The W800 is a work of art. It almost feels wrong riding it to work every day. But really, it feels SO right. The purr of those pea shooter exhausts accompanying the whole trip. Oh, man.
Great review! Many thanks, couldn't agree more with your comments. Having ridden a Z900rs for years, I switched over to a W800 when I turned 50, guess I just became nostalgic and was looking to relive the olden days while really appreciating Kawasaki's reliability. These are both really amazing motorbikes and your review is spot on. Thanks.
It would be a pleasure to own either of these bikes. Thanks for this. You’re right, there really are not that many bikes to choose from that have the neutral riding position. But that seems to be changing as the old-school nakeds are getting more popular. 👍
I got into motorcycling as a teenager with a Kawasaki dual purpose bike. Then I upgraded to a used KZ650, set up in the cafe style. A year ago, after a 25 year hiatus, up pops the Z900RS Cafe bike in my video feed, I was gobsmacked! That bike brought me out of my riding hiatus. I really enjoy my '22 model. :) (I don't recommend staying away from riding for 25 years though.)
Another great video, Peter. I have a W800 and it's a sublime motorcycle that I wouldn't trade for anything. Don't buy it if you want tech or if you buy motorcycles based on specs that are on paper. There is no way to describe the riding experience and character of the W800 this way. It also has one of the most beautiful engines around today, in my opinion. I think the Z650RS is a sweet machine, but I have not ridden one yet. I will absolutely add a Z900RS to my fantasy moto garage if my bank account is up for it, as that is another gorgeous bike. Kawasaki is making nice bikes these days. They are kind of hammering people with parts prices (I know from my friend's moto shop), but their products are nice. I would also add that the W800 is made in Japan, which I think is cool since I was always a fan of Japanese QC. Also, Kawasaki positive neutral is a pretty amazing engineering feat. Cheers from NYC 🥂
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing your experiences with your bike. I love hearing from owners! I love the idea of the W800 and would love to have it for a summer. As you have probably heard, I just bought the Z900RS SE. For me, I love the classic look with the modern handling. I think Kawasaki does a great job of building great bikes in so many segments! Again, Thanks for sharing!
Haha. I always remember my first bike with drum brakes front and rear! I have dual Brembo brakes with braided steel brake lines now... I'd love to hop off my current bike and jump on my first bike immediately afterwards... I think the difference in power, handling, and braking would be mind blowing!
i love them both. I am anew rider, have a Z400 to learn on for 2 years now, will be upgrading to one of these. impossible to decide and i sure will miss the Z400. It is absolutely perfect to learn on. I am old too. Learning to ride on two wheels is a bucket list item for me. A life challenge. I have learned so much. Primarily that driving a motorcycle is a completely different skill set tan driving a car. Oh, as a retired aircraft mechanic I love the sound of the Z400 engine that everyone else seems to hate. It is as smooth as a sewing machine, which is a good thing as ar as i am concerned. Like a turbine engine. The quality and reliability. it is also light and faster than hell as far as i am concerned. would lie something a little bigger for highway speeds, dealing with cars, etc. thnks all ya all !
One of those W800 passed me while cruising through BKK, it's a pretty awesome retro bike, I must admit. The bloke complemented my Z900 RS, I returned the favor in return, of course. Nevertheless, keep up the grind for reaching the next milestone ahead, Peter!
I have the 2018 W800 with drum brake in the rear and halogen headlamp. Perfect enough for someone who started riding in 1965. I just wish the kick starter was retained.
Have a seat on both if you can. They really are different bikes. I really love the RS line, but I'm biased, I bought a Z900RS SE, and I feel like the W800 is a very specific bike for a very specific rider. Not saying you shouldn't buy it, but I always encourage people to buy the bike they LOVE, not just the bike that "makes sense" because the point is to absolutely love the bike and love everything about owning it. I only mention this because if you love the looks of the RS, you shouldn't write it off so quickly. I always encourage people to add a bike to their shopping list instead of replace a bike with another on the list. Check them both out... You'll know which one is for you when you see them for yourself.
Another great video. I feel so fortunate to have you doing these in my neck of the woods (PEI). I'm still torn between the two. Be interesting to see someone shorter than average like myself sitting on each of these.
Thanks for your videos. For my interests, they are some of the best on the subject. Here are my two cents: I am a late MC returner. A few years ago I bought the bike of my childhood dreams, circa 1975. This happened to not be a Kawasaki, but the original Z1 and the Z650, along with the big two strokes, were the super bikes of my teenage years. Now, my original is a strong runner but will at some point need restoration to again look its best. But even with a full, expensive and expert restoration, it will have a frame, suspension, brakes and riding performance that dates to 1975. If I were to start over again, I would buy one of the Kawasaki RS models. I am now thinking of selling my vintage original and then buy an RS.
