Kawasaki W800 Final Edition, the end of an era is in dealerships

Kawasaki W800 Final Edition – Fifty years after its launch, Kawasaki announces the end of the iconic W series, characterized by air-cooled twin-cylinder four-stroke engines. The W800 “Final Edition” marks the end of an era.

Kawasaki fans and enthusiasts across Europe who manage to secure one of the limited series models scheduled for 2017 will therefore have the last chance to own and ride the contemporary heir to the famous W series, which saw the light in the Kawasaki factory in Akashi in the mid-60s. Aptly dubbed “Final Edition”, the latest model to represent the lineage, will be available in the Candy Brown and Candy Sunset Orange color combination.

The W800, with its authentic retro style, is considered by many to be "the classic" of modern times. The clean and simple lines of the 773 cm3 twin-cylinder four-stroke, air-cooled engine are completed with the bevel gear distribution, combining an engineering approach considered company heritage with a pleasant aesthetic appearance. Attention to detail abounds and offers a perception of high quality, as well as a nostalgic beauty that is best expressed through the distinctive tank, very similar to that of the original W series, thus highlighting the longevity of the W800's heritage.

The W800's family tree can be traced back to 1966, when Kawasaki introduced its forebear, the W1. Equipped with a robust and reliable 650cc and 50 HP engine, the W1 was the first large, high-performance four-stroke engine under the Kawasaki flag, and proved to be a true production milestone – particularly in American market, where it helped set the foundations of the brand in a huge and hungry motorcycle market.

Echoing the lines and engineering essence of the original W1, Kawasaki introduced the W1998 in 650, a model enthusiastically welcomed by a new legion of fans young and old, proving that true style never truly goes out of fashion. Thanks to strong interest from the public, always attentive to the charm of retro style, the Japanese manufacturer then presented, in 2011, the W800, further expanding the W series lineage. All generations of this series possess authentic quality and classic beauty. Kawasaki has concentrated on creating a blend of high technology, combined with an attractive lines package, throughout the modern W series. Now, unfortunately, the time has come to say goodbye to the production of these models, due to future European regulations regarding polluting emissions.

Celebrating more than 50 years of the W Series, Kawasaki is confident that this latest “Final Edition” will once again represent the rich heritage of the W800.