Often derided as being a pale imitation of the more 'genuine' Triumph Bonneville, I thought it was about time I took a proper look at the Kawasaki W800.
@@aka_pierre What's wrong with Royal Enfield ? Honda make great bikes but they have absolutely no character, they're basically offer an appliance like experience. Royal Enfield make good looking bikes and their reliability has improved a lot over the years. Although their e-clutch is a good invention I'd love to try it out, will make bikes feel like super cubs lol, which is no bad thing really but if Honda made the Rebel to look like the original I'd buy one tomorrow but they made it a bit too modern looking, matt black, no chrome and a horrible digital display. The Super Cub is about the only Honda that looks good today, in my opinion of course.
I rarely comment, but I felt like I had to for this masterpiece of a video, incredibly funny while still maintaining objectivity. As a W800 owner, I can safely say that all things pointed out are absolutely correct, and can be summed up with the final sentence: if you don't care about the badge and going incredibly fast, this a fantastic byke, hard to match really! If it wasn't for the high price and the fact that it is a bit on the heavy side, I would honestly say it's a nice byke for beginners or returning riders (like I was when I got it). Just a pleasure to ride!
I haven't ridden in 20 years and just bought a 2022 leftover W800 from a dealer for a great price. After months of looking, I couldn't get this bike out of my head. I've only given it a quick spin. I need to spend time in open lots getting comfortable and developing my skills. But my initial impression is good. I'm glad I bought it. I'm basically a novice. I bought a bike in the early 2000s, put less than 500 miles on it, hit a fawn, got hurt, and stopped riding. 20 years later, after one quick trip down the road, this does not feel overwhelming, which is what I wanted. Cheers. Take care.
@@AdamB5000 I moved up from my small bike with rear drum brake that I dropped twice doing emergency stops in front of blind "left turners". Needed more solid rear brake action but wanted to stay classic. My 2021 W800 is absolutely beautiful, fun to ride, and always starts conversations. Take advantage of the massive low torque and cruise the back roads comfortably. When you do hit the highway, expect to cruise at 71mph because 3k-4k RPM the vibrations are quite intense. The bike is quite solid at 71 and will go over 100mph (if you're curious to know but not planning to try). That's the "challenging" aspect of the bike. It's authentice for the vintage 360 crank, but it will wear on you. Also plan to get replacement tires. The stock tires with center groove are squirrelly if you hit grooved pavement. Perfectly safe, but the wiggle will scare you. Ride safe and have fun!
As a fellow Australian I am most happy to have upvoted your future comment and may I be so bold as to wish you as many happy new year's in a months time for as many years may have passed.
I've been living in Australia for a year and I can tell you it took less time to actually fly back to Vietnam than to send a Skype message to Vietnam...
I tried to reconcile that with the fact that Australia is technically living in the future according to the global time zones, but then I thought, “Oh yeah. Mad Max dystopia.”
I’m sure it was 3-ish years ago when I first watched this review and now in late 2020 as we’re shaking off the worst of the Zombie Apocalypse (well here in Australia anyway) I’m giving serious thought to buying a new W800. Thank you Marlon for this informative and funny, and genuinely helpful, review.
@@hodaka1000 I'm in Germany but I was riding in Vietnam where I were from. I used to ride a scrambled CG125 - only the engine and swing arm were original :D
Marlon Your videos are great. I'd love to see more. The best bit in this video is the joke about Amercans shooting up their schools with greater efficiency.
@@robertthedutchguy4365Then you'd really like the one about Australian Martin Bryant in Port Arthur. Or the Dutch guy Tristan van der Vlisthe at the Rijn Shopping Mall.... hell, the Indonesians are still laughing it up over the 7000 people the Dutch Government murdered. You're both a couple of ass bags...
Found this through Reddit. Don’t know if you’re still making vids but this is easily the best produced and written bike review I’ve seen. The amount of time and effort that went in to this is staggering and shows. Kudos!
"I'm lucky enough to have two friends...." Hahahahahahaha! And "That couldn't pull a fat kid across greased linoleum." Too bad you stopped doing videos. I just discovered you a few minutes ago for your Bonneville review and I loved it! The review, that is.
Your reviews are an absolute hoot, and I just love watching them for sheer entertainment value. More importantly, I really appreciate the insight and honesty to show. They are brilliant reviews. I hope you'll make us some more.
YOU'RE BACK!!!!!!! SO GOOD!!!!! You're humour is 100% spot on, it's the little things that I am sure people miss that are the funniest bits! Thank you, thank you very much mate!
shadetree surgeon Holy shit I just realised who this was. You seem like an opinionated southerner who drinks too much and gets angry about things. That means I think we should go for a beer sometime!
Great review. Always wondered and it's pretty much what I thought it would judging by your assessment. A better built Triumph than they ever managed. I think what people mean when they say it doesn't have soul is that they miss that nervous anxiety they are accustomed to while waiting for it to break down or leak oil every where.
This is a GREAT review: the best explanation/review of a bike I have seen. You explain the culture around the motorcycle and the philosophy of the motorcycle. You explain the price. You explain USA buyers/marke behaviour. You explain very well the character of the bike, with precise just words. You inform/assess very precisely about the bike negative points. This is rarely done well in the press. You also know light mechanics, and show it. You summarize and debate common opinions from other drivers (maybe friends of yours?). I specially like how you debunk set phrases, "It's slow", "It lacks personality", etc. Etc. etc. Excellent. You improved light years from 2013 "An Honest Review of The Triumph Bonneville" that I didn't like. The bad comedy is kept to a minimun that is funny, and concentrate on describing the bike. You have to keep doing this. Please! If you (or some more persons) did this, you are very talented and love motorcycle culture. If you keep doing these thorough "reviews" I will not be able to keep from watching them and I think I'm not the only one as you can see from the comments.
Apologies for my lack of originality but I too believe this is the best thing I’ve seen on You Tube let alone a simple bike review video. Brilliant. 👍👍👏👏👏👏👏
Wow, what a great video! Honest, realistic, and hilarious! Loved all the jokes (even the ones at the expense of my beloved Sports..ahhh, better not say). Keep up the great work!
Just what I wanted to hear. You’ve actually made my mind up for me. I’ll deffo be picking my 2013 (similar to the W reviewed) next week. Thanks for a great honest and very entertaining review.
You are without a doubt the funniest dude I’ve ever listened to. Please do more videos!!! I ride a W800 [black edition] and I found this video amazingly accurate, piss funny to watch and completely likeable. You absolutely must do more!! I’ve watched this video 17.5K times and at least one other person has watched it too according to your stats. Anyway... you get the picture. Thanks for all of your hard work.
Thanks Grant! I'm editing a bunch more at the moment but it's all about finding the time/money. I just paid a few hundred bucks for a stripper to work on a motorcycle for a joke that appears on screen for less than two seconds. Got a giggle out of me. And I saw boobs, so that made it worth it.
Just found your channel. Absolutely marvelous! So well done that now I have two great, funny, and produced motorcycle channels to watch. It's you and FortNine. Keep up the great work!
Great review! I’ve always loved the W series bikes. I’m not a great bike mech, but I do like the classic ‘60’s Triumph look. With this bike, I can ride more than wrench...and it’s sweet looking!
Excellent review, I tip my hat in your general direction good sir! I will be checking out more of your reviews in the very near future; keep up the excellent work.
I've just stumbled across this channel.. HOW has it not had more exposure. By far the best motorbike reviewer I seen on TH-cam. Informative and entertaining!
Great stuff Marlon, but it needs to be corrected the Kawasaki W-series also has a rich heritage that began in the 1960's, not as a recent attempt to copy a Triumph design.
Yeah this threw me as well. The late 60’s early 70’s Japanese bikes all looked basically identical to this. Hell, it’s close enough that I wouldn’t be surprised if they just pulled out old tooling and stamped out some old new stock fenders and other bits. I had a 71 cb750 that looked awfully similar to this and I never thought, "Hm, this looks like a triumph knockoff."
Nice review. Indeed, an honest one. The bike is great. I'm going to get another one after trading in for a T120, big mistake and been two years without one. It is the ultimate in motorcycling for those not obsessed with speed or intent on killing themselves or losing their licence.
Ive got a guzzi V65 52HP not very speedy as well...didnt you like the T120 ? It looks ridiculously expensive to me, and 100hp ? I dont like highways anyway. And here in Europe speeds all go down to 100. I like the w800 though, and the 650 as well, but the 650 remains aprox 5000 euro here, and the 800 aprox 6-7000. Better by the 800 with injection
I love that this hits on all of the important details but also reminds us of the importance of Gianna Michaels and The Kinks. This is a jewel of a video. Also, regards from a fellow W800 owner.
Just wanted to say I subscribed (I don't really ever comment or subscribe to stuff on TH-cam) at first because of being pleasantly surprised to hear Vulfpeck (on a motorcycle video!) but then the humour and honesty was grand. Cheers!
Thank you so much for these reviews Marlon, script and editing are spot on. Just curious, thoughts on the W800 vs the new T100? Cheers, looking forward to more vids soon! :)
Arghhhh it makes me feel bad. But unfortunately I think the T100 actually beats it. It handles better in stock trim, it feels a little lighter and is just an overwhelmingly pleasant bike to ride. The fuel delivery is better too. BUT BUT BUT BUT BUT. The T100 is firmly in the Euro4 camp and requires a neat reset of all the service computers etc that aren't required with the W. But overall I'd go for the T100. However both are exceptional bikes.
simply the best , most entertaining revue , of anything mechanical etc, I have EVER SEEN.Don,t get big headed , awe OK you can then , cause we want to encourage you for encores!Brilliant
i am a triumph fanboy but i would still buy that one... it really is more like an old bonnie , butwhitout all the regular trouble + restoration. its a new old bike that why i like it
A spot on review and a great laugh. After many years riding a lot of Japanese and British bikes, I'm now a W800 rider and having more fun than ever. For off road fun I thrash a Honda CRF250 . Happy days mate! Happy New Year from deepest Wiltshire UK.
I agree! But it's up to me to sort it and honestly, I can't be fucked. I don't release anything regularly enough to actually warrant anyone giving me money.
Slight nit-pick - the W800 is actually based on the BSA A7, the original 1966 W1 was an A7 built under licence, with right foot shifter. The A7 progressed to A10 to A65. At this time, BSA owned Triumph. It's a Beeza by heritage not a Bonnie.
Indeed you're right. I originally wrote that into the video but it became a little too verbose and tiring explaining that part of the narrative. Agreed it's a BSA by heritage but I think they looked more towards the lines and dimensions of the Triumph's when they designed the W650.
She was in the third or second (?) Piranha movie. Great tits. And the Kawa's a great bike. I rode a W650 once, and it went well, though the shocks were shocking and made the frame feel like it had a hinge in the middle, and it kept going "Scrape, scrape" around corners as well. But a very nice motor, even though my left hand went numb. But I'm right-handed, so it didn't affect my sex life. The W800 must be even betterer.
Ah. Thanks I do own a W650 and I'm not sure what you are talking about. Perhaps it's about expectations? If one expects modern bike performance from a W, one is mistaken. It's an old bike by concept, with a few modern features. It certainly can be improved with a good set of shocks and progressive springs, but it will never become a VFR! In my opinion the W800 is not any better or worse. Slightly different if you like FI, which I don't.
I keep coming back to this video. Not just because I own a W800, tho that is one reason, but because it is an informative, interesting, and entertaining piece. Many thanks. I wish you every success. (Oh yeah, and more bike related stuff please 😊.)
This video made me laugh so hard! I loved your sense of humor and ability to make a good informative video... now I'm upset you don't have a catalogue of hundreds of motorcycle reviews Cheers anyways!
Its the first time i came across your videos , to me you , the best bike reviewing style ever , great to watch . Great bike by the way, " Bonnies " are great sure but in the long way you cant go wrong with Japanese .
More videos please!! I saw a W650 at the dealer in ‘99 and was so retro-mesmerized I swore one day no matter what, I’d own one, and I never lie to myself! So in 2005 I bought a used one and drove it for a few years. That’s the problem with Retro, we think things were better back in the day, but truthfully, it rode like a 1978 CB650. So I sold it for what I paid for it to another starry eyed romantic. Ages and stages my friends…
Brilliant job, love this vid! My brother just bought one of these and i have to say, as an owner of an older (1974) Bonny and a 68 Beeza, I'd love one too!
Bravo man, nice video. I realized after a couple of seconds I had seen it before but I wanted to watch it again because I enjoyed it so much the first time. Thanks!
I LOVE this video. Thank you and Thank you . I find your reviews and tech help to be truly the BEST.!!! I am going to get one of these Kawa W800 for the roads I love in Colorado. Please keep up the great work. Mike S. Colorado!
Apart from the rock solid reviews of bikes (I just watched two of your videos for the first time)...man! you are a helluva video editor! I hope this is what you do for a living, and if not, come over here to LA!!! Thank you for your honest reviews!!! Cheers!
