SIGforum
Kowasaki 800 bike
December 20, 2023, 08:45 AM
Pipe SmokerKowasaki 800 bike
It’s been said that the MX-5 Miata is the best British sports car the Japanese ever made.
One of my neighbors has a new-ish Kowasaki 800, and I’m thinking it might be the best classic British twin the Japanese ever made.
Oddly, I can’t find any reference to it on the web, but here’s a link to the Kowasaki W800 (top photo), said to be available only in Japan. It looks pretty much like my neighbor’s bike, except for the color (his is a much nicer blue):
https://thekneeslider.com/kawa...-the-retro-standard/Nice mellow pipes – very British.
Serious about crackers. December 20, 2023, 08:49 AM
P250UA5It's in the current models on the Kawasaki website
MSRP $10,400
47hp/44tqe
5 speed, chain drive
https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us...w/retro-classic/w800
The Enemy's gate is down. December 20, 2023, 08:51 AM
Ryanp225They are pretty cool for a retro feel. Performance and value wise I'd opt for the Z900rs or a Triumph 1200.
December 20, 2023, 08:55 AM
P250UA5^ I've been pining for a Bonnie, since my BMW prospects dried up.
Not gonna happen anytime soon, but I can window shop
The Enemy's gate is down. December 20, 2023, 09:01 AM
PHPaulW800 has been around for a while. It showed up, then disappeared and then re-appeared.
I had the 650 version when I was stationed in Japan. It was a VERY faithful copy of the Brit Bike, right down to the iffy handling and sketchy brakes...
Be careful when following the masses. Sometimes the M is silent.
December 20, 2023, 10:56 AM
ImabmwnutLooks like an old Triumph 650 twin. Outta run just fine.
December 20, 2023, 10:56 AM
Imabmwnutquote:
Originally posted by P250UA5:
^ I've been pining for a Bonnie, since my BMW prospects dried up.
Not gonna happen anytime soon, but I can window shop
December 20, 2023, 11:00 AM
ImabmwnutP250 I know where an R80/7 is. Also a K100rt and an R1100RT
December 20, 2023, 11:01 AM
ridewvOne of the early Kawasaki W650's showed up at our monthly motorcycle gathering last month, I believe it is a 1966. They were styled after BSA's of that same time. It was great to see a 50 year old Japanese motorcycle in such nice condition being enjoyed doing what it was made for.
When Kawasaki brought the W800's over a few years ago they cafe'd them and IMO they did not look faithful. Dealers that had them on the floor gathering dust were offering big discounts to move them.
After a couple years Kawasaki updated the W800 to look more faithful and IMO is a great looking retro motorcycle.
No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride.
December 20, 2023, 11:20 AM
stickman428I have had my eye on the Kawasaki W series for years. That bevel gear thing is so cool.
It is sweet that Kawasaki has brought it back. Is this the third time it has been reintroduced?
That baby is hands down one of the best looking bikes on the market. (I’m a sucker for retro bikes)
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The price of liberty and even of common humanity is eternal vigilance
December 20, 2023, 11:51 AM
ridewvquote:
Originally posted by stickman428:
That baby is hands down one of the best looking bikes on the market. (I’m a sucker for retro bikes)
Do you currently have a retro bike?
No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride.
December 20, 2023, 11:57 AM
Valpo Fzquote:
Originally posted by Imabmwnut:
P250 I know where an R80/7 is. Also a K100rt and an R1100RT
I might be interested, can you shoot me some details? Years mileage conditions location, thanks
" The people shall have a right to bear arms, for the defense of themselves and the State" Art 1 Sec 32 Indiana State Constitution
YAT-YAS
December 20, 2023, 12:03 PM
stickman428quote:
Originally posted by ridewv:
quote:
Originally posted by stickman428:
That baby is hands down one of the best looking bikes on the market. (I’m a sucker for retro bikes)
Do you currently have a retro bike?
It depends on how you define retro. The 4 cylinder Bandit 400 I have looks kind of retro with the twin guages, chrome circle head light, steel trellis frame and low mounted clip ons. It’s probably more retro modern I suppose.
Does a BMW R100 count as retro? I do have one of those.
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The price of liberty and even of common humanity is eternal vigilance
December 20, 2023, 12:14 PM
ridewvquote:
Originally posted by stickman428:
Does a BMW R100 count as retro? I do have one of those.
LOL I don't think airheads are retros, they're old bikes already! BTW I have one too, although one of the later ones.
No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride.
December 20, 2023, 12:51 PM
Pipe Smokerquote:
Originally posted by stickman428:
I have had my eye on the Kawasaki W series for years. That bevel gear thing is so cool.
<snip>
What’s the “bevel gear thing”?
Serious about crackers. December 20, 2023, 02:23 PM
ridewvIn the bottom picture in my post a few above, you can see the vertical gray tube on the right side of the engine from the crankcase to the head. It houses a shaft that (with a bevel set on the top) turns the cam. Just a different way than using a chain or belt.
No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride.
December 20, 2023, 02:48 PM
Pipe Smoker^^^^^^^
Thanks for the explanation. I had noticed that tube and had guessed it enclosed pushrods.
Serious about crackers.