2020 Kawasaki W800 Street Review - All style & class

[@MotoJournoKris]

** I should note I mentioned the front brake caliper was four piston, it's actually a two-piston caliper.

[@Soul2burn]

It was the absolute beauty of the machine that lead me to buy one and put a Cozy sidecar on it. Its now perfect for my 70 year old self

[@Soul2burn]

Video to be uploaded tommorrow

[@MotoJournoKris]

That's too cool. I'll keep an eye out for your video!

[@tonyk1002]

Have this bike and very happy,, was a fair price and perfect for what i like, it will be with me for a long time :-)

[@Adam-mo2qw]

It's a beautiful bike. Better looking than triumphs... just wish it had 65 bhp

[@andrewhannam.]

The w800 is absolutely stunning and now with the three versions. So glad we finally have them now since we never got the older version other than the w650.

[@dougfielding8215]

As always a great review, Kris! I own this exact model of W800 in the rocky mountain foothills of Alberta, Canada. I absolutely love it. Every ride on it is a joy. I love the sound the 360 degree crank gives it. I like the air cooled twin engine a lot. It won't rip your arms off but it accelerates nicely, and smoothly. When I'm not riding it I steal away to the garage just to look at it and throw a leg over it. The bevel driven top end is a lovely feature and this fine roadster does have a lot of trouble free character.

[@MotoJournoKris]

It's a criminally overlooked bike really, I think if more people knew about them they'd be converts!

[@dougfielding8215]

@@MotoJournoKris I totally agree, Kris.

[@enricodedios3702]

I have the same exact bike just pick it up 2 months ago living here in Edmonton Alberta. Already planning some road trip with some buddies

[@dougfielding8215]

@@enricodedios3702 Hi Enrico, I'm down in Calgary. Enjoy your great scoot. I can't stay off mine. I bought Gears Voyager bags from FortNine (great value for quality) for my W800. They look like they were designed for the W Street. I also bought a Puig windshield, it takes the wind blast off the torso but the bike looks better without it. An air hawk seat pad (with the red stripe muted by Sharpee marker) works well to soften the seat a bit. I have the rear shocks set in the lowest position and that works well for my light weight. Keep the tires at Kawasaki's recommended air pressure for the best ride, don't give it a few pounds more. Harley Davidson Engine Brightener works great to keep the black engine looking like brand new. I use Spray 303 protectant on the painted surfaces for a nice satin black finish rather than flat black. That wonderful engine gets smoother the more km you put on it. Not everyone "gets" this bike, glad to find another that does.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@enricodedios3702 Awesome, how are you finding it?

[@kdsowen2882]

They are very 'Flickable' in the Twisties with a little 'sorting' and they change completely when you push them a bit , loads of fun . Dave NZ

[@grassh0pperunit]

Thanks for the thorough and detailed review. I'm picking up a 2020 w800 this weekend and can't wait to ride it!

[@MotoJournoKris]

Very nice, congrats!

[@veryfullbox]

Thank you for the review, Kris - appreciate the details and the calm, no-nonsense delivery.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidcoleman4941]

Hi Kris, i wrote to you possibility a year ago telling you i had a panic attack going through the tunnels in Adelaides freeway on my Triumph Thunderbird 1600cc. I wrote to you asking for your advice regarding the W800 as an option to help me get back on. I subsequently bought a BMW 1200cc scrambler 2020 model, it didn't work out well. I then bought a Yamaha T700 great bike, better sitting position easy to ride. I still have panic attacks, but i push through them. It's a difficult situation i love riding i have a mate who rides ahead of me, i find he gives me confidence. But without him i struggle reaching 80ks when the highway speed is higher. You asked me to let you know. Thankyou for your quality reviews. Dave

[@MotoJournoKris]

Hey Dave, great to hear you're still riding and found a bike you're happy with, even if you're still dealing with the panic attacks. It sounds like you're not letting them defeat you, which is the main thing! Have you tried music, or even listening to an audio book or podcast while riding with a friend or on your own? It might help to have something like that in the background, I always found if I had music on I tended to pick up a bit more speed than I'd planned, but it could be a welcome distraction (as long as it's not effecting being able to focus on the road at the same time). Thanks for the update, here's to hoping 2021 is a better year for you!