You crack me up Marlon - witt, humor and honesty with a tad of irreverence thrown in for shits and giggles. Had a one of the first W650's in CA which I just sold. Hey, you forgot to mention their great resale value. But as things go, Kaw has "screwed the pooch" on this W800. Don't see it lasting beyond this year. Keep us smiling and many thanks! Great work mate!
You are really good at motorcycle reviewing. Please make more. So funny and honest. Make more before everyone starts copying your style. Have a nice day 😎.
This is the best motorcycle review I've ever watched. 😂
I agree!!
@@ThePhotofit yep all my motorcycle friends are laughing too!!
I came here to say exactly that 😂
I 100% agree. This guy had me rolling. Big fan. EVERYONE SUBSCRIBE NOW!!!!
It really is
Never laugh so hard on a motorcycle review video
Lha bang dimas disini ^^
"Royal Enfield Hand Grenade"
@@aka_pierre What's wrong with Royal Enfield ? Honda make great bikes but they have absolutely no character, they're basically offer an appliance like experience. Royal Enfield make good looking bikes and their reliability has improved a lot over the years.
Although their e-clutch is a good invention I'd love to try it out, will make bikes feel like super cubs lol, which is no bad thing really but if Honda made the Rebel to look like the original I'd buy one tomorrow but they made it a bit too modern looking, matt black, no chrome and a horrible digital display.
The Super Cub is about the only Honda that looks good today, in my opinion of course.
@@o00scorpion00o Nothing, I was quoting the video. I really like RE.
@@aka_pierre haha fair enough , yeah they’re really nice just wish they’d include analogue fuel gauge and then they’d be perfect -:)
Holy hell, the quality of this video and the humor in this is great, you deserve more views and subs. Nice work man.
I rarely comment, but I felt like I had to for this masterpiece of a video, incredibly funny while still maintaining objectivity.
As a W800 owner, I can safely say that all things pointed out are absolutely correct, and can be summed up with the final sentence: if you don't care about the badge and going incredibly fast, this a fantastic byke, hard to match really!
If it wasn't for the high price and the fact that it is a bit on the heavy side, I would honestly say it's a nice byke for beginners or returning riders (like I was when I got it). Just a pleasure to ride!
I haven't ridden in 20 years and just bought a 2022 leftover W800 from a dealer for a great price. After months of looking, I couldn't get this bike out of my head. I've only given it a quick spin. I need to spend time in open lots getting comfortable and developing my skills. But my initial impression is good. I'm glad I bought it.
I'm basically a novice. I bought a bike in the early 2000s, put less than 500 miles on it, hit a fawn, got hurt, and stopped riding. 20 years later, after one quick trip down the road, this does not feel overwhelming, which is what I wanted.
Cheers. Take care.
@@AdamB5000 I moved up from my small bike with rear drum brake that I dropped twice doing emergency stops in front of blind "left turners". Needed more solid rear brake action but wanted to stay classic. My 2021 W800 is absolutely beautiful, fun to ride, and always starts conversations. Take advantage of the massive low torque and cruise the back roads comfortably. When you do hit the highway, expect to cruise at 71mph because 3k-4k RPM the vibrations are quite intense. The bike is quite solid at 71 and will go over 100mph (if you're curious to know but not planning to try). That's the "challenging" aspect of the bike. It's authentice for the vintage 360 crank, but it will wear on you. Also plan to get replacement tires. The stock tires with center groove are squirrelly if you hit grooved pavement. Perfectly safe, but the wiggle will scare you. Ride safe and have fun!
I know it's taken the past 3 years for your Australian internet to upload this review so I hope to see many more reviews in the upcoming decade.
As a fellow Australian I am most happy to have upvoted your future comment and may I be so bold as to wish you as many happy new year's in a months time for as many years may have passed.
I've been living in Australia for a year and I can tell you it took less time to actually fly back to Vietnam than to send a Skype message to Vietnam...
I tried to reconcile that with the fact that Australia is technically living in the future according to the global time zones, but then I thought,
“Oh yeah. Mad Max dystopia.”
The two reviews you've done are first class. Love your work, please make more.
You were *born* to do bike reviews! If you decide to quit, you should get into education ... teaching other reviewers how to review bikes.
I’m sure it was 3-ish years ago when I first watched this review and now in late 2020 as we’re shaking off the worst of the Zombie Apocalypse (well here in Australia anyway) I’m giving serious thought to buying a new W800.
Thank you Marlon for this informative and funny, and genuinely helpful, review.
Please tell me you've many happy miles on your now not so new bike.
