I am a huge RE fan and don’t think any other bike gives such incredible value for money. But, and it’s a huge BUT, that Kawasaki is just beautiful and the engine is truly a work of art. I’m not a big fan of ‘blacked out’ bikes so side by side the Kawasaki wins the good looks contest today.
Yep. Hate black anywhere on bikes. The whole world is obsessed with it. In the flesh, the green and chrome W800, sitting in the sun, would have to be the most beautiful bike Ive ever seen, and Ive seen a few..😂
Yep the blacked out RE against the W800 definitely comes 2nd & am a huge RE fan, but the W800 definitely needs a upgrade on the exhaust to make it sound a lot better Even the stock RE exhaust sounds better
Normally l'd agree with that but that RE is all black, like a John Player throwback, so l don't mind it. Love the Kawasaki though, only the higher bars like on the early 650 would improve it for me.
Chrome fills the space better and is more interesting to look at. Black is way more practical unless polishing is a big part of owning a bike. But then some don’t have ocd.
I got my W800 on Friday. First time I saw one online I fell in love but once I saw one in real life I was smitten....most beautiful bike I have ever seen. When I bought it the seller said I hope you like attention and talking to people as people love this bike and he was right. On my first ride out I stopped for petrol and two police officers parked up in a car came over and started asking me about it 😊 The low down torque is superb for lazy weekend riding you hardly have to change gear as it can pull in any and the engine breaking noise make you grin ear to ear, it could be louder but it is easy to remove the dB killers from the pipes and makes a big difference ( search on UA-cam). Buying the W800 was possible one of the best decisions I've ever made 🥰
I own a '15 model W800 and I agree with the assessment of this bike as presented here. I haven't ridden the RE, so I'm in no position to compare the two, however. A couple of things to note with the W800. They respond very well to a change of tyres. I'm running Bridgestone radials on mine. If you do purchase one of these, price that in, they need it. Once fitted with decent rubber, that big long wheel base and good rubber come together to make a bike that tracks exceptionally well and it will hold a line like it's on rails. It's worth noting also that the W comes with a 19" front wheel as standard. If you ride on rough roads like I do, you'll see why. It is easy to modify the exhaust on this bike to bring out a bit more "character". A 35 mm hole saw up the pipes will remove the baffles to reveal a more authentic sound without it being over the top, loud. One thing that I will say is that it takes a bit of time to get familiar with how to ride the W800. They just aren't like any other bike on the market, these days. They're geared quite low and they have oodles of power in the low to mid range. It's easy to ride these around town at quite a brisk pace and never go over 3k RPM. On the back roads, it's easy to never exceed 5k RPM. And the engine breaking higher in the rev range is pretty impressive. Once you get used to where and when to shift in order to make use of both the power and the engine breaking, you can really hustle these things along, but in a relative lazy way, if that makes sense. And that makes them a whole lot of fun to ride, and it makes them a very practical bike for "real world" riding. I wish that I'd known about these things, sooner.
The main reason Royal Enfield 650s handle and perform so well is because the frames were developed by Harris Performance. I find my Continental GT-650 very much up to task of navigating twisty roads and switchbacks with complete ease. Pound for pound they are hard to match, just my humble opinion. 🏁🏁 First on Race Day!!!
6 місяців тому+4
not only that... more than half of the team that worked on the interceptor engineering came from triumph. That is no secret that both companies exist less than a mile from one another and there was some hard poaching when RE moved it's design and engineering to UK (i remember checking RE engineering Linked in profiles and there were mostly ex-triumph people). Expert move.
As much as I love Royal Enfield, I'm riding the classic 350 myself, I gotta hand this one down to Kawasaki. The W800 (and the Meguro K3 variant) is just a top class bike.
Great to see you testing a W800, a fabulous looking retro, if it was my money it would be the W800 over the Interceptor every time. I could never understand why Kawasaki dropped it from its range especially when just about every other manufacturer has introduced retro's in to their line up, all of which seem to sell extremely well.
I've got a W800, the problem is Kawasaki did what everyone asked and took an honestly retro bike and updated it just enough for modern times. That means you get retro looks and handling. Most people actually want retro looks with modern handling, RE and Triumph seem to do that better overall. It's a compromise either way, though, I think. But I love my W800.
I’ve got an interceptor here in northern Utah, I take mine on the 70+mph highway all of the time. It does a very good job at those speeds. And the look of the bike draws a ton of attention.
I'm with you I dislike blacked out bikes, it's chrome all the way for me. The W800 has Kawasaki build quality and legendary reliability everything about it shouts quality. Its the only bike I'd swop my GoldStar for, but obviously a more recent model although that green is very tasty indeed.
6 місяців тому
Yup... and that w engine with that side bevel drive is soooo sweet... don't understand how companies want to make that a black blob.
I bought my '11 W800 for 4300 just before the premiere of the Interceptor. 6 years and 20k miles later I still got it and I will probably keep it as the price is not worth selling it really. If I would have a choice - would I buy the RE? No, I wouldn't. I like the Interceptor but I prefer the look of the W. You can get it cheaper and I trust it much more when it comes to reliability. Within 20k miles I only adjusted the tappets. No other mechanical work needed. With RE I'm certain that wheel bearings, clutch and a few other things would require my attention. If the Enfield would be cheaper though, I would probably lean towards it I guess.
@@IPlayTerribleGames absolutely perfect out of the box. it’s quite alot quicker than i was expecting as well. it’s the only motorcycle i have no desire to modify.
After weeks of researching, I narrowed down my search to the Interceptor 650 and the W800 Classic, with the preference towards the W800 because of it's beautiful styling and engine. However, after a test drive, I unfortunately realized that the W800 was a lot less comfortable than the Interceptor at my height (6'3). The Interceptor's seat height provides more room, it is easier to move around and get comfortable on the bench style saddle, and it's easier to adjust the pegs downwards (as the break lever of W800 runs below the peg, adjustment optionality is limited). Now I've got an awesome Interceptor 650 and added an aftermarket peashooter exhaust similar to the W800's stock one. Unbelievable how much this changes the style of the bike, truly believe it is best of both worlds like this :)
What’s good is we’ve got some great choices. Me, I bought an interceptor, but I can see why someone would chose a W800 instead, or a Triumph. Whatever you end up with will be a great bike.
The W800 looks more retro and distinguished, but there's a huge price difference here in Ireland. W800 is ~12k€ and RE is ~9500€ both new. Great comparison! Cheers!
