Kawasaki has updated the W650 retro standard with more displacement and a refined style but it’s only available in Japan, so far, and based on the W650’s poor sales when it was available in the US in 1999 and 2000, the new version may not make it here at all.
This is one of those bikes that lots of riders will say, bring it here and I’ll buy one, but if it ever did get here, would they follow through? It looks like a really sweet bike and for lots of folks, it would be a great all purpose ride.
The 48 horsepower 5 speed comes with and without the cafe style fairing and they have lots of appearance options including a cafe style seat. Colors are black, gold and green, I think I’m partial to the gold, myself. Very nice bike.
Link: Kawasaki via Motorcycle Daily
Will Silk says
This is a really great looking bike that unfortunately has a juggernaut to face in terms of competition from Triumph’s Bonneville. Despite Triumph moving Bonneville production to Thailand, the immortal Bonnie seems to be continuing its successful sales in the US.
Would I buy a W800? If they could undercut the base Bonnie’s price by $500 on the cafe package, I most certainly would. Though as the article states that poor sales of the W650 a decade ago mean we will unlikely see this product here in the US anytime soon.
Stats says
To be honest, I would have preferred they downsize, rather than upsize. I’d be far more likely to buy a 500 than an 800, especially with this style of bike.
Otherwise I really like the look. Nonetheless, I have a feeling this bike would sell better with a Honda CB badge than a Kawi W. No offense to Kawasaki, but their brand is built on its Ninjas.
baddad says
You never heard about Z900?
Brent Grubbs says
Are you serious? Go ahead and Google Kawasaki W1, then report back to this page. Ninjas…really??? Before the Ninja, GPZ, and the venerable KZ, Kawasaki created some really cool machines. Pick up a copy of a historical bike magazine, you’ll be thoroughly impressed with what you discover.
todd says
This is not 1999 any more. When Kawasaki brought the W650 to the US they did not advertise (that I ever saw). They were here in very limited numbers – hardly ever seen at a dealership – and were gone before the general public ever knew it existed. People who knew were holding out for the rumored new Bonneville.
In 2001, when Triumph brought their new Bonneville to market, it didn’t necessarily sell out either. Sales steadily grew however, along with a general interest in classic design. It’s a cliche for sure but the Kawasaki was “ahead of its time”, a touch too early to the game.
The argument goes; if Harley can sell a gazillion Sportsters then Kawasaki and Triumph should be able to sell a few classics too.
-todd
GM says
I realize that parallel twins aren’t exactly big on power, but 48 hp? My old 76 KZ400 (parallel twin) was rated at 36 hp. So double the displacement, add 35 years of technology advancement and all I get is 12 hp increase? I know emission standards are much stricter but come on!
kim says
It’s a business decision, based on what they reckon most potential buyers will want. They could easily make it more powerful, but then that goes for most cruisers too. A buyer wanting more power for a twin would likely buy a Ducati instead, and get the handling that goes with it.
zipidachimp says
if you’re going to market a retro ‘classic’, it would need the following: tubeless tires, 18″ wheels at both ends, possibly cast wheels, chain drive, aggressive ‘updated-retro’ styling that catches new and old buyers alike. the 17″ wheels on the new bonny are just dumb, regardless of why they did it (better tire selection). It might also help if the new model aped something from the past that was a proven seller (cb750?) If the w650 didn’t appeal in the past, why a w800 now? I loved my BSA650, a re-engineered one would be great. hint to suzuki and yamaha: ninja 250, cbr250r, bring back the bandit400!!! and SR500 !!! (elec start). sorry, end of rant!
mark says
At this point I think the Bonneville would be hard for them to compete with unless they can undercut its price by a lot. And by “a lot,” I mean at least $1500. With the Bonnie, you get the Triumph brand heritage, a choice of cast- or spoked-wheel models (or cafe racer or scrambler, if you prefer more differentiation), a disk rear brake, and about 65hp instead of 48.
Tinman says
Why would anyone buy an Imitation British bike when the New Bonneville is available? The Bonneville has more power,proven mechanicals and is very competitively priced. Now a “Retro”750 triple 2 stroke with direct injection would have me interested… Much like all the Harley clones out there, An Imitation bike is doomed. Play to your strength, don’t try to be all things to all people.
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
Just wondering which imitation British bike you’re referring to, not sure about the Bonneville but aren’t some Triumphs built in Thailand?
Will Silk says
Yes Paul, the entire twin cylinder range for Triumph shifted to Thailand in early 2007. I was working at a local dealer at the time and we were scared to death that these bikes would have issues and destroy the bullet proof image Triumph was building at the time.
As it turns out, the twins from Thailand are just as good as those made in the UK. Triumph obviously has a good hold on what’s going on in its Thai factory, as the quality continues to be excellent on these machines.
Klaus says
To all people out there who think that bikes assembled in Thailand are inferior I can only say they’re as good as from anywhere else. I just sold my 9 year-old Honda Wave 110 I’ve ridden in TH for over 65,000km absolutely troublefree and bought me 125 with FI. All japanese 100-125cc bikes are assembled here and there have been millions sold over the last decades.
Now Kawasaki assembles their 250 and 650 Ninjas here andHonda their new CBR250 which will be sold in the US, among other countries. They couldn’t afford mediocre quality!
So if it’s jap bikes or Sachs or KTMs assembled in TH or Harleys in India, the quality is the same, it’s only cheaper. Forget those purists who insist their bikes have to be made in thier countries – they are probably the ones who whine that they’re too expensive.
Paulinator says
I can honestly and sadly say that my little Chinese scooter is a total piece of $h!t. Material is sub-standard and workmanship/QA is criminal. If I didn’t have so much fun riding and tooling on the thing, I’d have chucked it in a canal a long time ago. I burn about 4 bucks a week in gas and average about 20 bucks a week in parts. I think there’s some diabolical intent behind it all.
todd says
They’re simply recreating a bike that they had (bought) in 1960. That’s what bikes looked like back then. By your thinking, a Harley is a copy of an Indian and the modern Triumph fours and triples are copies of a Kawasaki. I guess it’s all coming full circle.
-todd
marcjj says
Is anyone POSITVE that the W800 is made in Thailand??
The reason I ask is because for me, altho’ I’ve been lusting for the W800, being made in Thailand is a deal (and heart)breaker.
I don’t know if Triumph’s build quality, etc., has suffered from being made in Thailand, but I absolutely believe that the Kawasaki KLR 650’s quality has gone downhill since they began making them there.
Before I’m flamed to death here, please know that the above is just my opinion, and we all know the old joke about opinions. I just happen to be a KLR owner; I’ve had a number of them over the years, I know *plenty* of the bikes and their owners, and I belong to several KLR clubs and message boards.(And yes, I’m sure there are exceptions, both with the KLRs and with other bikes/brands being made in Thailand.)
