All Tests – Kawasaki W800 Test Drive: Back to the Past! – Injection for a seventies star

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Kawasaki W800 test: back to the past !

All Tests - Kawasaki W800 Test Drive: Back to the Past! - Injection for a seventies star

Like the Z, the W is a separate letter in the Kawasaki alphabet … In 2011, the new Kawasaki W800 revives the dynasty of the air-cooled vertical twin. Site was able to try it on the Tropezian coast: first contact !

Injection for a seventies star

Unlike Brigitte Bardot, Kawasaki’s W800 had to give in to the sirens of injection … Electronic injection of course, and not injection – just as trendy – of Botox (read).

Thus, the engine of the new Kawasaki is fed by two injection bodies 34 mm in diameter in which two injectors are housed – "with 12 holes", says Kawa – and two sets of butterflies, to assure him"perfect response while reducing noise".

While waiting to verify this approval on the beautiful sunny roads of the south of France, we regret that Kawasaki has not made more efforts to hide these new components: if the small chrome housings have their effect from afar, from near the wiring, lugs and other plastic parts take away the charm of the W800…

Carbu, it’s over…

With these cylinders rebored to 77 mm (instead of 72 on the W650 while the 83 mm stroke is retained), the W800 has a displacement of 773 cc. The gain compared to the "Six-fifty" is therefore 97 cc exactly, and not 150 as the trade names suggest..

But the developments are not limited to that: the Japanese engineers were keen to improve the performance of their twin air by other means. So although "the timing diagram and valve lift remain unchanged from the W650", the thicker profile of the cams improves the overall performance of the engine.

Likewise, making the flywheel heavier, combined with the length and narrowness of the intake horns, would have made it possible to increase the torque values ​​at low and mid-range. Kawasaki also informs us that "the pistons have the same weight as those of the W650, despite a bore increased by 5 mm".

In the end, the technical sheet of the new Kawasaki W800 therefore indicates a maximum power of 48 horses at 6500 rpm and a maximum torque of 62 Nm from 2500 rpm. These data remain a notch below those of a certain Bonneville (68 hp and 68 Nm), but we will wait for a real face to face on Site before ruling !

Like our national BB this time, the Japanese W has deliberately chosen not to change anything in its physical appearance! However, it is clear that the steel and chrome of the bike have withstood the years better than the flesh and bones of "The Woman"…

A successful clone

We must salute the work of the men of Akashi, who used all their know-how to (re) create this new W. We note the essential presence of the camshaft drive by conical torque, the polishing aluminum parts – painted! -, and the omnipresence of steel and chrome throughout the bike.

By searching very carefully, we end up finding some minor flaws. In addition to the poorly integrated injection, we retain this gradient of white on the metallic green of the tank, including the technique "Immersion Graphics"lack of finesse – yes, you have to put your nose on it. Likewise, the oldest experienced readers will regret the disappearance of the kick, still present on the last W650.

However, it’s a fact: aesthetically, the new Kawasaki W800 is a success. On the terrace of cafes in Saint-Trop ‘and its surroundings, the W800 attracts the eye of motorcycle enthusiasts or simple onlookers, despite the presence at its side of the new VN1700 "Bagger" with an impressive size, and VN900 " Custom "with a dark and devastating look…

On the practical side, note before setting off that the saddle is unfortunately not mounted on hinges and that it only hides a small storage space, where only a short U or a disk unit will find their place..

The tank cap, on the other hand, is integral with the motorcycle, while four lugs allow small loads to be tied on the rear part of the saddle. Likewise, we appreciate the presence of an angled valve on the rear rim.

Finally, the passenger has handles placed – a little low …. – under his thighs, low footrests too – but it is an advantage this time! – and a welcoming saddle. Two helmet attachments – one exterior with key and another under the saddle – can also be used in case of a break.

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