Yes! 'Versus' videos are my favourite. It's a shame that more UA-camrs don't do them. I suppose it's not always easy to have two bikes available to review at the same time... plus some other 'influencers' are too scared to say anything critical which might risk them being blacklisted by the manufacturer!
The newer W800s are black (currently not sold in the UK, but there are some recent secondhand ones, and you can get them new from other countries in Europe, not sure how easy it is to import them to the UK post Brexit). The W800 has a similar hp:cc ratio to a 350cc Enfield (0.62hp:10cc) while the Interceptor's ratio is higher (0.72hp:10cc). I've also seen some pretty poor fuel economy reports regarding the W800, often well below 50mpg which is below any recent RE or even a recent Bonneville.
The W800 has a unique charm, the newer ones are marvelous. You can also find the "old" air-cooled Bonneville/Thruxton (360°) and Scrambler (270°) to compare to the Interceptor, it's a great bike if well looked after.
Glad you finally got to ride that beautiful W800 work of art, even though new ones are not sold in the UK now. Interestingly, you can buy a brand new 2024 W800 here in the USA today with a list price of $10,399. However, Royal Enfield's pricing is considerably lower. The blacked out ("Black Ray") ENT 650 you reviewed is $6,849. And a 2024 "Orange Crush" ENT 650 with brushed alloy engine, chrome exhaust and spoked wheels can be had for just $6,149. Meanwhile, over at the Guzzi dealer, the V7 Special is $9,590 and the blacked out V7 Stone is $9,190. Go figure!
Yes, I noticed that a few weeks back when purchasing my Shotgun 650 - AWESOME bike, btw - that the W800 was considerably more expensive. It's a great looking bike for sure, but I have to think that $3-4K price difference is going to put it at a disadvantage versus the REs.
Matte black engines cost less to manufacture than polished cases. So they take the cheap way out, but sell it as a feature, ie, "wow, look , blacked out." LOL. Also , chrome stays a lot cleaner for longer than black does! Every bit of black shows every speck of dirt!
The Kawasaki using a 360 degree even firing order crank is typical of traditional British parallel twins. The RE utilizing a 270 crank actually is the same firing order as 90 degree V twin with a similar sound. Most all modern parallel twin are using a 270 crank.
If money wasn't a problem I would definitely get the w800, that 360 deg crank soumd is a joy to my ears, it properly retro and I could be wrong but I think these are still made in Japan.
The W800 since 2019 sound even better, than the models till 2016
6 місяців тому+3
mmm... get the facts right... W800 is still around new and it is way pricier than the interceptor... revised engine, disk brakes at back and that's pretty much it. Interceptor is one hell of a machine for the price it costs... it is unbeatable... but W800 aren't a dime a dozen, are more polished and exclusive. in the end... I too would be hard to choose. If I was to buy new, I would by interceptor... if I could opt for a second hand, I would go w800 or even w650 for the carbs and kickstarter on a 25 year motorcycle...so almost a classic.
“It’s actually quite comfortable for someone of my height” For someone 6’1” (the same height as you) it’s important to hear how bikes measure up. Thank you 🙏
I don't know if you remember that I commented on you last video on the W800 and I said that it was between the W800 and the Interceptor and I went out and bought the Interceptor. I am so happy with my Interceptor 650 but boy the W800 looks amazing also. One of the things I really like about the interceptor is the way you can really make it your own with customization. It truly is a great bike and I don't see me ever selling it. Great review as usual and congratulation on 100k subscribers. Thanks ride safe!!
My closest Kawi dealer (Rapid City) has a brand new (2023) W800 on their showroom floor. Price is near $11,000 U.S. They have jumped up considerably in the past couple of years (Bidenomics) so the Interceptor is several thousand $$ less expensive. Also, and you did not mention this, the W has the fabulous Bevel Drive to actuate the lifters. This was a feature on early W bikes and some Brit classics. I prefer the sound and vibes of the 360 degree firing order and the W, I believe, is currently the only bike tuned that way. The Triumph and RE twins, with their 270 degree timing are designed to sound more V Twin like. If I wanted a V Twin I would buy a V Twin. ( I own several, now) 🙂 I would put some mini apes on the Kawasaki and a nice mellow set of reverse cone slip ons and make beautiful music in these wonderful Black Hills in which I ride.
As for the ‘blacked out’ look, I personally would prefer a combination of a black powder coated block and fins with brushed or polished engine casings and valve cover. I thought RE missed a trick by not doing that with the Super Meteor. Having a degree of shiny bits to break up all that black would be much handsomer in my view. Perhaps they’ll do it for future models. Or maybe I’ll just have to do it myself!
As a W800 cafe owner, I can tell you that it's an amazing bike. But I also enjoy the look of RE Int here in the states. But I could have gone either way, it was the cowl on the W and the black out of the engine.
I'd say this was a pretty fair comparison. Even though Kawasaki is still selling the W800 new in the United States, they haven't changed it very much since the earlier EU versions. The engine is mostly unchanged, but if you look at dyno information, the new (2019+) W800 doesn't produce peak torque until ~4500 RPM now. I'm not sure what changes Kawasaki have made to the engine to produce this result. The engine, with it's lazy, long-stroke, very undersquare design, still produces a ton of torque from idle on up and pulls smoothly but there is a bit of a more pronounced bump in "power" feel around 4K on the tach. I do know the new engine has a different oxygen sensor arrangement too, using two sensors with one in each header instead of a single one below the engine in the crossover tube. The other changes are that the new W800s have ABS now, and a rear disc brake. Unfortunately the ABS pump occupies the empty space directly in front of the engine, inside the frame cradle, and it's not great to look at and kind of spoils some of the look of the engine area. I own a 2019 Cafe version of the W800, which has a small bullet fairing and an 18" front wheel, with low clubman bars. Great to look at, but is definitely a committed riding position. I've had it since it 2020 and it's been basically flawless during that time. I will say some people find the vibrations between 3-4k RPM to be borderline excessive. What is annoying is that cruising in top gear at 60mph (100km/h) puts the engine right in the worst of those vibes and it does become uncomfortable. I wish the engine were a bit smoother in this range. Thew new W800s are a bit expensive for what they are -- MSRP in the states is about $10,400 USD, while the RE twins are roughly 60 percent of that! To be fair, the W800 is one of a few Japanese bikes that is actually still built in Japan, so make of that what you will.