However…
In my opinion, manufacturers aren’t building bikes in Thailand because of some strong work ethic there. They’re building them there because of the cheap labor, period. Anyone who knows anything about Thailand knows the phrase “Mai pen rai,” which is pretty much the Thai National Attitude, if there were such a thing, The phrase means, basically, “Whatever,” “Don’t worry about it,” “Oh, well,” etc..
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
Slow down and reread the above comments. No one has said anything about the W800 being built in Thailand, we’re talking about Triumph.
Steve Hog Radio Producer says
I’m with GM I had a 78 Yamaha twin that got something like 36 hp. Besides you can find plenty of these origianl machines from the 70’s for sale at our local Bent Bike (used bike store) all you need to do is tune it up, clean it up and off you go the real thing for plenty less.
Jon says
What you have to realise is that power is not the be all and end all. What makes a bike a real joy to ride is the way power is developed and how flexible it is. A W650 with decent pipes on will make 50 bhp at the rear wheel which was more than a Bonneville 750 made in the 70’s and will pull strongly in top gear, two-up, up a hill, from 1200 rpm all the way to 7500rpm. It’ll come on cam at 6000 rpm, and pull hard and above 4000 rpm it’s glassy smooth, smoother than a four.
they are massively more reliable than a new Bonneville, far nicer to ride and much better looking too (in my opinion). W650’s just don’t break…ever…
if you want a do-all standard that turns heads, you can’t get better!
MTGR says
I have heard this “they all want one but then no one buys them when imported” BS for years. I even worked for a major OEM where it was always brought up. BS. The issue is always the cost. Every time something retro is brought in “due to demand” the OEMs see that demand as dollars signs and jack the price to unrealistic levels. Yes, this is beautiful bike and has all the performance most would need, but it is still a relatively low performing and basic machine so no one will pay as much for it as they will for he sexy new higher performing unit next to it on the floor. Bring it here and charge 7 grand and it would sell well. for 10? Forget it, there are a lot of better machines overall in that price range. Just because people are old enough to appreciate a retro does not mean they are senile.
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
Price may be the issue, but what “unrealistic” actually is depends on your perspective, sometimes customers can have ideas about price that don’t reflect reality, either. I don’t know where this one would have to be priced, but I hope it comes here and we get a chance to find out.
Ken says
If the bike can be or is CARB and DOT certified, why can’t the manufacturers allow a special order for import on bikes not sold in the US? They wouldn’t have to spend money on advertising in this country, there would be no overhead and therefore not a lot of added cost above sticker. Sure, the destination charge would have to be higher, but the factory could ship it along with another major shipment to the US to keep costs down. They might not make a ton of money, but they could use it to aid in keeping unsold units in Japan from sitting in the warehouse or on the showroom floor. And on top of that, their loyal fans could get their hands on the bikes they dream about!
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
That’s a good point. Most new motorcycles are probably pretty much legal everywhere except for the paperwork. Maybe, with a soft market in many countries, manufacturers could certify their bikes worldwide and sell anywhere they get orders. If they’re selling anything in a country, ship the special order to an existing dealer somewhere near the buyer. What’s the point of Japan only or Europe only or US only or some combination of the above? Sell the bikes everywhere.
Mule says
Awesome idea!!! I’ll take a 250 Gamma!
todd says
no, pretty sure they need to be certified for each country and sometimes the state (california for one). This is quite a bother and expense for manufacturers I gather, likely the reason bikes don’t come to California, let alone the USA.
There’s always been efforts towards global “harmonization of vehicle regulations”. Let’s hope it eventually comes to something:
http://www.epa.gov/oms/regs/roadbike/trans-wp29-2005-55e.pdf
-todd
Nicolas says
there is a good point here, you love the bike and get ready to buy one, until you find out that for the same amount of hard-earned $$ you can get sthg that runs and handles better and will gets more chick-magnet power and peer-acceptance (and other BS that makes the new and last always more attrractive) ?
I went and see a nice clean-titled 70s’ XS650 for $600 yesterday … of course some wrenching and wire-troubleshooting involved, but that makes it even more interesting …
side subject, dang the recaptcha gets tougher every day …
carboncanyon says
I currently work for an OEM, and if they’re selling a bike for 10 grand they probably can’t sell it for 7 unless they just need to clear them out. The margins simply aren’t that high, and it’s not worth it if they’re not making a profit.
You’ve got to consider that retro bikes can often cost more to build in a modern plant, and current regulations make it even more difficult to produce a modern retro. What’s difficult is that a customer will look at retro bike’s MSRP and compare it to the cost of a clapped out original on Cycletrader. It’s an unrealistic expectation.
Paul Y says
As I recall, the magazines thought the W650 was a better looking Bonnie than the upcoming bike from Triumph. Triumph has had 10 years now to refine the look and create the variants, and has had steady sales success. I think the W800 cafe looks great, and the standard looks like any number of bikes from the 70’s. Bump up the power, give it 18″ Lester look alike wheels, keep the price reasonable and I would be interested.
mel says
A decade ago Kawasaki set the W650 up for failure by pricing it almost exactly the same as a750 Ninja that offered more of everything material. I wanted to buy a W650 but just couldn’t get over the feeling that my pocket was being picked.Bikes like this offer great fun and practicality and 48 HP is ok with a fat power band. Light agile and simple. Wonderful stuff.
Butch S says
Had one of these (650) a few years back. Cool to look @ and you could run the snot out of it. Adequate power but the engine had zero character. Dual counterbalancers I believe.
Spooned on some sportbike tires, tweeked the suspension and slipped in some good brake pads. Loved the kickstart which the 800 does not have. Bevel drive is neat.
kim says
The thing about lack of personality could be said about the Bonneville too, as it has those bloody counterbalancrs too. Fine to look at (much prefer the Kawasaki), but as exiting as a Toyota sedan.
kim says
But then the solution to said problem is to spend the same amount of money on two low mileage XS650s in pristine condition.
Klaus says
Now where would you find those? They haven’t been making them for almost 30 years!
rob says
If the w650 did well in Japan then that is reason enough to try again [in the same market]. Dam nice looking machine. HP is not an issue unless it is actually a pig to ride. Yep it needs to be a bit cheaper than the Bonnie to sell in overseas markets but not much… Wonder what the torque figures are?
Sportster Mike says
Have seen a few of the 650 models here in England after they have been cafe racered..
They always look better than the Bonneville but had no power – the new engine should sort that.. but none of the guys ever brought the bike new – always cheap and second hand..
