Retro Kawasaki W800

11 October 2010 Update:
For details and images of the production-ready Kawasaki W800, please click here.

19 January 2011 Update:
For confirmed Kawasaki W800 pricing, please click here.

The first image of Kawasaki’s forthcoming W800 has been released. Like the defunct W650 which it replaces, the W800 will be powered by a parallel twin engine.

With a bigger motor, output should be up on the 49 bhp (37 kW / 50 PS) of the W650 which, despite its name, had an engine capacity of 675 cc.

The obvious rival for the Kawasaki will be the bike it’s trying to imitate: the Triumph Bonneville. The Bonneville has an 865 cc air-cooled twin producing 66 bhp (49 kW / 67PS) and, in the UK, it’s priced at £5,899 in basic form.

However, to get the true retro look, buyers have to opt for the T100 version. Costing £800 extra, its specification includes two-tone paint, fork gaiters, wire spoke wheels and plenty of chrome.

Doubtless the Kawasaki will be able to compete on price, but somehow the Triumph just seems more genuine. And that authenticity could be enough to convince many customers to buy British.