I have been riding 60 years and in that time I have owned Ducati bevel head singles and twins, a number of Meridan Triumphs and one Hinkley Triumph. I just recently purchased a used 2001 W650 that the previous owner remade it after a 1970 Triumph TR6R including the proper paint and trim and tank badges and Triumph logo on the back of the seat. I have a ball riding it around and unless I find a fellow geezer that knows old Triumph’s, they mostly comment on what a nice “Triumph” I have! The dead giveaway is no oil slobbered all over. 😄 I just love this bike and wish I found it sooner. Smooth, clean, love “the button” , great sounding pipes (quiet but with a gentle growl) good lighting, nice handling and sooooo east to adjust those valve shims. Why don’t all “shimmed” engines use that elegant solution? I just LOVE this bike so much I fell like buying a second one!
Funny, i owned the exact same Thruxton 900 for some time. Sold it and bought the new Triumph T120. Great bike,but too modern for my taste and so i sold it too. Then i found a used Kawa W 650 with low mileage and only slightly customized. After a short test ride i brought it home with me and didn't regret that decision so far. It looks like an old brite bike with only a little bit modern elements which contribute to reliability greatly. It's such an awesome and fun bike to ride that keeps on giving. It may not be as fast a Triumph or brakes as good as a Triumph, but it just feels better to me. For me riding a bike is about the experience and this little Kawasaki W 650 keeps on fascinating me. And it's a great base for doing your own little customizing :)
A really good looking retro-styled bike. I wish the W800’s had a proper looking tank like that. The white piping on the seat and chrome fenders really look the part. A 360 degree crank to boot.
A really nice and passionate road test, Mike. Moto journalists tend to obsess on how brakes and suspension aren't up to World Superbike level and blah blah blah. I much prefer an enthusiast's perspective. Also, your Thruxton is sounding proper!
Hello. I'm Japanese. The current W800 model is popular, but many riders prefer the W650. The W800's flywheel is heavier for mid-to-low speed settings, as per the manufacturer's intention, so it seems that the vibrations on the highway are slightly stronger than the W650, although this varies between individuals and models. The vibrations start to appear at around 80km/h, and if you cruise at over 100km/h, your hands will go numb by the time you arrive at your destination.
The vibrations of the W800/2 are noticeable but very bearable. I suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome on my right hand. Of my 3 motorcycles, the W800 is the only one that doesn't make my hand go numb! In fact, the vibrations are strongest at 100 km/h. From above 4500rpm they fade out and almost disappear completely. The difference is so clear that you think a connecting rod has broken off when you take off the accelerator for the first time at higher speeds and the vibrations start again.
I have a 2015 W800. It vibrates between 80- 100 kmh. (3,000-4,000 RPM), but the vibration is in no way uncomfortable. There is no numbing in the hands or feet at all. Are you engine mounts in good shape, I wonder?
@@davidbrayshaw3529 Front-sprocket-wear also increases vibration on these bikes along with poor carb synchronisation , things that people might not suspect . Dave nz
@@kdsowen2882 Thanks for the reply. I'm on an 800, so no need to consider the carbs, but I'll certainly keep the front sprocket in mind. God, I love that bike!
When I go to bed on Saturday night, I know I'm going to really enjoy your "Sunday morning fare", I'm really glad there are so many Japanese bikes from makers who chose to emulate the old "Brit bikes", both those sound so nice and solid, thanks for sharing the beautiful morning rides! You make my Sunday mornings complete!
This W650 shares its genes with the Kawasaki W1and W2 which was a remake of the Meguro 500 🇯🇵, itself a "copy" of the BSA A7 🇬🇧. It’s no a surprise that Mike fell in love with her 😍 ! (Yes, in french we say "une moto"😉). Cheers !
After watching firstly, part 1; and now, part 2 - - - -You may have got me thinking about buying one of these. This one looks and sounds awesome. Cheers
Great ride on the Thruxton and W650. I like some of the old British bikes but also the newer 60's style twins. My W650 along with my 2019 Speed Twin 1200 are both keepers😊
Thanks for the early morning 'ride out' Mike, loks like you enjoyed that .. 👍 Now to watch some bikes going a 'little faster' around 'Brands Hatch'. It's a clear chilly day here Mike, let's hope its' the same for everyone on two wheels whereever you are .. 👍 atvb t ..