Fred M. says
48hp is fine — and more than an 883 Harley makes. The bike is designed to be a low-revving, long-stroke, high torgue retro bike, not something to compete with GSX-R600s and Ninjas. You also have to consider that horsepower numbers have become a lot more “real” in recent years; the “36hp” figure cited for the KZ400 is about ten higher than it actually measures at the rear wheel on a dyno.
Scotduke says
Yep, the cafe racer version looks ok and yep, it could do with a few more horses. Competition against the proven Bonnie will be tough and yep, pricing will be Kawasaki’s key to sales.
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
It does make a refreshing break from other Japanese designs though. Maybe Yamaha should roll out the SR500 and maybe the XS650 again as well as suggested earlier.
Charles says
The W800 is coming to Europe in a few weeks. Here, in France, the W650 make a sweet career on the second-hand market and Kawasaki puts money on advertising to launch the 800 cc. The 650cc engine as more old-style flavour than the TDM-like Bonneville vertical twin. With more torque at low and mi-revs, the 800 cc version must be even more tasty.
If the 2011 model is successfull here, it may sail to the US next year.
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
Good to know it’s going to Europe and, if what you say about the US is true, I hope it’s successful there. I think it’s a fine looking bike and lots of us would like to see it over here, too.
nortley says
A real retro “classic” should have a 4LS drum wired into that front rim, and less of an overall UJM look. That said, the core of this machine looks like a great starting platform for some nice customs.
menormeh says
I have a 2008 Goldwing and it’s just about the best bike I have ever owned. The only concern that I have with it is simply it’s too big for city riding. Just once, I wish that a few North American dealers would grow some cojones and request the manufacturers to bring in some of these type of bikes. Inexpensive and simple, I grew up with these type of bikes. I don’t want a crotch rocket that looks like it came out of Star Wars. I don’t want a dual sport so I can try to kill myself with a 500 lb + dirt bike with street tires. I want a nice plain reliable flywieght that I can carve city streets with. The Manufacturers, after introducing something like the W650 or the W800 always counter with, “Well we feel that there’s just no market there in North America. We have done market research and demographics till hell and back and this is the conclusion.” So Mr. manufacturer answer me this. How come with all your research you haven’t caught on to the fact that Royal Enfield can’t build bikes fast enough for the North American market? Not to mention Triumph, the new Norton, and the fact that Honda is contemplating bringing back a reworked version of the 750 four SOHC. Hell, even the Ural is enjoying some success here. Mr. Manufacturer, possibly limited market yes, but no market, I say BS. Now pull your cranium out of your posterior and get some of this “outdated” hardware over here and see what happens.
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
Royal Enfield and Ural definitely break the mold of “what everybody knows” will sell here. And look at what’s happening to Royal Enfields once others get their hands on them, V-Twin engines, McDeeb specials, ACE Fireball high performance kits, who would have imagined?
Of course the W650 has been a favorite starting point for specials builders for some time, Deus, Bratstyle and others have done some great work in that direction. This will be an interesting introduction to see if Kawasaki sees the possibilities and is willing to take a chance on the US.
Mule says
“Take a chance on the US?” This bike being Yugo-like in realitive performance is gonna have a serious uphill battle with all the bikes that are out there in the current market. Don’t get me wrong, it looks very cool, but the average motorcycle buyer is somewhat sophisticated in their demands. Give the thing 62-68 HP and they could sell here. The comments on technology available are valid. The tools are in the shed, they just need to pull them out and use them.
menormeh says
I often wonder why so many have this fixation on horsepower. Riders like Mike Hailwood and Kenny Roberts seemed to do relatively well with “outdated” machines such as this. I have blown off riders on ninja’s and gsx’s with my wing in the twisties on more than one occasion. Experience says that’s it’s not the ponies but the rider that counts. All the horse power in the world won’t do one lick of good if you don’t have the prowess to us it wisely and consistently. Consider this: Todays bikes have twice or in some cases three times the power they did 35 to 40 years ago for the same displacement. The chassis have improved immensely along with tires, suspensions and brakes. Have the lap times doubled or tripled? No. Why? Because you simply cannot use all that power effectively. I have an aqquaintance that races for bucks and wins about 90% of the time. His mount of choice is a 1978 Honda CBX 1000 pushing about 125 Hp up from the stock 105. We are not talking drag racing here but street racing in it’s truest form. How does he do it? Something that most will never have. It’s called skill and it’s learned and developed the hard way, by putting in your time and effort along with some broken bones. Nuff said.
zyxw says
Love it! Would seriously consider as my next bike, but I would compare it directly to the Bonneville at that time.
Tanshanomi says
I would buy one over a Bonneville, yes. I like the idea of having more dealers available for service, and I frankly think the W650/800 is more attractive than the too-wide new Bonnie motor.
mxs says
This is one of the bikes where everybody writes how cool and wonderful it is (I agree it looks well made and cool), but how many of you would actually go and pull your credit card? (Kawi would ask us to pay probably between 7 to 8K CAD) These two events are often mistaken.
Anybody knows how many Bonneville has Triumph sold? Not sure in the US (don’t live there), but in Canada they’d have to sell 500 to turn profit for Kawasaki and there’s no way Triumph have sold 500 Bonnevilles in recent years (I have seen one! in my 4 year riding stint). Unless they are all in garages not ridden.
rohorn says
What does this bike do (“Do” as in “function” – not in “posing”) any better than Kawasaki’s ER-6N?
All those whining for a nice middleweight twin please explain why you haven’t bought an ER-6N.
There was, indeed, a time when bikes that look like this were state of the art – that was a long long time ago. Yes, this is a pretty bike, but I’m not into role playing or wearing costumes. I’ve seen too many “Clamor models”, (unavailable bikes that people made far more noise about than their numbers would suggest) flop on the market to think this one would do any better.
todd says
for some people the ER-6N is the poser, wanna-be racer bike, the W650/800 is a simple standard, the way a bike is supposed to look. I’m on the fence on that topic but I can understand either sentiment. I like both bikes the same and would probably compare the two on cost when considering the purchase. Then you need to take into account the resale value of a ER-6N (or Ninja 650R) vs a W650.
In the same manner, what does the ER-6N or the W800 do that a $1000 CB500 or GPz550 doesn’t? It all comes down to preference and/or availability.
-todd
rohorn says
I will agree that a CB500 or GPz550 in the driveway is far better than an ER-6N or W800 stuck in the dealership.
Otherwise, the differences in such areas as suspension, tires (due to what is available for them), reliability, parts availability, the safety factor from all the above, etc.., is huge.
But I doubt anyone is browsing this site from a Pentium II Windows 95 machine because they have “Gee, look at what I got for really cheap off Craigslist (or the neighbor gave to me) but it still works – sort of” syndrome.
