Great review of a beautiful retro bike. I want to share my experience with you and your viewers about the Dura Pro product sampler. When I received the kit the bottle of Blue Premium metal polish had ruptured emptying the full contents in the box. I contacted Mark at Dura who immediately replied apologetically and sent out a new bottle of Blue Premium that I received yesterday. What outstanding customer service! I'm impressed with the company and haven't even tried the products yet. They're American produced as well. I've started the painting on my VTX 1300 project and it's going well. I will be using the CRYO product when wet sanding and polishing is complete. Will also use the Blue premium where applicable. Thanks again for the giveaway and take care.

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

Thats awesome Michael, Great to hear feedback like that!

My 1999 W650 has the same engine. It's now 23 years old and still looks and goes great. The bevel gear, like 1970s Ducati's, is a wonderful piece of engineering.

@kdsowen2882

Жыл бұрын

They actually copied the 'bevel' from a 40's Manx-Norton-single Dave NZ

Seems like a cool bike. Really looking forward to the INT650 vs the W800 video... 'lil Ronin at 11:44. 🍻

Ronin...as a fellow old guy who's also "reelin' in the years", I agree with you on the W800's looks. It's what motorcycles looked like when I was a kid, and fell in love with them. If I parked a W800 next to my 82 KZ440 and my 93 KZ1000P, it wouldn't look out of place at all. Now...to see if I can convince the wife that I REALLY need a third Kawasaki...

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

lol The struggle is real! lol I hope you get it! Cheers

@BB-1990

Жыл бұрын

Just buy it and don't tell her. If she starts asking about it, tell her "i have always had it, do you need to see the doctor?"

I bought a 2022 W800 2 weeks ago, it is the 45 th motorcycle I have purchased. I just hit 2000 miles and I am very happy with it. My last T100 was a 2015 which I really liked. Hard to tell the difference between them when riding. But the W800 does have some vibration around 60 mph, which just gives it more "old school" feel. I would have bought a 2022 T100, but they have the black out look that I think is killing the look.

I have the w800 cafe for almost 3 years now .. love it! ❤️

Another great video and I love your new category of English Standard bikes. That seems to sum it up perfectly. Be happy, stay healthy and keep the smiles coming.

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dennis

If I was in the market for a new “English Standard” bike it would be the W800 based on looks alone. I also like the fact that it’s an old fashioned 360 degree parallel twin, long stroke with peak torque at 2,500rpm. Totally with you on modern water cooled engines lacking appeal as far as looks go 🇬🇧🏍

In my opinion, the W800 is the most beautiful motorcycle out there . I thought about buying one when shopping for a mid sized retro bike. I ended up with an RE 650 int. The price of the 800 was a bit daunting but not prohibitive. What made me abandon that idea was all the reviews saying how much it vibrates. I have an RE 500 classic.. if I want hand numbing, soul fatiguing vibrations... I will ride that.. at half the price. The desire for a larger bike was driven by a desire for freeway capability and the ability to stay in the saddle for 2-3 hours. The W800 reviews did not make that sound like a possibility. The scarcity of these bikes made a test ride of it impossible. I have the 650, it is a capable bike... but I still think about that W800

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

both are amazing machines and in a perfect world .....

I'm so happy you rode the w800 as I have just bought a lovely dark green one from 2011 it's immaculate, I've not rode it yet as it's just being serviced and mot where I bought it from so I got to wait few more days yet, then happy days

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

That's awesome Debbie! I Hope you enjoy it and email me a pic of you and the bike for Subscriber Shout Out!

Look how the valve clearances are checked and adjusted on this bike. The mechanism is worth a video in itself. You will love it compared to the old style screw and locknut (along with the short 6k mile valve service interval) of the RE650.

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

the engine is without a doubt beautiful

It is a handsome machine and has its merits, pro and con. But I went Interceptor feeling that the cost of the W800 was too much for my type of riding. I just did a 780 miles overnight on mostly county and state highways. The money I saved by not buying the W800 will keep me in gas and motel for years to come. :)

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

there is so much truth in what you say. Stay tuned for my upcoming W800 vs INT 650 video

@winner1338

2 жыл бұрын

But the RE needs an oil change every 5000 km, right?

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

@@winner1338 yes. And I often change the oil even sooner. Oil breaks down. People should check the viscosity as opposed to looking at number's. Why , fir example, my Road King has well over 100k miles on it..