I believe it comes in a size 800 also. I wouldn't mind having one. What if Kawasaki built a W1000 Touring with a plexiglass windshield, 40ltr sidecases, tubeless spoke wheels and shaft drive! Enjoyed the video, Mike and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
I've got a 2002 w650 love the bike only problem i had was the oxford hot grips the handle bar ends are7/8 and the middle is 1 inch so had to modify them replaces my 1100 interstate which was a lovely bike but abit heavy for a 72 year ol
Really nice bike and so so quiet (compared to your Thruxton !). If I was in the market for a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor I’d definitely pay the extra for a Kawasaki W650/800 as they are so pretty and more exclusive, certainly here in the UK. Having said that Kawasaki also did a Café Racer version of the W800 for a while, I’d definitely go for the Continental GT in that case 🇬🇧
The W800 is my next and last bike. :-) Thanks for the great review. A second mod recommended and that is to the exhaust. The 800's sound much better. Imho.
My 99 650 has done the Alps, lands end John o groats and a round trip of Spain this year. A Boniville that doesn't leak or break down, what's not to like?
34000 miles on the clock. Brought it 4 years ago with 10 k done. Upgraded the suspension and changed the colour to Black. Just a flying W on the tank, so quite a few people do not know what it is.
The Kawasaki has an almost embarrassing likeness to the Triumph 650, but it's a bike I'd like to have. It would've been preferable for this video to not have overlapped the sound of the two bikes--hearing the Kawasaki alone would be a treat.
Price wise it’s close to a Triumph T100. The R.E. is a great value but compared to the Kawasaki the R.E. doesn’t quite have the fit and finish. My Yamaha XS650C is a wonderful machine but XS’s are,”buzzy” compared to the British bikes and the rake is shorter than the Triumphs. Not a big deal but that alone makes the triumph superior in the twisties handling wise. The reliability of my XS650C is outstanding and was one of the reasons that the Japanese bikes of yesteryear killed the British motorcycle industry back then. Honda especially flooded the market with low price reliable bikes. So much so that you could buy a new Honda cheaper than the previous year. Hard to compete with that. I bought my XS650C new at 17 yrs. old and my friends who rode mainly Triumphs and H-D’s teased me big time, but after a while when they saw the reliability of my bike they backed off. We were always wrenching on the Triumphs, especially the electrical system. The Harleys leaked and would foul. Mine was gas n go.
One of my riding buddies from 50 years ago had an XS650 set up as a flat tracker with short pipes and it would wake the dead. I rode a CB550F with Kerker headers and the bikes were surprisingly dead even going up a mountain pass and into a tunnel on the Skyline Drive in Virginia. Great memories.
I had a couple Ducati's back in the seventies and eighties, really very nice bikes, plenty of power and the beautiful handling made them a delight to ride. This kind of content makes me want to buy another bike on Sunday mornings!
I had a 79 Ducati 900SS, don't remember the bevel drive being noisy. I now have a 2002 W650, great bike but the engine not a patch on the Ducati. More reliable though.😂
@@splodge57 I had a couple Ducati 250's and there was no bevel gear noise at all, I loved them, my first street legal bikes. Both were absolutely reliable, never a problem. I drewled over the 860 Ducatis back in the seventies, then bought old Triumphs.
The bevel gears on these are very quiet. You can hear a "wur" if you listen, but you've got to listen. They're much quieter than the old Ducati twins, but then again there's only one drive and not two.
Hi Rick. It’s a Schuberth helmet. I was very fortunate to get it for $99! My friend Dave told me about a local Ducati dealership who was dropping their partnership with Schuberth and we got the last 2 in the store! It’s an excellent helmet. It’s quiet and comfortable, although it is quite heavy. I suspect the modular/flip up makes it a little heavier, plus I generally have a camera gear hanging off it. Dave also has the regular, non-modular Schuberth helmet and he says it’s much lighter. They are excellent. I also have a SHOEI helmet that I love. Cheers
Kawasaki should have a 250, 500, 650, and the present 800 is this bike. Alas, my fellow Canadians have little interest in bikes these days and sales of anything on two wheels plummets !!
