I have a 2019 W800 Standard. You are correct about which bike the kids all wave at, I'm always amazed at all the really young kids that wave and some even say "nice bike", "I really like your bike".
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff I wonder if it is the fact that the look of a classic standard is actually new to them and the look just happens to appeal to them, who knows?
Excellent bike the old CB450. I had the 250 and 350K4’s which I look back fondly on. Putting on age mileage on such a small bike didn’t seem to bother me ten. Thanks for watching 👍.
First of all thank you for the review of the Kawasaki W800. I am from asian country, and I appreciate a lot of everything what you have said about it, positive and negative. If you like a classic or a Heritage Bike this is for you and me of course! If you havent know yet or you possibly know it already this Bike is made in Japan CBO. Thats a big point for us. Japan made products are one of the best quality out there. Compared to other Giant European/US companies who outsource their product to other countries just to decrease the production cost and still not even made to their countries. And yet cannot compete with the prices here in our country. Almost 3-4thousand dollars difference and still they are their base model. Cost for value, classic models from suzuki honda and kawasaki are one of the best product out there. But again to each his own.. thank you so much for the honest review!
Many thanks for your comment. There is no doubting the quality of this Japanese built machine and its many fine attributes. I shall be riding it again! 👍
Totally agree currently own a Honda 2012 cbr600rr and I really enjoy it never had any problems in over 20,000 miles in fact the more miles I put on it the better it runs I've owned Yamaha and Kawasaki as well awesome engineering and manufacturing
At times I feel I don't appreciate my Classic W800 enough until I see youtube reviews like this. I bought mine new-old-stock in 2020 which I believe is mechanically identical to the one you rode with rear drum brake and halogen headlamp. I'm a city guy and enjoy riding my Yamaha Tricity 125cc most of the time. The w800 is such a fuss-free bike that I take it for granted. It starts everytime, runs great and so pleasant to ride I never hesitate to take it on a long trip regardless of weather condition. Thanks for the review!
It is such a pleasant treat to ride the W800 as you say. An unassuming bike with its unique 360 deg crank from yesteryear. I’m sure you’ll be enjoying it for many years as it’s is irreplaceable. 👍
I do love my W800 Cafe 2020! Almost 50 and the stance is fine on my back as the wind you lean into it. Cone on the front deflects wind just enough to make it right. Daily rider. I am 100 percent motorcycle with no car here in the states. Also have a Concours and looking at a Himalayan for back roads. Bike for each purpose. 4k on the clock and no issues. Wanted a centerstand, but for 200 bucks, I will wait.
comment about the oil and filter .. it turns oil into chocolate by 800 miles, so keep that oil fresh by keeping an eye on the oil window. One other point, standard seat wrecked my ass, so reupholstered and made it level so you can move backwards and forwards if u want to - that changed the whole ride to a much more pleasurable experience. Great bike, very simple, I'm 3000 miles on mine now, fear not if u looking to buy one of these - safe riding!!
Cheers for the info Rob. The manual does recommend turning the engine off if you are going to be idling for any length of time. Got to remember there is no oil cooler either. Still love that bike though. 👍
Thank you for this very informative and pleasant video. It almost seems made for me: I´m in the process of trading in my CB1100 EX for a W800 right now! Not because there is anything wrong with the Honda (on the contrary, it´s an absolutely fabulous bike), but after having owned it for nine years I just feel it´s time for a change. I watched quite a lot of videos on the W800, but I think yours really stands out in that you transmit the feeling that the bike gives you very well, instead of talking mainly about specs and stuff like that. Anyway, I´m sure I´ll miss the Honda and love the Kawasaki. Greetings from Spain!
That is brilliant, you really won't be disappointed, the bike has loads of character and is all round just a bit easier to get on with compared to the CB. As you say, a change is a good thing, nothing wrong with the CB. Thanks for watching and I'm glad you liked the format.
I'm looking forward to watching this video. I sat on a W800 at the local shop and love the overall look of it. An 800cc inline 4 should be PLENTY of power to go anywhere.
Another excellent video; thanks. Yes, the W800 looks fabulous and is fine for those meandering country ride outs. My friend had one and yes, I too thought it slightly buzzy and somewhat lacking a bit of go when needed. Lovely bike, however. The Guzzi V7 would be my choice for a small retro leisurely bike.
