Kawasaki W650
 | |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Production | 1999–2007 |
| Class | Standard |
| Engine | 676 cc (41 cu in) |
| Top speed | 180 km/h (110 mph)[1] |
| Power | 50 hp (37 kW)@7,000 rpm[1] |
| Transmission | Chain |
| Wheelbase | 2,180 mm (86 in) |
| Weight | 195 kg (429 lb)[1] (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 15 L (3.3 imp gal; 4.0 US gal) |
The Kawasaki W650 is a retro standard motorcycle made by Kawasaki since 1999. The "W" in its model name makes a historic reference to Kawasaki's W1, W2 and W3 models, manufactured between 1967 and 1975.[1] The W650 was superseded by the Kawasaki W800.
In 1999, superseding the Zephyr series, Kawasaki introduced the W650. The Kawasaki W650 resembles British motorcycles of the early 1960s including the Triumph Bonneville.[1] While British twin-cylinder motorcycles of the period had pushrod engines, the "new nostalgic" W650 is distinctive in having a shaft-driven bevel-gear overhead camshaft, similar to those found on 1970s Ducati singles and V-twins.[2]
The W650 had a long-stroke engine of 72 mm bore x 80 mm stroke with an anti-vibration balance shaft and modern electronics. In 2006 Kawasaki added a short-stroke W400 model, in Japan. Kawasaki simply combined the same 72 mm bore with a short-throw crankshaft to give a 49 mm stroke and 399 cc (24 cu in) displacement.[3]
In the United States and Canada the W650 was imported from 2000 until 2001. With weak US and Canadian sales and the introduction of the competing "retro" Bonneville by Triumph, Kawasaki concentrated sales in Europe and Japan.[1]
Production of both the W400 and W650 ended in 2008 because the models could not meet new emissions standards.[4] In 2010, the 50 hp (37 kW) W650 was succeeded by the W800, which had a displacement increase to 773 cc (47 cu in) and fuel injection.
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References
- ^ a b c d e f "2000-2001 Kawasaki W650: Brit Done Better?". Motorcycle Classics. 8 (3). January–February 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
- ^ "Motorcycle Museum". Corporate Kawasaki. Canadian Kawasaki Motors Inc. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
- ^ Spannerman (13 December 2011). "Test: Kawasaki W400". Motorcycle Trader. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
By changing the crankshaft and conrods, Kawasaki converted the 650's 72 x 83mm bore and stroke to an engine with the same bore but a stroke of just 49mm.
- ^ "W400" (in Japanese). scs-tokyo.co.jp. Retrieved 2 August 2013.