Kawasaki do, or at least did, a single cylinder bike "inspired" by these in both 175 and 250 cc capacity. They also did a 400 twin which is a scaled down version of this.
![2000 Kawasaki W650 [visit 16 of 31] (Part 1 of 2)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0QQjbfnVGBs/mqdefault.jpg)
Here's a link to part 1 of this video in which Pam visits the cul-de-sac to talk about her great bike!
th-cam.com/video/0QQjbfnVGBs/w-d-xo.html
I have been riding 60 years and in that time I have owned Ducati bevel head singles and twins, a number of Meridan Triumphs and one Hinkley Triumph. I just recently purchased a used 2001 W650 that the previous owner remade it after a 1970 Triumph TR6R including the proper paint and trim and tank badges and Triumph logo on the back of the seat. I have a ball riding it around and unless I find a fellow geezer that knows old Triumph’s, they mostly comment on what a nice “Triumph” I have! The dead giveaway is no oil slobbered all over. 😄 I just love this bike and wish I found it sooner. Smooth, clean, love “the button” , great sounding pipes (quiet but with a gentle growl) good lighting, nice handling and sooooo east to adjust those valve shims. Why don’t all “shimmed” engines use that elegant solution? I just LOVE this bike so much I fell like buying a second one!
Funny, i owned the exact same Thruxton 900 for some time. Sold it and bought the new Triumph T120. Great bike,but too modern for my taste and so i sold it too.
Then i found a used Kawa W 650 with low mileage and only slightly customized. After a short test ride i brought it home with me and didn't regret that decision so far. It looks like an old brite bike with only a little bit modern elements which contribute to reliability greatly.
It's such an awesome and fun bike to ride that keeps on giving. It may not be as fast a Triumph or brakes as good as a Triumph, but it just feels better to me. For me riding a bike is about the experience and this little Kawasaki W 650 keeps on fascinating me.
And it's a great base for doing your own little customizing :)
I like the changes Pam made to her bike. During the ride they would stand out in a subtle way.
A really good looking retro-styled bike. I wish the W800’s had a proper looking tank like that. The white piping on the seat and chrome fenders really look the part. A 360 degree crank to boot.
A really nice and passionate road test, Mike. Moto journalists tend to obsess on how brakes and suspension aren't up to World Superbike level and blah blah blah. I much prefer an enthusiast's perspective. Also, your Thruxton is sounding proper!
Hello.
I'm Japanese.
The current W800 model is popular, but many riders prefer the W650.
The W800's flywheel is heavier for mid-to-low speed settings, as per the manufacturer's intention, so it seems that the vibrations on the highway are slightly stronger than the W650, although this varies between individuals and models. The vibrations start to appear at around 80km/h, and if you cruise at over 100km/h, your hands will go numb by the time you arrive at your destination.
The vibrations of the W800/2 are noticeable but very bearable. I suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome on my right hand. Of my 3 motorcycles, the W800 is the only one that doesn't make my hand go numb!
In fact, the vibrations are strongest at 100 km/h. From above 4500rpm they fade out and almost disappear completely. The difference is so clear that you think a connecting rod has broken off when you take off the accelerator for the first time at higher speeds and the vibrations start again.
I have a 2015 W800. It vibrates between 80- 100 kmh. (3,000-4,000 RPM), but the vibration is in no way uncomfortable. There is no numbing in the hands or feet at all. Are you engine mounts in good shape, I wonder?
@@davidbrayshaw3529 Front-sprocket-wear also increases vibration on these bikes along with poor carb synchronisation , things that people might not suspect . Dave nz
@@kdsowen2882 Thanks for the reply. I'm on an 800, so no need to consider the carbs, but I'll certainly keep the front sprocket in mind. God, I love that bike!
i never knew they had a kick start wow now that`s retro .
