I'm glad this comparison was made but it was biased by being made by a Continental owner. If it was made by a W800 owner it would be different. The buzziness (which is never bothersome) is due to 360 crank vs 270 degree crank on a long stroke engine, like the '60s and '70s classic Brit bikes and gets far smoother after 4500km. In fact at 120 kmph and 5500km on the odometer it feels like an electric bike. The slight vibration at lower speeds makes you know you are riding a motorcycle, not a sewing machine. The W800 is the closest you will get to owning a Classic Brit bike, but with outstanding fit and finish, fuel Injection and little maintenance.
I absolutely agree that it's a fantastic bike Doug, and I actually was not bothered by the "buzz," a lot of my viewers were just asking about it. I don't think I am really biased by owning the Conti, in fact if the pricing was about the same I might even have chosen the W800, but unfortunately where i am you are just going to pay more for it, so I picked the Conti GT haha. I'm also a big Thruxton fan (900 variety)
The vibration of W800 is not related to speed, but to RPM. It starts from 3500 and stops around 4200. Anything before and after that is very smooth. I think it's a product decision.
Hi Alex, Just a note asking if you had thought of comparing the RE650GT to Suzuki SV650x - albeit, the latter has more power - as they are both 650cc with cafe racing styling, and they can be found, at least, here in the U.K. at a similar price.... And given that you've tried both and praised them what made you go for the GT, and, by the way, how much is your BELL (Grey) vintage helmet in the U..S.A. here they are very expensive.
great comparison. two bikes I have been watching at local dealers and drooling over. After your review of W800 cafe and you mentioning deals in your area.I checked out dealers in CT, no such deals. I then looked a little further out to dealers in Boston and found 2019 W800 cafes for 6499. NOw that puts it in the same price range at RE for sure. I sat on W800 and liked it. I am just not sure about the looks for me. It seems like too many colors all on one bike (gray, black, brown) . It's funny I like the RE continental GT for looks over the Int 650, and I like the Kawasaki W800 standard for looks over the W800 cafe. It seems impossible to locate the standard W800.
Yeah the standard W800 has been hard for me to get my hands on as well, that's why i haven't done a full review yet haha
4 роки тому
Standard W would compare more favourably with the interceptor, as the riding position and overall concept is the same... I think Still the Interceptor wins in the value for the money department. About the looks... if you prefer the looks on the GT, go for it. Buying a bike is more of passion rather than rationale. It would be like marrying a really beautiful woman, smart, independent, rich, and then discovering she has a sister that is even prettier... You will be a happy man, but your heart will skip a beat when you see the other. I personally own the older sister the W650, as kickstarter and carbs are more my thing. And you won't see this bike to be successful: W's cost as same as the Triumph street twin over here, and T brand is way better value and less depreciation.
Absolutely! I did one a little while back right here: ua-cam.com/video/wx29D21GAm4/v-deo.html If that doesn't answer your question I have a few other VS videos on it, or you can ask a question in the comments and I'll do my best to answer!
@@garyk8285 hey mate i own a gt650 the power speed is good but a lil less than sv650 like the sv takes around 4 sec 0 to 60mph while the gt takes 5.5 sec so it will be slower
My wife is FINALLY thinking of riding her own bike she’s short! 5 foot even! My R3 and SR400 are both too tall for her she doesn’t like them as an option I was thinking Grom, Z125, TU250,Star 250 or a 150-300cc scooter 🛵. What’s your opinion for NEW short riders.
Of the ones you mentioned I would try the Grom and TU250, see how she feels and go from there! I've also had good luck with shorter riders on Vulcan S models once they are ready for a little more engine
I guess that given how popular the RE has become and the deep discount on Kawasaki, GT is more expensive than the W800 Cafe by about $700 near me. Is it a no brainer to go with W800 then or would you still prefer the GT?
Here in UK not so favourable deals w800 still way more expensive. Does slightly have the edge looks wise over the 650 but, it's a copy of original British design. Like Japanese doing Harley clones. Kawasaki, whilst excellent looking bike does not have the Heritage. To some, that's important. Just look at the Bonneville. Completely modern bike, like the w800 but has the Heritage. Despite being made in Thailand for most of its life. Top job👍
Kawasaki does indeed have the heritage. The W models are a celebration of the beginning of Kawasaki as motorcycle company... They started off making ships, aeroplanes and trains
Kawasaki with the W model have much more heritage than the modern Triumph which is owned by a completely different company and made in Thailand. While the W1 was made in Japan in 60's and is still made there by the same company. Just sayin as it doesn't matter to me at all. It's all corporate bullshit
Heritage not there? The W800 is a bored out 1999 W650 with better frame, front forks, better brakes, fuel injection and abs. That's over 20 years. That is a few years before the new Triumph co. Put out the Bonneville. I own a 2019 W800 Street and can't stay off of it (5500km in three months). I am insanely happy with it.