Glad you enjoyed it Nigel, yes, I would think the V7 would be a very strong contender and with a truer pedigree if we are honest. If you want the power on the W800 you do have to build up to it I will admit.
I paid 6k odd new for a W800 street at M&P. I love mine, the only things I will change are the OE tyres and the seat. Tyres will be Avon Roadrider and the seat will be re-upholstered with a pin strip edged flat bench seat. Job done.
Sorry but...I LOVE the look of the café version! 🤣 About to sell my bike to get a Ténéré 700 (been into adventure bikes for two decades) but I have always had my eyes on that w800...I test rode the new NX500 and did not like the engine at all. Don't mind slow bikes, but the lack of low end torque and response was annoying. 6.0 is the sweet spot I think. That's what my XT660X has and without being a rocket, it's mighty fun!
Each to their own of course. They can't sell the cafe here, same with the Triumph Street Cup, never a big seller. It's either be classic or go home! 🙂.
By the way, Vespas give two pressure settings for the rear tire and they have tubeless tires. And you can drag the side stand quite easily on my 2019 GTS 300. It is a nasty wake-up call when you do! 😳
Wonderful review! Thank you. Concerning the upcoming Apocalypse, I submit an additional upgrade to the W800 would/will be the W650 with it's added kick start capability.
If I had the opportunity to get a W800 instead of my Street Twin, I bought second hand I would have gotten the w800. the w800 sounds more British than the Triumphs since it has a 360deg crank instead of 270 and they are very well built and engineered, the valve adjustment is a breeze to perform.
Yes, the W800 is pure quality with a brilliant valve adjustment mechanism. Well down on power than the Triumph but for a sunny day out not sure it matters. The 360 crank is lovely 👍.
Oh yes, I'm sure. You either accept the Citroen DS type ride and ride accordingly or new shocks for some extra control, it can get a little out of shape if you push on alright! Still love that bike though. The W650 kickstart might of been nice too.
Would it be happy holding 70mph for very long? On rare occasions, I might need to go on a 400-500 mile trip on US Interstates. Most of the time I would be riding a lot shorter distances at lower speeds. I am comparing this to a Moto Guzzi V7 Special as a possible longer distance replacement/addition to my GTS 300.
Nice vid. Would love to see you test ride the RE Interceptor 650 for a real comparison. These 'little' bikes - once upon a time they would have been big - are sinfully enjoyable. Having had bigger bikes before, I find myself under modern conditions wondering what they're actually for, other than track. Just back from near 3,000 mile tour two up, full luggage on the RE. No bother to it. Not a bike for the motorway... but who wants to ride on a motorway? And +1 on the plastic!
I live in Ireland and it can be very difficult to get demo rides here so a test ride on a RE650 probably isn't on the cards unfortunately. The RE650 was the last nail in the coffin for the W800 though, totally smashed it. I think the RE fuel consumption is a good bit superior to the W too which would make quite a difference on a longer journey such as yours. I'm a creaky boned fella and I'm not sure that regular road bikes suit me for long distances, happy to do a 200-300 mile days on them but not multiday trips. If your body will take it you can tour on anything of course, I used to do big journeys on my CB350K4 from the north of England down to Oxford and thought nothing of it at the time. Totally agree on the motorway, I tend to avoid them, even on my Tiger 1200 luxobarge. Cheers and thanks for checking out the video.
Thanks for posting. Seriously looking at this bike. Practically no modern bikes with 360 deg. cranks these days but I love the sound. Looked at the RE Interceptor, too. Much to like about that one, but I think I'd prefer the wider spead of the five speed over the six speed Interceptor box. Thought about the 850 kit for the Interceptor but I'm worried the fuel mapping might not come out right.
I think I would take a two-year-old W800 over a new RE650 if I were to make the choice, it just seems a little more special. Its scarcity, compared to the RE, adds to the desirability too. 270 has become the new norm as you say, I again took that 360 crank as something a little different and I enjoyed it a lot. That 850 kit could be a gamble alright and £££ of course. I doubt you would see much of that investment back when it comes to selling it. Whatever you do though neither will be a wrong choice, good luck!
