Kawasaki W800 Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ต.ค. 2024
- A review of the Kawasaki W800 motorcycle. The W800 is a classic motorcycle with a lot of class.
Kawasaki W1 photo & W800 engine drawing - Wikipedia
Thanks to A1 motorcycles for the loan of the Kawasaki W800
56 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood Victoria Australia 3134
Ph: (03) 9870 2222
www.a1motorcycl...
I just picked up a 2015. This review is pretty spot on. They are just a "good bike". Easy to ride, good power and power delivery, predictable steering, and adequate brakes. The suspension is comfortable over rough roads and the bike is very well balanced, which is probably it's biggest plus. All the weight is in the middle and down low. It's the sort of bike that you get on, ride it for 15 minutes, and you feel like you've owned it for a lifetime. Porridge not too hot, not too cold. I've seen comments on this bike stating "not a good daily ride". Nothing could be further from the truth. This is exactly the sort of bike that you'd buy if you rode daily. It's easy and puts a smile on your face. They're the sort of bike that suits 90% or riders 100% of the time or 100% or riders 90% of the time. I wouldn't buy one to spend countless hours on the highway on, I wouldn't buy one to race on, but if you just ride a bike in the "real world", day in and day out, these are something that you could consider.
Thank you for not putting some irritating music in your videos.
Just irritating monologue
One of the more pleasant and informative reviews. I could listen to you speak for hours about motorcycles. Thank you for this video.
Spoken like a true gentleman. 👍
Nice looking motorcycle !
3 yrs later i,m still watching this and on the 2nd w800 very nice bikes
The man!
We need you more than ever, with Vance and RFK Jnr.
Here too
best w800 review on youtube
In late 2001 I bought a 2000 model year W650 which I learned was the last new one in dealer stock in the USA. It was reduced to $4000.00. I have had close to 200 motorcycles in my 53 years of riding and I will never sell that bike. Every time I ride it it takes me back to my early years of motorcycling. Other than better needles and jets for the carbs it is still bone stock and hopefully my 17 year-old son will ask to learn how to ride it and cherish it after I croak.
In Feb 2003, I bought a brand-new 2000 W650 from a dealer in Phoenix. He also had a 2001, brand new. If memory serves, the Kawasaki dealer in Tucson had a 2000 W on the sales floor well into 2002.
i find the w800 to be one of the best looking classic styled bikes
Thanks Mike for another of your bike reviews. It`s so nice to listen to a person who knows what he is talking about and skips all the selling crap. Jörgen in Gothenburg/ Sweden
Thanks Jörgen
You have the nicest model released by the factory, The paint and all alloy engine is perfect.
I have 2 Enfields a Bullet and a GT and a W800, of the three I have to admit this is the one I prefer, another good review.
Interesting. I have an Interceptor and I have been interested in this one... Do you feel a difference with your Enfields?
Regards
Yes, excellent review of that bike. That man was so refined it was almost hard to believe he was describing a motorcycle. My dad is 87 years old and even he would have enjoyed that review and found it informative and he doesnt even particularly like motorcycles. Well done!!
Excellent review. I bought a 2002 W650 in 2004 and still have it. I put progressive springs in the front. Have chopped and changed a few parts over the years. My only problem with it is the sticky floats in the carbs, something that these injected models wouldn't bother with. Changing the jets and exhaust improve performance. The new 2019 model is out now. Very nice.
I think Kawasaki nailed it with this one.Excellent review,thank you.👍
This is the Goldilocks bike - not too slow, not too fast; not too antiquated, not too modern. Fits most riders.
A joy to listen to your review. Its great fun riding my w650 around the lanes of Essex, England. Thank you.
Absolutely a beautiful bike. Well kept examples are thought to be collector bikes in the future, especially this 2013 version. The W800 is an absolute joy to ride. I own a 2019 W800 Street and am insanely happy with it 😁 (I can't stay off it!).
The 2013 w800 do have abs ? And wha the bad things in it ?
I ride a Z900 and Z900RS and never thought I'd be drawn to these bikes. Always loved early Bonevilles and Lightnings with their 360 deg. cranks and the lovely sound they emit. Not into RE 650's. My friend has a new one and it seems too budget all around. These 800's are so nicely constructed. Might end up with one.
Do you think you will miss the power of the Z900RS?
I hate to admit it but the W800 is somewhat better looking and certainly better thought out than my 2010 Bonneville. For example, what in the world was Triumph thinking when it decided to make owners go through twenty minutes of arduous labor just to remove and reinstall the seat rather than use hinges and a lock? Want to hold down a small package on the seat behind you? Well, that's just too darn bad because they've excluded that option! The list goes on. If the rumor is true I'm very sorry to hear that the W800 is going to be discontinued. In a less fickle better informed world it would be a clear winner. Perhaps blending the reddish union jack into the tank's chrome insignia would better get the idea across. Oh well, it was just an idea.
as a triumph fanboy i can only say : kawie build the triumph i always wanted. (wich is quite sad and maddening in a way)
Great review without any of the usual TH-cam nonsense, thanks!
