Beautiful, Rick. Used to have a W650 - I've missed it every day since, which is rare for me, no matter how much I love a bike. You've inspired me. Time to start looking for a W650 project bike. Thanks.
Great advise at the end of the video about taking a build one piece at a time. So true, you eat a meal one bite at a time, not all at once. Thanks for the video.
Aah brother you have really worked hard on this bike and you have tried to put English theme on it. I can say it’s a wolf in a sheep’s cloth great job 👍
The W650 is most often compared to the Triumph twin but the engine has always reminded me of the mid 50's Jawa bevel drive OHC 500 twin street bike. A very overlooked model that was a real beauty.
I really like that bike I especially like the stance of the bike. where it has a little additional suspension travel. I also like how the rack works with the rear fender. and how the tank is reminiscent to Triumph. and I really like the aggressiveness of the tires. and the swingarm looks light but strong. and I like how the adjusters are inside the cavity for less chance of damaging them. this is the best Job I've seen restoring a Japanese bike to resemble a British bike. fantastic job.
Proof that one person can look at an object and see something in it entirely different to everyone else. There should be more dual-purpose bikes with knobbies and big twin engines. I had a 1982 Triumph Tiger Trail 750 with tall gearing that climbed like a mountain goat.
These Kawasakis remind me of the TR6C I rode for years. Of the many motorcycles I've owned since the Sixties, the TR6C was the most fun to ride in non-expressway conditions. I love the new Kawasaki W800s, although at my age, I'll probably never own one. Cheers, really enjoy your great work.
I used an automotive black “trim” on the stock tank flange. It looks proper. They also make a gold trim, which I thought too gaudy. I’m wanting to put the trim on the fenders also as another “ detail”. Thanks for sharing !!!
I'm sold! Everything about the bike, starting with Steve McQueen and the style that era of bikes he helped promote in his races. Choosing Nickel plating just added to the overall beauty and shine of your creation. Let me know if you start selling these bikes.
I also love those style Motorcycle’s and parallel twins. Triumph, BSA, Matchless, etc. contemplating the W 800. A great look and sound of the old times on your 650. Thanks for this interesting video. 🇺🇸👍🏻
Desert Sled is a sexy machine , ive owed a triumph and i avoided the w650 because it was a kawasaki ,but boy looking at this ,i'd like this bike , it floats my boat the only small detail id get rid of is the HAGON stickers on the shocks ,thats all
Very impressive, both the bike and you as a builder/craftsman/artist. And that exhaust sound!. So British! Sounds better than most larger displacement twins.
That's a cracking build. A beautiful looker, but clearly also a well-thought out build, and a practical ride. So much going on, too, which the 'walk-around' shed light on. Looks like that back end stepped out a couple of times, eh? Looks like a load of fun, and great to have a machine that let's you wander off the roads a bit, without any drama. Nice job - and nice video. Thanks for making and sharing.
Beautiful job. Always liked these W Kawees. Your custom sled reminds me of my 68 Trophy 500 I owned. Gotta a chuckle outta of the wheel spin the knobbies were giving you on the wet pavement. Thx.
A lot of fine detailing on your bike , well done , as without the video some of it could be missed , it so clean and simple looking , which is usually a good sign that it wasnt simple to do.
That is an excellent build! When I first glanced at the thumbnail I thought it was a Triumph Tiger 100. Very well done, had me fooled for a moment. Edit: Spelling error.
I don't normally like custom bikes but this one looks really good. The W650 was actually 676cc stock so plenty of grunt. They had to go to 773cc with the W800 I suspect to compensate for the eFI and emissions constraints (exhausts are ridiculously heavy). I love the traditional sound from the 360 degree crank phasing, which is disappearing due to the current fad for 270 degree parallel twins which sound just like V-twins.
don't usually think of a kwaka w as light or powerful, but these are very good-looking bikes. suzuki had a 600 single with an excellent power weight ratio, off road light and simple is good.
Brought my first Yamaha TX650 with a set of handlebar very much the same as those. I also set about to improve the back end with an integrated rack but with the addition of a small handle just behind the seat. Never thought to to the full sled style - wish I had now, as something different in a market that was lapping up Kawasaki z900s, Laverda Jotas, BSA & Triumph triples and all the like.. Who remembers then the style simplicity of Bob Dylan’s 64 Triumph Tiger to keep all that sane. Lovely bike and overall a very smart project. Best for 2021 Ps love to see what you could do with a 450 Desmo or an old 350 sprint Aermacchi Harley as sleds.
