There is a famous W650 in Japan that has clocked-over 450K's without engine-work other than clutches (one-owner) . Other factors aside , they certainly seem well-built , I"ve personally seen a few that are well-over 100K's and don't look like stopping any-time soon . Dave NZ

The engine in the W800 is so under stressed that it will probably last a lifetime. You mentioned pushrods in the tube on the right side of the engine. Well actually that tube contains a bevel geared shaft that drives the single camshaft. Very similar to Ducati's old Desmo Drive.

@broncosgjn

2 жыл бұрын

Quite correct about the longevity of this motor. They have a top reputation for needing minimum maintenance and lasting high mileages easily.

@TheAnnoyingBoss

Жыл бұрын

Wish it was a belt drive or like the bevel, go with a shaft drive.

I have a 2021 model. I am of a similar age to you Ronin, having started riding in about 1968. My second bike was a Triumph Bonneville, which I loved. A string of Enduro bikes and a Suzuki GS850G then followed and I quit riding at about age 35 in the early 90's. I didn't ride a bike for over 30 years. I retired, and there was no question what bike I wanted. The W800. It has the same even-firing 360 degree twin like the old Truimph. It has the same feel as the old bike, but starts every time, doesn't leak oil, and has good brakes. It is happiest (and so am I) about 55-60 mph, and is an absolute joy to ride. I went on a group ride with several others and when we pulled up to a biker-friendly bar, everyone streamed out and ooohed and ahhhed over the Kawasaki. Thanks for your review.

I love all my vintage Kawasakis. I’m one of those weirdos that thinks vintage bikes look way cooler than newer bikes. So the W800 is a thumbs up in styling for me. I’m restoring a ’77 Kawasaki KZ650 inline 4 and I can’t wait to get that on the road. My local Kawasaki dealer hasn’t received any W800s yet for me to check out. Hopefully soon.

@cisium1184

2 жыл бұрын

_"I’m one of those weirdos that thinks vintage bikes look way cooler than newer bikes."_ That's not weird, that's sensible. A motorcycle should look like an ant, not a cockroach. Down with the Cockroach People!

@JJ-cg3rn

Жыл бұрын

The W800 is one of my favorite motorcycles… fit and finish are excellent. Would love to own one someday.

@nomadenview

Жыл бұрын

And my wet dream bike is retro Honda CB 750 inline 4.... So yeah I'm weirdos.....

@TheAnnoyingBoss

Жыл бұрын

They beed to build more stuff like this. Instead of going too high tech, you get the old mixed with the new. It sucks i cant get a 99 corolla brand new off the factory floor but a little better here and there. But u can get a dr650 and it hasnt changefmd at all

I looked at two of these. It's a nice bike, but it's a bit pricey. One thing I don't like about the bike is that you get only one color to choose-ONE! I wish that Kawi did more like Royal Enfield does, and they offered different colors for all their bikes, not just the W800. You can say that about the Big Four Japanese bike makers though; they offer one or two colors for each year, and that's it. If Kawi offered this in blue, I just might get one. Oh, and I LOVE the 360 degree crank! Nothing else sounds like it. Most parallel twins are using a 270 degree crank these days, which gives the bike a totally different sound; they mimic a 90 degree V-twin. They still sound good, but they sound different. The Kawasaki W800 uses the 360 degree crank (where both pistons rise and fall together)-just like the Triumph Bonnevilles of yesteryear did. My old W650 had a 360 degree crank, and it sounded similar. Unlike the Bonnies of yesteryear, the Kawis are counterbalanced-thank goodness! Even so, some minor secondary vibes make it to the bars. If Kawasaki were to offer this bike in that deep, dark azure blue that they had for the '21 W800, I just might get one! If it rides anything like my old W650 did, then this will be a sweet bike... :)

Best looking modern bike of that old school style. That engine is a peach looks wise. Performance with these are not an issue as it is almost all about the looks. It goes enough not to be boring, like most bikes today. It is a bit pricey but as it is an all metal bike it is more premium to my taste, plastics on a bike are so not my thing. Could see myself owning one, my current bike is a Kawa and I`ve had 3 others in the past so I know that reliability and a good build quality always come with Kawasaki.

Man, what a life! Getting to try out all these bikes and not having to purchase them ! Thanks for sharing them with us!

I remember the first time I saw a Kawasaki W. I was buying my very first brand new vehicle ever, a 2001 KLR 650. I believe the W was also a 650 that year. Remember thinking how different I thought it was. Says Kawasaki but sure looked Bonnevilly to me!! Anyway, I love what all the manufacturers are doing now for all us nostalgic old farts! Well, sure they're more in it for the coin.