Incredible review. Thank you.
Reminds me of a Triump BSA cross..Love this bike
Happy to know this review was done in Australia.
The ultimate classic Triumph!
BSA you mean ;)
No he means Triumph, it's a copy of a T120. Even the bore and stroke are the same as a T140 plus one mm, the fact Kawasaki built a copy of a bored out A7 in the 60s really has nothing to do with the W650 or 800 except they're both 360 degree parallel twins built in the Kawasaki factory. This is the closest you will ever buy to a genuine late 60s T120 in looks, performance and handling without the foibles of the original. The Kawasaki engineers did a great job getting this bike just right except for the quiet exhaust.
Like an A10 bsa
So beautiful. I would buy it if Kwasaki brought it in India
Hi Mike; GREAT review, thanks for this informative video of this beloved bike. One thing to mention - the exhaust, in my understanding is a single unit, so an owner has to replace the entire system if damaged.
I'm gutted to hear that this bike is discontinued!! And keep up the good work.
Yes, the mufflers are permanently attached to the header pipes but I think that the left and right sides are separate. We can only hope that Kawasaki bring back another version of this bike down the track., it's a sweet bike.
@@MikesMachines we
Very interesting video ! As far as I know the 2020 model has disk rear breake. In my opinion this motorcycle is simply beautiful and it doesn't need to be modified. Thanks for what you are doing!
Great presentation Mike. Thanks a lot. Beautiful bike. Safe riding mate. Matt
Thanks, much appreciated!
Top video mate
a very interesting review, concrete and detail.
A Kawasaki tem que trazer essa moto para o Brasil. Iria vender muito.
In 2001 I was trying to decide between the W650 and the Sv650. I went with the SV. Today, I am trying to decide between a modern SV and the W800. Leaning heavily towards the W. Funny how truly beautiful things are timeless.
Hi im the same sv650 or w800 cant decide
They are both amazing bikes, with the sv 650 you can ride way faster and drag the knee, while with the W 800 you are invited to a more relaxed riding. I ride the w 800 like a psychopath and scratch the exhaust (handmade aftermarket silencers) and pegs (you have to lift the foot during corners if you go really fast). I have/had several bikes, including 1000 cc sportbikes but the most fun I have is when I abuse the w800 😂
I like this lovely motor, may i have that price for this. Thank you so much.i love w 800 so much
Kawasaki first released a classic style 650 twin back in 1968 styled after the BSA 650 Lightning with a kick only & right hand gear change
Good job Mike
Thanks Mike, very knowledgable and informative.
Pleasing review.
W800 coming to North America in 2019 ... in two models one standard the other cafe
Slipper clutch, disc at both ends, abs, fuel injected
Going to get one of the standards
I got the 2019 W800 standard and am crazy about it. What a lovely bike to enjoy the beautiful foothills of Alberta in Canada. It is faster and smoother than I expected. Wonderful torquey, simple air cooled long stroke engine. The bevel drive makes for a quiet smooth engine with no timing chain to stretch over time. I read a post by a guy with 160,000 miles on a W650! Kawasakis engineers specifically tuned the 2019 W800 exhaust to sound like the old British twins of the 60s. The 360 degree crank aids in producing a most enticing burble.
Thanks for the great review. Too bad Kawasaki didn't use a 270 degree crankshaft. It would great smooth out the engine. I am a ling time 1960's Triumph rider so I am used to the mild vivration. I have been considering a W800. Thanks again you may have helped me decide.
It's got a balance shaft and the 360 crank is what gives it the Triumph sound. Put the Dream crank in a Honda CL77 for the same experience.
superb presentation, thank you!
very nice review.
Bevel drive timing gear is a marvel of engineering
Ducati
Looks good
Nice review!
Finally ENGLISH review! :) Thanks!
how tall are you? I am going to order this one and I am 190cm (6,2ft)
I'm just on 6ft
@@MikesMachines thank you for your reply, I am going to get the exact same bike 2011 tomorrow morning
@@travelmoto i'm your height and picking up a w650 this week. How has the bike felt for you?
@@juanposada9319 I do not have problem at all, I am using it for 4 months now and it feels good for my big body
Excellent bike. You can buy these for $3000 off suggested price in the USA. Kids love sport bikes...
I'd gladly ride one!
8 valves, not 4 according to the illustration. Good review.
Great review thanks mate 👍🏻
Ah man, I wish this was available in the US.
we got the w650 but it wasn't big enough for most Americans so sales dropped. Then when the bigger one came out we didn't get it???