When I go to bed on Saturday night, I know I'm going to really enjoy your "Sunday morning fare", I'm really glad there are so many Japanese bikes from makers who chose to emulate the old "Brit bikes", both those sound so nice and solid, thanks for sharing the beautiful morning rides! You make my Sunday mornings complete!
This video needs more Pam 😄
I am always mesmerized by those 360deg shots, "flying" beside the bike.
Nice bike Mike , British styling with Japanese reliability , a good combination .
This W650 shares its genes with the Kawasaki W1and W2 which was a remake of the Meguro 500 🇯🇵, itself a "copy" of the BSA A7 🇬🇧.
It’s no a surprise that Mike fell in love with her 😍 ! (Yes, in french we say "une moto"😉).
Cheers !
After watching firstly, part 1; and now, part 2 - - - -You may have got me thinking about buying one of these.
This one looks and sounds awesome.
Cheers
hehe, me too! 😃
I went out and bought one here in Australia after watching your first video with Pam in it @@TheMightyGarage
There are ❤ two kinds of people - Ones who watch & Ones who ride the Kawasaki 650 😂 Lovely Video+bike
Three kinds, actually. There are the ones that could only find a W800 as a substitute.
@@davidbrayshaw3529 well ❤️🩹 said - I would be grateful for the 650 Kwacker substitute as a daily rider!!
😊
Lovely machine that w650. Thanks Mike
UMJ's are a generation's favorites. Stellar addition to biking history. Thanks for this video, M. :o))
Good to see the kicker was left intact! The country side in your area is AWESOME!👍
Great ride on the Thruxton and W650. I like some of the old British bikes but also the newer 60's style twins. My W650 along with my 2019 Speed Twin 1200 are both keepers😊
Thanks for the early morning 'ride out' Mike, loks like you enjoyed that .. 👍
Now to watch some bikes going a 'little faster' around 'Brands Hatch'.
It's a clear chilly day here Mike, let's hope its' the same for everyone on two wheels whereever you are .. 👍 atvb t ..
I believe it comes in a size 800 also. I wouldn't mind having one. What if Kawasaki built a W1000 Touring with a plexiglass windshield, 40ltr sidecases, tubeless spoke wheels and shaft drive! Enjoyed the video, Mike and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
Lovely ride
Nice trip on a very smooth machine.
I've got a 2002 w650 love the bike only problem i had was the oxford hot grips the handle bar ends are7/8 and the middle is 1 inch so had to modify them replaces my 1100 interstate which was a lovely bike but abit heavy for a 72 year ol
Really nice bike and so so quiet (compared to your Thruxton !). If I was in the market for a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor I’d definitely pay the extra for a Kawasaki W650/800 as they are so pretty and more exclusive, certainly here in the UK. Having said that Kawasaki also did a Café Racer version of the W800 for a while, I’d definitely go for the Continental GT in that case 🇬🇧
The W800 is my next and last bike. :-) Thanks for the great review. A second mod recommended and that is to the exhaust. The 800's sound much better. Imho.
Front-sprocket-wear also increases vibration on these bikes along with poor carb synchronisation , things that people might not suspect . Dave nz
My 99 650 has done the Alps, lands end John o groats and a round trip of Spain this year. A Boniville that doesn't leak or break down, what's not to like?
How many miles on the clock of your w650 ,I have 28000 on my 2005 w650 still on original chain and sprockets brilliant bikes.
34000 miles on the clock. Brought it 4 years ago with 10 k done. Upgraded the suspension and changed the colour to Black. Just a flying W on the tank, so quite a few people do not know what it is.
The Kawasaki has an almost embarrassing likeness to the Triumph 650, but it's a bike I'd like to have. It would've been preferable for this video to not have overlapped the sound of the two bikes--hearing the Kawasaki alone would be a treat.
I'm never embarrassed with the likeness to the Triumphs, but it's nice to not leave oil spots where you park!
I’m with you on the speedo and tacho mounts but as you say it’s only a minor thing. I imagine this is a very underrated and under appreciated bike.
