Kawasaki W800-based Meguro K3 Launched In Japan

The retro motorcycle will be available in the country from February 1, 2021

• The Kawasaki Meguro K3 gets the same engine as the Euro 4 W800.
• Apart from the larger wheel, it also gets premium cosmetic additions and heated grips.
• It costs an equivalent of Rs 9.11 lakh in Japan.

Kawasaki Japan has launched a special commemorative motorcycle based on the W800, called the Kawasaki Meguro K3. It costs JPY 1,276,000, which is around 9.11 lakh, making it dearer than the regular Kawasaki W800 by an equivalent of Rs 1.25 lakh. The motorcycle will be available in the Japanese market from February 1, 2021.

For the added premium, the bike gets a Kawasaki Ninja H2-like self-healing chrome finish on the fuel tank with the Meguro logo, ‘170’ stickering on the side panels and the instrument cluster, and red highlights on the bevel gear cover on the engine. The motorcycle also gets a larger 19-inch front spoke wheel for added authenticity, apart from standard heated grips, centre stand, premium seat cover and a helmet lock. 

The motorcycle is powered by the same air-cooled 773cc parallel-twin SOHC engine as the standard BS4-compliant W800. It churns out 52PS at 6500rpm and 62Nm at 4800rpm. The engine is linked to a 5-speed transmission with assist and slipper clutch. The claimed mileage stands at 21.1kmpl, which is the same as the BS4 Kawasaki W800.

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Thanks to the larger front spoke wheel, this motorcycle is 1kg heavier than the regular W800, at 227kg kerb. The rear end uses the same 18-inch setup as the regular version. Underpinnings and brakes are also the same as the standard version. 

The Kawasaki Meguro K3 is a throwback to the Meguro Manufacturing Company, which was one of the largest bikemakers in Japan back in the 1940s and 50s. But in 1964, Kawasaki Heavy Industries absorbed the brand. Production went on till the late-1960s after which the brand disappeared into oblivion. Kawasaki’s W range of motorcycles is reportedly inspired by the Meguro T1 Senior, produced between 1955 and 1960. Kawasaki is unlikely to launch this motorcycle in India as the legacy of the Meguro brand wouldn’t exactly resonate with Indian audiences. Moreover, it will only make the already high asking price of the W800 even higher, with the Meguro K3.