Motorcycle specifications KawasakiW 800 par MRS Oficina 2021 Antagonists come to fruition

The MRS Oficina workshop continues to reinterpret Kawasaki models. After transforming the Vulcan, Z 650 and Z 900 RS, it is now tackling the W 800. This fourth preparation presents a real technical challenge: transforming a neo-retro roadster-custom into a cross-country machine.

the W 800 was originally a motorcycle with vintage styling quietly adapted to the road. The W line has played a major role in making Kawasaki famous, with several generations of models that have marked their eras. With its distinctive bevel-gear mechanism, unique on today's motorcycle market, the W 800 never goes unnoticed. With this surprising preparation, Mario has proudly honored this legendary motorcycle.

This time he has struck with a new preparation based on the Kawasaki W 800 Street. The wait was well worth it, for after around two years, the workshop's latest jewel has seen the light of day. Who would ever have imagined a W 800 as an off-road machine?

Mario has created a one-of-a-kind motorcycle, equipped with numerous parts that make it unrivalled and that required many hours of work.

to create this unique bike, which reminds him of his youth in motocross, Mario merged a KX 450 and a W 800.
He adapted a KX fork and swingarm to the frame of the W 800, no mean feat since, as you can imagine, the dimensions are not at all the same. He also tackled the fuel tank, at the price of an intense battle involving numerous cuts and welds. The desired shape had to be perfect to match the overall look of the bike.

In motocross, the shock absorber is a very important detail. So Mario contacted Öhlins for a made-to-measure part, so that it would be both aesthetically pleasing and effective.

The bike is fitted with Excel rims, mounted on Bridgestone notched tires. Mario put a great deal of effort into the aesthetics of the bike, taking charge of the creation of the aluminum parts himself, which is why the mudguards, front plate and side plates are extremely well finished.

The side plates bear a special number, 1, in homage to Eli Tomac, the Kawasaki motocross racer who never stopped winning in the USA. The aluminum engine mount and the shortened, perfectly dimensioned exhaust system are all homemade.
Mario has done a real job of craftsmanship to ensure that all these parts fit perfectly on the bike.

Concerning the blue leather saddle, which adds a touch of chic, it looks like an extension of the tank.it proudly displays the embroidered W logo, faithful to the original, which catches our eye as if to remind us of its origins.

How many hours of work did the MRS 4 project require?

" Over 400 hours of work "

Which of your 4 Kawasaki preparations was the hardest to create?

" Each model has its own style; the biggest challenge was the Vulcan S, because the base was more difficult. The W 800, too, had to be made more aggressive. In the beginning, there's the thinking, but when you start working, it gets more complicated. "

What style of bike do you prefer?

" I like all styles, but my preference is for cafe-racers. "

Which of the handmade parts took you the longest?

"The process is long and it's done in stages, and manufacturing by feel. You still have to think about how the piece fits the shape, and the aesthetic side counts too. Several parts took me longer, notably the fuel tank, side covers, swingarm and shock absorber mountings. The frame also had to be modified to make the swingarm work.

The original parts are the engine and the frame, which has been recut. There are also hidden parts under the saddle, so there's a lot of work involved!

Is everything going well in your workshop in Portugal?

" Yes, I have customers, but you can't make a motorcycle in a week. Projects can take 5/6 months.

Would you be interested in making an MRS 5?

"Of course I would ! I can't hide the fact that I'd love to make one with a compressor."

On the left, the Kawasaki W 800 Street - on the right, Oficina's MRS 4; the transformation is striking.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos