Exercising the Kawasaki W650

When I decided years ago to not put my scooters and motorcycles into storage during the winter that meant I had to keep riding them. When the roads cleared and the temperature soared to 45F I saw an opportunity to exercise my 2001 Kawasaki W650. Each time I go for a ride, regardless of distance and destination, I find myself thrilled to be on the road and taking in the sights.
#kawasaki #motorcycle #motovlog

[@Retro_Iron]

Nice rumble. Nice ramble. Nice ride. Amen, Brother.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you kindly. You've summed it up well!

[@davericketts9101]

Love the pace of your videos, the serenity, the music and the sound of that 650 parallel twin, adds a beautiful soundtrack, all of its own. Thank you. More like this.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed the video. The W650 sure does produce a fine soundtrack...

[@anhnguyen4198]

There’s always something very soothing and meditative about your videos (the ride, your commentary or bit of both). Thank you all the way from Vietnam! 😄

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you like them! I still enjoy making them. Maybe because riding is always involved! Best wishes to you. Be well on the other side of the globe!

[@rupertrankin489]

I love how you talk in whole sentences without a wasted word. And you greet the world with the same parsimony. Yes, deer are to fear on country roads. I stopped riding 25 years ago, after a friends brother met one on his new bike. Listening to you is getting to be a part of my way back. Thank you

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I try to keep my focus narrow in the videos. It's more a turn of video editing than a natural way of speaking. I can certainly digress... It's gratifying to know that my work might help you move closer to riding again. Good luck on your search.

[@1967dragonaxe]

Ahh the classic line..."there's a bakery, I should go in there". That's just the thing I'm prone to saying, lol. Love you videos. Has anyone ever said you have the same comforting type of voice as Garrison Keiller? You're so easy to listen to 👍

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I sure seem to find places to snack and eat while I'm riding. A guilty pleasure. Thank you for the kind words about my narrative style. Garrison Keillor has me still looking for Powder Milk Biscuits for Shy People. His voice has a hypnotic quality that I like. To be compared to him even a little is high praise. I wish I was the story teller he is.

[@russjan2811]

I took a morning ride on Sunday just before the rains came on my W650. Just like you with no particular place in mind. Just fire up the bike and feel so engaged with life and everything around me. Thanks for taking us along Steve.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Life can seem so simple and easy when riding a motorcycle.

[@3obryans]

Happy to be with you, man. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and your words and your adventure! Looking forward to the next one already … no pressure though! 😊

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Much appreciated! I'm sitting here this morning thinking about riding. A big storm last night, heavy rains, and more today will take the off-road stuff away for awhile, but the paved roads will be dry soon so who knows where that might lead! And there will be more videos to come.

[@dennyf01]

Oh man, the Sunset West was the post-gig hangout for my bandmates and me 40-odd years ago. Made me homesick with this video, might have to ride up on the DR650 in a couple of weeks.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

That would mean you were hanging out at Sunset West in the 1980s. A different time back then. Sorry I made you homesick. The diner will be waiting for you. And the Red Horse Tavern is still in business just down the road.

[@billalbion]

Thanks, very interesting. Good to see your countryside.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@markrobinson2648]

Loving your ever increasing stable of bikes. We have exactly the same tastes.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Sadly my garage is almost bursting with scooters and motorcycles now to the point that getting around is a challenge. And of course my wife always asking, "When am I going to be able to put my car in the garage?" I never tell her but she knows the answer is "Never."

[@oscartravis5740]

Great to see the W650 out again. I've just changed the front fork springs on mine as the stock springs are really spongy and have a massive dive if you brake a bit too keen. I certainly concur with the stir crazy feeling of not being able to ride. It's a kind of cold turkey. We've had so much rainfall and flooding, and generally unpredictable weather, it's a waiting game to get back out there.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It's always nice to take the W650 for a ride. My fork springs are in good shape. Everything on the bike seems to be in good shape. My fingers are crossed that it stays that way. I've been fortunate this winter. I've been able to routinely ride everything in the garage. And now it's getting pretty warm.

[@oscartravis5740]

@@ScooterintheSticks I wonder if a previous owner swapped them out as it seems to be a common complaint amongst owners. That's great to hear. I kind of regret getting rid of my Himalayan as I would've ploughed on with riding whatever the weather. I'm a bit more precious about the chrome on this one!

[@josephleister9198]

Nice video Steve, thank you.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it. More to come.

[@iggyzorro2406]

nice ride - good to see you. thanks

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It was a good ride. More to come.

[@poppawheelie2]

When you first switched to videos I didn't like the idea. Now I do. Thinking inside your helmet and immediately expressing it is different from writing at a desk. Deer. Just as I was rapidly scooting up a favorite mountain road with tight curves and thinking I shouldn't be doing this at this time of day, because of deer, a deer bounced off my hood. I happened to be in a small car that time. Angry people. The perfect example I have is from a book my wife gave me, about bicycle travel. One chapter was about a couple who met on the Bike Centennial, riding across the USA in 1972. I've known a few people who did that, and they all speak of how kind and open people were, offering a place to stay, dinner, etc. - all the way across. Anyway this couple got married and continue to bicycle now that they are empty nesters. The change in the way they are treated as strangers on the road is remarkable. Perfect example is diesel p/u truck drivers who pass and the "roll coal" in their faces on purpose. They are also sometimes treated with contempt at small businesses.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You weren't alone in displeasure when I started making videos. I received a lot of feedback preferring the essays and photos on my blog. I just found the well had gone dry.... I used to hitchhike back in the '70s and strangers picked me up and were kind and pleasant. The proliferation of "No Trespassing" signs we have now were non-existent back then. And I can certainly believe that travel by bicycle now wouldn't be met with people opening their property or homes to riders as they once did. Our country isn't as pleasant as it once was.