Speaking to a fella with one yesterday he liked it
His only complaint was the front suspension he said he was going to fit progressive springs
@@hodaka1000 front suspensions are some of the the easiest and most obvious upgrade from any stock bike
@@VuLamDang
Where are you VuLamDang and what do you ride ?
@@hodaka1000 I'm in Germany but I was riding in Vietnam where I were from. I used to ride a scrambled CG125 - only the engine and swing arm were original :D
my Christ this video is good. Well done
Prozzie He should review Kevin
Holy shit I have never laughed this much at a bike review
@Geoff Logan And how many bike reviews feature an SMLE, I ask you lol
Brilliant! Has the BBC called yet? They're in dire need of creative petrol heads...
Stijn Kelchtermans So does Americas Speed Channel.
But he sounds.... Strayan, and that is tough on the ears
Someone else called - but from a different program. Didn't work out in the end. Oh well!
Marlon Your videos are great. I'd love to see more.
The best bit in this video is the joke about Amercans shooting up their schools with greater efficiency.
@@robertthedutchguy4365Then you'd really like the one about Australian Martin Bryant in Port Arthur. Or the Dutch guy Tristan van der Vlisthe at the Rijn Shopping Mall.... hell, the Indonesians are still laughing it up over the 7000 people the Dutch Government murdered. You're both a couple of ass bags...
Found this through Reddit. Don’t know if you’re still making vids but this is easily the best produced and written bike review I’ve seen.
The amount of time and effort that went in to this is staggering and shows. Kudos!
"I'm lucky enough to have two friends...." Hahahahahahaha!
And "That couldn't pull a fat kid across greased linoleum."
Too bad you stopped doing videos. I just discovered you a few minutes ago for your Bonneville review and I loved it! The review, that is.
8:25 "If you're in Europe, Asia or Australia..." It took me a second but this was hilarious.
Ah, I'm glad that someone picked that up!
When he said "Australia" he left the picture of Chinamen up. Of course when he said "Europe", technically he should have had Muslims.
J0n0tanII same!! Best joke EVER!!
@@GodsMistake And just turned the brightness up a bit Lmao
As an Australian is was perfect. That's just a picture of Chatswood, right?
This is the kinda thing that sells bikes. Honestly the best bike review I've watched
Cheers mate. I think so too. But I'll be doing a Ducati Scrambler review soon that will do anything but help their sales!
Hope you can make a real go at it, this was a great watch!
Your reviews are an absolute hoot, and I just love watching them for sheer entertainment value. More importantly, I really appreciate the insight and honesty to show. They are brilliant reviews. I hope you'll make us some more.
You're a gem. Thanks mate. I hope so too.
Have been waiting so long for you to start reviewing more bikes. Excited to see more of these!
YOU'RE BACK!!!!!!! SO GOOD!!!!! You're humour is 100% spot on, it's the little things that I am sure people miss that are the funniest bits! Thank you, thank you very much mate!
You're a gem, thanks mate.
Holy shit another Marlon vid!!!! This just made my day :)
shadetree surgeon Holy shit I just realised who this was. You seem like an opinionated southerner who drinks too much and gets angry about things.
That means I think we should go for a beer sometime!
You're a funny man.
Great review. Always wondered and it's pretty much what I thought it would judging by your assessment. A better built Triumph than they ever managed. I think what people mean when they say it doesn't have soul is that they miss that nervous anxiety they are accustomed to while waiting for it to break down or leak oil every where.
dude your the best tester on youtube, yours reviews cant be beat! &your sense of humor is spot on, job well done!!!!!
This video is even more solidly made than the bike. Figuritively bulletproof...
Brilliant review! Haven't ridden a motorcycle, or really even contemplated owning one, for decades, but now I want a W800.
You're so much fun. O watched your Bonneville video years back. Good to have you back. Make more videos. Honest as always. Cheers.
This is a GREAT review: the best explanation/review of a bike I have seen.
You explain the culture around the motorcycle and the philosophy of the motorcycle.
You explain the price.
You explain USA buyers/marke behaviour.
You explain very well the character of the bike, with precise just words.
You inform/assess very precisely about the bike negative points. This is rarely done well in the press.
You also know light mechanics, and show it.
You summarize and debate common opinions from other drivers (maybe friends of yours?).
I specially like how you debunk set phrases, "It's slow", "It lacks personality", etc.
Etc. etc.
Excellent.
You improved light years from 2013 "An Honest Review of The Triumph Bonneville" that I didn't like.
