2025 Kawasaki W800 ABS Review

The 1960’s spirit runs deep in the Kawasaki W800 retro classic lineup. With every rev, its iconic heritage is unmistakable. Preserving the original classic style, it demands the same respect it did 50 years ago. A true icon never dies, and the Kawasaki W800 is more alive than ever.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2025 Kawasaki W800 ABS: AN ORIGINAL ICON SINCE 1965.

Introducing the 2025 Kawasaki W800 ABS…

The W800 ABS is the closest throwback to the look and feel of Kawasaki’s original, iconic W1 model of 1966. Although thoroughly modernized, it provides riders the classic feel of a ‘60s-era machine with the pulse of a throaty retro air-cooled vertical twin engine.

The 1960s spirit runs deep in the Kawasaki W800 ABS retro classic motorcycle with class-leading authentic styling, sound and feel. A true throwback to the iconic W1, the modern W800 ABS motorcycle is meticulously crafted to pay homage to the past, while thoughtfully incorporating modern technology and features. The 2025 W800 ABS features a 773cc air-cooled vertical twin engine, Assist & Slipper Clutch, traditional exhaust system, authentic W1-inspired styling, disc brakes with ABS, chrome-plated steel fenders, large round turn signals, a standard handlebar, large 19″ front wheel and 18″ back wheel, a relaxed riding position, silver alumite rims, tuck & roll seat, and a Kawasaki Advanced Dynamic Analysis Designed Frame.

The 1960’s spirit runs deep in the Kawasaki W800 retro classic lineup. With every rev, its iconic heritage is unmistakable. Preserving the original classic style, it demands the same respect it did 50 years ago. A true icon never dies, and the Kawasaki W800 is more alive than ever.

2025 Kawasaki W800 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• 773cc vertical-twin engine
• Assist & Slipper Clutch
• Traditional exhaust system
• Authentic retro styling
• Relaxed handlebar position, more upright than the W800 CAFE model
• Larger 19-inch front wheel
• Heritage W tank emblem
• Polished engine cases
• Tuck and Roll seat
• Chrome fenders
• ICONIC VERTICAL TWIN ENGINE WITH BEVEL GEAR DRIVE CAMSHAFT
• CRAFTED EXHAUST NOTE EMITS HEARTY ROAR
• MODERN ASSIST & SLIPPER CLUTCH
• LED HEADLIGHT
• VINTAGE RIDING POSITION
• TRADITIONALLY STYLED ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTATION

RETRO STYLING
Original W1-Inspired Styling
The W800 is dedicated to preserving the 1960s image, sound and feel. In a nod to the machines that characterized the Golden Age of motorcycling, a contoured design merges classic attitude and modern aerodynamics for head-turning looks.

Bold & Stylish
The striking curves of the fuel tank naturally draw the eye, further adding to the iconic elements of the W800 family. Its volume gives it more presence for a powerful impression.

Vintage Meets Modern
Individual speedometer and tachometer exhibit a classic display design while a simple LCD screen and complete set of indicator lamps add modern touches.

Authentic Design
A large 170 mm LED headlight casts a bright, white light. The path ahead is lit with six total chambers, four for low beam plus an additional two chambers that illuminate for high beam. Position lamps in the high-beam chambers ensure the whole lamp appears lit, like a retro-style bulb headlight. Details like a convex lens and chromed headlamp ring speak to the high-quality, classic design.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE
Break the Status Quo
Power and performance features combine with authentic Kawasaki W1 style for an exhilarating ride.

Powerful & Torquey
The 773cc four-stroke vertical twin engine features a distinct bevel gear-driven camshaft and SOHC 4-valve heads and is tuned for low- to mid-range performance for abundant torque, while modern fuel injection provides clean operation.

Classic Exhaust System
Classic, retro muffler design emits the throaty exhaust note that makes parallel-twin engines infamous. Twin mufflers with carefully tuned internals deliver the characteristic note of the vertical twin’s 360° crankshaft engine configuration—a throwback to the original Kawasaki W1 motorcycle.

Smooth Ride
Dual rear shock absorbers with adjustable spring preload offer a smooth ride and a clean look.