@@dougfielding8215 So you should be Doug. Didn't say it is a bad bike. I preferred the w650 and nearly bought one years back but went down the Bobber build track. After owning a Hinckley Bonneville wasn't that impressed and would go for the w800 any day! My preference these days is more stock and the RE brand.
I thought it was a very impartial-review . I wanted a Conti-GT for so-long ....but then a W650 (kick-start 49hp-rear-wheel) came-along for $2k USD in mint condition..No-brainer ..and 'the-better-half' was happy with that price...But One-Day............ Dave NZ
I rode the W800 few days ago, with intention to buy. It only took me 30 sec to change my mind. It vibrates at all RPM, it's not about a character it's about constant buzz and vibrations. It gets worse around 3K rpm and stays like that till 4K rpm, after that it goes to normal vibrations. It's not acceptable. I walked out happy man with having avoided a big mistake.
Nice comp! Love the enfield, gonna buy one next season:) BTW, are u planning to buy some equipment from third party companies? Or planning to modify sth?
It does happens for the Bs4 versions in indian version(just a bit inferior in home market)but in the export ones wobble cases are really rare(almost nil)
I have bought a GT 650 a month ago and have started to notice front whey wobble. Have you ever come across this please let me known. I will be taking my bike to the dealer tomorrow and check what is the issue.
I found the w800 much comfier than the continental, a lot of people say that's because I'm taller; apparently. I'm also going to go out on. Alimb and guess the kawi is more reliable than the Enfield in the long run.
@@AlexSimmons11c The conti and W800 are probably designed both to sit at the top power output of 47bhp to suit European A2 liecence requirements on maximum power outputs same with the Honda CB 500 range of bikes
The Kawasaki W800 Cafe is sitting at a very terrible spot, its a Beautiful bike and from what I can tell a very well put together bike, I would love to have that thing in my collection, but for 10,000 EUROs Kawasaki can suck it. Who the hell pays that much for a bike with 48HP? I'd take my Triumph Street Twin any day. Costed me 7,000 has 55HP and has more torque, I'd also take the Royal Entfield over it.
@@AlexSimmons11c wondering if it is an A2 license thing since one European reviewer (or was it Australian?) Said the North America models had 52 and they had 47? Who knows... Maybe they don't publish it since it is really 52 or that it would be confusing if there was a detuned version?
I appreciate the opinion! Thus far i have found the new generation of RE 650 twins to be excellent motorcycles, both in enjoyment to ride and overall quality level. Been extremely reliable for me so far, and a blast to ride!
Alex Simmons don’t get me wrong I love the look of the RE but for the same money I think in terms of quality you get more for your dollar with the w800. I own neither but have driven both and the W800 felt like a better put together bike. Nice review btw.
The W800 cafe is an ugly bike. For 2021 Kawasaki came up with a nicer and more detailed street blue bike, very smooth and lots od chrome. The "buzzy" is just a little buzz on the very low rpms that it actually gives a good feeing and looks much better quality than the int650.
I'm glad this comparison was made but it was biased by being made by a Continental owner. If it was made by a W800 owner it would be different. The buzziness (which is never bothersome) is due to 360 crank vs 270 degree crank on a long stroke engine, like the '60s and '70s classic Brit bikes and gets far smoother after 4500km. In fact at 120 kmph and 5500km on the odometer it feels like an electric bike. The slight vibration at lower speeds makes you know you are riding a motorcycle, not a sewing machine. The W800 is the closest you will get to owning a Classic Brit bike, but with outstanding fit and finish, fuel
Injection and little maintenance.
I absolutely agree that it's a fantastic bike Doug, and I actually was not bothered by the "buzz," a lot of my viewers were just asking about it. I don't think I am really biased by owning the Conti, in fact if the pricing was about the same I might even have chosen the W800, but unfortunately where i am you are just going to pay more for it, so I picked the Conti GT haha.
I'm also a big Thruxton fan (900 variety)
I do own the Cafe and love the way it makes me feel. Gentlemen's bike. So choice! Would buy another one. Himalayan is my next bike.
Big fan Alex when you review it’s no holds barred you get right into it
An ex girl friend of mine had the W650 Kawasaki, she rode fantastically, smooth with sweet handling and so did the bike....
Awesome to know!
Gross
The vibration of W800 is not related to speed, but to RPM. It starts from 3500 and stops around 4200. Anything before and after that is very smooth. I think it's a product decision.
Hi Alex, Just a note asking if you had thought of comparing the RE650GT to Suzuki SV650x - albeit, the latter has more power - as they are both 650cc with cafe racing styling, and they can be found, at least, here in the U.K. at a similar price.... And given that you've tried both and praised them what made you go for the GT, and, by the way, how much is your BELL (Grey) vintage helmet in the U..S.A. here they are very expensive.
