Why YOU should test ride a Kawasaki W800

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 85

  • @tvdinner325
    @tvdinner325 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    An under-rated motorcycle.
    Truly a joy to ride.

  • @NewHamburgShenanigans
    @NewHamburgShenanigans ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Finished my motorcycle course this past weekend. Im 37. For my 40th bday, the W800 certainly is on my radar. What a gorgeous machine.

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      So happy you took the course! I believe you will love owning a W800! Thank you for commenting!

    • @garykyle5750
      @garykyle5750 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Don’t wait till your 40 as the “W” might’ve become extinct by then. I’ve owned all the W series bikes and they have class and character like few motorcycles

    • @trailrider1980
      @trailrider1980 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@bigbluemotorbikedog Would you consider a w800 cafe 2019 with 5,000 miles with crash bars, rack, leather bags with racks a good deal for $3,800?

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@trailrider1980 Amazing deal, absolutely

    • @trailrider1980
      @trailrider1980 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@bigbluemotorbikedog looking for tires, I have a few questions, does the bike wobble at highway speeds with all tires or just some? What tires do you recommend? Have you ever tried knobby tires on it? Thank you for the content.

  • @samueljeppsen9785
    @samueljeppsen9785 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've listened to 3 of your videos on the w800. Love them all. We're birds of a feather.

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm super glad you enjoy the videos! Please check out the others on the channel too! If there's something specific you want me to cover, just let me know.
      Thank you for commenting!

    • @samueljeppsen9785
      @samueljeppsen9785 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Roger that!!

  • @mikefrancais
    @mikefrancais 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Buying mine tomorrow❤

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That is wonderful! Which trim level and year?

    • @mikefrancais
      @mikefrancais 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@bigbluemotorbikedog 22 new on floor.

  • @Bob-xc2us
    @Bob-xc2us 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Accurate, factual and pleasant presentation of my exact feelings of the W800. Worth every penny that it costs more than unnamed other "retro" motorcycles.
    Keep the good stories coming. Looking forward to videos from the first annual W800 owners get together. Wish I could be there. I am participating in our annual Ride for Dad poker run to raise money for prostate cancer research on June 1st. Last year Mine was the only W800/W650 in about 500 motorcycles. Lots of curious fellow riders. Even a few of the Harley riders were interested in the W800. (there were only about 400 Harleys). Harleys are great motorcycles but who wants to be one of 100s when you can be one and only. I've had my W for almost two years and have to see another one on the road in our area. They are not powerful or sporty enough to draw attention from the masses but they sure are a joy to ride.
    Keep enjoying your machine. Bob in Ottawa.

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I'm super fortunate that I have a friend that has a w650 who lives close by, in fact, that's HOW we became friends, he does own several HDs, but the W is what bonds us. I have two BMWs and the W, but my favorite to ride on the two lane hiways of New England is the W. Thank you for commenting, hope all is well in the Capital City!

    • @Bob-xc2us
      @Bob-xc2us 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@bigbluemotorbikedog The W does surprisingly well in limited use on the four lane. It doesn't get blown around excessively by transport trucks and it purrs along spinning 4200rpm at 75mph. At the other end of the spectrum it will putt through town at 30mph in fifth gear and still roll on peacefully to 60mph without having to shift. The torque characteristics of the motor are perfect for my style of riding and it is surprisingly spirited from 4000rpm to red line when needed. What's not to love.
      BJ

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Bob-xc2us I couldn't agree more. Now that I have the road classics Interstate riding is a breeze. Every once in while I go looking for that nonexistent 6th gear but still an absolute joy to ride on any (paved) road!

    • @Bob-xc2us
      @Bob-xc2us 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@bigbluemotorbikedog They're not so bad on gravel roads if you let it move around and do what it wants and keep the speed down. It is scary if you tighten up and try to over control the bike. Just keep the speed down and don't make any sudden maneuvers. Pick a quiet road to practice on and you will get used to it.

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Bob-xc2us I agree, I do 1 mile of gravel road every time I ride. Just let the bike find it's way and don't fight it, does just fine!

  • @roywane354
    @roywane354 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Spot on! The W is both Goldilock's porridge, sitting right between a pseudo-retro and and actual 60 year old bike, and a (reliable) time machine to the past. And as you say, you can feel that parallel twin machining away when you are riding - just as God intended us to experience motorcycling!

