Kawasaki W650

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Kawasaki W650
Manufacturer Kawasaki
Production 1999–2007
Class Lightweight Standard
Engine 676 cc
Power 50 bhp (37 kW) @7,000 rpm
Torque 57.2 Nm (42.2 ft·lbf) @ 5,600 rpm
Transmission chain
Wheelbase 2180mm (57.1 inches)
Fuel capacity 15 litres (4 US gallons)
Kawasaki W650 is a retro bike based on historic British motorcycles such as the Triumph Bonneville. The color scheme is called "Galaxy Silver/Luminous Boralis Blue" (2000).
Kawasaki W650 is a retro bike based on historic British motorcycles such as the Triumph Bonneville. The color scheme is called "Galaxy Silver/Luminous Boralis Blue" (2000).
The right side of the motorcycle reveals the peculiar bevel drive system that operates the camshaft.
The right side of the motorcycle reveals the peculiar bevel drive system that operates the camshaft.
The 1999 model with a set of high handlebars that were factory installed. The color scheme is called "Luminous Vintage Red/Pearl Ivory".
The 1999 model with a set of high handlebars that were factory installed. The color scheme is called "Luminous Vintage Red/Pearl Ivory".

Kawasaki has manufactured the W650 since 1999. It is a "retro" model designed to reflect the appearance and sound of 1960's British parallel twin motorcycles such as the Triumph Bonneville. The "W" in its model name makes a historic reference to Kawasaki's W1, W2 and W3 models, manufactured between 1967 and 1975.

In the United States and Canada the W650 was imported from 1999 until 2000. With weak US and Canadian sales and the introduction of the competing "retro" Bonneville by Triumph, Kawasaki concentrated sales in in Europe and Japan.

Kawasaki gave the W650 a long-stroke engine of 72 mm bore x 80 mm stroke in order to mimic the character of historic British parallel twins. However, in 2006 Kawasaki added a short-stroke W400 model by combining the same 72 mm bore with a short-throw crankshaft to give a 49 mm stroke and 399 cc displacement.

Contents

[edit] History

The Kawasaki W650 is designed to resemble British motorcycles of the early 1960's. The styling is particularly based on the Triumph Bonneville. However, all British twin-cylinder motorcycles of the period had pushrod engines, whereas the W650 is distinctive in having an overhead cam with its driveshaft in a housing more reminiscent of a single-cylinder Velocette.

In 1999, having achieved success with its retro-styled Zephyr series, Kawasaki introduced the W650. Modern features include an internal balance-shaft to quell vibration, modern electrics, and a bevel-gear shaft driven overhead cam. This camshaft drive arrangement is the first such application since the 1972-1980 Ducati V-twin motorcycles. It may be the very first parallel twin engine to have bevel drive cams.

[edit] Features

Retro:

  • 360° crank angle
  • 72 mm bore x 80 mm stroke "long-stroke" engine
  • chrome fenders
  • real rubber fork gaiters and
  • faux-Smiths gauges
  • alloy rims and
  • peashooter mufflers
  • kickstarter

Modern:

  • eight valves
  • LCD odometer and clock hiding in the speedo face
  • bungee hooks
  • centerstand
  • seat lock
  • integral steering lock
  • neutral finder
  • electric starter

[edit] Other specifications

  • MSRP $6,500 USD
  • Air-cooled, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, parallel twin (vertical twin, straight-two)
  • 8.7:1 compression
  • Electric and kick starters
  • Digital CDI ignition
  • Twin Keihin CVK34 carburettors with K-TRIC system.
  • Final drive: Five speed constant mesh, return shift.
  • Chain drive (KX-inspired chain adjusters)
  • Positive neutral finder
  • Tires: front 100/90x19 rear 130/80x18
  • Front brakes: Hydraulic four-pot single disc, 300mm
  • Rear brakes: Mechanical drum, 160mm
  • Handlebars: 1" diameter, wide
  • Oil capacity: 3 litres.
  • Dry weight: 430 lb (195 kg), about 460 lb wet.
  • Canadian colours: Galaxy Silver/Luminous Polaris Blue or Luminous Vintage Red and Pearl Ivory.
  • Other colours available in Europe and Japan: (Ebony/Pearl Luster Beige, Candy Cardinal Red/Metallic Champagne-Gold).

[edit] External links

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