Good review. I own a 2007 Kawasaki 650R Ninja with 5,500 miles. Would I be disappointed trading for a Royal Enfield GT 650? Thank you.
great comparison. two bikes I have been watching at local dealers and drooling over. After your review of W800 cafe and you mentioning deals in your area.I checked out dealers in CT, no such deals. I then looked a little further out to dealers in Boston and found 2019 W800 cafes for 6499. NOw that puts it in the same price range at RE for sure. I sat on W800 and liked it. I am just not sure about the looks for me. It seems like too many colors all on one bike (gray, black, brown)
. It's funny I like the RE continental GT for looks over the Int 650, and I like the Kawasaki W800 standard for looks over the W800 cafe. It seems impossible to locate the standard W800.
Yeah the standard W800 has been hard for me to get my hands on as well, that's why i haven't done a full review yet haha
Standard W would compare more favourably with the interceptor, as the riding position and overall concept is the same... I think Still the Interceptor wins in the value for the money department. About the looks... if you prefer the looks on the GT, go for it. Buying a bike is more of passion rather than rationale. It would be like marrying a really beautiful woman, smart, independent, rich, and then discovering she has a sister that is even prettier... You will be a happy man, but your heart will skip a beat when you see the other. I personally own the older sister the W650, as kickstarter and carbs are more my thing. And you won't see this bike to be successful: W's cost as same as the Triumph street twin over here, and T brand is way better value and less depreciation.
Nice one! Can you please do a review on the RE INT650?
Absolutely! I did one a little while back right here: ua-cam.com/video/wx29D21GAm4/v-deo.html
If that doesn't answer your question I have a few other VS videos on it, or you can ask a question in the comments and I'll do my best to answer!
by buzzy do you mean vibration through the handle bars or does it seem not stable at certain speeds?
The w800 is much softer, it is a mature bike. The conti is more raw.
I would agree in most aspects, the W800 did however feel more torquey and grunting off the bottom, otherwise I agree haha
I think I need one of each.
What is the overtaking power like on the 650 on the Motorway? Say going from 55mph to 75mph?
Been perfectly adequate for me! I usually just downshift one gear and hit it, never had a problem with passing/overtaking!
@@AlexSimmons11c Okay good to know! Would you say it gives the same acceleration thrills as say a SV650? or just a notch lower?
@@garyk8285 hey mate i own a gt650 the power speed is good but a lil less than sv650 like the sv takes around 4 sec 0 to 60mph while the gt takes 5.5 sec so it will be slower
RELIABILITY?
My wife is FINALLY thinking of riding her own bike she’s short! 5 foot even! My R3 and SR400 are both too tall for her she doesn’t like them as an option I was thinking Grom, Z125, TU250,Star 250 or a 150-300cc scooter 🛵. What’s your opinion for NEW short riders.
Of the ones you mentioned I would try the Grom and TU250, see how she feels and go from there! I've also had good luck with shorter riders on Vulcan S models once they are ready for a little more engine
Test ride Himalayan. Is really for short people.
now in Europe we can buy W800 for 7400 euro, RE GT from 7200 to 7600 depends on price. If price is not a question, which one would you choose?
Another great comparison Alex! You know you can always have a drink while you're recording right? I feel thirsty for you! Lol😅✌
Hahaha funny part is I am constantly sipping on a drink while I do my gaming videos on the other channel hahahaha
I guess that given how popular the RE has become and the deep discount on Kawasaki, GT is more expensive than the W800 Cafe by about $700 near me. Is it a no brainer to go with W800 then or would you still prefer the GT?
sounds like the w800 is the winner in that situation to me lol, wish that was the case around me.
Here in UK not so favourable deals w800 still way more expensive. Does slightly have the edge looks wise over the 650 but, it's a copy of original British design. Like Japanese doing Harley clones. Kawasaki, whilst excellent looking bike does not have the Heritage. To some, that's important. Just look at the Bonneville. Completely modern bike, like the w800 but has the Heritage. Despite being made in Thailand for most of its life. Top job👍
Thanks Pike, and thanks for adding to it!
Kawasaki does indeed have the heritage. The W models are a celebration of the beginning of Kawasaki as motorcycle company... They started off making ships, aeroplanes and trains
Kawasaki with the W model have much more heritage than the modern Triumph which is owned by a completely different company and made in Thailand. While the W1 was made in Japan in 60's and is still made there by the same company. Just sayin as it doesn't matter to me at all. It's all corporate bullshit
Heritage not there? The W800 is a bored out 1999 W650 with better frame, front forks, better brakes, fuel injection and abs. That's over 20 years. That is a few years before the new Triumph co. Put out the Bonneville. I own a 2019 W800 Street and can't stay off of it (5500km in three months). I am insanely happy with it.