I had a Ninja 650. K's 650s are awesome. Aging now, I'm going for the nostalgia so I just purchased a W800. I've also slowed down considerably from the 650.
I have a feeling that Kawasaki may introduce an updated 636 on June 6th. If that happens, then when it shows up at Jim Gilbert's PowerSports, I'll be getting some quality content on it, and may consider doing the comparison you're looking for!
Haha. Sorry. I started late last August. The Versys is still a great bike. Enjoy it as long as you can, and if you move on, you'll have improved your skills for when you try your next bike.
I own an older W800 with rear drum brakes from 2012. After eight years of happy W driving in 2021 I bought a Z900RS. I have to confess, since I have the RS, the W has made only a few Kilometers. I fully agree that the W gives you the old feeling. Not long ago I drove an original Z650SR from the end of the 70th and it felt bery similar to the W, even a bit more stable. But with the Z I achieved a new level of corner driving, stable at 150 km ore more, it gives you a stable, solid, even heavy feeling while being around 13 kg lighter than the view. My son calls the W bycicle feeling compared to the Z or our HD 883 Sporty. I just can‘t sell the W because it is too nice, but when I go out for a serious or longer ride, rhe Z is my choice. And with its 111 hp compared to the 48 of the W, it is just more fun. Actually, driving more than 140 with the W is not so fun, as it begins to wiggle. It makes no problem, you can push it to 170 and just ignore the wiggling, but with the Z you just go as on a railway, if there are no big holes, you feel somehow disconnected from the street. So I take the W out when I want this old feeling and get some compliments, but more fun is the 900RS
The Z650 is a non-insect motorcycle, thats all. There is nothing retro about it. The bevel drive valve train has not gone out of fashion because it does not allow high revs (the opposite is the case!), it is simply expensive to produce. But it is extremely reliable and requires little maintenance to operate.
These bikes clearly have a retro "inspired" look. I bought the Z900RS SE and I have posters of the original bike up in my garage next to the bike, and the untrained eye has often mistaken the posters of the original to be posters of my bike. But I'll grant your point that it's not a fully retro bike. I bought mine precisely because of that decision. It has great styling that people see as from another era, but it also is a fully modern sport bike. The buyers of these bikes want that. They're not designed to be retro in the way that you seem to want them to be. You're right that the bevel drive system is more expensive. I stand by my point about that system not allowing as high revving an engine. That's been a talking point of a Kawasaki engineer, so if you want to argue your point, it's best to do that with Kawasaki, not me.
@@PeterLoweOneKawasaki really put a lot of effort into the Z 900 RS. The result is a fascinating retro motorcycle. In my opinion one of the few significant new releases of the last 10 years. The Z 900rs simply looks more credible than the Z 650. Due to cost reasons, the bevel drive lost its importance at a time when engines still had a lower speed level. However, it has been installed in high-revving racing engines for even longer. No manufacturer wants to admit that a particular design feature is too expensive for their products. "Bevel drives are not speed-proof" is is a statement that comes more from the marketing department than from engine development.
What I dont understand with the Z650 is why they didnt use the same style exhaust from the Z900RS. The one they have on the Z650RS is, by retro standards, really ugly and out of place. Also wished they had gone for chrome mirrors and blinkers but maybe im being nitpicky.
The W800 is a work of art. It almost feels wrong riding it to work every day. But really, it feels SO right. The purr of those pea shooter exhausts accompanying the whole trip. Oh, man.
Great review! Many thanks, couldn't agree more with your comments. Having ridden a Z900rs for years, I switched over to a W800 when I turned 50, guess I just became nostalgic and was looking to relive the olden days while really appreciating Kawasaki's reliability. These are both really amazing motorbikes and your review is spot on. Thanks.
It would be a pleasure to own either of these bikes. Thanks for this. You’re right, there really are not that many bikes to choose from that have the neutral riding position. But that seems to be changing as the old-school nakeds are getting more popular. 👍
I got into motorcycling as a teenager with a Kawasaki dual purpose bike. Then I upgraded to a used KZ650, set up in the cafe style. A year ago, after a 25 year hiatus, up pops the Z900RS Cafe bike in my video feed, I was gobsmacked! That bike brought me out of my riding hiatus. I really enjoy my '22 model. :) (I don't recommend staying away from riding for 25 years though.)