@kdsowen2882

Жыл бұрын

@@OlManRonin Most bike-oil is 'Shot' after 1200miles , there is plenty of scientific evidence to support this . Buy any 10-40 multi-grade Jaso/MA oil and change it frequently , your motor will last forever . Dave NZ (51-bikes over 68yrs )

Thanks for this great video. I’m currently cross shopping this with various Triumph Bonnevilles and Speed Twins.

Great video as always 👍

I love the look of that engine as well. Awesome looking bike

Lovely machines. I have the café version. Love it.

Great video, but I think, the W800 delivers the original feeling of the 60s and 70s more than the modern Bonnies or even the Interceptor. I had a T100 2020 for one season. It was a quite modern bike compared to my W800 (2014-2017).

Rear gas shock will definitely reduce high speed wobble, laser aligned rear wheel toe along with chain slack adjustment is very vital for motor cycle riders. Have fun!

lil’ ronin rolled by at 11:43. Cool looking bike!

I like the looks of that bike. Nice sound, and unlike most of it's competition, the mirrors look useful. I have a box somewhere of worthless (unless you are VERY skinny) stock Bonneville mirrors that were replaced with Japanese items.

A great review which helps me makes up my mind to buy one. Funnily enough, I do have a CB650 and it goes around corners as if on rails.

The location just brings me peace of mind from my terribly hectic city life..

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

it really does

W800 will probably be next bike. Love the look better than Bonnie or INT 650. Looks as good as my SCR950 if not better.

Yes handsome bike....I think the next interceptor 650 upgrade should be focussed on the engine shape.....it really matters...the present round shape needs to be changed... I was hoping to see more of the w800 bike details.....maybe next video...

None of the bikes that you mentioned handled like an English motorcycle even if they looked like one. In the 1970s if you said that a Kawasaki 750 twin because it looks like a British bike handled like a Norton people would be on the floor rolling in laughter. The first XS650 Yamahas handled horribly and so they brought in Percy Tate to correct their frame deficiencies and then the bike handled better but it did not handle like a British motorcycle even though it looked like one. Motorcyclists you do a pre-flight check like a pilot does check the tires check the air pressure check the gear fluid level check the oil engine level check your your gas level make sure everything in your bike is working and then proceed to leave but only after making everything it's proper.

@mattyb7736

2 жыл бұрын

Remember the FJ1200? They called that one "iron guts on jellyl legs" the frame and forks had that much flex, the xs650 was almost as bad.

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

lol ok

Nice looking bike! I dont think they have many problems either if i remember correctly.

what a fantastic bike

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

Definitely

I started riding road bikes on a 1978 Kawasaki KZ650 in 1982. Just retired and bought a new W800. Really enjoy riding mostly country roads and short spurts on highways. If I was going to ride mostly on highways over 70mph I'd get a second bike.

I do like the W800 and its predecessor the W650. I always thought either machine would make a great sidecar tug. Why do "English Standard" bikes handle so well? Mainly because of the nature of the roads in England, particularly in the northern half of the country. Those of you who have ridden the roads in the Pennine region (that are not motorway) will know what I'm talking about.

@Soul2burn

Жыл бұрын

Well I own and frequently ride a W800 with a Cozy sidecar and absolutely love it except the maintenance is hard to do compared to other bikes i have owned I have 6500 kms on my 2019 rig and just turned 70.

@kdsowen2882

Жыл бұрын

Yep , NZ roads are similar . Dave NZ

What is the pulling power like on highway speeds in top gear? And how stressed is the engine (rpm wise too)? My ninja 300 struggles to pull on 6th and i hate that the rpm is so high.

@TnerolfY

2 жыл бұрын

4250 rpm at 130km/h for mine.

Nice bike👍

G'day Ronin from Australia, another great review, the more l see this bike the more l love the look, maybe next time, update on the rear brake failure on the Interceptor, Royal Enfield are replacing the Caliper and rotar and pads and as my dealer is over 100 miles away that are picking the bike up and returning it, one hold up no spare Caliper in Australia, so it's a slow boat from India, still don't know what happened in the workings of the brake yet, but it must have been epic as now when you pump the lever fluid just runs out emptying the system in seconds, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

ugh that's terrible. I hope they get it soon

@norsehall309

2 жыл бұрын

@@OlManRonin Thanks for your comment have a video of the fluid running out and past it on to the dealer and they were shocker, still have it on my phone if you want to see for yourself

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

@@norsehall309 yes email it to me

@norsehall309

2 жыл бұрын

@@OlManRonin Will Do

It is still my dream motorcycle, but i dont think i can afford this, even used one still in a high price, so i must accept and be happy with his lil brother estrella 250cc

Have you ridden the Kawasaki Z650RS?

