Honest owners review of Kawasaki W 800

[@bw2442]

I had a 2020 red w800, Very quality build. Loved the sound of the pipes but had to face the fact I’m very sensitive to the frequency /vibes of the parallel twin and from 55 mph on up it got to me after only 25 miles

[@cyclone411]

Yes, the vibes are quite strong in the 3k to 4k. I'll do a short highway stretch in 4th or 3rd gear to get over 4k. In 5th you have to go 50mph or 72mph. The vibes may eventually lead me to change bikes, but since I most cruse back roads, it's fine for that since the high torque allows cruising in 5th at 2k RPM and still enough juice to accelerate.

[@telabib]

Recently bought the w800 and was surprised at the way it runs. It is a lovely bike to ride with good performance and i love it.

[@casperdog777]

Yes good all round reliable bike.

[@Jimbo-in-Thailand]

GEEZ I'm late to the party. I just discovered the W800 when I saw one parked at the local mall recently and I began drooling. What a gorgeous bike! As luck would have it I had to go to Bangkok last week and while there was able to take a test ride on a new blue one, 2017 I'm guessing. I absolutely loved it! It is definitely too quiet though. Now I'm thinking of selling my like-new 2014 Ninja 300SE and grabbing a brand new W800 soon. Ride safe!

[@casperdog777]

Glad you like the look Jimbo. Can't be imported into the UK now due to EU regulations (2016 is the last year imported so we have a few new ones still for sale). However probably be imported into Thailand ! Let us all know what happens.

[@Toni62R]

Nice review, thanks! I ve a W800 too, also in blue, I drove it since two years. I agree, the sound is very quiet, but in reality you hear the deep frequencies indeed, not loud, but they are there. And that sticks to the smooth character of the W800. It is a quite and very soft bike, but it sounds NOT like a sewing machine!

[@casperdog777]

+Toni R yes the engine is sweet. I think it's like a 1970s bike, with a few modern twists. Safe riding.

[@kevincampbell3943]

Buy a long,12-18 in 1/2 in drill bit a boar a hole through the baffles and the sound will improve.Great looking bike,perfect as it is.

[@tommurphree5630]

Dave, I just bought a 2020 800W It has ABS and other advancements. I didn't realize the 800W was being phased out in Europe because of emissions requirements. In the USA Kawasaki was able to make a 800W that passes emissions.

[@casperdog777]

Tom thanks for this my friend. The new 800 is still on sale in the UK (but I assume this is remaining stock only?) EU emission regs are too punitive.

[@andrewsoldan6050]

still available in EU

[@mebeasensei]

New model for 2019. Just saw it. Rear disk brakes. Nice tank shape. More HP, now 52. Plastic mud guards but can be changed easily. Really nice.

[@marcosa8285]

Where did you saw it? Europe?

[@crocketgsxr6]

We are getting it in the states for sure

[@mcross320]

Wow 52 hp? really, that's what my 1969 Triumph Bonneville made from 650 cc . 50 year old technology in today's package can even get 60 out of it?

[@varmastiko2908]

@@mcross320 It's because of emission regulations.

[@themassofmen]

Where did you get the side chrome covers? Nice.

[@casperdog777]

2016 is the last full model year for the W 800. Kawaski are phasing them all out in Europe - due to nonsensical EU emission rules. A nice air cooled twin. Worth a look, no ABS, no traction control or fly by wire technology though ! Don't forget to get MOTAD exhaust system to make it sound authentic.

[@rockdog2584]

This looks like exactly the kind of bike I would like to ride. I'm not into sport bikes nor am I into the hardcore looking cruisers. I just love this retro styling. I just saw a different video of a W800 in the green paint and I think I prefer that. Maybe a pair of 70s-style BMW R100 mufflers would sound good on this machine.

[@casperdog777]

Hi Rock Dog, I now have a pair of after market exhausts on it. Sounds like an old British bike apparently now. Lovely bike, well worth considering.

[@casperdog777]

I bought this bike back in 2015 and I would still say the W 800 is still undoubtedly a good solid bike. However if I were buying a motorcycle today in 2023 I would be buying a Royal Enfield Classic 350 or Hunter 350. They are basically a good , frugal and honest machine. Doing over 100 mpg, with a centre stand, so if I were buying a motorcycle today the Enfield Classic 350cc would be at the top of my list for sure. Quality control that didn't exist to such a high standard, means that the Enfields built now are a much better proposition than back in 2015. I am NOT knocking the Kawasaki W 800 - it is a very GOOD bike, but if I were buying today the Enfield would be my choice.