I'd buy one for about $6K new because it really is mediocre for what it is. I'll just spend the same and get a couple CB900C form the early 80s and make one good one from it with a spare set of synced carbs. The first thing I'd have to do if I bought this one is finish making it retro by changing the turn signals. As it stands, I think the RE 650 will do nicely if I can get it in black with a black cruiser-style seat and red accents. But we all know how unlikely that is.
Yes, the poor old W800 gets beaten up from all angles. They make sense at lower 2nd hand prices and then you are getting a traditional 360 degree crank with the old fashioned firing order (which I like). Its scarcity gives it some cache I think. Cheers
I'll be honest, the café is not my favourite look on the W800 but it doesn't detract from the great underlying nature of this bike. You don't see them here at all, just to regular classic style. If iy suits you that's all that matters. Cheers!
Bought my 2014 model 2 years ago and it really is the best looking retro bike out there. High speed handling was a little frightening (70mph plus) until I put in Hagon progressive springs up front and a steering damper. Last year I added Hagon 2810 shocks to the rear which makes it a bit more comfortable but not a great difference
Thanks for sharing, yes, it is an experience at those speeds isn't it! :-0 I think to make suspension brilliant you have to go custom springs front and back for your weight and riding preference. As a country rambler it is hard to beat though.
i had this bike but moved it on because the clutch went. now have a CB1100 & have to say the difference in quality of everything is stunning - the CB1100 is def the GOLD standard for naked retros
I love my W650.Get the rpm’s above 4000, free way speeds, and it smooths back out nicely . Mirrors are clear. I’ve done 500 mile weekends.l thought about trading up to the W800 but I like the look of the 650 better. FYI I’ve owned every thing from Ariel Square Fours through various Triumphs and everything in between.
Which🤔 royal Enfield or w800 Kwak.Im now in my mid sixties (I'm still looking at the ninja 1000 H2 XS SE +😳)lived in Leighton buzzard Bedfordshire. School days.My bike was the 50 cc fizzy.Mates had a Garelli? and a Gilera.Happy day.Give me a fizzy any day= 50 cc bike's for wheelies.🤔gilera
For super plush, too plush for some, I would go the W800. The RE650 definitely a bit firmer and not as high quality but that is reflected in the price. H2.... Wowsa! I think I would find the H2 frustrating in that you would never be able to use its potential in any meaningful way. Fizzy, always wanted one, never had one as a teenager as they were just out of my reach. Made up for it with a 250X7 on my 17th birthday.
Tech question. What rpm in 5th is it cruising at 100kmhr?? Looking at the 2024 model here in Thailand. $18k in aud. Around $3k more expensive than in OZ. Either this gadget or T100. Thanks.
It was my Buddies bike so I can't answer that accurately. It does get buzzy above a certain revs but I found it runs well at 3500RPM and should manage 100km/hr or close to it at those revs. It has bags of character but is a little less refined than the T100. That is not necessarily a bad thing though and if you are into doing your own valve clearances the W800 gets the win. It also gets the win for retaining the traditional Brit Bike 360 crank. Difficult choices but I'd have either at the end of the day.
All fuel injected, no way to pass emissions with carbs. They don’t even meet Euro 5 now so only dribs and drabs left in the showrooms in Europe. My local dealer has two left in grey which look fabulous. Last of the 360 deg parallel offerings in the classic British engine config in a world of 180 & 270’s. There is just a cover over the injection system, not looking to imitate carbs. Not a lot of plastic on the W800’s, they actually have a decent heritage originally getting a license off BSA.
It is low and it aint no scratcher. First call for me (and my weight) was to up the rear preload, then it coped well. Yes, not sure it has a great finish for winter riding, definitely a summer machine.
Hello, I used to ride a Honda C110 Super Sport 50 c.c. motorcycle. It vibrated. Longer rides there would be numbness in the hands. It led me to have the belief that all motorcycles vibrated. Does the W-800 vibrate more or less than the Honda?
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Hello, just for fun I was comparing the twin W-800 to my 50 c.c. single that had knurled plastic hand grips. That single vibrated. The only bikes that I would expect to vibrate more would be a 500-600 c.c. Single. I pillioned on a Honda CB-750 but never drove one. I don't remember vibrations.