[@ralfhoffmann2487]

I agree about the anger thing. Here in the UK it seems to be so much anger, selfishness and intolerance. Love the bike by the way.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

While anger is a natural human emotion the ways in which it is expressed seem to be getting darker and darker. Especially on the road... The W650 is a great motorcycle. I'm grateful to have it.

[@stephenmundane]

More power to your throttle wrist Steve.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

More than I need! 😎

[@lisacolbert5987]

There’s a W650 for sale about 4 hours north of me and I KNOW I’m gonna kick myself when it’s gone. It’s deer and the more so-called (but I don’t think so) paranormal critters that I’ve heard of chasing after riders … and drivers. Maybe I watch too many KZbin videos, but I don’t think so.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Deer are part of the risk involved in riding. We each have to make our own decisions regarding what we're willing to take on. KZbin videos can help me become more comfortable with risk or they can scare the pants off me. I am always searching for the objective facts to hold up against my personal hypothesis regarding risk. Maybe you just need to test ride that W650!

[@karnereeves3460]

Time to get my w 650 out. Here in New Zealand.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Good plan. Snowing here again and 20F. All my scooters and motorcycles remain in the garage today!

[@salorjim1000]

You sure live in a beautiful area to ride! I just ordered a GoPro and some mounts and am going to give some filming a try. Long way from a KZbin channel but got to start somewhere right. I also have small sailboats which I also want to do some filming from. What do you use for editing software? I am PC based and have something called Clipchamp which I don't get at all yet but am working on it. I see you have an Insta360 also which I would like to get but I think I will just mess with the GoPro for now. Also about to order a Garmin Inreach for attempting a bit of offroad riding so pretty tapped out in Electronic purchases right now.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I work in a MAC environment editing on an old iMac using Final Cut Pro X. I guess the equivalent on a PC might be Adobe Premiere. Definitely not cheap. The GoPro cameras drive me a little nuts but they work well. The Insta360 X3 I have works well and has a long battery life. I scuffed one of the lenses so I have to be careful how I position the camera so the resulting blur isn't in an important part of the video. The Garmin InReach Mini is expensive as is the monthly service contract to use it. For now I am going to rely on my iPhone 14 for satellite communication. At least until Apple starts charging for it.

[@salorjim1000]

@@ScooterintheSticks Thanks for the info. I am only up to an iphone 7, I guess I should update soon. The InReach Mini will be used by me on my bikes and boats and also shared with my wife who does a lot of hiking and backpacking. The cheapest contract is around $12 a month which I think is not too bad. I have a couple other friends who do some filming so I will see what they are using for editing as well. The one I have is just part of the Windows bundle that I already have, so if I can figure it out it should work for the time being. That W650 looks like a great bike, and a bit more power than the RE Classic 350 that I have.

[@marcpillis1337]

HI Steve, you have said you are thinking of getting ride of h Himalayan. I would love to hear a comparison between the Himalayan and the W650. Thanks for the videos

[@ScooterintheSticks]

A part of me wants to hold onto the Himalayan but the rational part of me knows I should sell it. I just don't see riding it now as I once did. As far as a comparison between the W650 and the Himalayan it really is apples and oranges. They deliver completely different riding experiences. I like them both. I'm too tired right now to differentiate them now...

[@marcpillis1337]

Thanks for reply Steve. Yea I can see how they are so different. Looking forward to CT125 videos and your perspective in it. Ride safe and often

[@johnsampey344]

Hi Steve, it seems to be a Global Problem this angry people on the road's thing. Here in the UK there's plenty of near misses to be had if you're not 100% on it. We get Deer here in the New Forest too but there's also Ponies, Cattle, Pig's, Donkey's & Pheasants all with no regard for their own well-being. If you have What's App or an email address I'll send you photos.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

While we have all those other animals I've never seen them on the roads here. Deer, bear, squirrels, groundhogs, turkey vultures, crows, and the occasional turtle. Deer are the dangerous ones though. You can find my email address in the About section of my channel.

[@sandydalgarno1182]

Hi Steve, looking to buy a W650 and wondered how tall you are to get an idea as I'm 6ft 3in, do you think I'd have any issues ?? Thanks

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I was at the doctor today and they measured my height -- 6' 2.76". So pretty much the same height as you. My inseam is 32.5 inches. The bike is fine for me. Probably will be for you as well unless your leg length is unusually long or short.

[@sandydalgarno1182]

@@ScooterintheSticks Sounds good thanks a lot for the swift reply, just need to find one to have a look at now in the UK, love the videos 👍

[@TheRealTragicallyInept]

Ok my friend it's time to stop buying bikes. I have a CT125, a Himalayan and a 168cc scooter. It seems when I grow up I wanna be just like you but I can't justify a Kawi650! Waaah! (I'm 57 and will likely never grow up)

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I definitely have to stop buying bikes. No more room in the garage. The W650 is a fine motorcycle for relaxed cruising. You're still young. Plenty of time to find one!

[@TheRealTragicallyInept]

@@ScooterintheSticks lol broke out a huge grin reading that. Thanks.

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

You need a W650/800 in your shed, you just don't know it, yet. These are the best kept secret in motorcycles.