Why isn't it? That's what I wonder?
2019 w800 was just announced and is coming to North America!
@@andrewhannam. yes my good sir! too bad the 650 is out i thought this engine size was more inline with the old bike....but nowadays people consider a 1200 small...
I think it is now, for 2020 model year.
This bike and the bmw R nine t , are the best bikes for me
The best I could find out Mike is that in the early 60's the Maguro company was called the Maguro Works. So perhaps they retained the W from that.......Sal : )
kyotosal Thanks for that I was wondering also.
I've never ride a Kawasaki W800, but I've ride other fuel injection bikes, Suzuki Van Van, for example. The filing, that the fuel injectoin motorcycle some kind dead, while carburator is alive. I own a W650, and the idling depends of engine temperature, outside air temperature, so the bike looks like more alive. But nothing can compare with the 650 Ural (perhaps like some old BMWs, I've never tried, modern are not so mach, as they have balancers). When the trottling it falles to the side like a real horse or a dog.
Great looking bike. 😁😁😁
I've been a sports bike rider all my life, but now I'n a bit older I could fancy one of them with a set of high bars
This bike with higher bars is the W800 Street.
30-weight oil fixes the front-forks for most riders (works in the 650 ) Dave NZ
This is a good looking bike and I was disappointed to hear that they were discontinuing it, even more so that they don't offer it here in the states. With the Big Retro craze going on right now you think it would sell well?
The new 2019 model is out now. Very nice.
Well, I want one!
It doesn't sell well. 2019's are about $3000 off suggested price.
@@umaxen0048 maybe they will sell better that way.lol
This WILL be available in the US, but priced close to a CB1100 makes that a tough choice.
Really curious how this bike does with a passenger. Im 185lbs, 5'11" and my wife is 125lbs and petite. We wont be doing any touring but maybe an hour or 2 on a saturday for fun. I just want something that she will be comfortable on and enjoy riding behind me. Love the W800.
both of you will be ok for 2 hours, even 3. Will be a little rough on the motorway, otherwise all good. Watch out for the potholes, the suspension is not the best.
@@slash502 thank you Slash.
Kawasaki also produced the even more retro 250 Estrella from 1992 onwards.
I had a kawasaki wind once during 2004-2011. It was sold by bajaj india.
I faced spare parts problem just after 3years of purchase.
Engine life was 25000km.
After 25000 you will have to get new engine kit. Ultimately I had to sale it to kabadi.
Where can one find one if these it the 650, because it looks great sounds good and I bet it rides like a dream.
Very good review, what’s it like with a pillion passenger onboard?
LIKE THE STYLE OF THIS REVIEW.I REALLY DONT LIKE IT WHEN PEOPLE RIDE AND TALK.WIND NOISE AND STUPID COMMENTS.
Thanks Peter, much appreciated.
wow dream bike hope me have:) nice video
ITs BEAUTIFUL... PERFECT.. LOVE the retro styling.Retro styling is the way to go for motorcycles, as the younger generation is just not into bikes... Im in my 60's, I grew up with these in the 1970's and feel a kinship with them. I would not be comfortable riding a motorcycle in SoCalif where I live now, too many 'foreign' drivers, and they have NO REGARD for motorcyclists at all... It is VERY DANGEROUS to be on the road with them. Seriously, in many asian countries motorcyclists are commonly run off the road, as they are viewed as poor peasants, and have no rights, or recourse.
hello Mike, Ive been binge watching your videos, they are very good! 2 Quick questions, what is your ideal realistic garage? I know you will probably have guzzis in it, is a w800 likely to occupie a space? Id like to hear your thoughts
Interesting question. Whilst I admire retro bikes like the w800 I probably wouldn't own one. I own an older Guzzi despite its short comings so I guess I'm more into the originals than the modern retros. But that said, nothing beats a modern Italian sports bike in my book. It's just a pity I'm almost past that riding position these days. For the future I'm looking forward to the electric models. Despite what a lot of riders say, they are the future.
I wonder how you rate this bike compared to the RE 650 you tested a little while back?
You’re great Mike! Everything I needed to know....except where do you get the pistons and the big bore from? All the best.....
This German web site has a bunch of upgrades for the W650 & 800.
www.w650shop.de
The Japanese firm Takegawa also list some performance parts but their site is in Japanese.
www.takegawa.co.jp
Best compliment is these bikes are more Meriden Triumph than a Hinkley Triumph. Meant as a complimentary comment...
I got one for me today. It´s from 2015 with 25000km.
Mike, good reputation in the UK and go for good money, though not that popular. How does it compare performance wise withe lemans?
It's very similar in its power delivery to the Le Mans. I can't really say which is faster though. Braking is about on par but the Le Mans has better suspension.