Having own a lot of motorcycle triumph bsa nortn matchless harley bmw and all the Japanese makes being 67 and rides w800 street it's a great bike don't crab just ride
I do not like the pea shooter exhaust and the exhaust looks too low to the ground. I prefer the look of the Kawasaki Z900 RS but would look better with a pair of shocks as opposed to the mono shock. The Honda CB1100 is just about perfect and a quality Honda.
Kawasaki must be handing out cash to every motorcycle reviewer, publication and blogger in existence. Every other motorcyle-themed YouTUbe video is another fawning review of what is suddenly the most important motorcycle of all time. The excuses they make for the bike's shortcomings are sometimes comical. I have watched the W model sitting forlorn and unsold in the backs of dealer showrooms for the better part of twenty years, but I have yet to see one actually out on the road. I"m sure the bike has its charms in the retro market, but if Kawasaki really wants to sell the damn things, they need to drop the price down to Royal Enfield territory.
Tis true, these things sell in very small numbers and they have died in the market and been resurrected again. I can’t imagine anyone paying full price and anecdotally nobody does. This was a 2nd hand bike of a buddy of mine’s and he got it at a reasonable price. I’d have one in a heartbeat still, loved it.👍
Kawasaki USA does not promote the W at all. I had a good talk with the NE regional manager at a Kawa demo day where they brought every bike in the line except the W800. He was so dismissive he did not even want to talk about the W. Recommended I get a Z650RS - which I did demo and I did enjoy riding. I have a 2021 W and I absolutely waited it out as the asking price dropped month after month and bought under 7k with 800 miles on it.
I picked mine up at a discount with one mile on it. Found it in the dusty dark of a big moto warehouse in Rustytruck, NC. All the other customers were swinging their work boots over Harleys and trading up from 4wheelers. I saw it on the website at 2k discount, and drove 80 miles to buy it the next day. And the bike? Believe the hype. I’ve had a lot of bikes. This one is a fistful of chrome, an argument against disposable plastic crap, built better than your grandfather remembers. A living legend, and even at MSRP, costing less than the newest most technological wheelie lemming machine.
Great video Terry!!!! Retro is the new Black! Check out my channel for my inaugural ride on my Speed Triple RR. Ride SAFE and BE safe Sir!!! 🙌👏👏👏👏👏👌🖖✌🤙👍👋🙂
I have a 2019 W800 Standard. You are correct about which bike the kids all wave at, I'm always amazed at all the really young kids that wave and some even say "nice bike", "I really like your bike".
It is odd isn't it, how is it a draw for them at that age, what is their reference?
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff I wonder if it is the fact that the look of a classic standard is actually new to them and the look just happens to appeal to them, who knows?
Because we all grew up reading the mouse and the motorcycle, and that is style Ralph rode. 😊
Such a common sense review and commentary. No sales agenda in there or self promotion. We just got the bike.
Thankyou.
I agree - the Apocalypse is coming so I’ll start shopping for a W800 and plan some day trips ! Thanks for the tour -great video !
Too kind, thanks Ward. Yes, lets spend all our money now, it will be worth nothing next week!
Buy extra tires while you're at it. @@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff
At 65 years old I’m really found of the old school bikes. All the bikes I’ve owed and rode my CB450 I have found memories in my high school days.
Excellent bike the old CB450. I had the 250 and 350K4’s which I look back fondly on. Putting on age mileage on such a small bike didn’t seem to bother me ten. Thanks for watching 👍.
First of all thank you for the review of the Kawasaki W800. I am from asian country, and I appreciate a lot of everything what you have said about it, positive and negative. If you like a classic or a Heritage Bike this is for you and me of course! If you havent know yet or you possibly know it already this Bike is made in Japan CBO. Thats a big point for us. Japan made products are one of the best quality out there. Compared to other Giant European/US companies who outsource their product to other countries just to decrease the production cost and still not even made to their countries. And yet cannot compete with the prices here in our country. Almost 3-4thousand dollars difference and still they are their base model. Cost for value, classic models from suzuki honda and kawasaki are one of the best product out there. But again to each his own.. thank you so much for the honest review!
Many thanks for your comment. There is no doubting the quality of this Japanese built machine and its many fine attributes. I shall be riding it again! 👍
I've had many Japanese motorcycles through the years. They are the best.