G'day Ronin from Australia, A good Friend has one of the 800s and we have put it up against the Interceptor and the 650 out Performed it in take off speed and top end speed, the bike looks great,but underpowered, l think you will find a big difference when you ride the Interceptor, your review are always interested, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.

@sboy1955

2 жыл бұрын

That’s a surprise!?

Thanks for the great review mate. I am from Australia and as a middle aged bloke at 56, my hands do go a little numb when riding my BMW r1100s of 20 years, because the old boxer motor does give that old vibration through the bars. It never did bother me when in my 30s but now, I feel your pain.

I own a W650, the W series bikes are great reliable bikes. You failed to mention the positive stop neutral finder, a good feature on these bikes.

after 34 yrs of riding cruisers of all brands, I have returned to the old bike class and yes I am the proud owner of a special edition W 800 2015 version, I have not found another bike with such a beautiful character, and yes I did grow up on British and jap parallel twins from the early 50/60, yes my bike does have a slight vibration around 3.5 rpm, l love looking at the style of the actual motor there is a bit of everything here Ducati Desmo head work there is also the old BSA bottom end and then I see the trumpy style with the rear end and the pipework, she will stay in the shed safe and sound until I wear out.

Oops! The vertical "rod" on the right side is not a "push rod" - it is simply a drive rod to turn the overhead cam.. Hello

Beautiful bike... thanks for the review... I've been thinking about it also.... classic style.

Looks nice! Thanks for sharing some W800 content buddy

The first one, deep green all chrome was really nice...

Bought my 2020 W800 new from Gateway cycles in Mt Sterling Kentucky a year ago as a left over model for $8100 out the door. Wouldn't trade it for anything. If I could afford it I would buy a blue 2021 model to sit beside it in the garage 😁

I really like the looks of the W800 but ended up buying the 22 Speed Twin and love it!

Good morning! The Meteor 350 is the only bike I've owned in the last 25 years that didn't cause numbness/tingling in my hands with stock grips. Kawasaki does make some pretty road bikes and the W800 is no exception! Lil' Ronin rode across at 14:02. Take care!

This could be a great alternative to the Triumph t100 and the t120. I believe it could easily compete with the Triumph Speed Twin 1200. The Kawasaki is known for reliability.

@TheAnnoyingBoss

Жыл бұрын

Id rather have a japanese motorcycle than a british 😂😂😂

Not the vibration of my Ironhead chopper, I would guess. Lol That is definitely Retro Cool, there! Great review.

Bought my first Harley ('94 Heritage Softail) and rode 85 miles home. The "sleepy hand" is real.

Thanks for the review on this bike. Have been eyeing this as an "upgrade" in a couple of years to the RE Classic 350 I just got (which is a great little commuter and weekend joy-riding bike, but not well suited to long trips involving lots of 60+MPH roads).

My 1st bike was a gs550e.1978.was at midohio in mt vernon last weekend.really liked that satin black 350 classic.

Vintage or modern classics are the soul for me. Man I want one of these too. And I have one of the classic 350 which I love dearly.

I've had a couple of w650, loved the looks & for a short ride, great but for long distance the vibration was just too much. Now have RE Interceptor much smoother. Great channel. Cheers Keith

Great review. I had a W800 2014 to 2017. It had some fine vibes about 3500 revs, but it was not a dealbreaker. I drove my W for 2 or 3 hours without problems - that's enough for a (now) 60 year old guy. Since 2017 I had a Dyna Low Rider 103 - a rumble machine - vibes are bigger than on the W800, but also no problems. Both bikes are a great choice, made my both happy.

Handlebar bar vibration = bees in the gloves! 🐝

Thanks for your gut feelings on this bike. Like you I remember the 1970 maroon and gray Bonneville. But stare at these at the Dealer. Thanks for not dubbing music over the v sound of this engine. A "must hear" if you ask me. I'm riding on Kawi since 1972 and they made me a 2022 Z900 RS 50TH ANNIVERSARY JUST FOR me. Let thecgood times roll!!!

Looks like a fun bike. Might have to test ride one sometime. Love that engine look too! Dura-coat at 13:30. 🍻

I have a 1999 W650, great bike good looks and finish. Like the W800 it does have some vibes but it is a 23 year old design parallel twin engine.

Not disappointed about the power it’s enough for me. Just one of the most beautiful engines from Kawasaki in a long time. She needs her exhaust and intake opened a wee is all. Cut out the baffles and yeet that snorkel on the airbox and get a better filter.

@TheAnnoyingBoss

Жыл бұрын

I just hate how I spend 10k and the first thing i do is butcher it. A guy spends 7k+ on a dr650 and first thing he dies is air box mod where you just drill holes rightnin the side of the air box. Ehat the hell is wrong with you peoole 😂 what is this 1913???

