Author Topic: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States  (Read 17306 times)

Offline Seventy One

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #30 on: November 07, 2018, 09:20:17 PM »
no price advantage over the real thing that happens to be a great product. and at about 40 HP at the rear sorry, V7 any time before this.
in addition they raised the Versys 1000 from $12995 to 17995 by adding a few gizmos found on their other bikes. THEY ARE NUCKING FUTS!!!

Whoa! I seen they updated it but didn't catch the price. I paid $11,400 for my brand new '16 Versys 1000LT in '16. A $6,000 premium over that is insane. I could see maybe paying an extra $2,000 for the electrically adjustable suspension. LED lights are cheap. The TFT dash is nice but not necessary.

These bikes aren't popular which makes 'em hard to sell. I tried to sell it last summer and couldn't even get $6,000 for it. Knowing that really puts a limit on what I'd pay for one now.

Offline kirkemon

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #31 on: November 07, 2018, 09:56:51 PM »
I predict that the W800 will out perform, be more comfortable, and more reliable than the new RE twin.
Yes, I rode a W650 for ten years - loved the bevel and 8 valve engine. I think I'd take a V7 III over these as well.

When I went to but a V7 III it was parked next to the new Bonneville T120 - I rode both and came home with the Bonneville, so far, no regrets.
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Offline oilhed

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #32 on: November 08, 2018, 07:22:20 AM »
Not at all interesting to me, looks like another copy job from Japan.  Meh.

Copy of what?  A previously made japanese motorcycle
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Offline oilhed

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #33 on: November 08, 2018, 07:29:19 AM »

Offline ohiorider

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Offline ohiorider

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #35 on: November 08, 2018, 08:34:20 AM »
Jas67,

Looks like we both liked to do some light touring on our W650s.  Here's a pic of mine, taken in September 2006, riding along Rt 39 in Virginia, overlooking the Maury River, which runs through Goshen Pass.





- Aftermarket fly screen
- Kawasaki Euro bars
- Corbin saddle
- 5 Star pannier mounts
- Givi E21 hard bags

Purchased new in August 2000.  Approaching 50,000 trouble-free miles in Sept 2006. A well-built machine.



« Last Edit: November 08, 2018, 08:45:41 AM by ohiorider »
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
2014 Honda CB1100 (Traded Nov 2019)
New:  2016 Triumph T120 (Traded Dec 2021)
New:  2021 Kawasaki W800

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #36 on: November 08, 2018, 11:39:16 AM »

Offline BrotherJim

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #37 on: November 08, 2018, 12:14:28 PM »
I like it.  Not crazy about the color.  Always dug the W650.
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Offline oilhed

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #38 on: November 08, 2018, 03:41:50 PM »
Yep a copy of a Japanese bike that copied a BSA.  Kawacopy! LoL
Not a copy.  Licensed production in another country. More like Royal Enfield than Triumph, the sequel.
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Offline jas67

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #39 on: November 08, 2018, 05:28:57 PM »
Well, it looks like Kawasaki are producing a regular W800 as well, but, we may or may not get it in the US, as the US Kawasaki site only shows the cafe.

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/2019-kawasaki-w800-cafe-and-street-unveiled-eicma-milan-show


Like the cafe, the model shown is in satin/matte paint  :sad:

Hopefully the offer it in gloss paint as well.    As others have said, I think the all black engine does detract some from the looks of these bikes.  They should at least polish the edges of the fins like they do on the Cafe.

They look SO much better in gloss paint, and with the engine in silver with polished side cases.


At least it has a tach, unlike the V7 III Stone.


At nearly $10k, I do think the price is about $2,000 too high.    The Guzzi V7III's are a much better deal.  At $10k, these will languish on dealer floors like the Honda CB1100's did, and will be sold as 2-3 year old models for $7k.   Due to this, Kawasaki will discontinue them promptly, and not attempt to import them to the US again.
« Last Edit: November 08, 2018, 05:31:09 PM by jas67 »
2017 V7III Special
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Offline DaSwami

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #40 on: November 08, 2018, 06:27:15 PM »
jas67, I have to agree with everything you said.

Offline tazio

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #41 on: November 08, 2018, 07:12:03 PM »
If they sell one to everybody that has pleaded for Kawasaki to bring the 800 stateside
 (on this forum alone :boozing:)
they've got a hit on there hands..
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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #42 on: November 08, 2018, 08:36:20 PM »
I like it, the brown seat insert flows into the brown tank and silver side panel and fairing is a nice contrast.

It will probably be super reliable, comfortable with plenty of power, I hope its a hit for Kawasaki.