Another great video, Peter. I have a W800 and it's a sublime motorcycle that I wouldn't trade for anything. Don't buy it if you want tech or if you buy motorcycles based on specs that are on paper. There is no way to describe the riding experience and character of the W800 this way. It also has one of the most beautiful engines around today, in my opinion. I think the Z650RS is a sweet machine, but I have not ridden one yet. I will absolutely add a Z900RS to my fantasy moto garage if my bank account is up for it, as that is another gorgeous bike. Kawasaki is making nice bikes these days. They are kind of hammering people with parts prices (I know from my friend's moto shop), but their products are nice. I would also add that the W800 is made in Japan, which I think is cool since I was always a fan of Japanese QC. Also, Kawasaki positive neutral is a pretty amazing engineering feat. Cheers from NYC 🥂
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing your experiences with your bike. I love hearing from owners! I love the idea of the W800 and would love to have it for a summer. As you have probably heard, I just bought the Z900RS SE. For me, I love the classic look with the modern handling. I think Kawasaki does a great job of building great bikes in so many segments! Again, Thanks for sharing!
I like the balance between retro style, and modern safety. Sometimes wonder how we survived the 1970s and 80s.
Haha. I always remember my first bike with drum brakes front and rear! I have dual Brembo brakes with braided steel brake lines now... I'd love to hop off my current bike and jump on my first bike immediately afterwards... I think the difference in power, handling, and braking would be mind blowing!
@@PeterLoweOne similar to my Honda CB125 which would reach about 65mph downhill…. eventually! And they also had incredibly short service intervals….
i love them both. I am anew rider, have a Z400 to learn on for 2 years now, will be upgrading to one of these. impossible to decide and i sure will miss the Z400. It is absolutely perfect to learn on. I am old too. Learning to ride on two wheels is a bucket list item for me. A life challenge. I have learned so much. Primarily that driving a motorcycle is a completely different skill set tan driving a car. Oh, as a retired aircraft mechanic I love the sound of the Z400 engine that everyone else seems to hate. It is as smooth as a sewing machine, which is a good thing as ar as i am concerned. Like a turbine engine. The quality and reliability. it is also light and faster than hell as far as i am concerned. would lie something a little bigger for highway speeds, dealing with cars, etc. thnks all ya all !
One of those W800 passed me while cruising through BKK, it's a pretty awesome retro bike, I must admit.
The bloke complemented my Z900 RS, I returned the favor in return, of course.
Nevertheless, keep up the grind for reaching the next milestone ahead, Peter!
I have the 2018 W800 with drum brake in the rear and halogen headlamp. Perfect enough for someone who started riding in 1965. I just wish the kick starter was retained.
Haha! My first motorcycle had drum brakes front and rear. I'm glad that I had that, but I'm not ready to go back. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this review. I was really taken by the looks of the Z650RS, but as an older beginner rider, I think the W800 might work better for me.
Have a seat on both if you can. They really are different bikes. I really love the RS line, but I'm biased, I bought a Z900RS SE, and I feel like the W800 is a very specific bike for a very specific rider. Not saying you shouldn't buy it, but I always encourage people to buy the bike they LOVE, not just the bike that "makes sense" because the point is to absolutely love the bike and love everything about owning it. I only mention this because if you love the looks of the RS, you shouldn't write it off so quickly. I always encourage people to add a bike to their shopping list instead of replace a bike with another on the list. Check them both out... You'll know which one is for you when you see them for yourself.
Loving the W800 and Z650 and Z900RS
Another great video. I feel so fortunate to have you doing these in my neck of the woods (PEI). I'm still torn between the two. Be interesting to see someone shorter than average like myself sitting on each of these.
Thanks for your videos. For my interests, they are some of the best on the subject. Here are my two cents: I am a late MC returner. A few years ago I bought the bike of my childhood dreams, circa 1975. This happened to not be a Kawasaki, but the original Z1 and the Z650, along with the big two strokes, were the super bikes of my teenage years. Now, my original is a strong runner but will at some point need restoration to again look its best. But even with a full, expensive and expert restoration, it will have a frame, suspension, brakes and riding performance that dates to 1975.
If I were to start over again, I would buy one of the Kawasaki RS models. I am now thinking of selling my vintage original and then buy an RS.
Thanks for your support! Also, thanks for sharing your experiences!
I had a Ninja 650. K's 650s are awesome. Aging now, I'm going for the nostalgia so I just purchased a W800. I've also slowed down considerably from the 650.