Really nice video, enjoyed watching this.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!
Classic
A very authentic voice. 12 months of devotion, many hours, many thousands of pounds and all apparent in the outcome.
Those shotgun pipes are gorgeous.
Beautiful, Rick. Used to have a W650 - I've missed it every day since, which is rare for me, no matter how much I love a bike. You've inspired me. Time to start looking for a W650 project bike. Thanks.
That swing arm is a work of art
real nice bike, nearly bought a w650 recently, after seeing this video i wish i had not let that one get away
That's an extremely beautiful build.
Yeah, Rick has a super keen eye for detail eh, thanks for watching :)
Great advise at the end of the video about taking a build one piece at a time. So true, you eat a meal one bite at a time, not all at once. Thanks for the video.
Finally someone with the correct history. Great bike, sounds fantastic.
Glad you enjoyed it BearCat Racing, thanks for your nice comments :)
Aah brother you have really worked hard on this bike and you have tried to put English theme on it. I can say it’s a wolf in a sheep’s cloth great job 👍
The W650 is most often compared to the Triumph twin but the engine has always reminded me of the mid 50's Jawa bevel drive OHC 500 twin street bike. A very overlooked model that was a real beauty.
I really like that bike I especially like the stance of the bike. where it has a little additional suspension travel. I also like how the rack works with the rear fender. and how the tank is reminiscent to Triumph. and I really like the aggressiveness of the tires. and the swingarm looks light but strong. and I like how the adjusters are inside the cavity for less chance of damaging them. this is the best Job I've seen restoring a Japanese bike to resemble a British bike. fantastic job.
Thank you.
Proof that one person can look at an object and see something in it entirely different to everyone else. There should be more dual-purpose bikes with knobbies and big twin engines. I had a 1982 Triumph Tiger Trail 750 with tall gearing that climbed like a mountain goat.
Knobblys in the rain, a short but happy life.
These Kawasakis remind me of the TR6C I rode for years. Of the many motorcycles I've owned since the Sixties, the TR6C was the most fun to ride in non-expressway conditions. I love the new Kawasaki W800s, although at my age, I'll probably never own one. Cheers, really enjoy your great work.
Can't get enough of that vertical twin exhaust note. Kawasaki did it as well as anyone.
That was fucking awesome well done very impressed what a beautiful machine
Right on Doyle, thanks for watching :)
Stunning. A REAL motorcycle. If I had the cash, I would be knocking on your door!! Superb.
Right on Phil, thanks for checking out the video :)
One seriously beautiful bike, as beautiful as a Metisse ❤
Very cool bike, I've often thought the kawasaki would make a great base for a scrambler, really nice build 👏👏👏👏
That's a thing of beauty!
This was my favourite video so far. Well done!
Glad you enjoyed it Michael and thanks for your nice comments :)
La vidéo est passionnante à suivre, le Rick a l'air "so cool" et la machine est magnifique. Quel travail. On est sûr que Steve Mc Queen aurait adoré.
Nice one Rick! I have a W650 scrambler project sitting in my barn in France and I really like everything you've done to yours. Cheers Rick
The bike looks fantastic, well done 🇬🇧👍
Nice one Martin, thanks for watching!
Everyone previously said it all, the only thing I will add is it sound's terrific, takes me back to my teens in the 60's
Right on Blackie :)
Fantastic attention to detail down to the smallest nut and bolt, combined with your artistic flare has produced a beautiful bike.
Sounds great too.
WHAT A BIKE, WHAT A VIDEO, I bloody love this machine, and its something I would have never even considered, im now on ebay lol
Awesome bike and the W650 is my favourite bike, classic looks and predictable handling. Greetings from Oz 🇦🇺
That's absolutely gorgeous Rick. I want one.
This one is sold mate but get in touch if you want one, I'll be building another in Apriil
Beautiful . Love the pipes & sound .nicest bike . Super clean looking .
Iconic motorcycle. Harmonious product, epic sound. With respect from Russia.