@planartube2364

10 ай бұрын

​@@TheAnnoyingBoss?

Great video and nice motobike.

Great looking Detuned bike. So it can be played with. But will last for ever how it is.

The W800 is the closest thing we can buy that compares to the old BSA twins. The 360 degree crankshaft delivers that beautiful exhaust note and gives us that relaxing ride. I agree the W800 is the prettiest bike available today. I would love to own one, but due to my wife's health issues we must ride a trike these days. The vibration might be a concern for me because I am OLD and have arthritis and gout. I remember my old Honda CB900Custom buzzing my hands numb. I didn't like that but the old 900 was the quickest bike I ever owned. After a few scarey times on it I went to V-twins that were much slower and safer for me. I seem to have a disconnect between my brain and my throttle hand when I'm on a bike with planty of horsepower.

I dunno Ronin; that might be a tough sell considering it's three grand more than the GT. For me, there's got to be more in it than just the name, so I'm really looking forward to your Continental review!

I want one! Lovely looking bike

Thanks ☺️

Yes Ronin ... my hands go to sleep when I get too much vibration in the handlebars. Comment provided by: S PS: My nose also falls off.

Is that a push rod or does I have a little shaft drive for an overhead cam?

My vstar was horrible for vibrations and I'd go numb in no time. I also can't help thinking "the bears" for some reason when I see you now. Lol

Look’n fwd to your 650 Interceptor video..

People r posting about RE Interceptor v W800 acceleration/top speed. Like it matters. Both bikes are entirely adequate and fun for any lawful purpose. I have had very fast bikes and slow/er ones and the slower ones were nicer to ride except on a track.

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

Your speaking my language brother. Welcome to our channel

Another great video,delivered with your usual energy and enthusiasm. The bike, certainly sounded nice on acceleration. In England these bikes are no longer imported because they don’t meet current Euro Crap requirements; which is a shame. Sadly, I have never ridden one; gonna have to see what can be done done about that. Ride safe Neil

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

That is so sad.

@broncosgjn

Жыл бұрын

Mr Grizzly one thing about these is that you don't have to be scared of a used one. Very very solid. If it's been serviced it will be good for a long long time. People who buy them are also not rev heads. The vibration is nothing. If it hadn't been commented on I would't have even noticed it.

Sorry Ol"man Ronin...the bafflle on the outside is not a pushrod but en shaftdrive to the valve train.....I noticed something. But whatever...this is a really Old style bike....love it!!!!

Good one ☝️

Relate to vibration causing numb hands? Oh yeah! To the point where this is one of the major factors in deciding which bike to buy. I was seriously looking at the W800 as a second ride, for those lazy Sundays when I don't need the capabilities of my KTM Duke 890R, but your comments are making me rethink this plan. Unfortunately so, because OMG I love the looks of the thing! Absolute eye candy. Maybe I can buy one and just look at it. 🤣🤣

@broncosgjn

Жыл бұрын

I think that the vibration might decrease over time with break in. I have one and know others who do and nobody is bothered by it.

@russellbanks5815

Жыл бұрын

@@broncosgjn would be more worried about the tubeless wheels.....shocking Kawasaki...!!!

You say bar and grip vibration...though I do not see any type of bar end weights. Wonder if that would help? I like it.

the W800 is a bike I would love to own, but they are very expensive so it will remain a dream. Just lioke when I was young in the seventies, I dreamed about the Kawazaki z900, I had the luck to ride one it was heaven on wheels, but to expensive for me.

W800 is a nice looking bike no doubt.

My hands do go to sleep if there is to much vibration in the handlebars

Is it good for long drive trip ? And thx for video

Really, really cool looking bike! That bevel gear / shaft is odd looking but I get it, they didn’t want to use chains that stretched and ran the bike out of time. I’ve heard it’s a 360 degree crank meaning that both pistons ride up and down together? Wouldn’t the opposite be better balanced?

Man, there’s a 2022 close to me for under 6 grand. I’m seriously considering trading in my Kawasaki Z400 towards it. Ronin what’s your opinion on the W800 versus the Enfields such as the Interceptor or Classic 350? I love the look of all the bikes but Kawasaki has the reputation of being pretty much bullet proof.

I got on one of these today and felt a little high for me but it is a nice motorcycle. I would like to be a bit taller to ride it.

It will be interesting to see if you have a preference between this and the interceptor. Another soul machine to seek out might be just about anything in the Moto Guzzi lineup.

Look and seems to feel like the old bikes by your reaction! but that buzzy vibrations feeling is not for me, i prefer the Z900RS , retro bike on modern chassis and liquid cooling etc.. and better suspension then the old ones for sure, they would bottom out easilly.. i like resto mods ! but im glad Kawasaki did the 800 !!super smooth torque,,,awesome looks!