[@bruceleong9534]

Another great review Kris. What a fantastic looking and sounding bike. If/when ever I’m in the market for a cruiser style bike I think the W800 would be my first choice. Thanks Kris

[@MotoJournoKris]

Definitely top of my list in that category, although I haven't tested out the Bonnevilles or Street Twin from Triumph recently to compare.

[@kdsowen2882]

Or...you could buy a 'cruiser-Bike' : Harley , Kawasaki-Vulcan, Yammy-Virago etc . This is a Roadster-Style, nothing whatsoever to do with a 'Cruiser' . Dave NZ

[@bruceleong9534]

No thanks.

[@carlosjcb]

Getting this in a few weeks. I'm so excited! Thanks for the review

[@rolandkeith5322]

What a cool bike never seen this b4 ....great review

[@blockhead52]

A good review and a nice bike.

[@jozefrosa7369]

Thanks, best regards from Slovakia !

[@genegoodwin8925]

The 360 degree crankshaft reminds me of the BSA's and Triumphs of the 50's and 60's. Most newer parallel twins are 270 degree which are nice, but to get the original sound right you must have the 360 degree crank. That's why Kawasaki named this bike the "W". The "W" represents the shape of the 360 degree crankshaft. If more people would give this bike a try I believe they would fall in love with the torque and the sound of it.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep it's really something else, and just seeing a spec sheet you'll never realise what's on offer, whereas once you've ridden one, it's very easy to fall in love with that engine character!

[@Njihalostrave]

air cooled thruxton 900 is 360

[@jeeves6490]

The 'W' is a nod to the original that this bike takes it styling from, the original W1, a design Meguro licensed from BSA. Kawasaki took over Meguro and developed the bike into what became the W1.

[@genegoodwin8925]

I know all this but the "W" also represents the crankshaft design. @@jeeves6490

[@bigred8438]

Thanks for you review. I like these W's due to the engine being under-square. But really hope that one day they push the capacity up to 860 or so. I have been told that there is only one tyre brand worth putting on a bike with tubes and that is Avons. They are the only ones that have been designed to perform like a tubeless tyre on older bikes with tubes.

[@MotoJournoKris]

The engine character is a real standout for sure, I think that's why they have managed to stick around for so long.

[@LabRat6619]

I own a Honda 650 Nighthawk, but do fancy one of these beauties.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Very nice! I reckon the twin in this would be quite a change in comparison to your Nighthawk.

[@tonyk1002]

I had posted a positive comment on this bike in 2020 after purchasing from a Kawasaki dealer in Australia as a shop demo with 110km on the clock in June 2020, bike has been good but recently at 13,000km the R/H exhaust cracked, I encourage others to inspect their exhausts as Kawasaki do not offer any replacement support outside of 2 years, feel free to PM me for further details or images, cheers Tony

[@MotoJournoKris]

Might be worth seeing if you can chase it further, Australian consumer law generally extends past warranty periods in some cases (to a reasonably expected period based on price, and general expectations), as long as it's a fault from manufacturing and not wear and tear, or user inflicted damage. However you've really got to battle for it in that kind of situation, and obviously you may not be too popular with your dealer for pushing it, or with the manufacturer. Any kind of modification relevant to the issue normally voids any warranty however.

[@tonyk1002]

@@MotoJournoKris 100% agree with your comments, my bike is stock with no mods and low k's, muffler has broken where the factory tack welded on a chrome cover, Kawasaki Australia is in denial and this is poor reflection on the brand and it's Australian management

[@davidcoleman4941]

Hi Kris, I just watched your take on the W800 street, very impressive bike. Thanks again for your reply regarding my panic attack. I intend on purchasing the W800 street first chance i get. David

[@MotoJournoKris]

That's great to hear, let me know how you go!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Mature bike. Very nice design and with a round headlight. Very good review.