I agree with your comments re power and speed. Specs don't tell you anything much about the character of the machine. In my youth back in the 80s and 90s showrooms were full of bikes that had HP well beyond their braking and handling capabilities in my opinion.
I bought a green 2012 W800 brand new in 2012 for £6000 and it was my daily all year round commuter and did a few long distance tours as well for about 5 years and I put about 20K miles on it, then work location changed and I sold it on. My quick fire opinions on it. It was comfortable. It was too quiet would have been nicer it it had a bit of rumble. It was a bit vibrationy at certain rpms. It wasnt fast but it was fast enough. The battery was a pain to access but how often do you need to do that. The tank had to come off to get to the plugs and valves which was a pain. Oil filter was easy to replace. Its was thirsty for oil though, mine needed topping up every few weeks. The exhausts chrome rusted. The inside of the tank rusted and rusted through creating a leak which need a repair. The ally forks and engine discoloured. Lots of other bits rusted as well, rear springs etc. It had good enough brakes. It lived outside at night and it always started up and never broke down once. The bevel drive cover on right was a good hand warmer in winter waiting at traffic lights. I never worried too much about it getting robbed cause to me anyway, just seemed not worth robbing as no market for its parts and its not a racer. Would I buy another one?, yes I would. But, do they sell new ones in the UK anymore? Doesn’t look like it? Anyone know have they pulled them from the UK market temporarily or permanently or ?
Current w800 are disc front and rear with ABS Agree with you about the bar height I just bought a W800 the fit and finish is better than the RE The stock w800 seat is soft but I didn’t like it after very few miles, I put a Corbin seat on it and made it way better W800 valve adjustment if far simpler I’m 6’4” 260lbs I fit on it your dad would be ok I think Good video thanks
I think on a retro motorcycle a rear drum brake isn't much of a downgrade: You're less likely to lock up the rear brake and your spokes won't be covered in brake dust :)
Kawa made in Japan. RE made in India. I looked closely at both of them and I think the quality of the RE is nowhere near the Kawasaki. I noticed one thing. The Brits are not entirely objective regarding brands like RE or Triumph and I guess it is natural. I got my W800 today and I must say it stole my heart because of the way it looks. It looks way better than any RE or Triumph in my opinion. And don’t we buy those retro mainly for their looks? Modern bikes are almost always better in most aspects but the looks because most of them look like crap. Don’t you agree?
I agree - i have a bit of two souls in me. I like retro bikes, but also "neo retro" like Honda CB650R style. Actual i consider to get a w800, because of is air cooled motor + sound + look at all and i really like that Kawasaki put an LED headlight on it. I not sure, if a triumph speed twin 900 can be compared with a w800. I like the way of soft modern elements on the triumph, like the rear light, the "modern rims with tires" and a Retro Hud with all information. But the small 12l tank size and the halo frontlight is odd, and, to be honest, i don´t know the quality of triumph. I think it must be pretty good for the price. :P
@@hackerrank9173 All those bikes we're talking about are great. I think RE is the best deal you can get on the market. I was just trying to say that I justify the higher price of the W800 due to better quality of the bike in general, not to mention "made in Japan" tag and factory exhaust tune-up. If getting the best deal was my objective RE would be a winner.
Absolutely adore both of them, though I'd have to give it to the Kawasaki for looks. Would maybe be different with the metal/spoked wheels Interceptor! Either way, they're bikes that you turn back to once you've parked to get a second glance, and that'd what it is about!
Personally I like a Japanese bike . . I do like the interceptor too though . The w 800 engine does vibrate quite a bit with the 360 degree crank . Many people can't live with the vibes according to my Kawasaki dealer . Saying that I bought a new w800 in 2013 and I can't sell it
@@Bob-xc2us I think you are right about Kawasaki building in a bit of vibration to make it feel more authentic. , I've only done 2300 miles on mine in over ten years and it's still like new . Still on the original battery and has never refused to start . Of course I do top up the battery occasionally with an optimate
Couple of weeks ago I’ve asked for w800 test done by you - since I appreciate your “modern bloke” approach to bikes with classic appeal. I thanked for the test from few days ago. But this is even better. Another thumb up….it’s a shame I can’t subscribe again. Anyway wish you 1000000 subs. Can’t wait for the old man’s come back.
Great comparison and review. I have an interceptor and really like it. It has a few minor things that I will change, such as foot rests but nothing small money can't fix!
@@MrDarcy-OlMan I think, for me, either the T120 or Speed Twin is the best option but a lot more money. The Interceptor is definitely the most bang for your buck in the segment
Fantastic and very insightful comparison. Thank you for posting this. I've had a 2020 W800 since that fateful year and have been using it mostly on city streets where it has been great. Now I want to find "bumpy country lanes" like these and try her out there! Yes, the newer models have disc brakes in the rear (and ABS), and I feel like maybe a slightly louder exhaust note? The stock Dunlop K300 tires do look incredible but I changed them out for Continentals right away because the stock tires were giving me wobble on highway rain grooves. (I got a Continental Trail Attack 3 in the front and Road Attack 3 in the rear and they have been excellent with no wobble.) I appreciate all of Mr. Darcy's notes on the differences with the Interceptor and I find the most notable one is probably the higher-revving engine. Also it looks like there is liquid-cooling on the RE vs. air cooling on the Kawi? Mr. Darcy if you are reading these comments it would be great to see a review of the Interceptor and the Hunter 350 - from a handling perspective and all-around comparison like this one was. Great stuff!
A constructive word on throttle control - Just grabbing a fist-full between gears & then waiting for the engine to catch up, is cruel, unproductive & inefficient on so-o-o many levels. Your cylinders have a 'flame front' to play with, once you find & feel it, you're on your way to the power curve the designers wanted you to feel. Whatever the revs, gear or applied load, there'll be an ever changing 'happy place' for the throttle as the engine climbs & descends, find that & operate a few percent either side of the optimal to suit your needs. Ride the W800 like fuel is scarce, £17.50 a litre & your mum's on the back - Don't just throw food in it's face & wait for a result, find it's 'happy place' & feed the flame accordingly - you'll be surprised at the bike's responsiveness to your own skill - if not, the fueling's naff : )
The Interceptor is the better motorcycle. Not taking anything away from the W800 it is a great motorcycle but the INT650 is just better. I rode a newer used 2020 W800, and I think the INT650 with its 6 speed, power delivery, and its frame is just a more spirited motorcycle to ride. My INT650 is the Canyon Red and not blacked out everywhere. Ride it every day, love it.