Very good analysis. Many (most) people are not aware of these facts. Well done 👍
Thanks for watching! I appreciate it!
Nicely done. I'd like to see another review from you as you ride the W800. I've heard them run and they make beautiful music. The Z650rs? Not so much.
I'll be riding more motorcycles in the upcoming riding season, can't say for sure if I'll get a W800 but I'll try!
Most of the Japanese twins sound like hard working chaff cutters.
It is interesting to watch. I think I need to see an unlikely pair comparison between the Ninja 650 and 636 as well.
I have a feeling that Kawasaki may introduce an updated 636 on June 6th. If that happens, then when it shows up at Jim Gilbert's PowerSports, I'll be getting some quality content on it, and may consider doing the comparison you're looking for!
Is the W800 still okay with 6.4 ft?
I think in your next video, you need to compare the 883 Sportster and the 1000 Ninja.
Haha. You should be in that video with me!
does w800 tyres tubeless?
I wish you made these videos 6 months ago! I was thinking about these then got a Versys 300 and not sure I got the right bike.
Haha. Sorry. I started late last August. The Versys is still a great bike. Enjoy it as long as you can, and if you move on, you'll have improved your skills for when you try your next bike.
I own an older W800 with rear drum brakes from 2012. After eight years of happy W driving in 2021 I bought a Z900RS. I have to confess, since I have the RS, the W has made only a few Kilometers. I fully agree that the W gives you the old feeling. Not long ago I drove an original Z650SR from the end of the 70th and it felt bery similar to the W, even a bit more stable. But with the Z I achieved a new level of corner driving, stable at 150 km ore more, it gives you a stable, solid, even heavy feeling while being around 13 kg lighter than the view. My son calls the W bycicle feeling compared to the Z or our HD 883 Sporty. I just can‘t sell the W because it is too nice, but when I go out for a serious or longer ride, rhe Z is my choice. And with its 111 hp compared to the 48 of the W, it is just more fun. Actually, driving more than 140 with the W is not so fun, as it begins to wiggle. It makes no problem, you can push it to 170 and just ignore the wiggling, but with the Z you just go as on a railway, if there are no big holes, you feel somehow disconnected from the street. So I take the W out when I want this old feeling and get some compliments, but more fun is the 900RS
That's an awesome comparison. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences!
It’s a drag when you’re old school speedometer gets condensation on the inside of the glass.
I assume it would be similar if your new school TFT had the same problem.
I own the z650rs. Absolute awesome. Feel free to ask me any questions.
If you had more budget, would you choose the z900rs?
@@Pinoydotobestdoto yeah, but the difference in price is way too much for my budget. But this one is very easy to drive.
Hi
Bevel drives can't rev? Remember the old Ducati's? They're noisy, heavy, hard to align, but last forever.
The Z650 is a non-insect motorcycle, thats all. There is nothing retro about it.
The bevel drive valve train has not gone out of fashion because it does not allow high revs (the opposite is the case!), it is simply expensive to produce. But it is extremely reliable and requires little maintenance to operate.
These bikes clearly have a retro "inspired" look. I bought the Z900RS SE and I have posters of the original bike up in my garage next to the bike, and the untrained eye has often mistaken the posters of the original to be posters of my bike.
But I'll grant your point that it's not a fully retro bike. I bought mine precisely because of that decision. It has great styling that people see as from another era, but it also is a fully modern sport bike. The buyers of these bikes want that. They're not designed to be retro in the way that you seem to want them to be.
You're right that the bevel drive system is more expensive. I stand by my point about that system not allowing as high revving an engine. That's been a talking point of a Kawasaki engineer, so if you want to argue your point, it's best to do that with Kawasaki, not me.
@@PeterLoweOneKawasaki really put a lot of effort into the Z 900 RS. The result is a fascinating retro motorcycle. In my opinion one of the few significant new releases of the last 10 years. The Z 900rs simply looks more credible than the Z 650.
Due to cost reasons, the bevel drive lost its importance at a time when engines still had a lower speed level. However, it has been installed in high-revving racing engines for even longer. No manufacturer wants to admit that a particular design feature is too expensive for their products. "Bevel drives are not speed-proof" is is a statement that comes more from the marketing department than from engine development.
What I dont understand with the Z650 is why they didnt use the same style exhaust from the Z900RS. The one they have on the Z650RS is, by retro standards, really ugly and out of place. Also wished they had gone for chrome mirrors and blinkers but maybe im being nitpicky.
1st
Don't compare a modernbike made of shoddy materials with a W800. Because viewers are not blind !!