[@MotoJournoKris]

They've kept it properly old school at a glance!

[@Shannon_Robbie]

You mentioned the riders weight being a factor. What is the cutoff weight in your opinion?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd only be guessing if I'm honest as far as what Kawasaki specifically fitted for. I'd normally suggest seeing what riders on a model specific forum are talking about doing as far modifications, as there'll be a bigger cross section of riders. That said it's a bit subjective too, between what people think is acceptable or worth upgrading and where that point lies.

[@harryshaw3760]

As a fat bastard with a w650 that I love,I know it went a whole lot better when I weighed 100kg than it does now at 110+kg. ( thanks Covid lock down). I reckon if you were 80 kg it would be a ripper.

[@PeGeCo66]

Hey mate. You're wearing the same jacket as me, on the same bike as me, riding my favourite road that I'm on most weekends! So of course it's all good!😉 I luv my W800 - basic old fashioned motorcycling, and the antithesis of my other bike (BMW R1250GS).

[@MotoJournoKris]

Oh awesome, and quite the coincidence, I bet the BMW covers anything the W800 can't do too, sounds like the perfect setup.

[@cmscms123456]

ID switch the front and rear turn signals to medium round amber units.. more old school look. (someone dropped the ball there) Also, Id like the front and rear fenders to be chrome, and the read fender to be closer to the wheel/tire... this is a road bike, not a off-road bike, no need for that high clearance fender. Yea, needs chrome fenders.. I can fix that myself too, I guess.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Chrome there would give it a more premium and old-school look for sure, as would the indicators. I have a feeling on the rear clearance would just be the issue, even though the travel is relatively short.

[@vmac11k99]

Great review Kris. I was curious how does it compare to Royal Enfield, but I found your review from last year.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep I was lucky enough to test them back to back at the time. I think the Royal Enfields in many ways are more like a retro styled Z650 or MT-07 as far as where they fit, particularly as an everyday all-rounder but also on the sportier side, where the W800s are a bit more relaxed and easy going.

[@Jb-gx6zh]

Moto Journo Kris good afternoon sir, brand of tire rear and front? Nice review anyway

[@dougfielding8215]

@@Jb-gx6zh They are Dunlop K300 tires that Kawasaki had Dunlop build for this bike. I have found them to be confidence inspiring tires (even in the rain) with a vintage tread pattern. When I wear them out I will probably replace them with Avon Road Rider tires, because of excellent past results, though I will be forgoing the vintage look. Otherwise it wouldn't bother me to get these Dunlop's again, they do have a retro charm, but with good traction and pretty good wear thus far, (only 4000 km or 2,400 miles). Update: Now, at 6500km the Rear Dunlop has only a tiny bit of its centre groove left, so not outstanding tread life.

[@domagojbuntic5550]

Excellent review, thanks. Just one question; How tall are You ? Regards ;)

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm 180cm, 32in inseam when it comes to getting a foot down.

[@GIGABACHI]

Sadly the USA don't get the Street version. Only the Cafe OR the chrome loaded version. Not my thing. I prefer the Street over those.

[@MotoJournoKris]

My preference would be the Street too, you can always add some accessories or mods to it, but it has an elegant simplicity too it!

[@dougfielding8215]

Jigar Bachi - The W800 Street is available in Canada. Not sure if it is a hassle to buy one at a Canadian dealer and have it shipped.

[@GIGABACHI]

@@dougfielding8215 I read the story of a guy who went thru the process of importing from Canada and registering/plating in the USA a Yamaha MT-01, it was quite the lengthy, SLOW legal process and $$$. I imagine it would be even more so with all the closed borders and paper work agencies working at half their speed or less. I would like to own one but not THAT much to go thru all that. Thanks for the advice tho. 😎👍🏻

[@dougfielding8215]

@@GIGABACHI Ya, I agree with you.

[@marcvanheugten9472]

Nice bike, but isnt that the 2019 color and bars, dunno, confused as I recently saw an example differently colored with a badge on the tank and straighter bars. Would love to own one in this color after passing my test end of August.

