2019 Kawasaki W800 Cafe First Look (9 Fast Facts)

November 9, 2018

2019 Kawasaki W800 Cafe: Retro with Modern Tech

Last year Kawasaki launched two retro-styled motorcycles – the Z900RS and the Z900RS Cafe. Both struck some emotions across the Kawasaki fan base, especially the latter, which arrived with a throwback front cowl stuffed with a classic single-round headlight.

The popularity prompted the folks in green to bring back the W800 model, which was a throwback to the original 1966 W1 and produced from 2011 to 2016; in 2016, Kawasaki released the W800 “Final Edition”.

However, it was not so final; for 2019, Kawasaki returns the W800 to showroom floors, this time in the flavor of the W800 Cafe.

Following are the fast facts about Kawasaki’s new returning retro motorcycle.

1. The W800 Cafe arrives with Kawasaki’s air-cooled 773cc vertical-twin engine. The engine uses a heavy flywheel to create stronger low- to mid-range grunt, and is paired with a five-speed transmission. The W800 motor puts out a peak of 46 ft/lbs of torque at 4800 rpm.

2. An assist and slip clutch eases the feel at the clutch lever and to reduce wheel hop under downshifting.

3. The double-cradle frame may look like a direct copy of its predecessor, but it’s an entirely new design. The frame features a 50mm square-section backbone and attaches to a rigid swingarm for more stability while riding.

4. The suspension may also look vintage, but its designed for modern handling. The W800 Cafe uses a 41mm from fork and dual shocks with adjustable spring-preload for a smooth ride and clean look.

5. Braking duties are handled by a single 320mm front disc and a 270mm rear disc. Modern ABS is standard.

6. The W800 Cafe rolls on 18-inch spoked aluminum rims that use classic tube-type tires.

7. The ergonomics are set for a sporty cafe look. This is achieved with an M-shaped clubman-style handlebar that is coupled with adjustable clutch and brake levers, and slightly rearward footpegs.

8. The Kawasaki W800 Cafe’s instrumentation is also classic, and includes an individual speedometer and tachometer. The compact LCD screen provides an odometer, trip meter, and clock. There is also a full range of indicator lamps, including FI warning lamp; low fuel light; neutral light; and oil pressure warning.

9. The 2019 Kawasaki W800 Cafe is available in one color: Metallic Magnesium Gray / Galaxy Silver. Stateside pricing begins at $9799 (MSRP).

2019 Kawasaki W800 Cafe Specs

ENGINE
Type: Vertical twin
Displacement: 773cc
Bore x stroke: 77 x 83mm
Maximum torque: 46 ft/lbs @ 4800 rpm
Compression ratio: 8.4:1
Valvetrain: SOHC, 8 valves
Fueling: EFI w/ 34mm throttle bodies
Transmission: 5-speed
Clutch: Assist and slip
Final drive: Sealed chain
CHASSIS
Frame: Double-cradle high-tensile steel
Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 41mm fork; 5.1 inches
Rear suspension; travel: Spring-preload adjustable shocks; 4.2 inches
Front tire: 100/90 x 18
Rear tire: 130/80 x 18
Front brake: 320mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper
Rear brake: 270mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper
ABS: Standard
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
Wheelbase: 57.7 inches
Rake: 26.0 degrees
Trail: 3.7 inches
Seat height: 31.1 inches
Fuel capacity: 4.0 gallons
Curb weight: 490 pounds
Color: Metallic Magnesium Gray/Galaxy Silver
2019 Kawasaki W800 Cafe Price: $9799 MSRP