Tag Archives: A2 license compliant motorcycles

Kawasaki W800 to Enter the European Market

Team Green is fixing to release a beastie into the European market – and many are rating the bike as a less-than-spectacular version of the more ‘genuine’ Triumph Bonneville

a rider enjoying the 2022 Kawasaki W800 on a red bridge

The W800’s predecessor, the W650, was released in Japan in the year 1999. It showcased a nicely overbuilt 650cc air-cooled twin-engine and featured a dependable, modest performance reputation that also happened to do decently in European markets. 

A side view of the Kawasaki W650, from the early Y2K days

With the competition (the Bonneville) outing the Kawi bike from American markets in a scant two years and giving the UK version a run for its money until it dropped from dealership floors with the introduction of Euro-compliancy, we all knew Kawasaki was bound to come back swinging. 

A side view of the 2022 Kawasaki W800

So, meet the 2022 Kawasaki W800 – a machine that’s gunning to go head-to-head against the Bonneville, with 100 more cc’s and the addition of fuel injection (and some pretty colors). 

A side view of the 2022 Kawasaki W800

RideApart states that Team Green has given their 2022 W800 a new set of graphics schemes to complement the minimalistic handsomeness and lack of unnecessary features on the bike. “It’s a motorcycle, and it simply exists,” states the report – and considering the amount of Kawi fans in the UK raring to hop a leg over this machine, we’d say that’s pretty spot on.  

A frontal three-quarter view of a rider enjoying the 2022 Kawasaki W800

On top of the LED headlight and Euro5-optimized exhaust system, the Kawasaki W800 sports a 773cc parallel-twin complete with cooling fins and polished cases. That’s 48 pretty (slightly chubby) ponies pulling at the bit, with the feel of the bike best explained from the following review:

“The W800 is designed to be simple, straightforward, and mostly to play nice. In fact, it’s so well-mannered that I could easily recommend it as a starter bike. Think about it: it’s easy to maneuver and easy to control, which also makes it easy to learn on without being overwhelmed.”

a rider enjoying the 2022 Kawasaki W800 leaning into the twisties

Due to the power displacement, A2 license holders will be able to take advantage of the W800, though we’ve yet to be given a heads up on the exact release date for the UK market. If you’re thinking of saving your pennies, expect to fork over something along the lines of €10,040 (the W800’s price in Italy, which translates to around $11,646 USD).

A side view of the 2022 Kawasaki W800

We’ll keep you posted as updates come our way; in the meantime, make sure to check out other fantastic bikes from Kawasaki’s current lineup.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Two For The Price Of One: Suzuki Reveals the A2 License-Compliant GSX-S950

Suzuki has just revealed their GSX-S950 to the masses – and it’s the first motorcycle I’ve encountered this year that is technically a two-for-one.

a front view of the new GSX-s950, in Triton Blue.

There’s been a bit of confusion regarding this bike’s specs, so here’s the breakdown based on the current known details:

At full power, the GSX-S950 has 95PS (70kW) and 92 Nm of torque and clocks in at 214 kg.

Despite the GSX-S950 having the same 999cc inline-four power output as the GSX-S1000, Suzuki has deliberately restricted the output to make the bike A2 license compliant.

Suzuki’s website describes the bike as follows:
With 95PS (70kW) peak power, [the GSX-S950 is] the ideal choice for newer or returning riders and can be switched to 47.5PS (35kW) to make this model available to A2 license holders too.”

a photo of a rider trying out the new GSX-s950, in Triton Blue.

According to a report from AutoX, the GSX-S950 was created with the client in mind – specifically, clients desiring a lower power output than the GSX-S750 and the GSX-S1000 but still wanting the flexibility to upgrade later if necessary. 

Essentially, should the rider want a bike that is A2 license compliant, they can purchase the GSX-S950, knowing that they can tune it up from 47 bhp to 93 bhp and 93Nm of torque upon the inquiry of their unrestricted license. 

ROHITESH UPADHYAY breaking the record for world's longest no-hands wheelie October 2019

a picture of the new GSX-S950 front display.

The new GSX-S950 has also been given a stacked headlight, ride-by-wire throttle, low RPM assist feature, and slip-and-assist clutch, as well as a twin-spar aluminum frame superbike-derived swingarm & rear-shock identical to that of the GSX-S1000.

Suzuki plans on releasing the GSX-S950 later in August of this year. 

For more information on all things Suzuki, head over to WebBikeWorld.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com