I think the Powerage Exhausts are the same as the Enfield Precision ones from Hitchcocks and I also think Tec Bike Parts have a similar or offer the same set as well for the Interceptor 650. I have the Enfield Precision and they sound exactly the same and do give improved performance and fuel economy.
Great comparison there Mr Darcy. Also, good to hear you giving us some of the stats which save me, for one, shlepping round the manufactuers crappy websites. Cheers.
Ive got a 2020 W800 Cafe w/ ABS ,Disks , front and rear. Excellent performance! Seating similar to the continental GT. Still a 5 speed in 2020. Looks like it will be out in Japan, Australia and the U.S. ..MSRP 2024 $7999. Three models available in Japan, Classic, Cafe and Street. Classic only USA. W800 sounds Awsome w/ Delkevic or Khan Moto exhaust. Cafe and Street models have black engines w/ polished fin edges! Love mine!
Really good videos and reviews. One advice to help everyone, like me, show the conversions on the video to the Metric system. When you say i'm this tall or this bike does miles per gallon show some texto with that info. Thanks and keep the good bikes coming.
A nice comparison. While following the evolution of the W800 I have no experience with one. But I had a W650 and regrettably sold it over 10 years ago. I know that the W800 had a very nominal increase in horsepower but a greater torque and no carbs.The w650 though was totally reliable had a decent suspension and power. Of note, it was supposedly based on a BSA model Kawasaki produced in the 60s under licence. It certainly looked British. Fellow riders seeing it for the first time scratched their heads convinced they were looking at Brit bike that somebody had simply put a Kawai medallion on and would dismiss it as a Japanese knock off. What would they say today about Royal Enfields? Finally two things, where is the kick starter (w650 had one) and was it not dangerous standing in front of what is clearly a Zombie containment facility?
I would also like to see RE switch to belt drive, chain drive requires so much more maintenance and is not even needed. On that class of bike, belt drive is so much easier to keep maintained.
Resale value of the w800 will be way higher than the RE interceptor in 10-20-30 years. (and the new w800 has slipper clutch, traction, ABS, and injection kits are available to up the HP)
Might have been if it was a newer version but when you ride them back to back the royal Enfield was slightly better in my opinion. But everyone has their own opinion 😊
14:06 Hahaha! 😂 The W800 is really nice. Also, I agree that the polished alloy cases look better than blacked out ones because the engine is a styling element too. But, RE provided the choice for those who prefer the stealth look and that is good.
Love the w800 thanks so much for a superb head to head review So many people have forgotten what a review should be fantastic I really think the w800 would suit me for an every day ride to work bike thanks so much
The w800 stock sound is imo as close to perfect as a motorcycle can sound. Videos never do it justice. It doesn't need to be louder. It sounds like it looks.
My w650 is 22 years old and in great condition and still worth £3500. Will a RE? Resale values aren't too good either. And wait for the corrosion to get under those black engine cases, triumph suffer the same problem.!!
I was considering the W800 because the looks but realized all these bikes are trying to look like a Bonneville, and the Bonneville is still being sold and with 1200cc engines at that (and reasonably priced 1200cc as well). So T120 for me, but I'd still argue the W800 looks more like a Bonneville than the real thing :)
I am a huge RE fan and don’t think any other bike gives such incredible value for money. But, and it’s a huge BUT, that Kawasaki is just beautiful and the engine is truly a work of art. I’m not a big fan of ‘blacked out’ bikes so side by side the Kawasaki wins the good looks contest today.
Yep. Hate black anywhere on bikes. The whole world is obsessed with it. In the flesh, the green and chrome W800, sitting in the sun, would have to be the most beautiful bike Ive ever seen, and Ive seen a few..😂
Yep the blacked out RE against the W800 definitely comes 2nd & am a huge RE fan, but the W800 definitely needs a upgrade on the exhaust to make it sound a lot better Even the stock RE exhaust sounds better
Normally l'd agree with that but that RE is all black, like a John Player throwback, so l don't mind it. Love the Kawasaki though, only the higher bars like on the early 650 would improve it for me.
Is royal Enfield reliable
Chrome fills the space better and is more interesting to look at. Black is way more practical unless polishing is a big part of owning a bike. But then some don’t have ocd.
I got my W800 on Friday. First time I saw one online I fell in love but once I saw one in real life I was smitten....most beautiful bike I have ever seen. When I bought it the seller said I hope you like attention and talking to people as people love this bike and he was right. On my first ride out I stopped for petrol and two police officers parked up in a car came over and started asking me about it 😊 The low down torque is superb for lazy weekend riding you hardly have to change gear as it can pull in any and the engine breaking noise make you grin ear to ear, it could be louder but it is easy to remove the dB killers from the pipes and makes a big difference ( search on UA-cam). Buying the W800 was possible one of the best decisions I've ever made 🥰
Great to hear 👍🏼
Bought my Kawasaki w800 cafe for £5495 pre reg 22 plate with 0 miles brand new in February this year
Definitely bargain of the century.
Wow, you got a deal !
I own a '15 model W800 and I agree with the assessment of this bike as presented here. I haven't ridden the RE, so I'm in no position to compare the two, however. A couple of things to note with the W800. They respond very well to a change of tyres. I'm running Bridgestone radials on mine. If you do purchase one of these, price that in, they need it. Once fitted with decent rubber, that big long wheel base and good rubber come together to make a bike that tracks exceptionally well and it will hold a line like it's on rails.
It's worth noting also that the W comes with a 19" front wheel as standard. If you ride on rough roads like I do, you'll see why.
It is easy to modify the exhaust on this bike to bring out a bit more "character". A 35 mm hole saw up the pipes will remove the baffles to reveal a more authentic sound without it being over the top, loud.
One thing that I will say is that it takes a bit of time to get familiar with how to ride the W800. They just aren't like any other bike on the market, these days. They're geared quite low and they have oodles of power in the low to mid range. It's easy to ride these around town at quite a brisk pace and never go over 3k RPM. On the back roads, it's easy to never exceed 5k RPM.
And the engine breaking higher in the rev range is pretty impressive. Once you get used to where and when to shift in order to make use of both the power and the engine breaking, you can really hustle these things along, but in a relative lazy way, if that makes sense. And that makes them a whole lot of fun to ride, and it makes them a very practical bike for "real world" riding.
