Published October 24, 2025 by Michael Le Pard , Editor‑in‑Chief
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.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Kawasaki W800 ABS: ENGINEERED TO BE FREE.
Introducing the 2026 Kawasaki W800 ABS…
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.
Wwith 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, all while thoughtfully incorporating modern technology and features. The 2026 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. For 2026, the W800 ABS is available in Pearl Crystal White with an MSRP of $10,699.
2026 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
KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES FALL RELEASE OF 2026 STREET MOTORCYCLES
No matter what type of motorcycle you’re looking for, Kawasaki’s 2026 lineup has the model for you as it welcomes the return of several naked, retro, touring, adventure, cruiser, and EV models to its street motorcycle lineup. These 2026 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.”
2026 Kawasaki W800 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
ASSIST & SLIPPER CLUTCH
Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.
SOUND TUNING
Kawasaki has long had a reputation for building great-sounding bikes – a characteristic inherent in the Kawasaki engine architecture – but it is only recently that effort has been put into crafting a specific auditory experience through careful sound tuning of either the intake or exhaust system.
Designed specifically to allow riders to enjoy their motorcycles aurally as well as physically, the carefully crafted auditory notes can be the key components of the street riding exhilaration offered by models that have benefitted from sound tuning. Sound tuning can include conducting sound research, designing intake and exhaust system components based on an acoustic test carried out in a sound room, and careful consideration of every detail of a system’s components to ensure a balance of performance and the desired sound.
ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM)
Kawasaki ABS systems use front and rear wheel sensors to constantly monitor wheel speed. Should information from either of the sensors indicate that wheel lock has occurred, the ABS ECU directs the pump in the ABS unit to modulate brake fluid pressure (releasing and reapplying pressure so that traction can be regained) until normal operation resumes. ABS offers rider reassurance that contributes to greater riding enjoyment.
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.
2026 Kawasaki W800 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $10,699 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $12,399 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
POWER
| POWER | |
| Engine | 4-stroke, Parallel Twin, SOHC, 4 valves, air-cooled |
| Displacement | 773cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 77.0 x 83.0mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 |
| Maximum Horsepower | 51 hp¹ @ 6,500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 46.5 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Fuel System | DFI® with 34mm throttle bodies (2) |
| Ignition | TCBI with Digital Advance |
| Transmission | 5-speed, return shift |
| Final Drive | Sealed chain |
| Electronic Rider Aids | Anti-lock Brake System |
PERFORMANCE
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel | 41mm telescopic fork/5.1 in |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel | Twin shocks with spring preload adjustability/4.2 in |
| Front Tire | 100/90-19 |
| Rear Tire | 130/80-18 |
| Front Brakes | Single 320mm disc with 2-piston calipers, ABS |
| Rear Brakes | Single 270mm disc with 2-piston caliper, ABS |
DETAILS
| DETAILS | |
| Frame Type | Double-cradle high tensile steel |
| Rake/Trail | 26.0°/3.7 in |
| Overall Length | 86.2 in |
| Overall Width | 31.1 in |
| Overall Height | 42.3 in |
| Ground Clearance | 4.9 in |
| Seat Height | 31.1 in |
| Estimated Dry Weight | 465.3 lb** |
| Curb Weight | 498.3 lb* |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.0 gal |
| Wheelbase | 57.7 in |
| Color Choices | Pearl Crystal White |
*Curb weight includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied). When equipped, California evaporative emissions equipment adds approximately 2.2 lb.
**Dry weight does not include all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
¹This vehicle’s HP was measured according to ISO standard 4106. This ISO standard measures HP differently than the SAE standards by which the horsepower of many cars is measured, and as a result the referenced HP measurement may be higher than if it were measured by an SAE standard.
KAWASAKI CARES: Read Owner’s Manual and all on-product warnings. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and proper apparel. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Adhere to the maintenance schedule in your Owner’s Manual. ©2025 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
Specifications subject to change.
2026 Kawasaki W800 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
POWER
| Engine | 773cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC 8-valve vertical twin |
| Bore x Stroke | 77.0 x 83.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel System | Fuel injection: ø34 mm x 2 with sub-throttles |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Starting | Electric |
| Lubrication | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
| Transmission | 5-speed, return |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Final Drive | Chain |
PERFORMANCE
| Frame | Double-cradle, high-tensile steel |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel | ø41 mm telescopic fork / 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel | Twin shocks with spring preload adjustability / 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Rake / Trail | 27.0° / 108 mm |
| Steering Angle (L/R) | 37° / 37° |
| Front Tire | 100/90-19M/C 57H |
| Rear Tire | 130/80-18M/C 66H |
| Front Brakes | ø320 mm disc with dual-piston caliper |
| Rear Brake | ø270 mm disc with dual-piston caliper |
DETAILS
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2,190 x 790 x 1,075 mm (86.2 x 31.1 x 42.3 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,465 mm (57.7 in) |
| Road Clearance | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Seat Height | 790 mm (31.1 in) |
| Curb Weight* | 225 kg (496 lb) |
| Estimated Dry Weight** | 210 kg (463 lb) |
| Fuel Capacity | 15 litres |
| Instrumentation | Analogue-style speedometer and tachometer + multi-function LCD screen with odometer, tripmeter, clock, and indicator lamps |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Kawasaki Protection Plus | 12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months |
*Curb weight includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
**Estimated dry weight does not include all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
KAWASAKI CARES: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and proper apparel. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Read Owner’s Manual and all on-product warnings. Professional rider shown on a closed course. 2020 Canadian Kawasaki Motors, Inc.
Specifications subject to change.
2026 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).