My man, I would love to see you ride a Suzuki Gixxer

Check-out the 1940's Manx-Norton Race-bikes, that is the 'bevel' Kawasaki copied . Dave NZ, W650 , Yamaha TR1

Classic retro British motorcycles is a preferred term

New brit standard,,, NBS! 🤪

Beautiful bike. I stick to my Interceptor though 😉

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

Int650 vs W800 video in the works

Indian Thunderstroke is the best looking engine in my book.

Great review. I think the Triumph Speedmaster rivals this as far as engine looks. But its more of a cruiser. I would still give the W800 a narrow 1st place.

@OlManRonin

Жыл бұрын

I sold my 2015 Speedie last year. loved it

went by at 11;45

I am still wondering why the W800 Triumph Bonneville 800 are not compared and road tested. And why the Royal Enfield 650 and Kawasaki W650 are not road tested back to back. The W800 is often tested against the 650 INT. This is not apples to apples.

The bike's category is actually called UJM, or Universal Japanese Motorcycle. This bike is based on the Japanese bikes of the 60's. Great video though!

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. The UJM didn't come out until the 70s. And it was coined by US media types. The 60s bikes that I refer as British Standards were the Triumphs, BSAs and other that were so prevalent when I was a kid. Hence me calling them British or English Standards.

@andysouthardmusic

2 жыл бұрын

@@OlManRonin The CB750 came out in '69, but I agree it's more a 70's thing. Either way, great video and you've got a new subscriber!

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

@@andysouthardmusic perfect and thank you

Well I have never really looked at the engine on w 800, oh while we're on best looking engines, my california , haha, but got to go a long way to beat the panther 650single, but I guess it's personal opin,

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

lol you know it Rupert

All of the technology on today's motorcycles even the simple quote Retro Ones and they don't have an automatic turn signal canceler what's up with that?

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

Harleys do and so does CFMoto

I paid my dues with dual Amals and over hot bikes. And I didn’t get a new Trumpet with fake carbs. But a liquid cooled EFI 955i triple in either Daytona or Speed Triple seems like a “proper British bike” which the Kaw sadly is not and the Interceptor barely is. YMMV but that’s how this Norton & Triumph owner sees it. YMMV.

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

ok

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

Matt there are tons of great motorcycles made and to make statements like you is typical of people who have biases against other brands and models. Instead I love all things on 2 wheels. I like some better than others of course, but I never bad mouth any brand.

@mattgoodmangoodmanlawnmowi2454

2 жыл бұрын

@@OlManRonin Not badmouthing. Just noting differences. I would be disappointed with either a 650 or 865 RE. Both handling and mediocre power would leave me disappointed coming off a very fast built Norton Dominator. And that particular Trumpet hit the sweet spot. The Gixxers and usas own top end and my buddy’s ride is an old Kaw that turns 8.43. But I will NEVER get embarrassed by any stock Harley for example. Or RE or even built 20th century British iron. It was too attractive a proposition especially given it’s pristine condition and history. I prefer to think that I am encouraging people to do their homework and see what’s out there. There are some great riding quick but not terribly expensive used bikes out there. Find the best ride for what you want. My ride speaks for itself. A solid all around machine at any speed you can get away with these days. But if you are riding what works for you, great. I love the Japanese martial arts tradition but Japanese bikes as daily riders in traffic leave me cold Seems like 185 mph but you have to pull from low in a pesky power band because you are geared for 190 with a close ratio gear box to boot sometimes. Everyone is looking for something different and they aren’t selling lots of bikes like mine, but that’s one of the reasons I love this bike for me. Quick, rideable, impeccable low miler. So yeah, kumbaya to all bikers, even if it’s a Cushman box but I am too particular to ride something not much faster than my old Norton so Hinckley at its best before EUR5 etc is a hooner sweet spot. Remember the air is fresh only at the head of the pack. And the scenery only changes for the lead dog. Lol. I was organizing neighborhood bicycle drag races at 14. I’m not going to stop now. One thing new on my bucket list is to post a sub 11 myself. What would it take to make a W800 handle like a Featherbed frame? How about to got an RE to turn a sub 11 et. That’s why I say they are not “proper British bikes”. Of course, YMMV but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

