Kawasaki W800 India Launch Soon
Modified On Mar 20, 2019 12:30 PM By Arun Mohan Nadar for Kawasaki Z900RS
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The W800 will be Kawasaki’s first classic performance bike for India
- Will be brought in via the CKD route.
- India launch by mid-2019.
- It will rival the Triumph Street Twin.
Kawasaki is gearing up to enter the classic performance segment of motorcycles in India. According to reports, the Japanese brand will be launching the W800 in our market soon. Kawasaki had previously brought the W800 to India in 2016 and it was on display at its Pune dealership to gauge customer feedback. While the bike did receive positive response, Kawasaki didn’t launch the W800 as it didn’t meet BSIV emission norms which came into effect in April, 2017. The Kawasaki W800 coming to India is the latest iteration of the classic motorcycle which was launched at the 2018 EICMA motorcycle show.
Powering the Kawasaki W800 is the same 773cc, air-cooled motor as seen on its predecessor. The twin-cylinder engine produces a humble 48.1PS at 6,500rpm and 62.9Nm of torque at 4,800rpm. Transmission duties are handled by a 5-speed unit with slipper clutch. An interesting feature of the powerplant is its 360-degree crank, which means both the pistons rise up and come down together. Kawasaki claims that this layout not only gives the W800 a distinct exhaust note, but also helps in delivering better low- and mid-range torque. Additionally, the engine has been equipped with a bevel gear-operated cam to add to its old-school charisma.
The styling of the W800 is as classical as it gets thanks to a round headlamp, spoke wheels, fork gaiters, curvaceous fuel tank and flat saddle. Adding to the retro charm are the twin-pod analogue instrument console with chrome bezel, faux carburettor and chrome-finished twin peashooter pipes. While the Kawasaki W800 looks retro, it does get modern components like LED headlight, ABS and disc brakes on both ends (the older bike had drum brake at the rear).
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The Kawasaki W800 will come to our shores via the CKD route and is expected to be priced around Rs 7 lakh (ex-showroom). It’s expected to make its India debut by mid-2019 and will compete against the Triumph Street Twin and the much affordable Royal Enfield 650 twins.