2019 Kawasaki W800 has real retro charm

Kawasaki's latest W800 transports you back in time with its design and ride quality

The Kawasaki W800 Cafe's roots go back to the W1 of the 1960s. The Cafe's shape and form get minimal tweaks, more horsepower and modern paint schemes.
The Kawasaki W800 Cafe's roots go back to the W1 of the 1960s. The Cafe's shape and form get minimal tweaks, more horsepower and modern paint schemes. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

There are brands which make retro-looking bikes that feel and ride like modern machines.

Kawasaki has a different take. Its 2019 W800 Cafe traces its lineage to the W1, which was all the rage in the 1960s. Older riders may recall how the W1's throaty exhaust note would turn heads.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 28, 2019, with the headline 2019 Kawasaki W800 has real retro charm. Subscribe