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The Kawasaki W800 Maverick: A Modern Classic
with a Rebel Spirit
We’ve not heard much from them as of late, but the folks over at Shif Custom have
certainly left their mark on the European bike-modding scene. Based in Minsk, Belarus,
the shop has countless projects worth inspecting closely in its repertoire, all pieced
together under the leadership of Yuri Shif. He’s been killing the customization game since
2002 and constantly taking things to a new level as time went by.
n the world of motorcycles, choice for those who appreciated
there is something timeless and vintage motorcycles but wanted
Ienduring about certain models the convenience and reliability of
that manage to capture the hearts modern engineering.
and imaginations of riders. The The W800 Maverick is a more
Kawasaki W800 Maverick is one recent development in the W
such motorcycle. As part of the W series lineup. Building upon the
series, a name that evokes the foundation laid by the W800, the
nostalgic charm of classic British Maverick edition brings a
bikes, the W800 Maverick stands distinctive flair with updated
as a modern interpretation of retro styling, improved features, and
styling mixed with contemporary even more performance-oriented
technology. With its vintage- elements.
inspired looks and powerful
engine, the W800 Maverick has Design and Styling: A Nod
carved out a niche for itself in the to the Past, with a Rebel
motorcycle world, appealing to Twist
enthusiasts who want a blend of
heritage and performance. One of the standout features of the
Kawasaki W800 Maverick is its
T h e L e g a c y o f t h e design. It takes inspiration from the
Kawasaki W Series retro-styling of the original W1 and
W800 models, but it introduces
Before diving into the specific
features and performance of the some fresh elements that set it
Kawasaki W800 Maverick, it's apart from its predecessors. The
result is a bike that feels both
important to understand the
history and legacy of the W series. familiar and fresh at the same time,
The W800 is part of a lineage that b l e n d i n g n o s t a l g i a w i t h
d a t e s b a c k t o t h e 1 9 6 0 s . contemporary sensibilities.
Kawasaki's first W model was the C l a s s i c S t y l i n g w i t h
W1, introduced in 1966. The W1 Modern Flourishes
was designed to compete with the
British twins of the time, such as The W800 Maverick retains the
the Triumph Bonneville and BSA classic lines of the W800, featuring
Gold Star. It was a bold attempt to a steel double cradle frame,
bring a reliable and affordable rounded fuel tank, and simple yet
twin-cylinder motorcycle to the effective bodywork. The round
market, and although it had its headlamp, twin shock rear
shortcomings, it was an important suspension, and minimalist front
step in Kawasaki's evolution as a fender all evoke the aesthetic of a
motorcycle manufacturer. bygone era when motorcycles
were defined by their clean lines
K a w a s a k i r e v i v e d t h e W and functional designs. However,
nameplate in 2011 with the the Maverick edition introduces
introduction of the W800. This several unique touches that give
modern incarnation kept the retro the bike a bit of a rebellious edge,
aesthetic intact, with a parallel- hence the name "Maverick."
twin engine, a round headlamp,
and a classic design reminiscent of For instance, the fuel tank of the
1960s and 1970s motorcycles. Maverick features a unique matte
The W800 was initially well- finish, which sets it apart from the
received, and it became a beloved standard gloss paint jobs on other
motorcycles. This subtle design
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LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 09
change not only enhances the
visual appeal but also contributes
to a slightly more utilitarian look
that gives the bike a sense of
ruggedness and individuality. The
engine, with its air-cooled, 773cc
parallel-twin setup, is showcased
in the W800 Maverick in a beautiful
blacked-out finish, adding a sleek
and modern vibe to the overall
aesthetic.
The addition of modern LED
lighting is another key difference
between the W800 Maverick and
its predecessors. The headlamp,
taillight, and turn signals all use
LED technology, which not only
improves visibility but also
contributes to a more modern look.
These updates don't overshadow
the bike's vintage appeal; instead,
they complement it, enhancing the
overall package
Attention to Detail
One of the trademarks of the
Kawasaki W800 Maverick is the
attention to detail. From the
bespoke graphics on the tank to
the carefully chosen color
schemes, the Maverick edition
speaks to the desires of a rider
who values craftsmanship and
style. The leather seat with
contrasting stitching offers a
comfortable and stylish perch for
the rider, while the bar-end mirrors
add to the motorcycle's rebellious,
custom look.
Additionally, the Kawasaki W800
Maverick offers an aesthetic
b a l a n c e b e t w e e n r a w
p e r f o r m a n c e a n d r e fi n e d
elegance. The spoked wheels, for
example, are classic in their
appearance but feature tubeless
tires, ensuring the rider gets the
best of both worlds—vintage
styling with modern convenience.
January 2025