@@mattgoodmangoodmanlawnmowi2454 ok

@mattgoodmangoodmanlawnmowi2454

2 жыл бұрын

@@OlManRonin Noting differences in performance that are widely reported either means you believe that they are still equivalent or you don’t see or mind the differences. I see a difference between a 10.8 quarter and a 13.5 or 13.8 one is irrelevant as is the difference between a featherbed frame and an RE one. At least that helped keep the bidding down on the Daytona. So as they say, whatever floats your boat. But I wouldn’t trade my Daytona for your W800 or RE 650 plus cash. I guess it’s just another example of being woke these days. All bikes are equally enjoyable to some. But for others differences matter. But there’s a nearby HD dealer who has taken 1/3 off list on their 2020 lLiveWire. An equally good bike to all the other equally great rides. Happy trails. I’ll wave to you if I ever pass you.

Before the company was bought by Kawasaki, the company was called MEGURO which was established in 1924. The W lines are from MEGURO. I love this vertical twin engine with fat torque and the sound of exhaust note all day along when I have a bike trip 300miles /day. I have a Meguro replica version only available in Japan with the same engine. kzread.info/dash/bejne/iX1pxqZ9Zc6ycaQ.html

Just because it looks like a British motorcycle does it mean it handles like one. Let's not forget that the Daytona 500 twin ruled its namesake race track for the better part of 30 years. All of the British manufacturers motorcycles handled like they were running on Rails when they went around the corner 75 miles from me in Naples Florida a company makes reproduction featherbed Norton frames. Frames that are 70 years old and design are better than anything the newcomers have been able to come up with which is why people buy them and then put their own engine in them just like in the 50s when you made a Triton.

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Frank thank you so much for all your comments, seriously it really has the channel! Much appreciated

I call BS on the handling. British Substandard more like it. Had a Norton Dominator with a featherbed frame. Whole different world. For a more modern English standard, I went with an 02 Triumph Daytona 955i. Speed plus handling. That triple is special.

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

ok

@mattgoodmangoodmanlawnmowi2454

2 жыл бұрын

@@OlManRonin but it was the not too expensive Interceptor that got me thinking about returning to riding. And it took me a ton of time and research, and a lot of intermediate ideas before I ended up saving $2K compared to a stock new RE. The 02 Daytona is 12K one owner practically showroom condition sub 11 ET bike with a Matt Capri custom exhaust and tune. May port and polish the head but that’s about it. About the same weight but twice as quick and handling is superb. Call it what you want. I call it an aging hooner still being myself. Any traffic light, any time. Let’s have some fun. Yeah busas and Gixxers will get me especially above 158 mph. Think about that. My last bike was a built 60s Norton. Got to keep up with the changing times. ML&R to all who keep the code 💯 in & out of clubs. And F rats. The Bible says you cannot serve two masters, which is the problem with snitches. Death Before Dishonor. And Semper Fi to my Marine brothers. /s/ Matt’s dad Dan (Look for a silver 955i Daytona - I will show you why) lol.

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

@@mattgoodmangoodmanlawnmowi2454 ok

@mattgoodmangoodmanlawnmowi2454

2 жыл бұрын

@@OlManRonin 0-60 5.3 vs. 3.0; quarter 13.8 vs. about 10.8. The W800 performance would have been standard in the 60s but not for 2022. Is it bias to know what’s what & that there are differences between e.g. the Daytona and similar price range modern W800s & FEs ?

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

@@mattgoodmangoodmanlawnmowi2454 ok

All this and never once did you mention BSA. You kept saying English style...wrong...the term is British motorcycles.

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

Because I never owned a BSA. I have owned Norton and Triumph i only speak on my personal experiences. Feel me? ;)

@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff

2 жыл бұрын

Well, he is correct in that Triumph, BSA, Norton etc we’re all English motorcycle companies. BSA stands for Birmingham Small Arms, check out their logo.

@OlManRonin

2 жыл бұрын

@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff of course I am lol