Strong & Responsive
Stopping power comes thanks to an ABS-equipped braking system that features a large diameter ø320 mm front disc brake paired with a ø270 mm rear disc brake for excellent response and strong stopping power.

Smooth & Responsive
Stout ø41 mm stanchions minimise flex and stiff fork springs soak up bumps on well-traveled city streets. Rubber gaiters are used to protect fork tubes and ensure long fork seal life while adding to the retro appearance.

ERGONOMICS
Thoughtful Design
Premium ergonomic features offer comfort for a wide range of riding applications.

Clean & Reliable
Compact switchgear gives the handlebar an uncluttered and vintage appearance while modern internals ensure reliable performance.

Vintage-Style Riding Position
With different handlebars and seat, each W800 model offers a different riding position. On the W800 CAFE, the M-shaped, clubman-style handlebar contributes to a sporty, racing-inspired riding position. The W800’s position is slightly more upright, for a more relaxed riding position.

Fine-tune Your Ride
5-way adjustable clutch lever and 4-way adjustable brake lever enable riders to fine-tune lever position.

KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES FALL RELEASE OF 2025 STREET MOTORCYCLES

No matter what type of motorcycle you’re looking for, Kawasaki’s 2025 lineup has the model for you as it welcomes the return of several hypersport, supersport, sport, retro classic, hypernaked, supernaked, mini naked, retro sport, cruiser, adventure touring, and dual-sport models to its street motorcycle lineup. These 2025 model-year motorcycles are set to arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the fall months so that riders can continue to “Let the Good Times Roll.”

2025 Kawasaki W800 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

ENGINE
Long-stroke 773cc engine is tuned for low-mid range performance and delivers plenty of torquey power. The W800 ABS engine is mostly silver to highlight its classic form and beauty.
• 360-degree crankshaft provides a signature engine pulse.
• Balancer shaft helps dampen vibration.
• Heavy flywheel contributes to the engine’s strong torque feel.
• Iconic bevel gear driven single overhead camshaft activates four valves per cylinder. A chrome bevel gear cover helps highlight the classic looks.
• Long, slim intake funnels enhance low-mid range performance

Crafted Exhaust Note
• Traditional mufflers emit the throaty exhaust note for which parallel twin engines are famous.
• The twin mufflers were carefully tuned to bring out the characteristic note of the engine’s 360º crankshaft configuration, creating a hearty roar to complement every twist of the throttle.
• The simple, elegant muffler design utilizes smooth curves and long, straight lines. Peashooter-style mufflers with slim chambers and long tailpipes are reminiscent of the original W1.
• Muffler internals (chamber arrangement, diameter/length of baffle pipe and trans-chamber pipe, and large honeycomb catalyzer) were designed to deliver mid-high range performance while contributing to strict modern exhaust and noise emissions regulations.

Assist & Slipper Clutch
• The assist & slipper clutch(KP) is compact and it’s operating plates help reduce lever pull for an extremely light feel at the lever. A wide engagement range helps make the clutch easier to control.
• Using the rotational forces of the clutch hub and pressure plate, the clutch is forced together during acceleration (assist function) so that fewer and lighter clutch springs can be used for a lighter feel at the lever. During high back torque, such as when too low of gear is selected during downshifting, the slipper function allows some clutch slippage to help prevent rear wheel hop and stalling due to engine lock-up.

Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®)
• Fuel injection offers precise fuel metering, clean emissions and easy starting.
• 34mm throttle bodies are arranged to provide incoming air a straight path from the airbox to the cylinders. Sub-throttles are used to ensure ideal engine response as well as reduce noise.
• Painted steel throttle body cover augments the retro appearance.

FRAME
• Kawasaki advanced dynamic analysis used to determine the exact required rigidity for each piece of tubing to ensure optimized performance with minimal weight.
• Standard center stand[4] eases maintenance.
• Large-diameter 320mm front disc paired with a 270mm rear disc provide excellent response and strong stopping power.
• ABS assists braking under certain conditions for added rider confidence.
• A 41mm front fork with stiff springs, rigid lower triple-clamp, stiff swingarm and stiff rear shocks complement the rigid frame.
• Rubber fork boots help protect the fork tubes and fork seals while adding to the retro appearance.
• Dual rear shocks with adjustable spring preload are a nod to the suspension of the sixties era.
• Large-diameter 19-inch front wheel combined with 18-inch rear wheel provides a balance of relaxed handling, light turning feeling and excellent straight-line performance while maintaining the vintage ride feel of a true classic machine.
• Silver alumite-coated aluminum rims are corrosion resistant, while the spokes and spoke nipples are treated with a coating that helps shed dirt and grime when cleaning.
• Tube-type bias ply tires have a traditional tread pattern with the advantage of today’s technology offering high grip.