[@MotoJournoKris]

We didn't get the Street version in 2019, only the Cafe here in Australia, so it might be the colour scheme offered as a 2019 in some markets. Here the version with the different badging is a special edition and has the straighter/flatter 'bars you're describing, but is a model from before the updates. It looks like some markets get it with the updates, but retaining the 19in front wheel, so it might just be variance between who gets what.

[@dougfielding8215]

@@MotoJournoKris No, the red 2020 (in North America) and the green (the rest of the world) are the "Classic" model. The Street and the Cafe are still available, in most markets, unchanged for 2020 (the Street and Cafe have 18" front wheels as apposed to the Classic's 19" front with chrome fenders). I don't know if the Street version (tested here) is available in the US. I bought my Street version in Canada and am crazy happy with it. I have seen the red Classic model W800 and it's a beauty (and has a centre stand, making it slightly heavier). The Classic's handlebars are in between the Cafe and the Street' for height.

[@crouchingwombathiddenquoll5641]

Excellent video, thank you 👍🏼

[@MotoJournoKris]

Cheers!

[@nikolajiwuszkin5730]

Kawasaki W800 or Honda CB1100 ? For daily bike. 90% city. Which better price to value ?

[@imkcortez7156]

honda

[@dougfielding8215]

Very different bikes, do you want a vertical twin engine or an inline four engine? Will a 733cc engine be suitable for your needs or

[@nikolajiwuszkin5730]

@@dougfielding8215 A motorcycle needed for a smooth daily ride. 90 % in the city. Which motorcycle is better compared to price ? For example Suzuki gsx1250fa is bargain. But i want classic bike.

[@dougfielding8215]

@@nikolajiwuszkin5730 The W800 is lighter and has all the power and handling you need and you can usually pay less than the CB1100. For the purposes you listed, you will love the easy riding nature of the W800. The Suzuki 1250 is overkill for your purposes.

[@nikolajiwuszkin5730]

@@dougfielding8215 Thank you for a good summary.

[@felipe-nt-d]

Nice motorcycle for sure, but it is too bad Kawasaki does not offer it or it's Café sibling in my country! At least we still have other options such as the Z900RS and the 650cc family of Royal Enfield bikes. Nice review as always, thanks!

[@MotoJournoKris]

That's unfortunate, the Royal Enfields are a good alternative though, and a bit sportier than the W800s.

[@felipe-nt-d]

@@MotoJournoKris ah, here in Brazil we also have the entire range of retro bikes from Triumph and the newer Honda CB 1000 NSC and CB 650 NSC, so it's not so bad missing the W800, albeit it's a super nice machine. Now that I've come to think about it, in recent times many interesting and well thought motorcycles were released, not a bad time to be a rider at all!

[@Nothing-nf8ve]

What do you the type of handlebar that w800 street has?

[@petes_CE]

well done review

[@eshaanreza832]

Do you suggest it for beginning riders?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I think the low seat height and easy power characteristic would make it easy to get started on. It's a little heavier than some options, but the relatively low centre of gravity offsets that.

[@williambarringer6513]

get a gz250, thats what I got I love it, drop it over and pick it up and keep going paid 650$ for it

[@ravindranath9442]

Did you feel knees pain

[@MotoJournoKris]

I didn't, the bike felt very relaxed compared to what I'm used to.

[@robertrexrode7580]

Decided: this is the one 4me.

[@josev1544]

would you consider it as a retro competition to the Yamaha xsr?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd say yes, but it'll come down to what you're after as a rider, and how retro you want to go. The XSR700 is a beautiful machine but I'd say it's sportier than the W800 (in engine, handling, suspension and brakes), and while it's got the retro look it's more modern in many ways, and styling wise quite neo-retro. The W800 is a bit more truly old-school and the performance is definitely a bit more relaxed than the XSR700. The XSR900 on the other hand is in a different league totally, competing with machines like the Z900RS, as there's just such a jump in performance, and quite a different ergo overall.

[@roy40ss]

All I wanted was to hear it.

[@samihasib]

Which road ?

