Comments on: Kawasaki W800 Retro On Its Way? (News) (Rumors)

By: sliphorn

sliphorn — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:31:46 +0000

Good points, Michael Y. I imagine the new W800 won’t be much heavier, and any complexity it will have will come from the fuel injection. The new larger displacement should put it at the same power level of a tweaked and hot rodded 650. So hopefully, the 800 will be just as well balanced a motorcycle as the 650.

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By: Terrence W

Terrence W — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 06:24:19 +0000

I keep hearing comparisons with the new Bonnevilles and (having owned both a “W” and a Hinkley Bonneville) I feel obliged to comment.

I love air-cooled twins which make adequate power in an unstressed fashion in a bike with a “normal” steering geometry and riding position. I like quality bits and a lack of plastic. I like to get a good mpg – something motorcyclists used to brag about but no longer. That is the reason I bought both bikes. My decision had nothing to do with brand allegiance or whether the bike would fit my image.

My vote has landed firmly with the “W” (which I still own). The long stroke engine is torquey and characterful. Its is mechanically quiet and has no cam chain (this is a great advantage for anyone who likes to wear their bikes out). It acheives a full 20+ (British) mpg’s more than the Bonneville. It is easier to work on – for instance, valve clearance adjustment on a Bonneville is a cam-out job. Standard equipment spec is much better. Finish is better. It’s lighter and more nimble, which suits my riding preference for staying away from highways.

The “W” has it’s faults, but love is blind, and I really struggle to recognise them. I will be tempted by the new 800 but probably would’nt buy one. Less is more for me.

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By: Michael Y

Michael Y — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 20:53:19 +0000

I think the main issues for me will be size, weight and complexity. I have a ’00 that I bought new. Me and hundreds on the very active boards have since twiddled and tweaked our bikes to squeeze out whatever extra power we could but in all truth, it has power enough. In fact, it’s a great bike because it’s so well balanced right out of the box.

I think as opposed to displacement and complexity, we buy this type of motorcycle because we want simplicity and lightness. Just check out the W650 customs that Deus Ex Machina are building down under and you’ll see what I mean.

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By: Bill

Bill — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:59:32 +0000

If it’s half as good as the Bonnie it will be a hit ! But then I thought the Drifter 1500 was a hit ????

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By: chris c

chris c — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 03:48:47 +0000

i’ve owned a 2000 w650, and two triumph bonnevilles. if kawasaki builds the w800 i’ll buy it too. very sweet, beautiful bike. i hope it comes to the us. i also think triumph should build a bigger bonnie with the t-bird engine. the t-bird is getting a lot of good press but i hate the harley styling. btw, i love kawasakis zrx1200 (lawson replica) too. another one of the best bikes i’ve ever owned and wish i didn’t sell. i hope kawasaki builds both again. i’ll make room in the garage. i love reliving the bikes and memories of my youth!

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By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:44:05 +0000

Found this on the interwebs so it MUST be true…..

http://d3bzd59jg0tfcj.cloudfront.net/photo/2010/09/08/cache/kawasaki%202011%20(5)_big.jpg

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By: John Dean

John Dean — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:06:49 +0000

I’ve had my W650 since 2002, she was delivered on our 20th wedding anniversary. In the 8 years gone by she has been rock-solid. Nothing has gone wrong in 34,500 km.

I live in Kobe, Japan and most of my riding is on switchback mountain roads, where the light & torquey W is in its element. It is not much use on an expressway for any length of time — lack of fairing makes it a pain after a while.

Good machine — it does what I want it to. Would I buy a W800? Possibly, but unlikely. The W650 is fine…

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By: Joe

Joe — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:53:47 +0000

Personally, I like it. Why does everyone have to compare it to the Bonneville? Kawasaki, along with several other manufacturers, made motorcycles that looked a lot like that. We call them UJM’s. Bring it here, with real chrome fenders, metal side covers, disc brakes, and laced wheels. It will sell in reasonable quantities at a reasonable price. Just like the soon to be released CB1100 from Honda. There are plenty of us 45 to 60 year olds who don’t drink the HD koolaid.

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By: Stan S

Stan S — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:31:18 +0000

Had a ’00 as well – absolutely perfect proportions. Tall, lean, nice detailing… It’s saying something when you’re the “belle of the ball” at the local moto get-together (1st Thursdays – Dulono’s Pizza – Minneapolis) – all for around $5500 OTD …. And yes sonny, That IS a kick-starter!

Flat out intuitive to ride – no stability issues on my example (must have been a mid-week build.)

The new bonnie is nice (even better now w/cast wheels); but it was never a real stunner – too squat, too quiet, and Eh-Gads.. that kink in the pipes!

Here’s hoping.

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By: sliphorn

sliphorn — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 12:13:56 +0000

I always loved the look of the W. To my eye, it looks more like a proper British motorcycle than the modern Bonneville does. And of course there is history to back up it’s re-introduction. The original W’s were made from ’67 to ’75.

The fact that Triumph is having great success with the Bonne is all the more reason for Kawasaki to bring a new upgraded W stateside. It offers us another option for a great, down to earth, make it your own, basic motorcycle. Plus, there aren’t many Triumph dealers in the US. Whereas a Kawasaki dealer is easily found in much of the US.

I hope they keep the kick starter and make the suspension better than the previous model.

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