The bad comedy is kept to a minimun that is funny, and concentrate on describing the bike.
You have to keep doing this.
Please!
If you (or some more persons) did this, you are very talented and love motorcycle culture.
If you keep doing these thorough "reviews" I will not be able to keep from watching them and I think I'm not the only one as you can see from the comments.
this guy by far have the best intro for a bike review channel!!
I absolutely love my W800. So fun to ride and loads of character. Japanese fit and finish is superb. Cheers from NYC USA.
Apologies for my lack of originality but I too believe this is the best thing I’ve seen on You Tube let alone a simple bike review video. Brilliant. 👍👍👏👏👏👏👏
Great review, fantastic editing, genius script. Loved it! 👍
Wow, what a great video! Honest, realistic, and hilarious! Loved all the jokes (even the ones at the expense of my beloved Sports..ahhh, better not say). Keep up the great work!
Brilliant review and one of the most entertaining. Absolutely top!
Just what I wanted to hear. You’ve actually made my mind up for me. I’ll deffo be picking my 2013 (similar to the W reviewed) next week. Thanks for a great honest and very entertaining review.
The best three reviews videos I ever seen on youtube are yours. Sir, please make more reviews, internet is a better place thanks to you.
You are without a doubt the funniest dude I’ve ever listened to. Please do more videos!!! I ride a W800 [black edition] and I found this video amazingly accurate, piss funny to watch and completely likeable.
You absolutely must do more!!
I’ve watched this video 17.5K times and at least one other person has watched it too according to your stats.
Anyway... you get the picture.
Thanks for all of your hard work.
Thanks Grant! I'm editing a bunch more at the moment but it's all about finding the time/money. I just paid a few hundred bucks for a stripper to work on a motorcycle for a joke that appears on screen for less than two seconds. Got a giggle out of me. And I saw boobs, so that made it worth it.
I like boobs and motorcycles. Worth it big guy, almost as much as getting caught by your missus, with your seven piercings inside her sister.
Worth it
a quality review, well written, informative, good sound and video, and fun, i wish they were all this good.
Schucks, thanks mate.
Just watched one of your videos for the first time. You are freaking wonderful, loved the review and the humor.
Just found your channel. Absolutely marvelous! So well done that now I have two great, funny, and produced motorcycle channels to watch. It's you and FortNine. Keep up the great work!
Welcome aboard! FortNine does good stuff.
Great review! I’ve always loved the W series bikes. I’m not a great bike mech, but I do like the classic ‘60’s Triumph look. With this bike, I can ride more than wrench...and it’s sweet looking!
would subscribe but not sure if i have to wait 5 years for the next video.
Your vids are hilarious AND informative! Watched them twice for the laughs already.
Excellent review, I tip my hat in your general direction good sir! I will be checking out more of your reviews in the very near future; keep up the excellent work.
From one editor to another. Props, dude. Major props on this ridiculously well put together review.
Schucks mate. It's the third I've edited. I might have missed my calling in life.
please tell me im not the only one who googled for gianna michael after watching this
Thanks for spelling her name so I can google that ass too! ;-)
Dom Gratale ditto
She’s gross ! Swallowing load after load after load 🙀
@@hectorbarajas9316 And you would still let her swallow yours!
Great video. It was a good review, but your humor and delivery took it to the next level. I hope you keep making more review vids.
I've just stumbled across this channel.. HOW has it not had more exposure. By far the best motorbike reviewer I seen on TH-cam. Informative and entertaining!
Great stuff Marlon, but it needs to be corrected the Kawasaki W-series also has a rich heritage that began in the 1960's, not as a recent attempt to copy a Triumph design.
They started by making a blatant copy of the BSA A10 .
Yeah this threw me as well. The late 60’s early 70’s Japanese bikes all looked basically identical to this. Hell, it’s close enough that I wouldn’t be surprised if they just pulled out old tooling and stamped out some old new stock fenders and other bits. I had a 71 cb750 that looked awfully similar to this and I never thought, "Hm, this looks like a triumph knockoff."
@@MegaBoilermaker But at least they were licensed to make that blatant copy lol
@@MegaBoilermaker Actually , they bought the 'Rights' to make them, albeit 500cc, then upped-it to 650, did a way-better job of the motor than BSA
Nice review. Indeed, an honest one. The bike is great. I'm going to get another one after trading in for a T120, big mistake and been two years without one. It is the ultimate in motorcycling for those not obsessed with speed or intent on killing themselves or losing their licence.