Hey Front AllRouD, cheers for watching from over there :)
I used an automotive black “trim” on the stock tank flange. It looks proper. They also make a gold trim, which I thought too gaudy. I’m wanting to put the trim on the fenders also as another “ detail”. Thanks for sharing !!!
Great video. Had a W650 years ago. Only down-side was the carbs icing up. Now on a CB500f. Great bike to see me out!
I'm sold! Everything about the bike, starting with Steve McQueen and the style that era of bikes he helped promote in his races. Choosing Nickel plating just added to the overall beauty and shine of your creation. Let me know if you start selling these bikes.
Right on Xtrem Luck!
This one is for sale mate, more details on Instagram.
This is retro at his best. Excellent job.
Really impressed. Nothing too trick just quality all the way.
Love that sound of the pipes. Love that style of motorcycle. Kawasaki really hit a home run buying the rights to the bike.
super nice bike, nothing to complain about
That's all we can ask Jürgen :)
Stunning Bike!! If I wasn't resembling the green-eyed monster, I might pay you a compliment!!
Thanks for checking in again English Pete :)
I also love those style Motorcycle’s and parallel twins. Triumph, BSA, Matchless, etc. contemplating the W 800. A great look and sound of the old times on your 650. Thanks for this interesting video. 🇺🇸👍🏻
Amazing work, this is the coolest looking W650 I've seen. Congratulations!
A great result from careful selection and matching of first class parts. The result makes me quite envious. Good show and nice video too. Thanks.
Hey The East Man, thanks for saying!
Nice work and cool to see the w650 getting some attention
Desert Sled is a sexy machine , ive owed a triumph and i avoided the w650 because it was a kawasaki ,but boy looking at this ,i'd like this bike , it floats my boat
the only small detail id get rid of is the HAGON stickers on the shocks ,thats all
Beautiful video, Classics are irreplaceable!
Between your Leather jacket looks stunning
WOW ! Sliding about all over the place ! Careful with that beauty man ! :D
Tyres were quite new Dudley :) thanks for watching!
This is my favourite rebuilding bike!Congrats for the owner!
Thank you! Attila, very nice of you to say!
Very impressive, both the bike and you as a builder/craftsman/artist. And that exhaust sound!. So British! Sounds better than most larger displacement twins.
Right on Randal, thanks for your nice comments :)
Very detail orientated build..impressive..good vid !! Alotta patience mann!
That's a cracking build. A beautiful looker, but clearly also a well-thought out build, and a practical ride. So much going on, too, which the 'walk-around' shed light on. Looks like that back end stepped out a couple of times, eh? Looks like a load of fun, and great to have a machine that let's you wander off the roads a bit, without any drama. Nice job - and nice video. Thanks for making and sharing.
Hi Barry, thanks for your nice comments, we're glad you enjoyed the video, we had fun making it :)
@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel nah, all thanks to you guys - and to the builder. really enjoyable viewing.
Beautiful welds on the frame.Nice bike man.
What a absolute beaut!
Lovely bike, beautiful details.
Used to own the original W1 and W 2
The W650,a great base for any custom build,great vid.
Thanks for watching Dave :)
Outstanding video! Love this machine, and it’s wonderful to hear directly from the builder.
Beautiful job. Always liked these W Kawees. Your custom sled reminds me of my 68 Trophy 500 I owned. Gotta a chuckle outta of the wheel spin the knobbies were giving you on the wet pavement. Thx.
Wished I could own that fantastic bike. What a lovely machine.
That is BEAUTIFUL, man. Holy cow. Bravo!
Cheers or watching Big Guy!
Beautiful video. Very professional. Love the bike. Thanks.
Thank you very much John, glad you enjoyed the video and the bike :)
Great video, bike is beautiful, not seen a better example, ever.
Kawasaki needs to build a scrambler like this like Triumph sells now . Your bikes are GORGEOUS 😃👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
So right Cripple Guy!
Thanks Guy!
Great explanation of the building process, details and nice riding impressions. Perfect mix 👍😍 And a great excelent build bike of corse.
Thank you very much Herbert, very nice of you to say :)
What incredible work and using an amazing bike as the foundation!
Great video. A really interesting motorcycle you've created, with a beautiful engine and exhaust note. Brilliant!