B*A*M*F says
I was unfamiliar with the ER-6N, so I did a google search. The tag line under the Kawasaki website’s link said “powerful and versatile sportbike motorcycle”. That description is not what I would use for the W800 (or for a competitor like a Bonneville/Scrambler/Thruxton).
The spec chart on the ER-6N is nice. It’s got more horsepower and less weight than a Bonneville, with similar torque. That said, I prefer a more upright seating position and a flatter seat of a Bonneville (or a general standard bike), to the lean forward/tuck down position of a sport bike or street fighter. Despite only being 30, sport bikes lack the aesthetic to which I gravitate.
Now if Kawasaki repackaged the ER-6N as a standard bike as a retro look like the W800 or even like a Yamaha MT-03 with a flat seat, I’d be interested.
I currently plan to buy a late model Bonneville in about a year. I think even if the W800 were available, and were I buying new, I think I’d still pick the Bonneville. The W800 is significantly less powerful and just as heavy as a Bonnie.
Ken says
I would love a second hand ER-6N! Got to versysforums.com and look up a bike tagged ER-6NC in the “other build” forum. You will be amazed… Start about halfway in the forum. They guy is building a new bike towards the end.
I so want to build up that bike…
Oldtimer says
I grew up riding the Bonneville. I think in some ways riding those bikes “helped” me to grow up. I had to learn patience, self reliance, temper control, and a good deal of mechanical related lessons. But at the same time I fell in love with the very machine that was forcing all the other lessons on me whether I wanted them or not. Now I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. One of my bikes now is an 06 Bonneville T100. It doesn’t treat me badly at all, in fact it is a joy to ride. It does bring back the best of the memories from a long time ago, and thats why I have it. If I were in the market I would by this Kawasaki for the very same reasons. Or if it were cheaper than the Triumph, I would buy it to customize. I would keep the Tri of course and never change a thing, then have the best of both worlds!!
I take trips in the summer time and ride literally thousands of miles. I always get a chuckle from the “touring crowd” that marvels at how I could ride such a primitive, and uncomfortable machine such distances. I bet this Kawasaki, for those so inclined, would chug along for days on end, and do it quite comfortably.
As to whether it would sell in the US, I have no idea…..but I hope we get to find out!
Mule says
I almost bought the W650 as the basis for a project bike. It had a lot of good features but was slow as crap. A dud. Now this new 800 with fractionally more power. In this economy, everyone is price concious. That’s understandable. However, the good days weren’t that long ago and everybody still has a good memory when it comes to technology and horsepower. The nostalgia twin cyl thing only carries a bike so far. It needs to have at least a minimum amount of balls to provide what we’ve grown accustomed to in a motorcycling experience. The OEM’s can go econo on price, but they just can’t get away with less power. That’s not why most people ride. The new Bonnevilles just squeak in over the minimum power allowed (MPA) threshold. And they provide an excellent platform for upgrades. Who is going to invest any performance development dollars into a W800 and and have it disappear in 2 years?
Ken says
I wonder if there is a cheap upgrade that someone has found for this bike? Reason I ask this is when I did research on my WR450 I bought in 09, it was a complete dud as sold from the dealer. But a few cheap mods made it breathe like a beast! With the mods perfomed by myself, the price brought it right in line with the Honda and way less than the KTM. It was choked for EPA reasons… Could this be the case with this bike?
Bud T says
I really like the looks of this bike and would be interested in it except for the wire wheels-I prefer cast wheels, which is why I would get the mag wheel Bonneville instead.
BB says
Talking about a market or lack of one for this bike without considering the amount of money flowing through the used bike market is misleading. Older CB’s and KZ’s, etc. are being bought and sold in large numbers because there is a MARKET for them. Some of that money would go to purchase these bikes because not everyone who wants a classic bike also wants the work it takes to restore and maintain one and you still have most of the flaws the bike started with. Instead of a beautifully restored KZ1000 why not a NEW Kawi?
todd says
by “maintain” do you mean oil changes, tires, and brake pads? I picked up a free ’82 Yamaha a year ago and have put 13,000 miles on it since. The whole “old stuff needs to be fixed more often” is a myth in many cases. I know a couple people with new bikes who have had more problems with them then I’ve ever had with old bikes.
-todd
Tinman says
Good thing Kowasaki has the Good Sense not to import this “Retro”bike to the U.S., Contrary to the comments here it would flop all over again. Doesn’t the term “Retro”need to relate to something that actaully existed? No one bought it the 1st time for a reason, If you want a British bike just buy one… Any of the Asian makers have many past models they can reintroduce successfully, To bring back a flop is senseless, When a slick Retro H2 would be an instant hit, as would a Honda Scrambler or a Yamaha RD. Its not Brain surgery, people want to relive their youth with the objects of their youthfull desires. Brand name is Very important to “retro” buyers, where the Bonnie is assembled now is not as important as the name on the tank. No I don’t own a Bonnie, but I would buy one, or an Enfield if I wanted a classic stylied British bike, Like it or not I’m the target market . I fooled with Yamaha RD 350/400s for years and I would buy a new one today, but not if it had a Triumph brand on the tank. Get the Point??
todd says
Everyone would complain that the RD has less than 40 HP.
-todd
Peter says
As a Bonneville owner, I can definitely say that this bike has a much better looking engine, but if it makes less power to get it, that’s a problem. The other problem has already been well articulated, why would I buy a Kawasaki British clone when there is a British named British clone on the market. If Kawasaki had stuck it out in 2001 and developed the bike, they might have a decent competitor, but at this point, I think the niche is filled.
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
Kawasaki did stick it out with the W650 for quite a few years, just not in the US, but it survived for a long time elsewhere. And even in the US, clean used examples of the W650 currently bring good money. I’m not very familiar with this particular engine, though the bevel drive looks pretty cool, but I wonder how easy it is to give it more power. The stock Bonneville is no powerhouse but it can be built up, perhaps the Kawasaki can be as well. If big power is your major requirement, though, you’re not looking at this in the first place.
As todd mentions above, Kawasaki didn’t promote the W650 very much when it was here and it was gone before it got a following. Perhaps it would be different this time, and maybe those folks looking for used 650s would jump at the chance to get a new 800. There’s no guarantee but what’s the harm in trying? Some of you wouldn’t buy one, others would, that’s what makes a market.
Everyone keeps comparing this to the Bonneville. This certainly picks up on a style that many associate with old British bikes but the Brits don’t own that style and like some others, I like the looks of this more than the Bonneville. Triumph builds a Daytona 675, looks like a Japanese bike to me, should they stop because the Japanese already have that market?
Mule says
I’m no marketing genius, but it seems that theres two kinds of buyers these days. Buyers that can just go buy what they want and guys that are on a super tight budget, but love bikes. This bike, as cool as it looks and as high as the quality most likely is, won’t appeal to but a small percentage of the “Buy whatever they want guys” and the guys with no money will buy 3 times the bike used for half the money.