I wish that I'd known about these things, sooner.
The main reason Royal Enfield 650s handle and perform so well is because the frames were developed by Harris Performance. I find my Continental GT-650 very much up to task of navigating twisty roads and switchbacks with complete ease. Pound for pound they are hard to match, just my humble opinion. 🏁🏁 First on Race Day!!!
not only that... more than half of the team that worked on the interceptor engineering came from triumph. That is no secret that both companies exist less than a mile from one another and there was some hard poaching when RE moved it's design and engineering to UK (i remember checking RE engineering Linked in profiles and there were mostly ex-triumph people). Expert move.
I mean requiring Triumph workers is the logical move. Because they r the benchmark in UK.
As much as I love Royal Enfield, I'm riding the classic 350 myself, I gotta hand this one down to Kawasaki. The W800 (and the Meguro K3 variant) is just a top class bike.
That meguro 👌lovely
Heeh The King of Modern Classic Bikes is only one! It's Kawasaki W800 from 2011 to 2016
Great to see you testing a W800, a fabulous looking retro, if it was my money it would be the W800 over the Interceptor every time. I could never understand why Kawasaki dropped it from its range especially when just about every other manufacturer has introduced retro's in to their line up, all of which seem to sell extremely well.
I've got a W800, the problem is Kawasaki did what everyone asked and took an honestly retro bike and updated it just enough for modern times. That means you get retro looks and handling. Most people actually want retro looks with modern handling, RE and Triumph seem to do that better overall. It's a compromise either way, though, I think. But I love my W800.
I’ve got an interceptor here in northern Utah, I take mine on the 70+mph highway all of the time. It does a very good job at those speeds. And the look of the bike draws a ton of attention.
I'm with you I dislike blacked out bikes, it's chrome all the way for me. The W800 has Kawasaki build quality and legendary reliability everything about it shouts quality. Its the only bike I'd swop my GoldStar for, but obviously a more recent model although that green is very tasty indeed.
Yup... and that w engine with that side bevel drive is soooo sweet... don't understand how companies want to make that a black blob.
I bought my '11 W800 for 4300 just before the premiere of the Interceptor. 6 years and 20k miles later I still got it and I will probably keep it as the price is not worth selling it really. If I would have a choice - would I buy the RE? No, I wouldn't. I like the Interceptor but I prefer the look of the W. You can get it cheaper and I trust it much more when it comes to reliability. Within 20k miles I only adjusted the tappets. No other mechanical work needed. With RE I'm certain that wheel bearings, clutch and a few other things would require my attention. If the Enfield would be cheaper though, I would probably lean towards it I guess.
a new W800 will be arriving to my house later this month. i’ve never ridden one and didn’t have to. it’s perfection.
How are you liking it?
@@IPlayTerribleGames absolutely perfect out of the box. it’s quite alot quicker than i was expecting as well. it’s the only motorcycle i have no desire to modify.
Fantastic editing - really appreciate the riding
(SOUND😊) clips scattered throughout 👍🏻
Keep 'em coming!
Thanks a ton!
After weeks of researching, I narrowed down my search to the Interceptor 650 and the W800 Classic, with the preference towards the W800 because of it's beautiful styling and engine. However, after a test drive, I unfortunately realized that the W800 was a lot less comfortable than the Interceptor at my height (6'3). The Interceptor's seat height provides more room, it is easier to move around and get comfortable on the bench style saddle, and it's easier to adjust the pegs downwards (as the break lever of W800 runs below the peg, adjustment optionality is limited).
Now I've got an awesome Interceptor 650 and added an aftermarket peashooter exhaust similar to the W800's stock one. Unbelievable how much this changes the style of the bike, truly believe it is best of both worlds like this :)
What’s good is we’ve got some great choices. Me, I bought an interceptor, but I can see why someone would chose a W800 instead, or a Triumph. Whatever you end up with will be a great bike.
The W800 looks more retro and distinguished, but there's a huge price difference here in Ireland. W800 is ~12k€ and RE is ~9500€ both new. Great comparison! Cheers!
Thanks for sharing!
Yes! 'Versus' videos are my favourite. It's a shame that more UA-camrs don't do them. I suppose it's not always easy to have two bikes available to review at the same time... plus some other 'influencers' are too scared to say anything critical which might risk them being blacklisted by the manufacturer!
Yes it is quite hard to get two bikes at the same time! But we have plans for many more comparisons this year! 😁
Both great bikes ! My choice goes for the W800 😉
Fair enough!
The newer W800s are black (currently not sold in the UK, but there are some recent secondhand ones, and you can get them new from other countries in Europe, not sure how easy it is to import them to the UK post Brexit). The W800 has a similar hp:cc ratio to a 350cc Enfield (0.62hp:10cc) while the Interceptor's ratio is higher (0.72hp:10cc). I've also seen some pretty poor fuel economy reports regarding the W800, often well below 50mpg which is below any recent RE or even a recent Bonneville.
The W800 looks nicer and has a better build quality. Not bad for a bike that was designed in 1999 when Kawasaki launched the W650.
Two very Nice Bikes. I ride a W800 MJ 2024. I love the Feeling and the Sound.
Oh, congratulations on reaching 100,000 subs! This father and son deserve it.
Thank you very much!
The W800 has a unique charm, the newer ones are marvelous. You can also find the "old" air-cooled Bonneville/Thruxton (360°) and Scrambler (270°) to compare to the Interceptor, it's a great bike if well looked after.
Glad you finally got to ride that beautiful W800 work of art, even though new ones are not sold in the UK now.
Interestingly, you can buy a brand new 2024 W800 here in the USA today with a list price of $10,399.
However, Royal Enfield's pricing is considerably lower. The blacked out ("Black Ray") ENT 650 you reviewed is $6,849. And a 2024 "Orange Crush" ENT 650 with brushed alloy engine, chrome exhaust and spoked wheels can be had for just $6,149.
Meanwhile, over at the Guzzi dealer, the V7 Special is $9,590 and the blacked out V7 Stone is $9,190. Go figure!
Yes, I noticed that a few weeks back when purchasing my Shotgun 650 - AWESOME bike, btw - that the W800 was considerably more expensive. It's a great looking bike for sure, but I have to think that $3-4K price difference is going to put it at a disadvantage versus the REs.