Offline Shorty

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #43 on: November 09, 2018, 12:43:50 AM »
To each his own, but these things cost about the same as a Bonneville. I'm not sure what you would get with the Kaw the Triumph doesn't already deliver. Is bevel drive that attractive?  I could understand wanting the W650 (vs. the early Bloor Bonnie) to get a lighter package and kickstarter, but I don't see the attraction to the 800. Then again, I freely admit a bit of bias....  :wink:

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Offline jas67

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #44 on: November 09, 2018, 04:48:14 AM »
Canada will get both versions of the bike, $11,499C for the Cafe, and $9,999C for the standard.
https://canadamotoguide.com/2018/11/06/the-kawasaki-w800-is-coming-and-its-coming-to-canada/

So, with the US price for the cafe set for $9,799, that would put the price for the standard, if we get it, at around $8,499.

I do think that only offering the Cafe in the US is a mistake.   I would think that they'd sell 3 standards for every Cafe.

The Cafe looks cool (s**t brown color notwithstanding), but, I'd rather ride the standard.   I know, I've had a V7 Racer for 5 years, and during 3 of those years also had a V7 Special ('14 for 2 1/2 years, and the '17 for a half a year).   The Special always got 3-4X the miles on it.

If I had neither, given my experience, I'd buy a Special over a Racer, and, likewise would buy the standard W800 over the Cafe.

That said, I'm sure they're hoping to engage the younger "hipster" crowd, and I hope they do, otherwise, see my previous post for the outcome.
2017 V7III Special
1977 Le Mans
1974 Eldorado
2017 Triumph Thruxton R
2013 Ducati Monster 796, 2013 848 Evo Corse SE, 1974 750GT, 1970 Mk3d 450 Desmo, 1966 Monza 250
1975 Moto Morini 3 1/2
2007 Vespa GTS250
2016 BMW R1200RS, 80 R100S, 76 R90S ,73 R75/5
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Offline yogidozer

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #45 on: November 09, 2018, 05:57:24 AM »
Jas67,

Looks like we both liked to do some light touring on our W650s.  Here's a pic of mine, taken in September 2006, riding along Rt 39 in Virginia, overlooking the Maury River, which runs through Goshen Pass.





- Aftermarket fly screen
- Kawasaki Euro bars
- Corbin saddle
- 5 Star pannier mounts
- Givi E21 hard bags

Purchased new in August 2000.  Approaching 50,000 trouble-free miles in Sept 2006. A well-built machine.
I would think your version would sell much better. But what do I know?  :rolleyes:

Offline Kev m

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #46 on: November 09, 2018, 07:02:26 AM »
Must be the only one, but I think it looks pretty cool..

Nah, I like it too. So does Jenn.

We're casually looking at Bonnie's.

I wonder what we will dislike more their water-cooling or this tubed-spoke wheels.

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Offline DaSwami

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #47 on: November 09, 2018, 07:13:22 AM »
Easy call for me......I can live with spoked wheels, but not water cooling!

Offline oilhed

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #48 on: November 09, 2018, 07:22:58 AM »
At nearly $10k, I do think the price is about $2,000 too high.    The Guzzi V7III's are a much better deal.  At $10k, these will languish on dealer floors like the Honda CB1100's did, and will be sold as 2-3 year old models for $7k.   Due to this, Kawasaki will discontinue them promptly, and not attempt to import them to the US again.

Yeah and then blame the soft US market for all future standards.  Other brands will quote it as well.  When we all know a glossy W800 or CB1100DLX at $9999 woulda sold.
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Offline roadscum

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #49 on: November 09, 2018, 09:07:33 AM »
That W800 lookis nice, really nice. I think Kawi missed an opertunity by not bring it to the US earlier. They could have could have rode the rising wave of retro interest.

I was at the local Yamaha, Suzuki, Vespa dealer yesterday and a
Kawi. Sales rep was there meeting with the GM and the sales manager. Seems the dealer will soon be a Kawi dealer.
The sales manager confirmed he has a W800 on order. Probably not a bike I'll buy at this point but would like to lay my eyes on one.

Paul
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing " - Socrates

Paul M. in SW Florida: 318 miles, 11 curves and not a Guzzi dealer in sight!

Offline ohiorider

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #50 on: November 09, 2018, 09:13:33 AM »
One would think that Kaw would have amortized the cost of the W650 and W800 series over the past 19 - 20 years, Euro 4/5 aside.  As a previous post mentioned, these bikes are coming in with a suggested MSRP that is too high, and then end up languishing for a few years until the manufacturer drops the price on unsold stock. Ironically, when I purchased my W650 in Aug 2000, it was still a current year machine.  The dealer had three of them gathering dust ..... I bought mine for $4995 plus a few hundred for shipping and fees.  Their philosophy was 'if it's still on the floor by July, move it out.'