Another classic looking bike, but quite pricy. If I had the money, I'd buy a W800 and get an Interceptor 650 and a Classic 350 as company. But money is scarce at the moment, so I got myself a 20 year old Honda CB 500 S as a replacement for my Suzuki GS500E, which reached the end of its road. It's good to be back on the road again. Summer is finally arriving here in Germany and I'm not stuck to bus and train anymore (I don't own a car). The Honda is in good shape for it's age and it's a simple, reliable every day ride. The power is more than enough for my purposes (as I don't need and don't want to go on the famous Autobahn). Keep riding, be safe and always remember: shiny side up, rubbery side down ;)

(Saw the little guy on the screen at 13:29) What a beautiful bike. I would gladly trade my ‘94 Yamaha Virago 750 for one of those.

Great review and I was going to buy one until I found out they are plagued with electrical problems

Hi! Can you post a link to GoPro chin mount you are using?

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

no one link, just pieces parts from Amazon. I have a video on it check that out kzread.info/dash/bejne/pIB91pukqpDYnco.html

I'm very interested in the comparison with the Royal Enfield Interceptor. The Kawasaki is $9,100. The Interceptor is $6,500. That's a HUGE difference out of the gate.

PS. Remember guys that euro smog rules kill all bikes now. Alitalia ingenuity will fix the " underpowered " feel of any machine. Please don't blame the manufacturer.

I'll take the W800 Kawasaki build quality all day over Royal Enfield Interceptor but at what price differential?

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

$3k from what I gather

@BB-1990

Жыл бұрын

Same, i hope the W800 is not as top heavy as that pig the Interceptor,

Great video! Anybody have an idea of what kinda gas mileage you can get out of the W800?

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

coming up in my next w800 video stay tuned

@roywane354

2 жыл бұрын

I have a 2020 W800 and get around 60 mpg (imperial gallon)

Good looking bike, but I compare it to the Suzuki GSX 8S. I would prefer whichever has the best suspension and handlebar position.

Sleepy hands? Numb's the word.

W800 or RE CLASSIC 350? Both great bikes...which do you favor?

@chokdeesam2365

2 жыл бұрын

Good question

@markymarknj

2 жыл бұрын

I'd favor the new Classic 350, simply because it's easier to work on and has much lower running costs.

Hi, that’s a really nice looking bike. Do you recommend it for a beginner?

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

its mild for an 800cc so I would say, its all about your skill and confidence level as a new rider

@Allie_Rose

2 жыл бұрын

@@OlManRonin Thank you. Just starting out and riding around the neighborhood on a Honda Monkey but want to graduate to a bike I can take on the highway eventually. 🐵😆

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

@@Allie_Rose Welcome to the 2 wheeled world!!

@Allie_Rose

2 жыл бұрын

@@OlManRonin thanks again!

The old 650 with carburetors and a Kickstarter was a better bike simply because it had those two accoutrement. $1,500 of the purchase price of the bike is for the fuel injection to pass the Euro 5. Taking parts off and charging more money that's comes from the Harley School of thinking and I will not buy it unless it had the kickstarter and the the carburetor is as an option.

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

I feel you. As an Old Guy I really like simplicity

Ya know, I almost traded my z400 in for a ninja 650 or the w800 haha. I like the look of retro bikes but I also wanted a sport tourer as well. That being said, I didn't choose either of them. I decided to get a Himalayan to go along with my z400 rather than sell it.

I'd buy the Meguro K3 in a heartbeat, but not sold in AU

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

I can't find alot of bikes either here in the US ugh I feel your pain

@Vanrides.

Жыл бұрын

I think the Meguro is only available in Japan.

The only bummer is that black side cover on the 2022 W800 , Ugly ! .. Should have kept the Red side covers like the 2020 models

A little. Damn spell check.

I'm 6' tall and i found the W800 so uncomfortable, what a shame

Then engine size is actually 773cc NOT 733cc as You posted in this video. : >)

Kiya kiyaa dam(rs) hai.

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

???

because of of fit and finish its worth about a $1000 more than the enfield. this bike out the door is over 10 grand. if you are a real biker you will laugh at the price for the performance you get. it's a pretty girl with a bad personally.

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

lol

Nice bikes but way over priced for what you get.

@markymarknj

2 жыл бұрын

Between the W's price and lack of color choices, I'd opt for one of the Royal Enfield 650 twins. They're a much better VALUE! In these days and times, one has to consider value in everything.

I'm kinda Kawa fanboy, but those twins are weak and ugly to me... But everyone should get happy with what he Santa.

Too much giggling for me.

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

ok

@ohiotrailcam6087

Жыл бұрын

probably because you're unhappy. Maybe try therapy.