Now, if performance parts were available for the motor (and that would just take a minimal aftermarket sales potential), and there were a few out in the world making 75 HP, a whole bunch of new eyeballs would take notice. But I think as presented, this puts the market to sleep.
We dyno’d a stock 790 Bonneville at 52 HP and took it to 75HP. And there’s guys getting the Bonnevilles up to 1050cc and 1105cc and making well over a 100HP at the wheel. That’ll get you a whole bunch of market interest! As stated above by others, Kawasaki is known for puttin’ out big power on almost everything they make or have ever made. That have the means.
Jon says
Unless you are riding on a straight road, it isn’t power that determines how fast you go, it’s observation. My W650 was bought new in 1999 and after I put some pipes on it made 51 bhp at the wheel and would hold 118 mph (true) on the flat… And despite the fact that I’m an ex long distance high speed dispatch rider, that is around 30 mph FASTER than I or ANYONE else can get round a corner and not end up wearing a tractor.
A W650 ridden by a competent clubman rider can and has outrun 900cc Sportsbikes on a track ridden by average Joes. In fact last month UK’s Bike magazine took the (slower) W800 on to a track and spent the afternoon blowing away sportsbikes.
What that means is that the ability of the rider means more than ANY performance advantage.
One of the best bits about riding a W650 is out-riding sports bikes… You KNOW they have no excuses when you outbrake them going into a bend!
BB says
Lot of talk about power. If you want a faster bike buy one. This bike’s appeal is its style. Look at Harley-Davidson. It sells style(and lifestyle) and makes slow bikes that sell.
Thom says
I liked the W650 a lot when it came out. I didn’t buy one because I was young and broke and it didn’t fit my budget. Now a used one is still too expensive for me to justify. Even though I can afford it, I’m not interested enough to make that leap. That is the issue I have with this bike. I like it a lot, but not enough to spend more then 4 grand on it. Especially since I’d have to spend money on it to give it some more “me”. I would buy a Thruxton first. So, as much as I would like to see this bike come to the states, I’d only be interested in it used. So I can understand Kawasaki not importing it.
Richard says
I like the new bike, especially the one styled like a cafe racer, but it lacks the kick start just like the original W650. I purchased mine used, but I would have bought one way back in 2000. I’ve always loved the style of the bike, even though it is low on power. But that isn’t the reason why I bought the bike. I don’t ride that fast anyway. If I wanted a really fast bike, I would have kept my ZRX1200.
Lincoln says
From the Australian Kawasaki Website it appears we have the W800 on the showroom floor.
Why would we get it and USA doesnt I wonder? I mean we’re a small population compared to the USA.
Its a nice looking retro.
Mule says
Looking at the specs for a W650, the weight is 430 dry, 4 valve heads, 72 x 80 bore and stroke and 34mm CV carbs. Compression is 8.6:1. Add all this up and a “Power-up” kit would be fairly straightforward. More compression, bigger bore, cam, exhaust, a couple of CR Keihins, new ignition box and away you go. I would bet you could take 25-40 lbs off without too much trouble. After all that, it would probably be a transformed bike.
Cam, larger pistons, compression, carb work and a fat exhaust could all be done at the factory with the stroke of a pen. Maybe a cat exhaust would be necessary, but I would think the factory could get decent performance out of this motor without breakin’ a sweat.
The reason “everyone” keeps comparing this (the new 800) to a Bonneville is because they are basically 2 different interpretations of the same design contest. One British and one Japanese. The results are as expected. The Japanese put the emphasis on fit and finish and the Brits maybe a bit more on grunt and not so much on fit and finish. If you got the Italians involved, it would have a hard seat, be all red and be the best looking by far.
Kick start? Welcome to the 21st century. That’s a quaint detail, but with crisp carburetion, electronic ignition, sanitary wiring, why would you also wan’t a kickstarter?
Klaus says
Why do the USA don’t get it? Because they “don’t get it”. Americans want horsepower and four cylinders. They sell their ZX9R for the new R1 because it has 5hp more and weighs 5 pounds less. If they can feel the difference is another matter.
If it’s a twin and doesn’t have impressive hp numbers it’ll stay on the showroom floor. Remember the 650 Bros, a sexy twin with a single-sided swing arm? The Yamaha TDM/TRX? Suzuki VX800? All twins with “not enough” power.
Mule wrote: ” Cam, larger pistons, compression, carb work and a fat exhaust could all be done at the factory with the stroke of a pen.” True – but they chose not to do it. Why? Because they already have other models who have power!
This bike is for mature riders who don’t want to win a street race, who don’t get excited at a red light, who won’t get pulled over for speeding. This is an alternative to a cruiser, it’s for people who don’t like Harleys or jap-poser chrome monsters with a 2000cc V-twin. It’s for riders who remember the seventies, who rode Triumphs in their youths, or wanted to, and would like a beautiful, reliable, modern copy for relaxed weekend trips or for short rides on a sunny day. They want to hear that long-stroke twin, feel the torque, accelerate away from the traffic in style.
This bike is all that. And the peope who buy it couldn’t care less that they could have gotten a four-in-line with 20 horses more for the same money, or that the 650 Ninja has 70 horses.
Europeans get it, Australians get it, that’s why they get it.
Nicolas says
well said
RH Kennerty, Jr. says
Klaus, I own a 2000 Kawasaki W650 and have ridden if for over 10 years. You summed up my feelings for the bike better than I could have done. I hope that she lasts longer than I will, and that someone who truly understands what riding means will take care of her when I am gone.
Mule says
We’re not talking R-1’s and 150+ HP here. What I tried to convey was just as you say, mega HP is not needed, but somewhere……way down the HP scale, there is a minimum lower limit. Where is your lower limit? 35hp? 26hp? 18hp? Roads, conditions and riding styles are different here in the USA. No argument there. In Southern California, there are nice, wide roads through the mountains with tight corners and big fast sweepers and freeways where most of the traffic is cruising at 70-80mph plus. Would this bike be well suited? I haven’t ridden one yet, so I can’t say for sure. Is it suited to tight roads for Euros? I guess so. In fact a whole range of bikes are better suited to those conditions. Look at all the trick 250’s and 400’s available in Japan. The roads there are such that a 250 is fine. They don’t sell them here in the USA because they really aren’t suited to sustained high speed grinding on wide open roads. Yes, there are people here that would love them (I’m one, 250 Gamma please!), but not a big enough market. In fact I bought an FTR250 Honda gray market bike. It’s a flattracker looking street bike. Looked cool and I built some trick wheels with the intent of making it my flattrack \practice\ bike. I sold it pretty quick. What a turd! That poor thing couldn’t get out of it’s own way and wouldn’t spin the tire on loose dirt. Sorry but there is a minimum acceptable level of power for all applications.