@@MikesMachines The suspension on the new W800s is better (with it's larger diameter forks. The frame itself is stronger, which also may add to the suspension. I'm a lightweight at 145 lbs but the suspension is excellent, for me, on it's lightest setting (thus, with adjustment to heavier settings) I suspect bigger rider's should also find it quite fine. That engine really is a gem. I ride in the foothills and Rocky Mountains in Canada and it has plenty of smooth acceleration in all circumstances, including overtaking uphill and tight curves. No performance limitations other than compared to supersports on the race track. In normal riding it's an excellent all-arounder.
Why would they stop the production? Do they need to adapt to changing emission standards again?
Any news on a new series coming out?
The "W" represents the 360 degree crankshaft. while others offer a 270 degree, the W800 is more like the classics if the 50's and 60's.
Hermosa motocicleta
Wow. Thats a 3,000 rpm idle?
Not a bad looking Bike,!!
For me combination of electric starter and kick starter is my choice that why W650 is better than W800
How would you recommend this bike for beginners and first time riders?
Will make a great cafe racer with some mods
Is the new 2019 reissue the same as the 2000 - 2016 i think he said model?
And ... a good rider likes to lock up the rear at times. W800 needs better brakes.
Could have used 65 hp or so. 👍 Good job. .. Oh, and why not a 6 speed? It's not that cheap of a bike to get by with a 5 speed.
No need for 6 speed as the 5th is great for cruising. Ride the torque, is more fun then shifting all the time.
@@GreenPasture1 I guess you could do a little sprocket change if it bothered ya some. Just that an 800 could do a 6th gear if they thought it was a selling factor.
I wish they would have done the z900 rs with more of the styling cues from this bike. The fenders for example.. I would like to have seen more old school fenders on that z900. The shock also.. Would be nice to see dual shocks but a fully adjustable pair on the z900
I would have bought this bike over any Royal Enfield .. Just saying 😁
I had the pleasure to ride both of them bikes, W800 and an RE Interceptor 650. Both bikes were very nice, RE buttery smooth, too smooth therefore W800 would have been my first option. Also japanese quality is still first class but RE put their monies in the engine, gearbox and frame so switches felt cheep. Welding quality was on parr on both them machines. Engines tho' are a so pleasing to the eyes.
Classic motorcycle, how much?
Missing a kick starter. A glaring omission for a retro- bike. Otherwise very nice.
m 190cm, will this bike be small for me?
I'm 193 & also wondering the same... Have you found your answer?
SebasTian - I'm 5 foot 9 inches and it fits me like a glove. For you, it is best to find one on the dealership showroom floor and sit on it and see if it feels right. You won't look out of place on it.
I wonder how you rate this bike to any T100 Triumph.
I haven't had a chance to ride any of the T100 Triumphs unfortunately.
Is that a genuine T100 - a Daytona - or the modern ones with old names used inappropriately? The Daytona is @ 100 lb (390 lbs weight) lighter but the W800 picks up and flies quicker. Both are as fun as each other although the Daytona needs a 5 speed box, it always feels as if it needs to go up another gear when in 4th while the W800 has that.
Thank you Sir. Great review What exactly does the W stand for?
Apart from the nod to the earlier W1, 2 & 3 models in the W650 & 800 model designation I've never discovered any origin for the "W" model designation.
Ok, thank you. I will research it and let you know......Sal : )
Hi Mike! Could you differentiate between this w800s engine vs the continental gt 650s engine? Does the continental feel very slow or lesser refined than the w800?
From what I can remember the engines feel very similar. The only difference being that the W800 had more torque due to it's bigger capacity.
Doesn't go faster than Royal Enfield 500 ? Please reply what will be the torque comparison.?
not even worth comparing. W800 is much much faster with much more torque.
@@slash502 thanks
Most peaceful review 😂😂
question, what your height & weight? I'm 6'4" tall, and 250Lbs. do you think, I'm too tall or heavy?
I'm just over 6ft and 187Lbs. Your height shouldn't be a problem but you may find the suspension a little under damped for your weight. You can adjust the preload on the rear which will help but that's all the adjustment there is. I'd advise getting a ride on one to see how it works for you.
Anyone know if this bike is available in the USA ?
Yes, Kawasaki are producing the W800 again and it is available in the USA. You can find details on the Kawasaki website.
www.kawasaki.com
Strangely, I could lock up the rear wheel on mine, without too much effort!
My brakes work fine.
I think some bikes must have dirty/ faulty pads or shoes.
@@jimme8499 The pads are fine - only recently oiled them.....
Pretty sure the main buyers of these are aged 75+
What was the name of that Japanese manufacturer that the W was related to.... sounded like waguro
The original W series is based on a licensed BSA copy built by the Meguro company. Kawasaki acquired Meguro in the early sixties.
Wow, didn't know these bikes were sooooo lardy😮