@@dougfielding8215 So you should be Doug. Didn't say it is a bad bike. I preferred the w650 and nearly bought one years back but went down the Bobber build track. After owning a Hinckley Bonneville wasn't that impressed and would go for the w800 any day! My preference these days is more stock and the RE brand.
CONTINENTAL, no competition. Authentic 😍
Hahaha right on!
I thought it was a very impartial-review . I wanted a Conti-GT for so-long ....but then a W650 (kick-start 49hp-rear-wheel) came-along for $2k USD in mint condition..No-brainer ..and 'the-better-half' was happy with that price...But One-Day............ Dave NZ
I rode the W800 few days ago, with intention to buy. It only took me 30 sec to change my mind. It vibrates at all RPM, it's not about a character it's about constant buzz and vibrations. It gets worse around 3K rpm and stays like that till 4K rpm, after that it goes to normal vibrations. It's not acceptable. I walked out happy man with having avoided a big mistake.
Nice comp! Love the enfield, gonna buy one next season:) BTW, are u planning to buy some equipment from third party companies? Or planning to modify sth?
I will probably keep it mostly stock aside from the bar end mirror I installed, possibly swap exhaust but otherwise I don't plan to mod much
@@AlexSimmons11c ah ok, love it so aswell, just the rustproblems on the exhaust gives me a headache.
love the W800, just ordinary version
Have you checked Himalayan
Yes I did a couple of videos on the channel on the Himalayan almost a year ago!
You get what you pay for I own a w 800 cafe high quality . Will run forever with proper care. The Re no way!
Just grabbed a w800 2019 cafe with extras and 5k miles for $3800. I doubt any royal enfieles can match that.
I hear of people complaining about GT650 wobbling above speeds of 100kph.. Is this true?
It does happens for the Bs4 versions in indian version(just a bit inferior in home market)but in the export ones wobble cases are really rare(almost nil)
I have bought a GT 650 a month ago and have started to notice front whey wobble. Have you ever come across this please let me known. I will be taking my bike to the dealer tomorrow and check what is the issue.
I have not experienced any wobble no! Yes get it checked out, possibly you have something loose, definitely something not right
Got it fixed. The tyre had slightly un-slead itself from the rim causing wobbling. Could have happened due to hitting a speed breaker or potholes.
I started looking for a used bike in the range of 5K. I endedup buying a new RE GT for 2 K more on the road! that is the difference RE is bringing in
I found the w800 much comfier than the continental, a lot of people say that's because I'm taller; apparently. I'm also going to go out on. Alimb and guess the kawi is more reliable than the Enfield in the long run.
Think the Kawa in the UK is 47bhp
That's what I keep seeing from everyone EXCEPT Kawi hahaha
@@AlexSimmons11c The conti and W800 are probably designed both to sit at the top power output of 47bhp to suit European A2 liecence requirements on maximum power outputs same with the Honda CB 500 range of bikes
The Kawasaki W800 Cafe is sitting at a very terrible spot, its a Beautiful bike and from what I can tell a very well put together bike, I would love to have that thing in my collection, but for 10,000 EUROs Kawasaki can suck it. Who the hell pays that much for a bike with 48HP? I'd take my Triumph Street Twin any day. Costed me 7,000 has 55HP and has more torque, I'd also take the Royal Entfield over it.
The W800 makes 46hp at the rear wheel. Think it was cycle world as the Dyno source.
Yeah I keep seeing 46-47hp reported, really just cracking on Kawi for not listing it because we all know they know what it is haha
@@AlexSimmons11c wondering if it is an A2 license thing since one European reviewer (or was it Australian?) Said the North America models had 52 and they had 47? Who knows... Maybe they don't publish it since it is really 52 or that it would be confusing if there was a detuned version?
The continental gt is selling higher than this bike near me now
Y está más linda la Royal si querés una moto así es más fiel a la época la Royal
800cc or 650cc... no competition here
W800 6500 otd now
Killer deal on that bike...
What dealer?
@@AlexSimmons11c it was in OR
W800 is a far superior bike. The RE is really pretty crappy, sorry. Also you can buy new W800’s for 6,199 which dollar for dollar it’s a no brainer.
I appreciate the opinion! Thus far i have found the new generation of RE 650 twins to be excellent motorcycles, both in enjoyment to ride and overall quality level. Been extremely reliable for me so far, and a blast to ride!
Alex Simmons don’t get me wrong I love the look of the RE but for the same money I think in terms of quality you get more for your dollar with the w800. I own neither but have driven both and the W800 felt like a better put together bike. Nice review btw.
The W800 cafe is an ugly bike. For 2021 Kawasaki came up with a nicer and more detailed street blue bike, very smooth and lots od chrome. The "buzzy" is just a little buzz on the very low rpms that it actually gives a good feeing and looks much better quality than the int650.