I have ridden the new Triumphs and bought an 07 T100 about 3 weeks ago. Will I leave it stock? Hell no. But it has the potential and aftermarket backing it up. No, it’s not all about HP, but who would go buy a new car or pick-up truck with the intention of finding the least power in the industry? Same rule applies.
You can make a fast bike go slow, but you can’t make a slow bike go fast, or something like that.
Paulinator says
This bike is a retro-clone of a clone of a British parrellel twin. The new Triumph is a retro-clone of the venerable Bonnie. My T140 got Arias 10 to 1 pistons, SS exhaust valves with a high-flow valve grind, some basic porting, polished chambers and loud pipes. Could it compete with any modern UJM displacing more than 400cc? Not a friggin chance. But that added power boosted my riding satisfaction immeasurably. With numbers that low Kawasaki must be planning to offer “personalized performance” options.
Jon says
I think you are confused by the term ‘power’. The simple fact is, a 50 bhp bike is powerful enough to easily hit 100 mph. In the UK, ride at 100 mph on a motorway (freeway) and you’ll lose your licence within weeks. Ride at 100 plus on a single carriage road and you’ll be wearing a tractor or a deer within weeks.
It’s simple, the road and your observational skills determine your speed once you get past a certain power. 50 bhp is plenty. My W650 makes 50 bhp at the rear wheel. I seem to recall the Jap spec 250 Gammas made 65 BHP and did 130 plus mph… clearly things are different in the States these days if that’s not enough
E.R.Ellquist says
Talk about retro, I wish Honda would build the Cobra one off version of the ’60s 305 scrambler with the 750 v twin. That’s my idea of a dual sport bike. Saw an article on it the other day, love it.
Brian Marsh says
Hi,
Greetings from summer in the South Pacific. These bikes have just fetched up in the New Zealand market so I’ve got a couple of things to add which might interest you. Incidentally, I like the look very much, and we have a good few W650’s available here, often as 2nd-hand imports from Japan.
The price point they have chosen here is about NZ$17K = around US$13K. Hmmm.
A local dealer is selling an ’09 [but “new”] Honda CB1000R Predator for $15,395. A 2010 Kawa Z1000 will cost around the same, $15K and change. In the same price bracket, a buyer could look at 2011 Harley Sportster variants [Forty-Eight, Nightster etc], Big K’s own VN900, a Guzzi V7, Aprilia’s Dorsoduro, a Suzuki GSF1250 or a Boulevard of some description… As to the Triumphs many readers have mentioned, the 865 twin range is basically right there too, starting with the T100 at $14k or so.
My point is that this is a crowded and well-catered-for area of the marketplace, whatever kind of machine a rider might be looking for. Setting aside the horsepower issue at present, where does Kawasaki see the prospective buyer coming from?
When I was looking for a replacement mount this time last year, I rode all sorts of things – W650 [in a range of fashion colours], Ducati Monster and ST2, Triumph Bonnie and Scrambler, VFR800, even a well-preserved Pacific Coast – but ended up with a Honda CB900 Hornet / 919. Based on bang for buck, it couldn’t be beaten – cost $2K LESS than the cheapest other bike I was considering, including the W650s.
I wish Kawasaki well with this bike, but I agree with one of the earlier contributors – I think lots of people are going to sit on their hands and wait for these to appear in the 2nd-hand market.
Shawn says
I did about 7,000ks on a w650 a few years ago. Great bike but needed a bit more power. Now, that’s what big K have done!. I rode the w800 the other day, top end is the same but the mid range is a lot better.
So, do I buy a Honda CB1100f and put wire wheels on it OR do I buy the Kawasaki and put a Yamaha TX650 front caliper on it?.
Shawn in Australia
Hector says
The original 1966 W1 failed for lack of power, it was updated to the W2SS and still never sold well. The 1999 bike was too little too soon, they brought a classic throwback to the british 60’s style right in the middle of the S&S/Harley/V-twin chopper craze of the past two decades.
Kawasaki is facing very strong competition from Triumph and Ducati in this segment. If this bike doesn’t perform at least at Thruxton levels they better keep it in Japan.
todd says
Considering that Kawasaki will sell most of these to people coming back to riding after a long absence they will do fine (priced accordingly). This thing will seem amazing in comparison to their old TR5A; tonnes of power, smooth, amazing brakes, working lights, oil-tight
-todd
Klaus says
I wonder why they don’t produce two versions, one restricted to 45hp for people who don’t want/need more and who like to save on insurance and gas, and one with 65hp for riders who want to be able to keep up with the competition. The 800cc engine should be able to deliver both. Same with the new CBR250R which has only 26hp and can’t keep up with the Ninja – why not add an “RR” version with 30+ hp to attract the Kawasaki buyers?
Byrd says
I’ve always had a soft sport for the original Yamaha XS 650 (Not the Special), and original Kawi W650. I really like the look of the new W800 standard here. A set of shouldered Akronts and trim of some junk, and it’d be even nicer. But they really missed the mark on the cafe styled version INO: The seat is hideously bulbous at the rear, and the gold anodized rims instantly ruin the vintage vibe. The designers should have been smart enough not to stick overtly modern parts, on an otherwise classic re-creation.
I’d but the W800 if I was the kind of guy who bought new motorcycles, and didn’t molest them. I guess my opinion probably means less because of that, because that isn’t me. But I like it.
Ton says
I reall don’t know what people like in this Kawasaki W 800 or 650. The engine looks like a bad copy of a Jawa 50/15 type 15 (500 ohc twin) while the frame and bodywork is an odd mix of old British and new old Honda twins from the late sixties. There are so many beautiful modern Italian bikes for sale for the same kind of money .And If you want people to turn their heads, buy a Honda PC800.
Thom says
Alright, I have to pipe up again here… We Americans do “get it”. The Hawk 650 (our version of the Bros) was a good seller, and the TDM850 was and still is one if my personal favorite bikes. The problem is, we can get a lot more bike for the same money. Also, we don’t have the tiered licensing system they have in other countries, so small-capacity or low-powered bikes are not in any way important here. What would you do? Like I said, I like this bike. I just don’t understand why it’s so freaking expensive. If I want, I can go buy two Hyosung GT650s for that kind of coin, and I’d probably be happier with my decision.
Hans from Norway says
I own a SR500 -82 Yamaha. I also own a ZRX 1200 Kawa -04.I am the first i my country to own a W800. I think i have the best of everything. You kan not get everything out of one bike. In Norway summer is short but the sun shine nearly 24 hours a day midsummer. I have owned a lott of bikes but this I have in the living room now, I think I will hawe too I die.
