TIME TRAVELLER
With the W800 Cafe, Kawasaki has successfully built a machine that doesn’t just have retro styling, it is also about as close to its 1960s W series 650cc twin as possible — within the constraints imposed by the modern world. Kawasaki is offering a full retro experience.
During my time with the bike, I’d fire it up and let it idle while I suited up. It would sit there idling, the whine from the bevel-driven valve train providing treble to balance the bass burble from the iconic peashooter exhausts. I’d listen and feel a sense of anticipation for the ride ahead — excitement even.
Doing so created an emotional connection with the bike, making it far more than just transportation.
TRULY RETRO…
Given it’s not trying to be a modern design, it would be unfair to judge the W800 Cafe as a modern bike. It would be like criticising a Morris Minor for falling short of a Toyota Yaris. Best of all, by using modern materials, production techniques and quality control, the less endearing traits of classic bikes are avoided. At the time, the British couldn’t even keep oil in the engine and Lucas electrics
