0 gal.
Wheelbase
57.7 in.

[cycoklr]

I'm 67 and when I take out my W800 for a ride I feel 17 again. It's my time machine.

[edwardodoner]

I am 73 - bought W800 Cafe 2 years ago (in Poland), put on it 3 500 km, happy as happy can be!

[renzokukenleonhart]

This bike is even more beautiful in person.

[FroggyCrimes]

This bike is so beautiful, just an enjoyable smooth ride. Not a racer, just a relaxing easy ride. I'm picking one up as soon as I can.

[dougfielding]

Ride modes? We don't need no stinkin' ride modes!

[enricodedios]

This video was the reason I pick’d up w800. Thanks for the honest review and very pleased on my new w800 street. Everything you said about the bike is true.

[greyy]

I'm planning on getting this for my first motorcycle. thank you for showing us this thing at highway speed!

[ShaunPaget]

No thrills nothing on it....exactly what I've been looking for. Elegant simplicity at it's finest.

[andrewhannam.]

Best retro motorcycle series! Street, Cafe and standard. These were before the Hinckley Bonnevilles... Absolutely stunning these W800s.

[TheInterloafer]

I got this bike in late March, as soon as it came out. I love everything about it. Except the stock tires which caused me to wobble on rain grooves here in New York City. I got those replaced and it is now an ideal in-town bikes. People keep stopping me and asking how old the bike is. This review is spot on.

[dougfielding]

I bought the W800 Street (Canada) and am insanely happy with it! Ticked all the boxes for me. If this Classic model was available then, I may have bought it. Beautiful bike with fantastic fit and finish. I know how he feels when he says "it feels like home" and I'm riding a motorcycle and it feels like a motorcycle.

[glenndavis]

Great review! Thank you so much for posting it. Your comments about the authentic feel of this bike are spot on. For old guys like me who rode bikes like this in the 70's it is awesome. I rode the cafe version and loved the bike but not the riding position. So I'm looking forward to riding this standard version. I've seen prices on the cafe version down to less than $7, 000 here in Virginia and with the economy down right now I'm sure you can pick up one of these standard W800's for perhaps just a little more than that.

[Skuggan]

Man, I love the look of this bike. Best looking retro and the reliability as its Japanese. 10/10. Could be buying this instead of the Guzzi V7

[PerfectlyFreedom]

Nice catch, the romanticism you spot about the purpose of the W800 is what made me love this video--didn't skip a second!

[specialed]

I love your enthusiasm, but as an older rider I lived, owned and rode the later 60s bikes. Been riding since 1965. Bought my first bike in 1968 and I have wonderful memories. But like phones with chords on the wall with rotary dials I am not sure I want to go back. Hahaha. But I really am glad you and others get to experience these Retro machines. Keep up with your videos I really appreciate them and brings back memories.

[WolfgangVonKempelen]

Back to basics biking, no thrills no frills just a sweet relaxed ride. Plus being in contact with the wind & nature whatever it trows at you ;)

[davidbuck]

I had the W650 for almost 20 years. Loved it. I replaced the stock tyres and the front fork springs with progressive rate springs. Made a huge difference to the riding experience. Would love a W800, but my riding days are sadly drawing to a close.

[mindspinn]

I was drooling over this bike as forbidden fruit for years until it came here, then I drooled on it some more at the motorcycle show. It’s more authentic retro British than any current Triumph, but for the money the Street Twin and Bonneville T100 are much higher performing; it’s hardly comparable. The W800 is more on par with the Royal Enfield 650, but for $3400 more 😱. You buy this one because you want THIS one, to be different, just cruise, look good and enjoy. Everyone will think it’s a Triumph or maybe an old BSA, but will be shocked to learn it’s Japanese and new. Very few will remember the old W1.

[guysmith]

Nice review. The price point on these bikes reflects the fact that the W800 is built in Japan. Maintenance on these bikes is easy and straight forward. If I did not own a W650, a W800 would be in the garage. The one good feature you like many other reviewers fail to mention on W800 reviews, is the positive stop neutral finder, good when riding in heavy stop start traffic. At 73 years old when riding my W650, it just reminds me of riding in the sixties early seventies. I think all aircooled bikes of high capacity have their days numbered with ever increasing emission limits. If people are thinking of buying one in the near future, bite the bullet now to avoid disapointment.

[eakkaluckpriyasarn]

i have w800 street edition i love it. ride fun