What To Know
- The Triumph Bonneville and the Kawasaki W800 share a retro-inspired design that pays homage to the classic British and Japanese motorcycles of the 1960s and 1970s.
- The Bonneville is a more powerful and feature-rich motorcycle, while the W800 is a more affordable and traditional choice.
The Triumph Bonneville and the Kawasaki W800 are two iconic motorcycles that evoke the golden era of motorcycling. Both bikes feature classic styling, air-cooled engines, and a timeless appeal. But how do these two legends compare when it comes to performance, features, and overall value? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the details of the Triumph Bonneville vs. W800, helping you make an informed decision about which classic motorcycle is right for you.
Design and Styling
The Triumph Bonneville and the Kawasaki W800 share a retro-inspired design that pays homage to the classic British and Japanese motorcycles of the 1960s and 1970s. The Bonneville features a timeless silhouette with a rounded headlight, dual exhaust pipes, and a sculpted fuel tank. The W800, on the other hand, has a more angular design with a square headlight, single exhaust pipe, and a sleek fuel tank.
Both bikes offer a variety of paint schemes, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your style. The Bonneville’s color options range from classic black and silver to vibrant red and blue, while the W800 comes in a more subdued palette of black, green, and brown.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Triumph Bonneville lies a 1200cc parallel-twin engine that produces 77 horsepower and 78 pound-feet of torque. The engine is smooth and responsive, delivering a satisfying blend of power and torque throughout the rev range. The W800, in contrast, is powered by a 773cc vertical-twin engine that produces 47 horsepower and 44 pound-feet of torque. While less powerful than the Bonneville, the W800’s engine is renowned for its reliability and low-end grunt.
Both bikes are equipped with fuel injection, which ensures smooth throttle response and improved fuel efficiency. The Bonneville has a six-speed gearbox, while the W800 has a five-speed gearbox.
Handling and Suspension
The Triumph Bonneville and the Kawasaki W800 offer a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride. The Bonneville’s suspension consists of a 41mm front fork and twin rear shocks, providing a plush and well-controlled ride. The W800’s suspension is slightly softer, with a 41mm front fork and single rear shock.
Both bikes feature a relaxed seating position with wide handlebars and a low seat height. The Bonneville’s seat is slightly more padded than the W800’s, offering a bit more comfort on longer rides.
Features and Technology
The Triumph Bonneville comes with a range of modern features, including ABS brakes, traction control, and ride-by-wire throttle. The W800, on the other hand, has a more basic feature set, with only ABS brakes as standard equipment.
The Bonneville’s instrument cluster includes a digital speedometer and tachometer, as well as a gear indicator and fuel gauge. The W800’s instrument cluster is more traditional, with an analog speedometer and tachometer.
Price and Value
The Triumph Bonneville starts at around $11,000, while the Kawasaki W800 starts at around $9,000. Both bikes offer excellent value for money, considering their classic styling, performance, and reliability.
The Bonneville is a more modern and feature-rich motorcycle, while the W800 is a more affordable and purist choice. Ultimately, the best value for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Which One Is Right for You?
The Triumph Bonneville and the Kawasaki W800 are both excellent choices for riders who appreciate classic styling and timeless performance. The Bonneville is a more powerful and feature-rich motorcycle, while the W800 is a more affordable and traditional choice.
If you’re looking for a modern classic with all the bells and whistles, the Triumph Bonneville is the way to go. If you’re looking for a more affordable and purist classic motorcycle, the Kawasaki W800 is an excellent option.
A Final Verdict: The Triumph of the Classics
Both the Triumph Bonneville and the Kawasaki W800 are worthy of consideration for any rider who appreciates classic motorcycles. The Bonneville is a more powerful and feature-rich motorcycle, while the W800 is a more affordable and traditional choice. Ultimately, the best decision for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which bike is more powerful, the Triumph Bonneville or the Kawasaki W800?
A: The Triumph Bonneville is more powerful, with 77 horsepower compared to the W800’s 47 horsepower.
Q: Which bike is more fuel-efficient, the Triumph Bonneville or the Kawasaki W800?
A: The Kawasaki W800 is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Triumph Bonneville, with a fuel economy of around 50 mpg compared to the Bonneville’s 45 mpg.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable on long rides, the Triumph Bonneville or the Kawasaki W800?
A: The Triumph Bonneville‘s seat is slightly more padded than the W800’s, offering a bit more comfort on longer rides.