One of my most favorite bikes. 2020 W800 Cafe. Such a sweet ride and like how it makes me feel.

@CalmBiker

2 жыл бұрын

I really liked it.

I've always had a hankering for one of the 650's or the 800's, my kinda styling and a future classic I'm sure.

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

You should give one a try, though you would probably end up with another machine in the stable!

Great video - you covered all the main points really well. I'm on an A2 learner permit and recently upgraded from a 250cc Herald Roamer to a 2015 W800. I can't believe I get to ride this absolute joy on an A2 (it's just on the 35kW limit here in Ireland) but it's just brilliant. I can pull away from traffic at lights with ease where the 250cc would have struggled. The extra weight over the 250cc actually makes it feel much safer/more stable when you hit cross-winds or meet an artic coming the other way! I feel more confident on it for sure and could sit on it all day too. 100% recommended if you're after the retro look and arguably more authentic than the Triumphs too. Having said that...if someone gave me a Thruxton...I mightn't say no!

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment! I really enjoyed the W800 but it's not going to suit unfortunately and I don't have room for a third bike. My little Honda is allowed on an A2 license and its plenty of power. I was quite surprised that the A2 was that permissive when I first rode one. You can definitely have a lot of fun at 35kW!

I had the W650 and loved it. Was always tempted to upgrade to the 800. I liked the vibration, all part of the character...

@CalmBiker

3 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed that test ride. An option for a future project bike for sure.

@philipbirtwistle504

3 жыл бұрын

I had it for about 8 years, it was my first bike. And the best part of it... when I sold it, I got more than what I paid. Winner!

Enjoyed your video, I've got one a 2016 final edition and i love it

@CalmBiker

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers Mark. Yes, it's a fun machine.

They are a beautiful looking bike and very well built. We don't see many of them here in Australia.

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

I really liked it. I'd have one if I had room to keep the other two as well.

Excellent vlog ! The original Kawasaki W800 was a W1 and a direct copy of a 1950s BSA 650 👌

@CalmBiker

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks WB! It was a lovely machine.

I have a 2022 version of that bike and I agree with your comments about the power and low down torque. It's pleasure to drive in traffic and does surprisingly well on the four lane highways. The 2019 and newer W800 have a larger front disc, disc rear brakes and ABS. They brake surprisingly well. Cheers: Bob in Ottawa Canada

@CalmBiker

Ай бұрын

Good to hear you are enjoying it. I found it to be good fun!

I’ve always loved the look of these and was very tempted when I recently changed my bike but the price of the nice condition ones is rather high. Good review of the bike considering you had no specs, you have all info I would be interested in ie what’s it like to ride. Ride safe 👍

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

That's all I care about too :-D

Just bought one of these and I love it.

@CalmBiker

4 жыл бұрын

I really liked it too!

@dougfielding8215

4 жыл бұрын

telabib. I bought the 2019 W800 Street and I'm crazy happy with it! Much faster and smoother than I expected. Great fun to ride.

The 2018 with the black on black on slate black colour scheme is probably the most beautiful. Kind of an eye watering amount of chrome on this model.

@CalmBiker

2 жыл бұрын

I was sorely tempted by the black and orange 2014 colours. I'm not a chrome fan. Far too much work :-D

I am considering a Honda CB1100 or similar even through my younger friends call me grandad and tell me to get an adventure bike with all its plastic panels. Forgetting the heritage history of these types of bike for a moment, the lovey engine is on display and overall the bike just looks like a lovey piece of engineering to own, ride and admire IMHO. I suspect the youngsters see it differently and this could be a life-stage thing, after all this is the era when I was manufactured!

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

I was having a look at one the other week. It's a lovely looking machine! I was also looking at the Z900RS, another nice bike. Both a tad too tall for me, though the latter has a low seat option. (Not sure about the Honda).

I'm enjoying watching your videos and have subscribed to your channel, as I'm getting back into motorcycles after a break of 20 years could you make some suggestions as to which bikes that I could consider for mainly short daily trips to the countryside, my previous bike was a Yamaha 400 XS.

@CalmBiker

3 жыл бұрын

Just spotted in my comment list that there's no reply. I'm really sorry about that! I like a naked bike so would probably go with something like an MT07 or Z650. However, I would always recommend riding a few bikes to find out what you like and what fits you. Bikes are so personal and one that is great to one person could lead to painful knees and back for another.