Totally agree currently own a Honda 2012 cbr600rr and I really enjoy it never had any problems in over 20,000 miles in fact the more miles I put on it the better it runs I've owned Yamaha and Kawasaki as well awesome engineering and manufacturing
I get dizzy watching your video. Information provided is much appreciated.
Thankyou 👍.
At times I feel I don't appreciate my Classic W800 enough until I see youtube reviews like this. I bought mine new-old-stock in 2020 which I believe is mechanically identical to the one you rode with rear drum brake and halogen headlamp. I'm a city guy and enjoy riding my Yamaha Tricity 125cc most of the time. The w800 is such a fuss-free bike that I take it for granted. It starts everytime, runs great and so pleasant to ride I never hesitate to take it on a long trip regardless of weather condition. Thanks for the review!
It is such a pleasant treat to ride the W800 as you say. An unassuming bike with its unique 360 deg crank from yesteryear. I’m sure you’ll be enjoying it for many years as it’s is irreplaceable. 👍
I do love my W800 Cafe 2020! Almost 50 and the stance is fine on my back as the wind you lean into it. Cone on the front deflects wind just enough to make it right. Daily rider. I am 100 percent motorcycle with no car here in the states. Also have a Concours and looking at a Himalayan for back roads. Bike for each purpose. 4k on the clock and no issues. Wanted a centerstand, but for 200 bucks, I will wait.
You definitely have all the angles covered there with all three of the bikes doing a specific job. Cheers!
I have a 2018 Triumph Street Cup in yellow and silver and a group of school children said "Oh miss look at that cool old bike"
Yes, the Street Cup was a cool bike, always thought it would sell better. Still, that leaves you with a unique set of wheels! 👍
The W650 with its kick and carbs is even more ready for the apocalypse.
That is 100% true :-)
The best review on the W800 sofar! Good job!
Ooh you are very kind 😀. Thanks for watching 👍
comment about the oil and filter .. it turns oil into chocolate by 800 miles, so keep that oil fresh by keeping an eye on the oil window. One other point, standard seat wrecked my ass, so reupholstered and made it level so you can move backwards and forwards if u want to - that changed the whole ride to a much more pleasurable experience.
Great bike, very simple, I'm 3000 miles on mine now, fear not if u looking to buy one of these - safe riding!!
Cheers for the info Rob. The manual does recommend turning the engine off if you are going to be idling for any length of time. Got to remember there is no oil cooler either. Still love that bike though. 👍
Honda Wave would be my bike for an apocalypse.
One cylinder, 125cc and indestructable.
Yes, the CB125F here would have to be a front runner for its great MPG.
Marvellous assessment. The suspension is very interesting in you push round the lanes 😂😂😂😂
Many thanks. Oh yes, that high speed cornering feel is something else! 😬🤣
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff 😂😂😂
Class video.....thinking I might buy one of these.....
Great bike to ride and own. 100% Japanese reliability and easy maintenance. Not too many on the road either so fairly unique. Enjoy if you buy 👍
Thank you so much fun I will buy this bike in the next 2 months just looks awesome
Have fun! It's brilliant.
Thank you for this very informative and pleasant video. It almost seems made for me: I´m in the process of trading in my CB1100 EX for a W800 right now! Not because there is anything wrong with the Honda (on the contrary, it´s an absolutely fabulous bike), but after having owned it for nine years I just feel it´s time for a change. I watched quite a lot of videos on the W800, but I think yours really stands out in that you transmit the feeling that the bike gives you very well, instead of talking mainly about specs and stuff like that. Anyway, I´m sure I´ll miss the Honda and love the Kawasaki. Greetings from Spain!
That is brilliant, you really won't be disappointed, the bike has loads of character and is all round just a bit easier to get on with compared to the CB. As you say, a change is a good thing, nothing wrong with the CB. Thanks for watching and I'm glad you liked the format.
Spirited, positive review. Well received. ... as for upcoming apocalypse, ... the bike to have will be the W650. ie., battery AND kick starter.
Thank you. You are not the first to mention the W650 kickstart, yes, good point 👍. Thanks for watching.
I'm looking forward to watching this video. I sat on a W800 at the local shop and love the overall look of it. An 800cc inline 4 should be PLENTY of power to go anywhere.
It is enough power but it’s a parallel twin with the old fashioned 360 deg crank layout. Superb bike.