Although my 2014 CB1100 originally retailed for slightly over $10k, I picked it up in April of 2017 for $6995, plus tax and doc fees.  Total: $7190.00.  Came with 12 month Honda warranty.  One of the CB1100 forum members picked up a leftover 2014 this year, and added a 5 year extended factory warranty, all for approx $7000.  Whether you like the machine or not, that's a lot of bike for the price.  Although it took a while, I'm starting to appreciate and enjoy this Honda retro bike.  Sure, it weighs slightly over 500 pounds, but on the relatively narrow tires she is docile, and though rated at only 88hp, makes really good torque throughout the rpm range.





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« Last Edit: November 10, 2018, 06:54:41 AM by ohiorider »
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
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New:  2021 Kawasaki W800

Offline Muzz

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #51 on: November 10, 2018, 01:48:45 PM »




Seems something like this is wanted?
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Offline jas67

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #52 on: November 10, 2018, 09:07:42 PM »




Seems something like this is wanted?

Definitely!
2017 V7III Special
1977 Le Mans
1974 Eldorado
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2013 Ducati Monster 796, 2013 848 Evo Corse SE, 1974 750GT, 1970 Mk3d 450 Desmo, 1966 Monza 250
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Offline Gustavo

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #53 on: November 10, 2018, 09:14:48 PM »

I do think that only offering the Cafe in the US is a mistake.   I would think that they'd sell 3 standards for every Cafe.



I read in one of the intro articles that the US would be getting both eventually.  I assumed it was a manufacturing capacity issue.  I'm surprised they are both offered in CA and not here, as the homologation process is practically the same.

Gustavo

Offline fossil

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #54 on: November 11, 2018, 01:04:08 AM »
One would think that Kaw would have amortized the cost of the W650 and W800 series over the past 19 - 20 years, Euro 4/5 aside.

Yes, but according to the press releases this is not the W650/W800 we know. 90 % of the engine are new according them, and a new frame is mentioned. If we are unlucky this is another 270 degrees twin. One should leave that to real V-twins and build parallel twins instead.
« Last Edit: November 11, 2018, 01:05:46 AM by fossil »
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Online willowstreetguzziguy

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #55 on: November 11, 2018, 09:41:45 AM »
Agreed, at least on looks:


BUT, I'd rather own and ride the W800, as it is a known quantity from the reliability standpoint.   
Of course, the W800 is nearly twice the money.

To me... that is beautiful! Clean and classic.
« Last Edit: November 11, 2018, 09:42:50 AM by willowstreetguzziguy »
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Offline Huzo

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #56 on: November 11, 2018, 10:07:45 AM »
A little late Kawi and double the price of:


The seat looks just a fraction under done, but another disc and it'd be damn nice..
Are they any good ?

Offline Huzo

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #57 on: November 11, 2018, 10:13:25 AM »
I predict that the W800 will out perform, be more comfortable, and more reliable than the new RE twin.

Well that's probably stating the bleedin' obvious, but the Kawasaki looks as ugly as a slapped arse..!
That RE is bordering on nice, almost to the point of being desirable.
Hmmmm....

Offline DaSwami

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #58 on: November 11, 2018, 10:59:24 AM »
I tell ya, if they bring that street model to the states...I would add a Dart Flyscreen, K&H 1" taller seat, and H&B C-Bow mounts, and I would be good to go.  Tres chic!


Offline ohiorider

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Re: Kawasaki W800 Coming to the States
« Reply #59 on: November 11, 2018, 11:50:49 AM »
Yes, but according to the press releases this is not the W650/W800 we know. 90 % of the engine are new according them, and a new frame is mentioned. If we are unlucky this is another 270 degrees twin. One should leave that to real V-twins and build parallel twins instead.
Agreed!  I would hope Kaw has retained the 360 degree crankshaft.  Change whatever else internally to improve the engine (if any improvement is necessary!), but keep the 360 firing order.  It's the real deal when it comes to retro vertical twins.  My 2000 model sounded pretty good with the stock pipes.  Left them on for the 50,000 miles I rode the W.  When I picked up a 2003 790cc Bonnie, it was sooooooo quiet.  A set of Triumph's TORs cured that issue for me.
« Last Edit: November 11, 2018, 02:21:25 PM by ohiorider »
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
2014 Honda CB1100 (Traded Nov 2019)
New:  2016 Triumph T120 (Traded Dec 2021)
New:  2021 Kawasaki W800

 

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