• Double-cradle frame uses a sturdy, 50mm square-section backbone to give the W800 motorcycle a stable ride quality and well-balanced overall design.
• Complementing the 50mm square-section backbone, round pipe downtubes are a reminder of the classic sixties style. Gussets and brackets were kept to a minimum for improved aesthetics and reduced weight.
• Round tubes with a smooth finish and minimum welds and gussets contribute to the quality appearance.

ERGONOMICS
• Relaxed, vintage-style upright riding position.
• Five-way adjustable clutch lever and four-way adjustable brake lever enable riders to fine-tune lever position.
• Stylish two-person tuck and roll seat is thickly padded for comfort and classic good looks. The front of the seat is shaped to help riders’ feet reach the ground for assurance at stops.
• Knee pads on the tank help riders grip the W800 with their legs.
• Compact gear switch is designed to add a vintage touch and gives the handlebars a light, uncluttered appearance. Underneath the retro-styled exterior are modern internals for reliable performance.
• Traditional instrumentation includes individual speedometer and tachometer with classic display and model-specific typeface.
• A multi-function LCD screen incorporates an odometer, trip meter, and clock. A full range of indicator lamps includes an FI warning lamp, dual turn signal indicators, low fuel level indicator, high beam indicator, neutral indicator, and oil pressure warning lamp

LED Headlight
• Large 170mm LED headlamp casts a bright, white light for great night-time visibility.
• Features six chambers – four for low-beam and two more for high-beam. Position lamps in the high-beam chambers ensure the whole lamp appears lit, like a retro-style bulb headlamp.
• Convex lens and chromed headlamp ring add to the high-quality, classic design.

STYLE ACCENTS
• Chrome-plated steel fenders are pure vintage.
• Chrome tank emblems complement the fuel tank’s rich paint.
• Chrome handlebars, headlight brackets, mirrors, chain cover, shift lever, brake pedal and oil filter cover also help highlight the paint.
• Large, round turn signals with orange lenses and chrome bodies are a standout reminder of the W800’s sixties heritage.
• Buff and clear-coat finish treatment on the outer fork tubes and the engine’s crankcase cover add to the look.

2025 Kawasaki W800 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $10,399 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $12,099 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Engine Type 4-Stroke, Air-Cooled, SOHC, 4-Valve Cylinder Head, Vertical-Twin
Displacement 773cc
Bore and Stroke 77.0 x 83.0mm
Maximum Torque 46.3 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm
Compression Ratio 8.4:1
Fuel Injection DFI® with Dual 34mm Keihin Throttle Bodies (2)
Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission 5-Speed with Positive Neutral Finder
Final Drive Sealed Chain
Rake/Trail 27˚/4.3 in
Front Wheel Travel 5.1 in
Rear Wheel Travel 4.2 in
Front Tire Size 100/90-19
Rear Tire Size 130/80-18
Wheelbase 57.7
Front Suspension 41mm Hydraulic Telescopic Fork
Rear Suspension Dual Shock with Adjustable Pre Load
Front Brake Type Single 320mm Disc with 2-Piston Caliper
Rear Brake Type Single 270mm Disc
Fuel Tank Capacity 4.0 gal.
Seat Height 31.1 in
Dry Weight ❖ N/A
Curb Weight = 498.3 lb.
Warranty 12 months
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
(Specifications subject to change without notice.)
❖ = Does not include all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, fuel and tool kit (if supplied).
= Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
When equipped, California evaporative emissions equipment adds approximately 2.2 pounds.
(KP) = See Kaw-Pedia section for more details.
* = Changes from previous model year.

2025 Kawasaki W800 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com  Canadian Specifications/Technical Details

POWER

PERFORMANCE

DETAILS

2025 Kawasaki W800 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details

NA

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).