Another excellent video; thanks. Yes, the W800 looks fabulous and is fine for those meandering country ride outs. My friend had one and yes, I too thought it slightly buzzy and somewhat lacking a bit of go when needed. Lovely bike, however. The Guzzi V7 would be my choice for a small retro leisurely bike.
Glad you enjoyed it Nigel, yes, I would think the V7 would be a very strong contender and with a truer pedigree if we are honest. If you want the power on the W800 you do have to build up to it I will admit.
I paid 6k odd new for a W800 street at M&P. I love mine, the only things I will change are the OE tyres and the seat. Tyres will be Avon Roadrider and the seat will be re-upholstered with a pin strip edged flat bench seat. Job done.
That’s a great price for this bike, congrats! It will be great to make it your own with those mods 👍.
Sorry but...I LOVE the look of the café version! 🤣 About to sell my bike to get a Ténéré 700 (been into adventure bikes for two decades) but I have always had my eyes on that w800...I test rode the new NX500 and did not like the engine at all. Don't mind slow bikes, but the lack of low end torque and response was annoying. 6.0 is the sweet spot I think. That's what my XT660X has and without being a rocket, it's mighty fun!
Each to their own of course. They can't sell the cafe here, same with the Triumph Street Cup, never a big seller. It's either be classic or go home! 🙂.
By the way, Vespas give two pressure settings for the rear tire and they have tubeless tires. And you can drag the side stand quite easily on my 2019 GTS 300. It is a nasty wake-up call when you do! 😳
Wonderful review! Thank you. Concerning the upcoming Apocalypse, I submit an additional upgrade to the W800 would/will be the W650 with it's added kick start capability.
Good choice and good point. Yes, that Kickstarter is the added bonus!
N0 kickstart? Push start downhill or get mate to push on the flat.
If I had the opportunity to get a W800 instead of my Street Twin, I bought second hand I would have gotten the w800. the w800 sounds more British than the Triumphs since it has a 360deg crank instead of 270 and they are very well built and engineered, the valve adjustment is a breeze to perform.
Yes, the W800 is pure quality with a brilliant valve adjustment mechanism. Well down on power than the Triumph but for a sunny day out not sure it matters. The 360 crank is lovely 👍.
A Blast. Like My BMW R850R from 2001. Apocalypse Bike Like This W800❤
Excellent fun to watch thank you !
Cheers Pat, had a great day out.
i have the w650...my advice new shocks ! ...massive improvement
Oh yes, I'm sure. You either accept the Citroen DS type ride and ride accordingly or new shocks for some extra control, it can get a little out of shape if you push on alright! Still love that bike though. The W650 kickstart might of been nice too.
Would it be happy holding 70mph for very long? On rare occasions, I might need to go on a 400-500 mile trip on US Interstates. Most of the time I would be riding a lot shorter distances at lower speeds. I am comparing this to a Moto Guzzi V7 Special as a possible longer distance replacement/addition to my GTS 300.
Nice vid. Would love to see you test ride the RE Interceptor 650 for a real comparison.
These 'little' bikes - once upon a time they would have been big - are sinfully enjoyable.
Having had bigger bikes before, I find myself under modern conditions wondering what they're actually for, other than track.
Just back from near 3,000 mile tour two up, full luggage on the RE. No bother to it. Not a bike for the motorway... but who wants to ride on a motorway?
And +1 on the plastic!
I live in Ireland and it can be very difficult to get demo rides here so a test ride on a RE650 probably isn't on the cards unfortunately. The RE650 was the last nail in the coffin for the W800 though, totally smashed it. I think the RE fuel consumption is a good bit superior to the W too which would make quite a difference on a longer journey such as yours. I'm a creaky boned fella and I'm not sure that regular road bikes suit me for long distances, happy to do a 200-300 mile days on them but not multiday trips. If your body will take it you can tour on anything of course, I used to do big journeys on my CB350K4 from the north of England down to Oxford and thought nothing of it at the time. Totally agree on the motorway, I tend to avoid them, even on my Tiger 1200 luxobarge. Cheers and thanks for checking out the video.
