KAWASAKI W650 (2003-2004) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2003, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer released the Kawasaki W650, a classic motorcycle that debuted in 1999. It was created for those riders seeking a retro-styled machine fitted with a modern engine.

Kawasaki is a Japanese manufacturer of motorcycles, utility vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, watercraft, outboard motors, and other electric products. The company is derived from Kawasaki Aircraft Industries and has roots in the motorcycle, boat, and engine businesses.

It all began in 1949 when Kawasaki Aircraft Company started developing a motorcycle. In 1952, the development was completed, and in 1953, production started.

The Kawasaki W series was a line of vertical-twin standard motorcycles manufactured by Kawasaki from 1965. The first motorcycle in the series was the Kawasaki W1, based on the BSA A10.

The bike's visual department was harked back to the 1960s. It packed features such as wire-spoke wheels, a one-piece, two-up seat, rubber knee pads on the fuel tank, and a round headlight up front with a chromed housing.

The double-cradle high-tensile steel frame housed the suspension system, which comprised a 39 mm telescopic fork on the front and twin spring preload-adjustable shocks on the rear.

The 2003 Kawasaki W650 was powered by a 675cc four-stroke vertical-twin air-cooled engine managed by two CVK34 Keihin carburetors. It delivered 50 hp at 7,000 rpm and 56 Nm (41 lb-ft) torque at 5,500 rpm.