Klaus says
Thom, I beg to differ. If you say: “The problem is, we can get a lot more bike for the same money.” then you don’t get it. For W800 buyers the bike is all they want, it has style, good looks, reminds them of a certain time in their lives. For them the power is adequate, even the price is acceptable, because, as Hans from Norway mentioned, they probably will have this bike for as long as they are able to ride. It’s not a more powerful ZX6R that will be upgraded in a couple of years to the next more powerful ride.
If you want two Hyosungs – go ahead!
The Hawk 650 was a good seller in the US?
And by the way – most females don’t know how many horses a bike has, but for sure will dig the sophisticated look of the W800 and appreciate the seating position.
rohorn says
There you have it: If you “get” style but don’t “get” function, the W800 is for you. And if you can’t attract females, the W800 will compensate for some lack of, uh, well, ask Klaus.
Klaus says
Don’t ask me, rohorn, I wouldn’t know what to tell you. I’m having no problem with attracting the fairer sex! All I said was that you’ll attract more women if your pulling up on a stylish vintage bike than with a 100hp crotch rocket with a rear seat no bigger than a mouse pad. As long as you don’t pull up in front of a strip joint…
rohorn says
The Hawk GT was a terrible seller in the US – it cost about the same as a CBR600 when it was new. The Suzuki SV650 is a vastly better bike and – get this – has sold very well for over 10 years.
Klaus says
That’s what I said – americans want 4 cylinders and power, that’s why the Hawk flopped. The SV is successful because it has 70+ horses, in that case a twin can be successful, too. But less power = no sales.
I wouldn’t call the SV better, I’d call it different from the W800.
Europeans and Australians can appreciate a beautiful bike with (only) 50 horses, that’s why there’s a market for the W800.
fireninja says
Having owned both a Hawk GT and an SV650, I can say that I really preferred the Hawk, despite the SV being much newer and more powerful . Rembember that the Hawk was a flop only due to the fact that it was intorduced about 10 years before the market was ready — what Honda invented in 1988, Suzuki (and Ducati) succeeded with in 1999.
As for the whole W800 vs Bonneville thing, well, it has convinced me to hold onto my hotrodded 2001 Triumph Legend TT. Retro looks modern engine, suspension and frame. If I could only find a decent Thunderbird Sport. . .
Tom Lyons says
I find this a fascinating discussion that seems to go way beyond just this W800 motorcycle.
The actual vintage models that this bike is attempting to emulate, claimed somewhere between 45hp and 55hp maybe, and the other competition from other makers were not much different. And those hp figures were at the crank, not the wheel. And they were pretty optimistic figures, even for being at the crank.
14sec quarter-mile times and 110mph top speeds were typical, or even (gasp!) “good”.
Somehow people managed to ride these bikes and enjoy them, and they in fact became timeless classics that sometimes command more money than even many of the new bikes today. They are in high demand.
There are some people who would like a retro experience like this, but lack the skill or desire to maintain vintage iron, so they choose a modern retro variation that can provide a reliable and easy-to-use facsimile of what people rode back when motorcycles were motorcycles, and not disposable plastic rocket ships.
Personally, I really don’t find it so strange.
LongRanger says
Great discussion. I really like the look of the W800 and would give it serious consideration if I could buy one in the U.S. A previous post captured my thoughts exactly:
“This bike is for mature riders who don’t want to win a street race, who don’t get excited at a red light, who won’t get pulled over for speeding. This is an alternative to a cruiser, it’s for people who don’t like Harleys or jap-poser chrome monsters with a 2000cc V-twin. It’s for riders who remember the seventies, who rode Triumphs in their youths, or wanted to, and would like a beautiful, reliable, modern copy for relaxed weekend trips or for short rides on a sunny day. They want to hear that long-stroke twin, feel the torque, accelerate away from the traffic in style. This bike is all that. And the people who buy it couldn’t care less that they could have gotten a four-in-line with 20 horses more for the same money, or that the 650 Ninja has 70 horses.”
I completely fit this demographic. Although I own two very capable BMW’s, when it comes to a casual Sunday afternoon ride, I usually turn to my ’73 RD350. It’s got character in spades and brings a big grin everytime. Sure, it’s only got 36 hp (maybe), it has awful brakes, the suspension is unforgiving, and the period tires are downright scary. But riding it is a pleasure and I always dig the way it makes me feel. I’m sure the W800 would have the same effect. Come on Kawasaki, let me buy one!
fireninja says
It wouldn’t take much for Kawasaki to drop a good modern engine into that nice old-school frame and bodywork. . . they could have something much more versatile pretty easily. But instead the manufacturers these days (other than Ducati with their Sport Classics) seem to think people who like vintage aesthetics want vintage engine technology and performance. Even Triumph has gone this route — the predecessor to the Bonnivelles and Thruxtons was the Thunderbird line featuring the powerful, versatile and indestructible 885 triple engine, modern suspension and frame with retro looks. The 885 triple was detuned to 70-80Hp for the Thunderbirds (gaining some awesome low end torque) but could be hopped up via Speed Triple parts to the mid 130s.
Having owned over 50 bikes, my slightly modded 2001 Triumph Thunderbird Legend TT is my all time favorite. Vintage style, modern performance. And, nice wide 17″ wheels that can run good modern tires. (If I could only find a decent Thunderbird Sport. . . )
dr_cooke says
I own one since about one month ago. It’s been raining quite a lot since then and I only made 600 km on it, but I fully agree with Klaus: “This bike is for mature riders who don’t want to win a street race, who don’t get excited at a red light, who won’t get pulled over for speeding. This is an alternative to a cruiser, it’s for people who don’t like Harleys or jap-poser chrome monsters with a 2000cc V-twin. …”
The bike is just that and it is a pleasure to ride on a sunny Saturday morning, trying to completely forget about an awful week.
Great bike so far
globetrekker says
great discussion. great insights. i’ve learned quite a bit from reading the posts, and i’m glad to see a forum where people actually know what they’re talking about. the simple solution is this: write to kawasaki. tell them to bring the w800 to the states. there are plenty of us who thirst for that retro styling, and if you let kawasaki know it, they may give it a go (even if they just focus on select markets like FL and CA, where the riding is year-round). good luck to us in the US!
http://www.kawasaki.com/ourcompany/ContactUs.aspx
George says
WHY?
Who is really going to spend their money on this thing? You can still find W650s at most Kawasaki dealers for less than dealer cost. OK, the 650s were sort of a girls bike but the 800 is really jusy a warmed over W650 that costs even more.
Sorry, but I think it is a loser bike for the dealers and any buyers must be tagged as losers too!