I bought its predecessor, the W650, earlier this year and immediately changed the front tyre, which had the old style tread pattern. It transformed the ride and handling instantly. I fitted an Avon Roadrider MK2.

@CalmBiker

2 ай бұрын

I hear lots of good things about the Avons. I might have to try a pair.

they are lovely looking bikes, and I think you are right, def more authentic than the Triumph.... I found the handling a little vague, although that was back in 2014 when I was loaned one so it could have had different tyres The larger front wheel will help it ride potholes better than a modern 17"

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

That could come in handy with the way the roads are going at the moment.

A complimentary review. Yes metal side covers, alas indeed no headlight flasher button. Your image quality and audio is superb Sir, please could you put up some details of your camera and audio set up. Kind regards.

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! :-) It's a Drift Ghost S camera with the standard Drift mic.

It's always fun to ride another bike, but I hope you remembered to go back and collect Mrs C. I had a demo ride on the other end of the spectrum last weekend. A 2018 MV Augusta Brutale 800. That was fun too !!

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

Oh heck, I better get my coat on... It's an odd looking machine that Brutale. Are we getting a test ride video?

@volgnit

5 жыл бұрын

CalmBiker. Video completed and scheduled. Lol !

@jimme8499

5 жыл бұрын

Leave Mrs C and keep the bike.

@dougfielding8215

4 жыл бұрын

@@jimme8499 Don't do it it's great to have a woman that likes to ride!

They were based on BSA’s actually and luckily for me still on sale in Thailand

@CalmBiker

3 жыл бұрын

They've come back here again now too. I guess they managed to achieve the Euro rules.

Many people reckoned that the W650 was superior to the Bonneville. I was part owner of an old (it was even old in 1972) AJS650 twin when I was 15. We paid £20 for it and blew it up after about two weeks!

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

Two weeks fun for £20? Not bad then! :-D

I’ve had more than 20 bikes, including sports bikes fully loaded…but I’ve never been happiest than with my really old 600cc trail bikes (mainly Djebel). Currently have a Varadero which rides comfy and fast. But it just isn’t cutting it. Really wanting to go back to basics again and this W800 could fit nicely…

@CalmBiker

2 жыл бұрын

It's definitely worth a try. I realy enjoyed it.

@zepedrofd

2 жыл бұрын

@@CalmBiker I think I would! Everyone complaining about the price and lack of power! Than again it's really well made, all metal and simple which very little bikes are today. And for the power...all reviews seem to find it quicker than on paper. It seems as quick as my Africa Twin 750.

I did a test ride on a Bonneville T120 (1200) a while back and video'd it. The video suffers a bit from poor audio as I didn't have a decent headset at the time. I really liked the bike though. That 'shafty thing' on the side of the engine is the cam shaft drive - transfers drive from the crank up to the cam shaft.

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

That's the name I was hunting for! My brain isn't good at remembering these things at the right time :-D

@kevinclayton4491

5 жыл бұрын

It's called a bevel drive, they're brilliant. The design of the bike means home maintenance is a doddle and there aren't any cam chains to worry about. I bought a W800 last year after a long absence from biking and have a constant grin on my face because of it. If you can get one then buy one, you won't regret it.

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

Kevin Clayton I saw a video on doing the valve clearances on the W800. Sooooooo easy!

It was a BSA A7 or A10 and not a AJS which it was based on.. Hope this helps.... Good clear review and good audio Do some more reviews.Well done.

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

Cheers Alan

Great looking bike, i've wanted to test ride one for ages now but nowhere around here have ever had one, from what i here they're more than capable for what it is, you'll have to do a little test ride video on my Enfield sometime, A totally honest opinion, i'd like to here from someone who's not used to old fashioned, lol, haha! You can tell your used to a higher rev band, lol, nice vid bud, RS.

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

Definitely capable and great fun. If I only had the garage space! I'd love a go on the Enfield :-)

Have 650 lovely bike and looks the part.

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoy it! I almost bought one.

We only got the W800 in 2019 here in the US...the café version first, but now for 2020 they're also offering the standard model. I did find some 2019 café models without the fly screen and with higher bars offered by some dealers for a small upcharge. I've been considering this and the Z900rs...which obviously has more power. I did see they make a passenger grab rail as well as a rear luggage rack (that has side grab rails)...that might make this what your wife wants/needs as a passenger.

