Nice. . .but the price?

[Old Grinner]

The folks at Kawasaki Heavy Industries are bringing back another version of the "W" retro. Looks nice. . .but a bit rich for my taste. At $7,999 maybe they'd outsell the Trumps. . .I mean Triumph's Thruxton.

It's not the $13,000 "genuine article" so to speak but then again the attraction is in the eye and wallet of the beholder.

Read

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/1 ... ast-facts/

or Watch

[springer1]

Is that a bevel drive for the cam? It isn’t a desmo is it ?

[Old Grinner]

Is that a bevel drive for the cam? It isn’t a desmo is it ?

When I hear "Desmo" I immediately think of Ducati and their heritage.

The product specs are "to be announced" if you go to the Kawasaki page. On the bikes menu just click on "W". Or try this link.

https://www.kawasaki.com/motorcycle/w/r ... LIST-_-MPP

Kawasaki has a history in business with BSA going way back. . ..

But to answer your question my quick answer is no. . .it's not a "Desmo", or poppet type valve system.

[gn2]

Is that a bevel drive for the cam? It isn’t a desmo is it ?

Bevel driven single cam with conventional rockers and springs.
Not Desmo.
As well as the cafe (yuck) version they're going to reintroduce the (better than a Bonnie) regular one.
Reason for pause in production was to get them up to Euro4 spec.

https://thebikeshed.cc/2019-kawasaki-w800/

[you you]

Is that a bevel drive for the cam? It isn’t a desmo is it ?

Bevel driven single cam with conventional rockers and springs.
Not Desmo.
As well as the cafe (yuck) version they're going to reintroduce the (better than a Bonnie) regular one.
Reason for pause in production was to get them up to Euro4 spec.

https://thebikeshed.cc/2019-kawasaki-w800/

gn2 is right. The bike has been dragging on forever. Mock classic becomes classic then goes on and on and on and on.... Buy if you are old or dull.

Life has to be better than this.

[Old Grinner]

No cam chain. . .the beveled gear helps move the cam shaft.

At about 4 minutes into this video. . .which is quite good IMHO. . .there is a nice informational segment on the engine specs and design. If you are into the history of this ride and how it seems to just keep coming back like a seasonal bird to a backyard feeder then it's worth the time to watch. As a previous Yamaha TX650A owner I can somewhat relate to the charm of the W1.



And now for the next act. . .with no further adieu. . .another bike I had and regretted buying and selling twice. . .stupid me. Oh well. . .I got my 60+ thousand miles out of it. This new Kawasaki is starting to bring back some old but fond memories. Glad someone had the sense to post this vid of a nicely restored '73. Had the same color too. Damn what was I thinking.