A Kawasaki W800 has been spotted at an Indian dealership, which could indicate an impending launch of the model in the country. The retro-style bike is a direct rival to the Triumph Bonneville series and the Ducati Scrambler range.
Prominent styling cues include chromed-out fenders, rear-view mirrors and exhaust pipe, a circular headlamp, wire-spoke wheels and a tear-drop-shaped fuel tank.
It’s powered by a 773cc parallel-twin, air-cooled engine that makes 48hp and 60Nm, and is paired with a five-speed gearbox.
The bike is suspended on traditional telescopic front forks and a twin coil suspension setup at the rear, while braking duties are handled by a 300mm single-disc up front and drum brakes at the rear.
Owing to stringent emission norms, Kawasaki has ceased production for the W800 in Europe, but continues to sell in East Asia, like Indonesia. There’s no official confirmation from Kawasaki about when the W800 will be introduced here. If the motorcycle is added to the bike maker’s India line-up, it's likely to be imported from one of Kawasaki’s South East Asian markets. Expect it to wear an ex-showroom price-tag of around Rs 10 lakh.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