@CalmBiker

4 жыл бұрын

They stopped he W800 briefly here and then bought in the cafe racer in he same way. I was quite tempted to give one a try but I'm just running one bike at the moment and I know I'd be too tempted :-D I was also tempted by the Z900RS. I've not ridden one for the same reasons. It will be a completely different beast though, possibly one that could be a future replacement for the Z1000.

@scotteger6271

4 жыл бұрын

@@CalmBiker I've been looking at the various options within this category and they all have pros/cons. I'm looking at the Kawasaki W800 (obviously), Yamaha XSR700 and Triumph Street Twin. Alternatively, I'm also considering the class up from these as well with the Kawasaki Z900rs, Yamaha XSR900 and Triumph Speed Twin. I'm liking the looks and amount of accessory support for the Triumphs, but here in the US the dealer network is few and far between...that being said I don't know exactly how much maintenance a new Triumph would really need and I would be doing all of the basic stuff myself (like oil changes). I have friends that have put lots of problem free miles on Bonnevilles and Tigers. The Yamahas seem like the obvious choice for dealer support and overall performance...but there's a subtle feeling of cheapness that's hard to get past and certain things, like luggage, don't fit/look quite as nice on the Yamahas as it does on the other bikes.

@CalmBiker

4 жыл бұрын

@@scotteger6271 Quite a few to choose from there. Some people swear by their Triumphs. I've always thought them too expensive. I know what you mean about the Yamahas, though my first two bikes were Yamahas and (almost) faultless. I do like my Kawasakis :-)

@scotteger6271

4 жыл бұрын

@@CalmBiker oh I definitely understand about the added cost of the Triumph but we have an older BMW F650gs right now so I guess I'm used to it. Have been looking at the Aprilia Shiver 900 also but hard to find one to sit on and see what I'd think of it after being on it a while. Part of me says stick with Yamaha or Kawasaki, but another part says that's boring and you only live once.

@CalmBiker

4 жыл бұрын

@@scotteger6271 As long as you're good at electrical repairs ;-)

Would it make a good city despatch bike?

@CalmBiker

4 жыл бұрын

I've never done the job so couldn't say. It's a great little machine though.

What is the strawberry you keep referring too?

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

That's my Honda CB500X, "The Flying Strawberry".

Brilliant review. One of the best on this bike Ive seen. Ive seen a couple of these with top boxes and panniers and they look fine.

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

I have seen one with a top box but the top box looked a bit too modern by comparison. I need to see one with something that fits the styling I think.

@jimme8499

5 жыл бұрын

I know what you mean. Pity if that stops you getting one though. Have a look at this lot having a nice get together. kzread.info/dash/bejne/lJ2nxNJrgtqfotY.html

@pauljewkes7853

5 жыл бұрын

@@CalmBiker w800 is a descendant of the w1 that was built under licence from bsa in 1966 it still has more in common with bsa and most to do with triumph so they have been around for years unlike the hinkley triumph which to me personally have no heratige at all nice informing Visio old rider's may discribe thing s bit different . Well done cheers

Its a nice looking bike.

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

I like it.

Just wondering what is your height, sir... I'm 193cm (6'33 ft) & worrying if my legs gonna hurt riding this.

@CalmBiker

4 жыл бұрын

You will have a lot of extra leg to me. I'm 5'9" but with short legs (29").

The W1 was based on the BSA A-7, which Kawasaki had acquired design rights to in the late 60’s

@CalmBiker

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info!

It’s a bike you slowly fall in love with!

@CalmBiker

Жыл бұрын

I really liked it.

do you wknow what's the fuel consumption?

@CalmBiker

3 жыл бұрын

I don't, sorry. Official figures are 55mpg (UK gallons) so I expect 50 will be more likely.

I've tried this bike and the first observation was that I far preferred it to the Triumph Bonneville. It sounded nicer, was more comfortable, looked much prettier and had more character to it. Lovely bike. Very tempting but ended up with a Moto Guzzi which had even more character.