Les says
George, in which country are you, or where, exactly, can one still find a new W650? In the U.S., one can barely find a well-used W650 for under $4000… 60+% of the 10-11 year old original MSRP.
luSca says
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if U want to see something please visit:
http://luscacustomdesign.blogspot.com/search/label/Kawasaki%20W800%20Special
thanks and regards
Michael Esdaile says
The W800 is a very nice motorcycle to ride. I’ve been riding one for two weeks now. Went for a ride with a pro enduro rider who has a DL1000 set up quite nicely and could run with the 1000cc V-twin through the windies, only losing a few bike lengths when he really got on the throttle hard out of some slow corners. The Kawasaki could do with a little suspension tuning which is more important than chasing more power. You can go as fast as you want on the W800, if you are up for it. Most of you would not believe where you can ride these things either, with a change of tyres… So I think back in January, Klaus hit it smack on the head. There’s riders, and then there’s internet browsers. Oh, and the Honda 650 Hawk. Was a dead duck in the USA because Honda originally priced it way too high. When they cut the price, they were all over the Bay area. Great in the Sierras too, could ride as fast in the rain as in the dry.
d peaslee says
Hello – I’ve had a W650 for a few years (bought it from first owner who got it in 2001). I’m curious – you talk about riding the w800 and then mention the Bay area – did you ride this bike in the U.S.?
Thanks
DP, Madison WI
James Thomson says
Hi, After A test ride on a Bonneville T100 (wire wheel) & A Kawasaki W800, I am thinking of part exchanging my aluminium wheeled 2009 Bonneville SE a for a Kawasaki W800 – HELP ! Many things about my Bonneville SE I like – handling in the twisties- the torqey smooth modern light crank engine (some character but also a bit bland). The triumph gearbox was not redesigned from the 790 to 865 engine but Triumph did fit a larger engine sprocket which makes 1st gear a little too long in traffic even though 5th gear is still a little too short. Don’t like the low speed straight line handling, suspension is very poor especially on English roads which were much better maintained 30 years ago than today, now lots of potholes and rough broken surfaces. The Bonneville fuel injection can snatch at low speed when closing then opening the throttle. The Kawasaki W800 handling lies somewhere inbetween the alloy and wire wheel Bonnevilles. Just about right – steady in a straight line but not too lazy in corners. The long stroke engine has a heavy flywheel and some vibration to blur the mirrors and plenty of character. The fuel injection / throttle response is faultless, the gearbox is silky smooth , the ride is comfortable. It’s a sweet little bike to ride. The lower engine power between the W800 and the Triumphs is noticeable . Kawasaki W650’s have reached silly prices here in the U.K., a good low mileage one was recently advertised for £4500. My worries are that the w800 may not keep its value like a Triumph. When the “hi-tech†fuel injected W800 is older, will it be less desirable than the remaining carburettor W650’s ? I can maintain a W650 myself but will have to pay a dealer to service the W800. I have not ridden a W650 , will it feel the same as the w800? Should I look for a good affordable W650 instead of the W800 or stop moaning and keep the Triumph ?
Jon says
I bought a W650 new in 1999. There were three problems with the 1999 bike… The model that every mag tested. Firstly, it came into the UK with ridiculous ‘export’ handlebars which forced the rider to sit too far back and totally ruined the handling (all subsequent UK bikes AND the W800 have the lower ‘touring bar’.
Secondly the ‘retro’ ribbed dual compound front tyre was rubbish and the rear one too wide, and slightly too lower a profile…Bridgestone BT45’s including a 120/90 rear transform the bike… And thirdly, and most weirdly, to keep the ‘robust’ exhaust note in the midrange, Kawasaki intentionally over-jetted the top end to muffle the tone. Put decent pipes on an otherwise totally stock W550 and the jetting is corrected and it makes a genuine 50 bhp at the rear wheel at 7400 rpm…and it’s nicely delivered too.. A proper fat cammy chunk of grunt kicking in at 6000 rpm. A W650 is higher geared than a Bonneville and revs higher too so it’s got longer legs through the box and each gear finishes later. The W800 is much closer to the soft mid-rangey cruiser style of the Bonnevilles but the W650 will snarl like a Hot T120….I’ve still got my 650….
James Thomson says
Thanks for the reply and advice which helped me come to a decision to to trade in the Triumph for a really nice low mileage Kawasaki W650. Its comfortable, has real character and I can service it myself. I think this will be a long term keeper !
PawL says
Haven’t had time to read more than half the comments of the W, but so far not reading about anyone mentioning it as a potential “SECOND” bike. I can’t afford a second bike and can’t even afford anything in the new price ranges, but if I did have the means I’d have to say the W would be a great second machine for the classic enthusiest. Great classic looks and simplicity. If you already have a good highway machine then you don’t need the HP right? Nice for short Sunday afternoon jaunts down to the ice cream parlour.
As far as comparisons to the Bonnie, yes the Bonnie is the real deal and the W is the copy but hell, ever see how many V-stars, shadows and boulevards there are out there? Copies sell as well as the authentic. The Bonnie is the real deal but as far as looks the W wins hands down. More cromb and not such a bloated look like the Bonnie. Triumph also really needs to lose the black engine cases. Nothing classic about that. Bottom line, the W would be a great second bike and I’d buy one in a heartbeat.
DIRK says
I just bought the bike !
The W800 Special Edition: it looks so cool, so stylish, and more importent: it beats any Triumph Bonneville on the technical level: although less HP : much more responsive power, more middle torque and stability, respons and problem-free driving!
It makes a leap into time towarde the first W1 in 1966, with all the modern technology. It rides so fine. Just buy it… you won’t regret this…
MikeA says
Beautiful bike, I just wish I could buy one!
Strange, I can go to motorsports dealers across the U.S. and pay nearly $10,000 for a Burgman or Silverwing scooter! But Kawasaki thinks no one in the U.S. would buy one of these?
And why is it that lots of Japanese bike lovers make fun of Harley for being outdated technology, but profess their love of bikes like this W? An $8,000 883 Sportster has a modern belt drive, rear disk brake, and has been Fuel Injected since 2008!
I just wish Japanese bike makers would put half the tech and modern goodness they put into their $6000 Power Ranger / Transformer / Boy Racer bikes into their $8,000 to $10,000 cruisers!
But despite the outdated tech drum brake,(seriously wouldnt it have been cheaper to build, sell, and work on for Kaw to go with a rear disk, they use them on their 900 Vulcan), chain drive (again, Kawasaki uses a belt on their 900 Vulcan, it would save some weight, and could easily be covered with a guard, and these arent 150hp race bikes, a belt would be perfect.)
Despite my complaints the 800W, even the plain version would be my next bike if Kawasaki would sell me one!