I'd go the w800 without a seconds consideration for the re. It's just perfection in execution for a retro twin with class.
The Kawasaki W650 and W800 were great bikes
Maybe a bit too expensive for the UK 🇬🇧 market
Matte black engines cost less to manufacture than polished cases. So they take the cheap way out, but sell it as a feature, ie, "wow, look , blacked out." LOL. Also , chrome stays a lot cleaner for longer than black does! Every bit of black shows every speck of dirt!
I love the stealth , every man and his dog goes for shiny bling
The Kawasaki using a 360 degree even firing order crank is typical of traditional British parallel twins. The RE utilizing a 270 crank actually is the same firing order as 90 degree V twin with a similar sound. Most all modern parallel twin are using a 270 crank.
Great comparison of these fantastic bikes.
Your VDO is a great guideline for those looking for a good retro, Darcy.
Glad you think so!
If money wasn't a problem I would definitely get the w800, that 360 deg crank soumd is a joy to my ears, it properly retro and I could be wrong but I think these are still made in Japan.
The W800 since 2019 sound even better, than the models till 2016
mmm... get the facts right... W800 is still around new and it is way pricier than the interceptor... revised engine, disk brakes at back and that's pretty much it. Interceptor is one hell of a machine for the price it costs... it is unbeatable... but W800 aren't a dime a dozen, are more polished and exclusive. in the end... I too would be hard to choose. If I was to buy new, I would by interceptor... if I could opt for a second hand, I would go w800 or even w650 for the carbs and kickstarter on a 25 year motorcycle...so almost a classic.
Nice bikes! I see on the Kawasaki USA website that the W800 is available here with a 2024 model for $10,400 MSRP.
Both gorgeous! That’s interesting to hear, such a shame it’s no longer available here!
“It’s actually quite comfortable for someone of my height”
For someone 6’1” (the same height as you) it’s important to hear how bikes measure up.
Thank you 🙏
After reviewing so many great bikes I was going for the Cali green interceptor but that blacked out engine looks beautiful.
I don't know if you remember that I commented on you last video on the W800 and I said that it was between the W800 and the Interceptor and I went out and bought the Interceptor. I am so happy with my Interceptor 650 but boy the W800 looks amazing also. One of the things I really like about the interceptor is the way you can really make it your own with customization. It truly is a great bike and I don't see me ever selling it. Great review as usual and congratulation on 100k subscribers. Thanks ride safe!!
Thank you so much, yes the Royal Enfields are very customisable!
My closest Kawi dealer (Rapid City) has a brand new (2023) W800 on their showroom floor. Price is near $11,000 U.S. They have jumped up considerably in the past couple of years (Bidenomics) so the Interceptor is several thousand $$ less expensive. Also, and you did not mention this, the W has the fabulous Bevel Drive to actuate the lifters. This was a feature on early W bikes and some Brit classics. I prefer the sound and vibes of the 360 degree firing order and the W, I believe, is currently the only bike tuned that way. The Triumph and RE twins, with their 270 degree timing are designed to sound more V Twin like. If I wanted a V Twin I would buy a V Twin. ( I own several, now) 🙂 I would put some mini apes on the Kawasaki and a nice mellow set of reverse cone slip ons and make beautiful music in these wonderful Black Hills in which I ride.
i think the bevel drive would drive a gear on the cam, not lifters?
I’m a cheap bastard so went for the interceptor, but the finishing on that Quacker is gorgeous.
As for the ‘blacked out’ look, I personally would prefer a combination of a black powder coated block and fins with brushed or polished engine casings and valve cover.
I thought RE missed a trick by not doing that with the Super Meteor.
Having a degree of shiny bits to break up all that black would be much handsomer in my view.
Perhaps they’ll do it for future models. Or maybe I’ll just have to do it myself!
Gonna buy W800 in the near future, currently i'm sticking with my W250 till i finished college.
A Great Mental ride you took there made me feel relieved...
Thanks bro! Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼
1 point I'd like to argue. Most beautiful bike ever? The all-white Honda VFR750. Absolute angel. But that W800 sure does look great!
A steel braided brakeline helps a bit with the sponginess.
I do miss a 6th gear though just to drop the revs at around 100Kp/h below the buzzy range.
As a W800 cafe owner, I can tell you that it's an amazing bike. But I also enjoy the look of RE Int here in the states. But I could have gone either way, it was the cowl on the W and the black out of the engine.
Love my Kawasaki w800 2012, same green like yours.Beautiful ride!!!❤
I had a W650, loved that bike! Sadly my garage got too small when my son needed a 125 for his motorcycle licence training.
I'd say this was a pretty fair comparison. Even though Kawasaki is still selling the W800 new in the United States, they haven't changed it very much since the earlier EU versions. The engine is mostly unchanged, but if you look at dyno information, the new (2019+) W800 doesn't produce peak torque until ~4500 RPM now. I'm not sure what changes Kawasaki have made to the engine to produce this result. The engine, with it's lazy, long-stroke, very undersquare design, still produces a ton of torque from idle on up and pulls smoothly but there is a bit of a more pronounced bump in "power" feel around 4K on the tach. I do know the new engine has a different oxygen sensor arrangement too, using two sensors with one in each header instead of a single one below the engine in the crossover tube. The other changes are that the new W800s have ABS now, and a rear disc brake. Unfortunately the ABS pump occupies the empty space directly in front of the engine, inside the frame cradle, and it's not great to look at and kind of spoils some of the look of the engine area.
I own a 2019 Cafe version of the W800, which has a small bullet fairing and an 18" front wheel, with low clubman bars. Great to look at, but is definitely a committed riding position. I've had it since it 2020 and it's been basically flawless during that time. I will say some people find the vibrations between 3-4k RPM to be borderline excessive. What is annoying is that cruising in top gear at 60mph (100km/h) puts the engine right in the worst of those vibes and it does become uncomfortable. I wish the engine were a bit smoother in this range.
Thew new W800s are a bit expensive for what they are -- MSRP in the states is about $10,400 USD, while the RE twins are roughly 60 percent of that! To be fair, the W800 is one of a few Japanese bikes that is actually still built in Japan, so make of that what you will.
I agree with your comments re power and speed. Specs don't tell you anything much about the character of the machine. In my youth back in the 80s and 90s showrooms were full of bikes that had HP well beyond their braking and handling capabilities in my opinion.