Ive got a guzzi V65 52HP not very speedy as well...didnt you like the T120 ? It looks ridiculously expensive to me, and 100hp ? I dont like highways anyway. And here in Europe speeds all go down to 100. I like the w800 though, and the 650 as well, but the 650 remains aprox 5000 euro here, and the 800 aprox 6-7000. Better by the 800 with injection
Best review I've seen in bloody ages! Well done mate.
Hysterically funny video, I am still chuckling over your description of the Ducati valve adjustment. Tks so much for making this, very well done.
you're one of the good ones, and if anyone ever tells you different, well, they might be right because i don't know you personally.
Easily one of the best written and produced TH-cam reviews I have ever seen.
I love this guys editing - so much more entertaining than other reviewers
I love that this hits on all of the important details but also reminds us of the importance of Gianna Michaels and The Kinks. This is a jewel of a video. Also, regards from a fellow W800 owner.
Just wanted to say I subscribed (I don't really ever comment or subscribe to stuff on TH-cam) at first because of being pleasantly surprised to hear Vulfpeck (on a motorcycle video!) but then the humour and honesty was grand. Cheers!
Thanks mate. How good are Vulfpeck?
Marlon So good. Seeing them in Toronto coming May; they sold out 3 nights in a row and had to move the show to a bigger venue (and still sold out!)
Marlon Dedication! If you ever find yourself near Toronto give us a shout.
Danny Vaz Watch out mate, I might take you up on that.
Are you me?
Thank you so much for these reviews Marlon, script and editing are spot on.
Just curious, thoughts on the W800 vs the new T100?
Cheers, looking forward to more vids soon! :)
Arghhhh it makes me feel bad. But unfortunately I think the T100 actually beats it. It handles better in stock trim, it feels a little lighter and is just an overwhelmingly pleasant bike to ride. The fuel delivery is better too. BUT BUT BUT BUT BUT. The T100 is firmly in the Euro4 camp and requires a neat reset of all the service computers etc that aren't required with the W. But overall I'd go for the T100. However both are exceptional bikes.
Your reviews are clever and comprehensive! I love the weird sound effects.
simply the best , most entertaining revue , of anything mechanical etc, I have EVER SEEN.Don,t get big headed , awe OK you can then , cause we want to encourage you for encores!Brilliant
1:16 had me dying.
You have the longest intervals between videos i have ever seen
dutchmountainsnake Dank je vel!
:)
Honestly the best review of a motorcycle I have seen. Not only masterfully executed, but fun and serious in a unique combination too.
I came expecting a normal, every-day review but the humour in this cracked me up! Keep it up man.
After owning 2 Hinckley Bonnevilles and a Scrambler I would have much rather had this 800 than the Triumph. Many reasons. I am British.
i am a triumph fanboy but i would still buy that one... it really is more like an old bonnie , butwhitout all the regular trouble + restoration. its a new old bike that why i like it
Excellent . You're a barrel of LAFFS . Keep 'em coming .
Please more reviews! I've watched these a bunch of times, and need to see more!
How has this channel only got 20k subscribers! This is one of the best bike review vids I’ve ever seen
What an excellent channel...
There's not much material here though!
Quality over quantity ;)
What are your thoughts on the Royal Enfield Classic?
Love your reviews by the way.
Shashank Laur They're both the best, most entertaining bikes I've ridden and the shittest, most poorly built bike I've ridden!
A spot on review and a great laugh. After many years riding a lot of Japanese and British bikes, I'm now a W800 rider and having more fun than ever. For off road fun I thrash a Honda CRF250 . Happy days mate! Happy New Year from deepest Wiltshire UK.
The funniest bike review I seen in a long time- good on ya mate.
I think we should support Marlon with some $$$ so he can make more reviews like this. Thumbs up if you agree!
I agree! But it's up to me to sort it and honestly, I can't be fucked. I don't release anything regularly enough to actually warrant anyone giving me money.
Slight nit-pick - the W800 is actually based on the BSA A7, the original 1966 W1 was an A7 built under licence, with right foot shifter. The A7 progressed to A10 to A65. At this time, BSA owned Triumph. It's a Beeza by heritage not a Bonnie.
Indeed you're right. I originally wrote that into the video but it became a little too verbose and tiring explaining that part of the narrative. Agreed it's a BSA by heritage but I think they looked more towards the lines and dimensions of the Triumph's when they designed the W650.
Bastard Stopped Again
I come back to this video and your others from time to time just to get a needed laugh or ten. Thanks man.
