2022 Kawasaki W800 [Specs, Features, Photos]

The 2022 Kawasaki W800: A True Classic with Just Enough Updates

Model Overview
Specifications
Features
Photos
Videos
Links

Some people know Kawasaki for their absolutely insane, track-destroying sportbikes, while others know them for relatively affordable, reliable road cruisers like the Vulcan series. But this legendary Japanese bike-maker also caters to the retro segment, and the W800 is a fine example of how they’ve kept the gorgeous old school styling of classic cafe racers intact for a new generation.

A 773cc air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 8-valve vertical twin engine produces just over 51 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 46.4 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm. There’s nothing new in this year’s model except for the paint job—but what a paint job. The 2022 W800 comes in a stunning Candy Fire Red / Metallic Diablo Black that will surely turn heads no matter where you ride.

You won’t find many rider aides on the W800, because that’s not the point here. This isn’t a bike designed to soften the motorcycling experience—Kawasaki wants you to feel the road flying by underneath you as you blast down each straightaway and round each corner. You’ll get ABS, an assist & slipper clutch, and sound tuning, but that’s about it for bells and whistles.

We’re not complaining. Kawasaki’s lineup of 2022 bikes might not have much that’s simpler or more straightforward than this one—or more beautiful. Rivals like the Triumph Bonneville T100 and Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 should watch their backs.

The 2022 Kawasaki W800 starts at $9,199 USD / $11,499 CAD.

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2022 Kawasaki W800 in one place.

Model Overview

General Info

Price: $9,199 USD / $11,499 CAD
Key Features:
- Gorgeous retro styling
- Assist & slipper clutch
- Sound tuning
- ABS

Main Specs

Engine: 773cc air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 8-valve vertical twin
Power: 51 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 46.4 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
Curb Weight: 496 lbs (225 kg)
Seat Height: 31.1 in (790mm)

Competitors

2022 Kawasaki W800 Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine	773cc, 4-stroke, vertical twin, SOHC, 8 valves, air-cooled
Power	51 Hp
Bore x Stroke	77.0 x 83.0mm
Compression Ratio	8.4:1
Fuel System	DFI®with 34mm throttle bodies (2)
Starter	Electric
Lubrication
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch
Transmission	5-speed, return shift
Final Drive	Sealed chain
CHASSIS
Suspension Front	41mm telescopic fork with/5.1 in
Suspension Rear	Twin shocks with spring preload adjustability/4.2 in
Brakes Front	Single 320mm petal-style disc with 2-piston calipers
Brakes Rear	Single 270mm petal-style disc with 2-piston caliper
Tires Front	100/90-19
Tires Rear	130/80-18
Fuel Tank Capacity	4.0 gal
Color	Candy Fire Red/Metallic Diablo Black
ELECTRICAL
Ignition	TCBI w/digital advance
Spark Plugs
Headlight	LED
Tail Light	LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length	86.2 in
Overall Width	31.1 in
Overall Height	42.3 in
Wheelbase	57.7 in
Ground Clearance	4.9 in
Seat Height	31.1 in
Curb Weight	496.1 lb.*
WARRANTY
Warranty	12 Months
Kawasaki Protection Plus	12, 24, or 36 months

2022 Kawasaki W800 Features

Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.

Kawasaki has long had a reputation for building great-sounding bikes – a characteristic inherent in the Kawasaki engine architecture – but it is only recently that effort has been put into crafting a specific auditory experience through careful sound tuning of either the intake or exhaust system.

Designed specifically to allow riders to enjoy their motorcycles aurally as well as physically, the carefully crafted auditory notes can be the key components of the street riding exhilaration offered by models that have benefitted from sound tuning. Sound tuning can include conducting sound research, designing intake and exhaust system components based on an acoustic test carried out in a sound room, and careful consideration of every detail of a system’s components to ensure a balance of performance and the desired sound.

Kawasaki ABS systems use front and rear wheel sensors to constantly monitor wheel speed. Should information from either of the sensors indicate that wheel lock has occurred, the ABS ECU directs the pump in the ABS unit to modulate brake fluid pressure (releasing and reapplying pressure so that traction can be regained) until normal operation resumes. ABS offers rider reassurance that contributes to greater riding enjoyment.