Thanks for posting. Seriously looking at this bike. Practically no modern bikes with 360 deg. cranks these days but I love the sound. Looked at the RE Interceptor, too. Much to like about that one, but I think I'd prefer the wider spead of the five speed over the six speed Interceptor box. Thought about the 850 kit for the Interceptor but I'm worried the fuel mapping might not come out right.
I think I would take a two-year-old W800 over a new RE650 if I were to make the choice, it just seems a little more special. Its scarcity, compared to the RE, adds to the desirability too. 270 has become the new norm as you say, I again took that 360 crank as something a little different and I enjoyed it a lot. That 850 kit could be a gamble alright and £££ of course. I doubt you would see much of that investment back when it comes to selling it. Whatever you do though neither will be a wrong choice, good luck!
I'd buy one for about $6K new because it really is mediocre for what it is. I'll just spend the same and get a couple CB900C form the early 80s and make one good one from it with a spare set of synced carbs. The first thing I'd have to do if I bought this one is finish making it retro by changing the turn signals. As it stands, I think the RE 650 will do nicely if I can get it in black with a black cruiser-style seat and red accents. But we all know how unlikely that is.
Yes, the poor old W800 gets beaten up from all angles. They make sense at lower 2nd hand prices and then you are getting a traditional 360 degree crank with the old fashioned firing order (which I like). Its scarcity gives it some cache I think. Cheers
I have a 2020 cafe and love it as its unusual you just don't see them and the clubman bars are really OK for the riding I do on it
I'll be honest, the café is not my favourite look on the W800 but it doesn't detract from the great underlying nature of this bike. You don't see them here at all, just to regular classic style. If iy suits you that's all that matters. Cheers!
I personally think half the problem is the colour scheme i can see myself in the near future doing the tank in silver to match the side panels
Bought my 2014 model 2 years ago and it really is the best looking retro bike out there. High speed handling was a little frightening (70mph plus) until I put in Hagon progressive springs up front and a steering damper. Last year I added Hagon 2810 shocks to the rear which makes it a bit more comfortable but not a great difference
Thanks for sharing, yes, it is an experience at those speeds isn't it! :-0 I think to make suspension brilliant you have to go custom springs front and back for your weight and riding preference. As a country rambler it is hard to beat though.
i had this bike but moved it on because the clutch went. now have a CB1100 & have to say the difference in quality of everything is stunning - the CB1100 is def the GOLD standard for naked retros
The CB's creamy four pot delivery is quite something I will say.
I love my W650.Get the rpm’s above 4000, free way speeds, and it smooths back out nicely . Mirrors are clear. I’ve done 500 mile weekends.l thought about trading up to the W800 but I like the look of the 650 better. FYI I’ve owned every thing from Ariel Square Fours through various Triumphs and everything in between.
The W650 gets good press, even compared to the 800 which one could argue was only a cc hike to meet emissions. Nice to have a kickstart too. Enjoy!
you can buy kits foe these to up the power and injection mapping
As long as it is accompanied with those new shocks ! :-0
Which🤔 royal Enfield or w800 Kwak.Im now in my mid sixties (I'm still looking at the ninja 1000 H2 XS SE +😳)lived in Leighton buzzard Bedfordshire. School days.My bike was the 50 cc fizzy.Mates had a Garelli? and a Gilera.Happy day.Give me a fizzy any day= 50 cc bike's for wheelies.🤔gilera
For super plush, too plush for some, I would go the W800. The RE650 definitely a bit firmer and not as high quality but that is reflected in the price. H2.... Wowsa! I think I would find the H2 frustrating in that you would never be able to use its potential in any meaningful way. Fizzy, always wanted one, never had one as a teenager as they were just out of my reach. Made up for it with a 250X7 on my 17th birthday.
But the vibrations disappear above 4000rpm. Smooth as butter at 75mph.
Yes, they never bothered me, great character to my mind.
Tech question. What rpm in 5th is it cruising at 100kmhr?? Looking at the 2024 model here in Thailand. $18k in aud. Around $3k more expensive than in OZ. Either this gadget or T100. Thanks.