I had no idea of the heritage. very cool. Great package the W650 and the new 800
Glad you liked it Medford, thanks for watching!
What a gorgeous bike ! great job !
REALLY enjoyed the build and the attention to detail ,amazing finish on the project .Well done .
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for saying!
Brilliant, in every way. Great bike, very creative, informative and a cool presenter.
Glad you enjoyed it Gren, thanks for your nice comments :)
Thank you for introducing the w 650
Cheers Marvin!
Awesome bike, really nice work and fantastic video.
And no annoying music over the exhaust note. 👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼
Thanks for your nice comments Ian! Glad you enjoyed the video :)
👍🏼
Very cool bike & I would buy one. Thanks
Right on Gasser, cheers for watching :)
NICE VIDEO! I have a W650 I'm going to customize. There are a lot of good ideas and advice in this video. Thank you!
Rick has built another one of these and we're shooting the video soon, standby
A lot of ideas, implemented in a cool way, good job! The video presentation is also very successful👍
Regards from Berlin
nice bike, awesome detail and thought process on parts, unique.
Thanks for watching Urbano Moda!
Beautiful bike and great video. Thanks for sharing, enjoyed that.
Right on Robin, thanks for your nice comments:)
That is a clean bike.Wish I had one for sure.
Thanks for watching Parkway Rider :)
A lot of fine detailing on your bike , well done , as without the video some of it could be missed , it so clean and simple looking , which is usually a good sign that it wasnt simple to do.
Cheers for watching Tom :)
That is an excellent build! When I first glanced at the thumbnail I thought it was a Triumph Tiger 100. Very well done, had me fooled for a moment.
Edit: Spelling error.
Glad you liked it Biketron, thanks for watching and your nice comments!
That’s a great looking build and some very good advice at the end there! Well done!
Glad you liked it Steve, Rick has a seriously good eye for detail eh!
@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel it takes a lot to impress me but that build was absolutely Kwak-tastic! A very well detailed bike indeed.
@@SteveInskip Right on Steve!
I don't normally like custom bikes but this one looks really good. The W650 was actually 676cc stock so plenty of grunt. They had to go to 773cc with the W800 I suspect to compensate for the eFI and emissions constraints (exhausts are ridiculously heavy). I love the traditional sound from the 360 degree crank phasing, which is disappearing due to the current fad for 270 degree parallel twins which sound just like V-twins.
Agree on all of that!
The bike is a beauty! Great work . I’d be terrified to take her off road though! 😂
Hi Rick what a nice job ,just love it .its so right well done mate .
Thanks mate
Sounds magnificent.
This was so awesome and inspirational to me! Wonderful work ! TY for sharing
What a great bike! Love that sound!
It sure is Rob, thanks for saying :)
don't usually think of a kwaka w as light or powerful, but these are very good-looking bikes. suzuki had a 600 single with an excellent power weight ratio, off road light and simple is good.
Great looking bike! Has that scrambler look i love.
It's a beauty, no doubt about it.
Beautiful bike, 9:27 nice save!
Great job and great video. I love the sound of that thing too. Its got tbe same tone as the old British bikes.
Cool, thanks for watching Mark and your nice comments :)
Lovely bike. Love the styling.
Beautiful bike!! Love from Japan.
Thank you very much Niki30504!
Great sounding bike.
Incredible build!
Brought my first Yamaha TX650 with a set of handlebar very much the same as those. I also set about to improve the back end with an integrated rack but with the addition of a small handle just behind the seat. Never thought to to the full sled style - wish I had now, as something different in a market that was lapping up Kawasaki z900s, Laverda Jotas, BSA & Triumph triples and all the like..
Who remembers then the style simplicity of Bob Dylan’s 64 Triumph Tiger to keep all that sane.
Lovely bike and overall a very smart project. Best for 2021
Ps love to see what you could do with a 450 Desmo or an old 350 sprint Aermacchi Harley as sleds.
Thanks mate, I love the Desmo 450, but too expensive to chop. The Aermacchi is great, If I can find one that isn't a wreck, maybe in 2022.
Man! It's got a good growl.
Beautiful bike 👍👌 well done.
That's a very nice looking and sounding bike! Nice job!
Right on Paul, thanks for checking in and watching the video :)
Great video Rick, best W650 around id say :)