I bought a green 2012 W800 brand new in 2012 for £6000 and it was my daily all year round commuter and did a few long distance tours as well for about 5 years and I put about 20K miles on it, then work location changed and I sold it on. My quick fire opinions on it. It was comfortable. It was too quiet would have been nicer it it had a bit of rumble. It was a bit vibrationy at certain rpms. It wasnt fast but it was fast enough. The battery was a pain to access but how often do you need to do that. The tank had to come off to get to the plugs and valves which was a pain. Oil filter was easy to replace. Its was thirsty for oil though, mine needed topping up every few weeks. The exhausts chrome rusted. The inside of the tank rusted and rusted through creating a leak which need a repair. The ally forks and engine discoloured. Lots of other bits rusted as well, rear springs etc. It had good enough brakes. It lived outside at night and it always started up and never broke down once. The bevel drive cover on right was a good hand warmer in winter waiting at traffic lights. I never worried too much about it getting robbed cause to me anyway, just seemed not worth robbing as no market for its parts and its not a racer. Would I buy another one?, yes I would. But, do they sell new ones in the UK anymore? Doesn’t look like it? Anyone know have they pulled them from the UK market temporarily or permanently or ?
The old W800 with spokewheels and without ABS vs brandnew Interceptor with alu rims? 😳
Not even close, the 800 is next level. The RE is okay but the W800 is a mans bike .
One of the greatest things about riding a motorcycle is the open air and the different smells. Or as you say" feel the smells ". Only on a bike.
Current w800 are disc front and rear with ABS
Agree with you about the bar height
I just bought a W800 the fit and finish is better than the RE
The stock w800 seat is soft but I didn’t like it after very few miles, I put a Corbin seat on it and made it way better
W800 valve adjustment if far simpler
I’m 6’4” 260lbs I fit on it your dad would be ok I think
Good video thanks
I think on a retro motorcycle a rear drum brake isn't much of a downgrade: You're less likely to lock up the rear brake and your spokes won't be covered in brake dust :)
The blacked out Interceptor makes sense for the rainy UK I think..... 👍👍
Kawa made in Japan. RE made in India. I looked closely at both of them and I think the quality of the RE is nowhere near the Kawasaki. I noticed one thing. The Brits are not entirely objective regarding brands like RE or Triumph and I guess it is natural. I got my W800 today and I must say it stole my heart because of the way it looks. It looks way better than any RE or Triumph in my opinion. And don’t we buy those retro mainly for their looks? Modern bikes are almost always better in most aspects but the looks because most of them look like crap. Don’t you agree?
I agree - i have a bit of two souls in me. I like retro bikes, but also "neo retro" like Honda CB650R style. Actual i consider to get a w800, because of is air cooled motor + sound + look at all and i really like that Kawasaki put an LED headlight on it. I not sure, if a triumph speed twin 900 can be compared with a w800. I like the way of soft modern elements on the triumph, like the rear light, the "modern rims with tires" and a Retro Hud with all information. But the small 12l tank size and the halo frontlight is odd, and, to be honest, i don´t know the quality of triumph. I think it must be pretty good for the price. :P
RE is way more reliable and looks are just awesome too.....
@@hackerrank9173 All those bikes we're talking about are great. I think RE is the best deal you can get on the market. I was just trying to say that I justify the higher price of the W800 due to better quality of the bike in general, not to mention "made in Japan" tag and factory exhaust tune-up. If getting the best deal was my objective RE would be a winner.
I’d take the RE all day long and especially in the black it looks awesome .
Absolutely adore both of them, though I'd have to give it to the Kawasaki for looks. Would maybe be different with the metal/spoked wheels Interceptor! Either way, they're bikes that you turn back to once you've parked to get a second glance, and that'd what it is about!
Totally agree!
I do love the look of the W800 👍🏼
I hope they still make Interceptors with the spoked wheels and chrome. The blacked out look just doesn’t look right to me personally.
Personally I like a Japanese bike . . I do like the interceptor too though . The w 800 engine does vibrate quite a bit with the 360 degree crank . Many people can't live with the vibes according to my Kawasaki dealer . Saying that I bought a new w800 in 2013 and I can't sell it
@@Bob-xc2us I think you are right about Kawasaki building in a bit of vibration to make it feel more authentic. , I've only done 2300 miles on mine in over ten years and it's still like new . Still on the original battery and has never refused to start . Of course I do top up the battery occasionally with an optimate
I just use the vibes as an indication it's time to change up 🤣
I’ve had a 99 W650 and the later W800. I always preferred the 650, felt more perky and alive than the 800.
I just turned over 40,000 miles on my interceptor. My only failures have been a battery and speedometer cable.
Great to hear!
Couple of weeks ago I’ve asked for w800 test done by you - since I appreciate your “modern bloke” approach to bikes with classic appeal. I thanked for the test from few days ago. But this is even better. Another thumb up….it’s a shame I can’t subscribe again. Anyway wish you 1000000 subs. Can’t wait for the old man’s come back.
He is coming back very soon 👍🏼
you had the RE on centre stand and the Kawasaki on side stand, the RE would definitely be more comfortable for someone as tall as you. just saying
Great comparison and review. I have an interceptor and really like it. It has a few minor things that I will change, such as foot rests but nothing small money can't fix!
Glad it was helpful!
@@MrDarcy-OlMan I think, for me, either the T120 or Speed Twin is the best option but a lot more money. The Interceptor is definitely the most bang for your buck in the segment
Fantastic and very insightful comparison. Thank you for posting this. I've had a 2020 W800 since that fateful year and have been using it mostly on city streets where it has been great. Now I want to find "bumpy country lanes" like these and try her out there! Yes, the newer models have disc brakes in the rear (and ABS), and I feel like maybe a slightly louder exhaust note? The stock Dunlop K300 tires do look incredible but I changed them out for Continentals right away because the stock tires were giving me wobble on highway rain grooves. (I got a Continental Trail Attack 3 in the front and Road Attack 3 in the rear and they have been excellent with no wobble.) I appreciate all of Mr. Darcy's notes on the differences with the Interceptor and I find the most notable one is probably the higher-revving engine. Also it looks like there is liquid-cooling on the RE vs. air cooling on the Kawi? Mr. Darcy if you are reading these comments it would be great to see a review of the Interceptor and the Hunter 350 - from a handling perspective and all-around comparison like this one was. Great stuff!
@@Bob-xc2us Ah, interesting. Thanks for mentioning this.