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for commenting! I subscribe to your channel! Love the throttle body covers!

  • @mikemac3275
    @mikemac3275 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video. I've owned a 01 w650 for a few years not outstanding in any area but by far the most enjoyable bike I've ridden in over 40 years of biking.

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The W has a special nostalgia to it, you're 100% right that the enjoyment is where it's outstanding!

  • @machineabart
    @machineabart 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Spot on. I got Z650RS over a year ago. Made 3000 miles on it. And guess what. Trading it in for a new W800. A true retro made in Japan. Not a Thai made z650 made to look retro.

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I love my W, it's a fantastic bike, very polite, a predictable, reliable, and beautiful motorbike.

  • @stinkstank5177
    @stinkstank5177 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    What a great ride with very little car traffic! I have a W800 Cafe version and it is awesome, the engine is a jewel making such an enjoyable amount of relaxed grunt. I also am blessed with a R Nine T and yes it has superior hp, brakes and suspension and is also a wonderful machine, however I still love the W800 more and wouldn’t mind picking up a standard model W800!

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I love the character of my W800 as well, definitely a low population center in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. "high traffic" times here are "low traffic" times in any metropolitan area.

  • @stephensaunders4668
    @stephensaunders4668 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Ooohhhhhhyyyyyeeeaaaaaah!

  • @bealeo69
    @bealeo69 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent video. I have a 2022 & absolutely love it. It's a bit pricey compared to some of the competitors but the quality is absolutely there & to me this is without a doubt the best modern retro on the market. Old saying is You get what you pay for. Cuddos to Kawasaki

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว

      The build quality and precision engineering on the W800 is top notch! I agree! So glad to see so many Kawasaki W owners! Thank you for commenting!

  • @DavidChesson-ro8dp
    @DavidChesson-ro8dp ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Still like the 2021 Blue version..

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว

      I wish Kawasaki had Red, green, and blue for all release years.... would be so cool.

  • @BoatingBiker
    @BoatingBiker ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi, Good vibes from you about what for me is the whole point of motocycling. I own a 2011 W800 and a 2019 SCR 950 Yamaha. I love both machines but the W800 is something very special. Ride safe brother.

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว

      You ride safe also! I agree with your sentiment 100% - the W is something very special. Thank you for commenting!

  • @ClassicMotoTV
    @ClassicMotoTV ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So good words about vibrations, sound etc.. Enjoy it

  • @novaslan
    @novaslan 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I have been undecided between the Kawasaki W800 and the Triumph Boneville T100 and your video scored a few more points for the W800. I would just put the gear indicator and I think it makes sense and wouldn't distort the W800 spirit, to stay on point.
    By the way, where did you film the video? Pretty cool.

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      in Vermont USA - I'm glad that the video helped! I love the W800, such a wonderful motorcycle!

  • @stanleylawson9015
    @stanleylawson9015 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Spot on awesome bike sweet sound

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for commenting! Definitely appreciate the feedback!

  • @ericsissenwein3601
    @ericsissenwein3601 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice video, good narration. Would have liked to hear the engine running. Thanks😊

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for commenting! I will see what I can do to reduce wind noise.

  • @srileo
    @srileo ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You have a great voice and narration!

  • @nagisoich
    @nagisoich ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Je possède une W800 verte de 2020. Que du bonheur !

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว

      It's interesting how different geographic areas had different colors available for the same year, mine is also a 2020!
      (used google translate)
      C'est intéressant de voir comment différentes zones géographiques avaient différentes couleurs disponibles pour la même année, la mienne est aussi une 2020 !

  • @bobman7881
    @bobman7881 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I enjoy your videos and have a suggestion for getting a lot of views
    I would really like a W800 valve chech / shim change how to video
    You strike me as the type that does his own service type stuff
    There’s only one on TH-cam and it’s in Italian ( I think)
    Keep doing the W800 videos I enjoy them
    Thanks for your efforts they are appreciated

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว

      Mine is pretty dang new still (arond 3k miles so far) - so not due for a while, but I'll poke around and see if I can find those videos. Once it's time I'm more than happy to get a video done.

  • @douglas9607
    @douglas9607 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm guessing you're in Canada? Greetings from Maryland. Nice motorcycle isn't it.

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I am in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Thank you for commenting!!

  • @fiucik1
    @fiucik1 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Used are now a bargain in Britian. You can have 21' Street version with 3k miles for just above £5000. Maybe it has something to do with EURO 4 compliance?

