The retro styled Kawasaki W800 has been dumped from the company’s European and UK model lineup because it will not meet the tough Euro 4 emission standards.
Presumably that marks the end of the line for the iconic W series of four-stroke vertical twin motorcycles worldwide. (See update below …)
The W800 is considered by many to be a modern day classic.
The announcement comes with news of a W800 “Final Edition” to bid farewell to the iconic bike with a heritage dating back to the W1 of the 1960’s.
The W1 was first produced at the Kawasaki factory in Akashi, Japan in 1966 and was powered by the largest capacity engine produced in Japan at the time – a vertical twin 650cc four stroke.
It was in production until 1974.
Kawasaki re-invigorated the “W” line with the W650 in 1998.
The W650’s authentic retro look and feel and mix of modern technology made it a sales success, and Kawasaki followed up with the W800 in 2011.
The W800 maintains the clean and simple lines of its predecessors, and has a reputation as one of the best quality retro bikes on the market.
In making the announcement, Corporate Planning Director for Kawasaki Motors Europe, Mr. Morihiro Ikoma said “It’s never easy to say good bye to an old friend, especially one as iconic as the W800.”
“Paying homage to the W series with this Final Edition is therefore a truly fitting end to a long and successful line of machines.”
The “Final Edition” is available with a Candy Brown or Candy Sunset Orange paint scheme.
UPDATE: The latest information from Kawasaki Australia is that the W800 model line will continue to be available in Australia, and that there are no plans to bring the“Final Edition” to Australia for the time being.