Best review ever, made me laugh, I needed a good chuckle! Great work, please do more. Subscribed!
Excellent video.
Who's that Gianna chick ? Your sister ?
She was in the third or second (?) Piranha movie. Great tits. And the Kawa's a great bike. I rode a W650 once, and it went well, though the shocks were shocking and made the frame feel like it had a hinge in the middle, and it kept going "Scrape, scrape" around corners as well. But a very nice motor, even though my left hand went numb. But I'm right-handed, so it didn't affect my sex life. The W800 must be even betterer.
Ah. Thanks
I do own a W650 and I'm not sure what you are talking about.
Perhaps it's about expectations?
If one expects modern bike performance from a W, one is mistaken. It's an old bike by concept, with a few modern features.
It certainly can be improved with a good set of shocks and progressive springs, but it will never become a VFR!
In my opinion the W800 is not any better or worse. Slightly different if you like FI, which I don't.
Please do a honest Royal Enfield review. I wanna send it to all the RE skinheads here in India to shut them up.
I keep coming back to this video. Not just because I own a W800, tho that is one reason, but because it is an informative, interesting, and entertaining piece. Many thanks. I wish you every success.
(Oh yeah, and more bike related stuff please 😊.)
This video made me laugh so hard! I loved your sense of humor and ability to make a good informative video... now I'm upset you don't have a catalogue of hundreds of motorcycle reviews
Cheers anyways!
British Mr regular regular bike reviews
I'm from the best part of Britain. Australia.
sorry my dude
Its the first time i came across your videos , to me you , the best bike reviewing style ever , great to watch . Great bike by the way, " Bonnies " are great sure but in the long way you cant go wrong with Japanese .
More videos please!! I saw a W650 at the dealer in ‘99 and was so retro-mesmerized I swore one day no matter what, I’d own one, and I never lie to myself! So in 2005 I bought a used one and drove it for a few years. That’s the problem with Retro, we think things were better back in the day, but truthfully, it rode like a 1978 CB650. So I sold it for what I paid for it to another starry eyed romantic. Ages and stages my friends…
This is better then every amateur (and most professional) bike review I've ever seen. Wish half of them could be as entertaining as you!
Brilliant job, love this vid! My brother just bought one of these and i have to say, as an owner of an older (1974) Bonny and a 68 Beeza, I'd love one too!
They're great bikes!
I'm only just now getting into bikes but I'm SO glad I found this channel. Subbed.
Bravo man, nice video. I realized after a couple of seconds I had seen it before but I wanted to watch it again because I enjoyed it so much the first time. Thanks!
I LOVE this video. Thank you and Thank you . I find your reviews and tech help to be truly the BEST.!!! I am going to get one of these Kawa W800 for the roads I love in Colorado. Please keep up the great work. Mike S. Colorado!
Finally, a type o review (and reviewer) I want to hear more & more! Keep doin it mate - i like this sense of humour.
Apart from the rock solid reviews of bikes (I just watched two of your videos for the first time)...man! you are a helluva video editor! I hope this is what you do for a living, and if not, come over here to LA!!! Thank you for your honest reviews!!! Cheers!
I just love the style, nicely blended info and humour. A winning formula, at least for me. It cheered me up no end.
Good to hear!
Love your reviews, Mate. Keep 'em a coming.
Your humour is unique and refreshing in the motorcycle reviewing business. Looking forward to your ducati review.
still the best review of the model, even 6 years later.
You crack me up Marlon - witt, humor and honesty with a tad of irreverence thrown in for shits and giggles. Had a one of the first W650's in CA which I just sold. Hey, you forgot to mention their great resale value. But as things go, Kaw has "screwed the pooch" on this W800. Don't see it lasting beyond this year. Keep us smiling and many thanks! Great work mate!
Best motorcycle content I’ve ever seen. Please make more!
Honestly don’t know how this guy doesn’t have more subs great review
Fantastic review, had me in stitches, but actually very truthful, thanks Marlon.
Great editing and humor! I hope you do more!
You are really good at motorcycle reviewing. Please make more. So funny and honest. Make more before everyone starts copying your style. Have a nice day 😎.
These reviews are amazing. Don't stop.
Love your vids, Marlon. Keep them coming.
You're so serious but silly simultaneously. My new favorite reviewer.
Love your reviews Marlon! A little Buzz in the handlebars!!
That's a terrible joke. You shouldn't encourage any more like that.