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Love that you can find them affordable!
      Thank you for commenting!

  • @ruben_santos
    @ruben_santos ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you Sir.. for another great video! 😃

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for commenting! I so appreciate the kind words.

  • @Jonathan-L
    @Jonathan-L ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'd love to see the W800 with a belt final drive. I wonder if there's any aftermarket conversion kits?

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I am SUPER curious as to why you would want to go from chain to belt! The only thing that I could imagine is lower maintenance than a chain (no lubrication, or adjustments as the chain stretches, for examples). My thought it that you would need to have something fabricated in order to replicate the ratios between the front sprocket and the rear sprocket, would also have to either use a very thin belt, or change the housing in order to accomodate a wider belt than the chain. I haven't seen anything like that available, kinda goes away from honoring the W1 (which had a chain final drive). Let me know your thoughts!
      Thank you for commenting!

    • @Jonathan-L
      @Jonathan-L ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@bigbluemotorbikedog Yes, it was a preference for low maintenance.

  • @pnwoods
    @pnwoods ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hello, thank you for the informative video. I just acquired a 2000 W650, ... and am also perusing stores/sites for a seat upgrade. Have my eye on the same Omega Racer. (possibly tuck & roll, though the diamond may better serve) Noting your positive experience, .. is it really worthy of the added $400? Suspension improvements & required parts replacements (chain, tires, etc.,, bike has 24,350 mi.) weigh in, concerning available budget priorities. However, I'm likely to follow your lead, as aids to the riding experience remain front burner.
    Thanks, again for sharing your experiences, and advice. Insights, if any, into suspension upgrades keenly welcome.

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว

      I haven't upgraded my suspension yet, I have found that updating the tires to the Michelin Road Classics made a huge improvement to the riding experience, so much so that I forgot that I had planned to update the suspension... if I get there again I will definitely do a video on it.
      Thank you for commenting and enjoy your W!!!

    • @pnwoods
      @pnwoods ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Very good. Do you happen to remember which Omega Racer seat you went with? .. as there are multiple seats on that sight similar.@@bigbluemotorbikedog

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@pnwoods Kawasaki W650/W800 | Custom Seat Type 05 Comfort | Omega Racer www.omegaracer.com/parts_store/prod_7105744-kawasaki-w650w800-custom-seat-type-05-comfort/

  • @harrytitus9184
    @harrytitus9184 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I would like to know which year W800 you are riding and reviewing !

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@harrytitus9184 2020, thank you for commenting and your question!

    • @harrytitus9184
      @harrytitus9184 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thank you for responding. I appreciate this. to me, the 2020 is the best looking one so .

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@harrytitus9184 I favor it myself!

  • @bobman7881
    @bobman7881 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love it I wish it had carbs other than that it’s perfect

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว

      The W650s had carburetors, if you can find one, would be a great choice!

    • @RichardsModellingAdventures
      @RichardsModellingAdventures ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Not with the E10 petrol we have in the UK.

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@RichardsModellingAdventures So true! I find that we have ethanol free fuel available at petrol stations near lakes for watersports, not sure if that's the same in the UK.

  • @ronniefranks4351
    @ronniefranks4351 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I’ve always wondered if that bevel drive makes any noise?

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Not that I hear, I think anything mechanical would, the pistons firing is the music I hear tho.

    • @ShawnThuris
      @ShawnThuris 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It produces a whine but it's subtle, like a very quiet supercharger!

  • @williamheinsinger7390
    @williamheinsinger7390 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Such a Cool Bike 😎👌

  • @SamLukie
    @SamLukie 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Too expensive for what it is. Still brilliant though!

    • @bigbluemotorbikedog
      @bigbluemotorbikedog  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I get it that motorcycles are extremely expensive, the workmanship and quality of materials on the W are exceptional, including real metal parts. The really great news is that there does seem to be plenty on the used market that go for a song, and many keep theirs bone stock.

    • @Bob-xc2us
      @Bob-xc2us 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Production costs are much higher in Japan than Thailand or India and using period correct mostly steel construction and chrome plating at the quality level employed by Kawasaki is not cheap. You truly get what you paid for. They are quality bikes that will last a long long time and are as period correct as you can get under todays safety and emissions regulations. The pain of the extra cost will be long gone when you get 100,000 trouble free miles on it.