[@MotoJournoKris]

Old Pacific Highway north of Sydney from memory.

[@stanleylawson9015]

great bike

[@neurozero]

Z900rs vs w800 which one

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd go the Z900RS currently, to go with my WR250R. If I still had the Daytona I'd have gone the W800.

[@tonio4673]

Great review man! Been thinking about getting one for a while now! But question, how would you compare it to the Bonneville T100? Cause from the get go, they're quite similar in terms of being a standard retro bike aren't they? Thanks man! Ride safe and more power to this channel!

[@MotoJournoKris]

Cheers! Definitely two bikes in the same league, it's been a few years since I rode the Bonneville, but they have that same easy going nature, characterful engine and just really enjoyable overall ride, without offering crazy power. Hopefully I'll get my hands on a T100 and T120 for a refresher some time soon though.

[@organichotdog3807]

A fuel gauge and a gear position indicator would have been nice. I mean it's the 21st century. Come on Kawasaki!

[@MotoJournoKris]

True, they seem to be keeping it very simple.

[@poisoNation]

This is cool but I much prefer the older Kawasaki KZ bikes. I like the 4 cylinders and being able to rev to 10,000.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Fair enough, this is definitely a lazier revver, although I think that's part of the appeal.

[@Thinkofwhat]

Mate it looks bloody beautiful...but for the of lack fuel gauge and 6 speed haizzz...

[@dougfielding8215]

Yiani - The lack of a sixth gear is really a non-issue as the gears are perfectly spaced and the engine has lots of torque. At 100kmph (60mph) it is revving at 3500rpm with plenty more smooth power on tap. I have found myself going nicely at highway speeds and realizing I was in fourth gear! I also find most fuel gauges are notoriously inaccurate. I just reset the trip meter at 0 km at fill-up and keep track. There is also a very noticeable low fuel warning that stays on in the LCD window. Even with that on you still have around 80km of gas left. Because the bike has relatively low compression, it requires only regular gas rather than premium. The bike is very easy to get along with, (I just wish Kawasaki would have kept the W650s kick start, though that may add weight and expense).

[@Timeline916]

You have a really strong California accent

[@bmmyday2401]

I drove it, it is all up to 80 km / h, slightly above and it blows the driver away. You can't drive faster than 80km / h. The wind blows the drivers. Color completely wrong-the cheapest black as in Ford T. if I had to buy I would definitely take the 2020 green model. is more massive and ergonomic for European than Asian.

[@dougfielding8215]

bmmyday - Bunk! You do feel a wind blast as it is a naked bike but the wind is even, not buffeting unless you add a small flyscreen. I have often ridden the W800 at speeds of 120 -130km/h with no problem. I found that the Puig windshield works quite well, though doesn't look as good as the bike without it. I happen to love the looks of this bike (It looks handsome rather than pretty). The subdued paint accentuates the chromed parts, which have been well chosen. I find a little protectant like spray 303 rubbed on the painted surfaces gives the black a pleasing satin finish rather than it going matte over time. Harley-Davidson black engine dressing works great at keeping the black engine treatment looking brand new. You would probably prefer the traditional paint and chrome treatment of the Classic model W800.

[@davemarks7322]

Good, but please...try to limit your use of the word "really".

[@dougfielding8215]

At the end of the day. . . what does it matter.😉

[@dn5666]

Bruh, the very first thing I'd do is replace that gutless Ford Taurus sounding exhaust.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Would be interested to see what a nice set of pipes does to the exhaust note.

[@billcushion1049]

Why does everyone talk about nm I have no idea what nueton meters are or even care

[@ronalddauro563]

Bill cushion Torque

[@dougfielding8215]

@@ronalddauro563 torque measured in metric.

[@prajullas]

You cannot do a honest review when someone lends you something.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Why not?

[@Adam-mo2qw]

It's just not powerful enough

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep it's a very relaxed bike as far as performance, there's better options if you want more power.

[@korinostream]

Where’s the exhaust note? And you are talking too much man, I couldn’t go further than half of video.