A constructive word on throttle control - Just grabbing a fist-full between gears & then waiting for the engine to catch up, is cruel, unproductive & inefficient on so-o-o many levels.
Your cylinders have a 'flame front' to play with, once you find & feel it, you're on your way to the power curve the designers wanted you to feel. Whatever the revs, gear or applied load, there'll be an ever changing 'happy place' for the throttle as the engine climbs & descends, find that & operate a few percent either side of the optimal to suit your needs.
Ride the W800 like fuel is scarce, £17.50 a litre & your mum's on the back - Don't just throw food in it's face & wait for a result, find it's 'happy place' & feed the flame accordingly - you'll be surprised at the bike's responsiveness to your own skill - if not, the fueling's naff : )
I prefer the lines snd looks of the kawasaki
W800 sounds awesome..... almost like the bmw boxer twins.....
Or B.S.A. A7's..
Same firing order
The Interceptor is the better motorcycle. Not taking anything away from the W800 it is a great motorcycle but the INT650 is just better. I rode a newer used 2020 W800, and I think the INT650 with its 6 speed, power delivery, and its frame is just a more spirited motorcycle to ride. My INT650 is the Canyon Red and not blacked out everywhere. Ride it every day, love it.
This was a great comparison of the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the Kawasaki W800! It sounds like you had a lot of fun riding these bikes
Glad you enjoyed it! It was super fun 😁
@@MrDarcy-OlMan ya 😃
I think the Powerage Exhausts are the same as the Enfield Precision ones from Hitchcocks and I also think Tec Bike Parts have a similar or offer the same set as well for the Interceptor 650. I have the Enfield Precision and they sound exactly the same and do give improved performance and fuel economy.
Beautiful indeed.
Enjoyed the review as always.
Thank you kindly!
Great comparison there Mr Darcy. Also, good to hear you giving us some of the stats which save me, for one, shlepping round the manufactuers crappy websites. Cheers.
I really dislike the blackout package on the Enfield and love the chrome on the w800. In this setup the Kawasaki is a true classic style.
Ive got a 2020 W800 Cafe w/ ABS ,Disks , front and rear. Excellent performance! Seating similar to the continental GT. Still a 5 speed in 2020. Looks like it will be out in Japan, Australia and the U.S. ..MSRP 2024 $7999. Three models available in Japan, Classic, Cafe and Street. Classic only USA. W800 sounds Awsome w/ Delkevic or Khan Moto exhaust. Cafe and Street models have black engines w/ polished fin edges! Love mine!
Really good videos and reviews.
One advice to help everyone, like me, show the conversions on the video to the Metric system.
When you say i'm this tall or this bike does miles per gallon show some texto with that info.
Thanks and keep the good bikes coming.
Thanks for the tips!
A nice comparison. While following the evolution of the W800 I have no experience with one. But I had a W650 and regrettably sold it over 10 years ago. I know that the W800 had a very nominal increase in horsepower but a greater torque and no carbs.The w650 though was totally reliable had a decent suspension and power. Of note, it was supposedly based on a BSA model Kawasaki produced in the 60s under licence. It certainly looked British. Fellow riders seeing it for the first time scratched their heads convinced they were looking at Brit bike that somebody had simply put a Kawai medallion on and would dismiss it as a Japanese knock off. What would they say today about Royal Enfields? Finally two things, where is the kick starter (w650 had one) and was it not dangerous standing in front of what is clearly a Zombie containment facility?
I would also like to see RE switch to belt drive, chain drive requires so much more maintenance and is not even needed. On that class of bike, belt drive is so much easier to keep maintained.
Enjoy the content! Would love to see your review of a newer W800. Best to you and Ol’ man.
Resale value of the w800 will be way higher than the RE interceptor in 10-20-30 years. (and the new w800 has slipper clutch, traction, ABS, and injection kits are available to up the HP)
I love RE but c'mon w800 is way ahead in this battle
Might have been if it was a newer version but when you ride them back to back the royal Enfield was slightly better in my opinion. But everyone has their own opinion 😊
@@MrDarcy-OlManI see. That's great to know. Thanks for letting me know.
14:06 Hahaha! 😂
The W800 is really nice. Also, I agree that the polished alloy cases look better than blacked out ones because the engine is a styling element too. But, RE provided the choice for those who prefer the stealth look and that is good.
I like availability of tubeless tires on cast wheels . A tire pump and a plug kit is far better than a cell phone on a hot day . T/C/E
I have an interceptor, but I’d have no problems having a w800 either. Lovely bike. It’s a shame Kawasaki don’t bring these to UK shores any,ore.
Love the w800 thanks so much for a superb head to head review
So many people have forgotten what a review should be fantastic
I really think the w800 would suit me for an every day ride to work bike thanks so much
The biggest issue with the w800 as nice as it is that price. Here in the states over $10k!!!
Love ❤ your videos mate because you explain everything in very detail with fun rides . Good job man 👏
The w800 stock sound is imo as close to perfect as a motorcycle can sound.
Videos never do it justice. It doesn't need to be louder.
It sounds like it looks.
Love those analog meters on both bikes...
W800 for looks and Interceptor for sound.
Chrome looks better on both of the bike, except its too hard to maintain the shine.. so black is more handy..❤
My w650 is 22 years old and in great condition and still worth £3500. Will a RE? Resale values aren't too good either. And wait for the corrosion to get under those black engine cases, triumph suffer the same problem.!!
I see you have learnt how to ride both bikes at the same time. Good Job! 👍
Hahah thank you! Lucky this was about 50 metres from the dealership 😁
Royal Enfield would be my choice. W800 looks really nice & does a great job but is cost prohibited. R.E.s are great but not in black.
I was considering the W800 because the looks but realized all these bikes are trying to look like a Bonneville, and the Bonneville is still being sold and with 1200cc engines at that (and reasonably priced 1200cc as well). So T120 for me, but I'd still argue the W800 looks more like a Bonneville than the real thing :)
50hp is plenty in real world solo B roads. Motorway and with pillion etc then fine, have a bit more .
Wales to Scotland - Approx 409mi (645km).
Jump on the INTERCEPTOR and Away we go!
[CA: Los Angeles to San Francisco or th Reno] No problem.
For me, REs new colours of spoke wheel version look the best
Excellent. Thanks for elaborating on the engine characteristics; that is so important. How would you rank a T100 against both?
I’m yet to ride the T100, should be riding one next month 🤞🏻😁