I just love seeing more bikes of this genre out on the roads. I used to hate the "Japanese invasion", now I just see a lot more bikes on the roads.
@@JohnMcClain-p9t Your about 30 years out of date on Triumphs, they are just oil tight as any Japanese bikes.
Price wise it’s close to a Triumph T100. The R.E. is a great value but compared to the Kawasaki the R.E. doesn’t quite have the fit and finish. My Yamaha XS650C is a wonderful machine but XS’s are,”buzzy” compared to the British bikes and the rake is shorter than the Triumphs. Not a big deal but that alone makes the triumph superior in the twisties handling wise. The reliability of my XS650C is outstanding and was one of the reasons that the Japanese bikes of yesteryear killed the British motorcycle industry back then. Honda especially flooded the market with low price reliable bikes. So much so that you could buy a new Honda cheaper than the previous year. Hard to compete with that. I bought my XS650C new at 17 yrs. old and my friends who rode mainly Triumphs and H-D’s teased me big time, but after a while when they saw the reliability of my bike they backed off. We were always wrenching on the Triumphs, especially the electrical system. The Harleys leaked and would foul. Mine was gas n go.
One of my riding buddies from 50 years ago had an XS650 set up as a flat tracker with short pipes and it would wake the dead. I rode a CB550F with Kerker headers and the bikes were surprisingly dead even going up a mountain pass and into a tunnel on the Skyline Drive in Virginia. Great memories.
Really curious if anyone makes a frame/ side case kit for these?
Are they the same 'bars you have fitted on your Thunderbird Mike? And if so, where can I buy them for my 6T please?
so would you chose this bike or a newish T120 with regards to suspension and brakes ?
Often wondered if the bevel drive was as noisy as a Ducati....kinda disappointed its not. Possible i just can't hear it.
I had a couple Ducati's back in the seventies and eighties, really very nice bikes, plenty of power and the beautiful handling made them a delight to ride. This kind of content makes me want to buy another bike on Sunday mornings!
I had a 79 Ducati 900SS, don't remember the bevel drive being noisy. I now have a 2002 W650, great bike but the engine not a patch on the Ducati. More reliable though.😂
@@splodge57 I had a couple Ducati 250's and there was no bevel gear noise at all, I loved them, my first street legal bikes. Both were absolutely reliable, never a problem. I drewled over the 860 Ducatis back in the seventies, then bought old Triumphs.
The bevel gears on these are very quiet. You can hear a "wur" if you listen, but you've got to listen. They're much quieter than the old Ducati twins, but then again there's only one drive and not two.
Maybe the Conti pipes on the 900SS helped the engine sound quiet. Music and there's never been another bike made quite like it.
Have I missed part 1?
There’s a link in the description to ”the pants visit”I think it’s a misspelling of ”Pam’s visit”
🩲😂🩲
hehe, thanks Johan. I have fixed it 😅
I'd like to know what brand/model of full face helmet you are wearing ?
Hi Rick. It’s a Schuberth helmet. I was very fortunate to get it for $99! My friend Dave told me about a local Ducati dealership who was dropping their partnership with Schuberth and we got the last 2 in the store! It’s an excellent helmet. It’s quiet and comfortable, although it is quite heavy. I suspect the modular/flip up makes it a little heavier, plus I generally have a camera gear hanging off it. Dave also has the regular, non-modular Schuberth helmet and he says it’s much lighter. They are excellent. I also have a SHOEI helmet that I love. Cheers
@@TheMightyGarage Thanks for the info !
Worsted decision I ever made in motorcycling.
Selling my W650.
Stupid is what stupid dose.
A friends daughter has it now. Salt in the wound. 😢
At least it's being loved.
Kawasaki should have a 250, 500, 650, and the present 800 is this bike.
Alas, my fellow Canadians have little interest in bikes these days and sales of anything on two wheels plummets !!
Kawasaki do, or at least did, a single cylinder bike "inspired" by these in both 175 and 250 cc capacity. They also did a 400 twin which is a scaled down version of this.