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

Nice choice :-)

@wardmontgomery9259

2 жыл бұрын

Hard to improve on an MG … very well built and super smooth

@silviofontana5144

Жыл бұрын

which Guzzi model did you buy? As an much older Italian, I love these bikes and Laverda as well - stay safe

@johnkinnane547

2 ай бұрын

@@silviofontana5144I love Laverda’s I had a RGS 1000 great bike not too good around town but on the open road amazing, if I could ever rid again I would love a Auguster beautiful and a great Italian bike

It is a sort of bike which rides well, is reliable, looks really well and is really easy to maintain... so what more could you expect? That's probably why I have it and enjoy it, lol. :D On the other hand if you want a bit more excitement... then there are better choices even in that segment.

@CalmBiker

2 жыл бұрын

That's basically exactly what I was looking for but with the pillion capability. Unfortunately the back seat just didn't inspire the confidence for Mrs C.

I’ve read tons of reviews on this bike, it’s becoming apparent to me that most of the reviewers are products of today’s society and used to sport bikes that are over 100hp and 200mph and dual disc setups and they compare this bike to it and find it wanting. This is a slow, torquey, comfortable, and looks like cycles of old .

@CalmBiker

2 жыл бұрын

Yep, it needs to be judged on what it is and what it is for. I really enjoyed it.

Sorry to get all geeky, on an otherwise enjoyable review, but the bike is indeed an update on the w650, which itself was/is a nod to the little known (outside of the classic scene)1960s kawasaki w1, w2, w3, which were four stroke twin cylinder 650 engined bikes sharing a very similar design to the 1960s bsa A7/A10. Don't think they were made under licence simply a close but very good copy. Google (other search engines are available) 1960s kawasaki W1 commander, and see what thid bike is trying to replicate. Nice summary though.

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

Cheers Graham. I was just going from what I had read on the licensing thing and the reason for the replacement of the 650. It's a lovely bike!

@kevinclayton4491

5 жыл бұрын

The original W1 was based on the BSA A7 and was originally made by Meguro who were then taken over by Kawasaki. I believe there was a license to copy the A7 for this.

@Grahamvfr

5 жыл бұрын

@@kevinclayton4491 thanks for that kev, it's the triples that are my strong point.

@dougfielding8215

4 жыл бұрын

@@kevinclayton4491 This is the information I heard also.

Gear indicator ?

@CalmBiker

4 жыл бұрын

I can't remember but I don't think so.

Great looking bike. Too bad for me it's not available in the U.S.

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

They have managed to make the bike compliant with the new Euro regulations so are going to start building a new version in 2019. The first one they announced was their cafe racer version, which is going to the USA. Later they announced a more classic shaped W800. It may well be headed your way too.

@dougfielding8215

4 жыл бұрын

@Bunnyshooter 223 Buying this bike is not blowing your $.

great looking bike but i dont need vibration at all.the reason i would not but.stick with my silky smooth dl 650

@CalmBiker

3 жыл бұрын

It wasn't too bad but I'm the same with my in line 4 :-)

You really should buy it as soon as possible.

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

I'd love to but I don't have the room.

I have a 2019 W800 pulling a Cozy sidecar I've done 8000 trouble free miles

@CalmBiker

9 ай бұрын

The DadBike! Love it!

The original W1 from the 1960's was based on the BSA 500cc twin.

@CalmBiker

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Paul!

Admit it. You love it! .......LOL.......Sal : )

@CalmBiker

4 жыл бұрын

I did!

The misses would probably like the Versys 650 or 1000.

@CalmBiker

4 жыл бұрын

Both too tall for my little legs unfortunately.

"Weee" hehe love it :)

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

:-D

Good.bike cassic..ok

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

It is a good machine.

An old Bonneville without the oil leaks! You were clearly having too much fun . . . . Weeee!

@CalmBiker

5 жыл бұрын

Hahaha! Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!

The w800 has better heritage than triumph because triumph went arse up.

@CalmBiker

3 жыл бұрын

That's the Triumph fans outraged! :-D

What the @#$& is a "strawberry?"

@CalmBiker

4 жыл бұрын

Hehe. It was my Honda CB500X. I did a competition when I first bought it for someone to name it and the winner said "The Flying Strawberry" :-D

Shaft drive thingie - bevel gear cam drive.

@CalmBiker

4 жыл бұрын

That's the one! :-D

Born to be Mild

@CalmBiker

Жыл бұрын

😂

Think you need to slow down mate. :-)

@CalmBiker

7 ай бұрын

Never! 😀

Weeeeeee.... lol

@CalmBiker

3 жыл бұрын

:-D