It was my Buddies bike so I can't answer that accurately. It does get buzzy above a certain revs but I found it runs well at 3500RPM and should manage 100km/hr or close to it at those revs. It has bags of character but is a little less refined than the T100. That is not necessarily a bad thing though and if you are into doing your own valve clearances the W800 gets the win. It also gets the win for retaining the traditional Brit Bike 360 crank. Difficult choices but I'd have either at the end of the day.
do these things have a real carby or is it fuel injected and a fake plastic cover
All fuel injected, no way to pass emissions with carbs. They don’t even meet Euro 5 now so only dribs and drabs left in the showrooms in Europe. My local dealer has two left in grey which look fabulous. Last of the 360 deg parallel offerings in the classic British engine config in a world of 180 & 270’s. There is just a cover over the injection system, not looking to imitate carbs. Not a lot of plastic on the W800’s, they actually have a decent heritage originally getting a license off BSA.
just test road it as well, nice bike but too low for me and ground clearance is also too low. Besides that keeping endgine clean is probably a pain.
It is low and it aint no scratcher. First call for me (and my weight) was to up the rear preload, then it coped well. Yes, not sure it has a great finish for winter riding, definitely a summer machine.
Hello, I used to ride a Honda C110 Super Sport 50 c.c. motorcycle. It vibrated. Longer rides there would be numbness in the hands. It led me to have the belief that all motorcycles vibrated. Does the W-800 vibrate more or less than the Honda?
Loads more than the Honda. The Honda does vibrate with that classic inline four vibration but only if you push it harder.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Hello, just for fun I was comparing the twin W-800 to my 50 c.c. single that had knurled plastic hand grips. That single vibrated. The only bikes that I would expect to vibrate more would be a 500-600 c.c. Single. I pillioned on a Honda CB-750 but never drove one. I don't remember vibrations.
Having own a lot of motorcycle triumph bsa nortn matchless harley bmw and all the Japanese makes being 67 and rides w800 street it's a great bike don't crab just ride
I do not like the pea shooter exhaust and the exhaust looks too low to the ground.
I prefer the look of the Kawasaki Z900 RS but would look better with a pair of shocks as opposed to the mono shock.
The Honda CB1100 is just about perfect and a quality Honda.
I’m with you on the CB1100 John 👍
Great Vid Stay Cool :)
Cheers
Your safety vest looks orange to me🤔
It is, I was having a moment 😬
BeSt looking bike! First time I saw it I said to myself "What's thhat?"
It really does catch the eye doesn't it?
Kawasaki must be handing out cash to every motorcycle reviewer, publication and blogger in existence. Every other motorcyle-themed YouTUbe video is another fawning review of what is suddenly the most important motorcycle of all time. The excuses they make for the bike's shortcomings are sometimes comical. I have watched the W model sitting forlorn and unsold in the backs of dealer showrooms for the better part of twenty years, but I have yet to see one actually out on the road. I"m sure the bike has its charms in the retro market, but if Kawasaki really wants to sell the damn things, they need to drop the price down to Royal Enfield territory.
Tis true, these things sell in very small numbers and they have died in the market and been resurrected again. I can’t imagine anyone paying full price and anecdotally nobody does. This was a 2nd hand bike of a buddy of mine’s and he got it at a reasonable price. I’d have one in a heartbeat still, loved it.👍
it must p*ss you off that I bought one and I love it. lol
We love your positive outlook! Life of the party.
Kawasaki USA does not promote the W at all. I had a good talk with the NE regional manager at a Kawa demo day where they brought every bike in the line except the W800. He was so dismissive he did not even want to talk about the W. Recommended I get a Z650RS - which I did demo and I did enjoy riding. I have a 2021 W and I absolutely waited it out as the asking price dropped month after month and bought under 7k with 800 miles on it.
I picked mine up at a discount with one mile on it. Found it in the dusty dark of a big moto warehouse in Rustytruck, NC. All the other customers were swinging their work boots over Harleys and trading up from 4wheelers. I saw it on the website at 2k discount, and drove 80 miles to buy it the next day.
And the bike? Believe the hype. I’ve had a lot of bikes. This one is a fistful of chrome, an argument against disposable plastic crap, built better than your grandfather remembers. A living legend, and even at MSRP, costing less than the newest most technological wheelie lemming machine.
Great video Terry!!!! Retro is the new Black! Check out my channel for my inaugural ride on my Speed Triple RR.
Ride SAFE and BE safe Sir!!!
🙌👏👏👏👏👏👌🖖✌🤙👍👋🙂
Thankyou. Heading over to your channel now you lucky devil!