[@cyclone411]

today, perhaps you might go Super Meteor 650. I am waiting to test ride one - just starting to arrive in the USA this month.

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

I love the bike's looks.. I wish they had done the Z900rs more like that one. With the fenders and shocks at least

[@chrisarmour6634]

I had a W650 a few years ago. A high quality machine and the performance was perfectly adequate. The things I disliked? The seat wasn't really large enough for a pillion to get comfortable and rainwater always seemed to get into the carbs, causing it to splutter. I never found where it was getting in. Also, the engine "pinked" under acceleration. Maybe Kawasaki made it run too lean to get the air cooled motor through the emissions tests? I liked the kick-start on the 650, always a good pose when you had an audience. Shame they deleted it on the 800. I agree, it looked more retro than the Bonneville, but I don't think it was a better bike. Slower, not as good on the brakes and the Bonneville has a better seat.

[@casperdog777]

Thanks Chris. People are keen to customise both the W 650 and the W 800, they can be tricked up nicely. They are not perfect either but overall reliable machines. They are a nice retro machine, Kawasaki aren't importing them into Europe after 2016. So I guess their value will be strong simply as they are a good looking machine - with a little rarity value.

[@franckpasquon5392]

Bonjour Dave, merci pour tes videos. Pex tu me dire où tu as trouvé les caches chromés de l.injection ces grilles sont tres jolies et je cherche qulque chose comme ça pour ma w800.

[@casperdog777]

Bonjour Franck Les capots d'injecteur chromés proviennent d'une société italienne. Toutes mes excuses, je ne suis pas sûr de leur adresse et de leurs coordonnées. Profitez de votre W 800. Dave

[@franckpasquon5392]

@@casperdog777 Bonjour Dave, merci infiniment pour votre réponse. Vous auriez un nom ou un indice à me donner pour essayer de trouver cette société?

[@casperdog777]

Bonjour, Rejoignez ce groupe Facebook et demandez. C'est la langue anglaise. facebook.com/groups/KawasakiW800Global/ Les caches chromés étaient sur le vélo lorsque je l'ai acheté. Toutes mes excuses, je ne peux pas vous aider. Dave

[@piogarda]

Nice review of a nice bike. I like it very much even if I don't have a bike like this. I'm waiting for more reviews from you.

[@casperdog777]

+Rockshock hey thanks, just a brief overview of a competent motorcycle. Take care.

[@piogarda]

+Dave Alan BTW: Do you still have the DL650? I'm just about to buy one and your review of DL650 is truly supportive.

[@casperdog777]

No, ideally I'd have two bikes, but cannot justify having both !!!!! The DL 650 is a very fine bike; under rated by some but a true all rounder in every way. It does everything very well. Hope you enjoy owning it.

[@krystalstarrett6760]

Love it, almost ready to trade my LTD 1000 for one W 800.

[@bruceferguson6637]

I'm not familiar with these. Are the spark plugs on the top of the head? There's a relief area on the left side head fins and the right side of the head is for the bevel drive.

[@casperdog777]

Yep on top of the head. It's all pretty straight forward really and reliable too.

[@williammuir638]

Bike is based on the japanese meguno 500. Meguno was taken over by kawasaki and the W was born. Bsa had no input at all.

[@casperdog777]

Okay thanks for your point of view sir

[@siwynjones]

The W650/800 is based on the Kawasaki W1, which was developed from the Meguro K2. The Meguro K2 was a development of the K1, a licence-built version of the BSA A7, so Dave is correct about it starting out as a BSA design. Kawasaki have recently relaunched the Meguro brand in Japan; the new Meguro K3 is basically a posh W800, and it looks gorgeous.

[@bigred8438]

The W1 650, was actually 624cc.

[@rdghajighajak6848]

I have both vulcan 900 classic and w800.. The top speed of both bikes are about the same.. Around 175km/h but the vulcan feels more torquey and smoother.. I sold the w800 and keep the vulcan.

[@dougfielding8215]

Dave, good review. I own the 2019 W800 Street. I was wondering what has been your oil consumption on your W800. Mine seems to burn a little more than I have been used to (though the performance is very good).

[@casperdog777]

Over four years and generally very good on oil, but I wasn't running higher speeds and distances. So it might vary. The new model you have may run slightly higher compression/pressure, I'm not sure?

[@weixu6418]

My W consumes abt 100-150ml per 2000km.

[@dougfielding8215]

@@weixu6418 Yes, that's probably all. Not a problem.🙂

[@thetwogardens6048]

How does the bike cruise at 100 kmh ?

[@travelinben1966]

Upswept pipes and a rear disc brake, and this bike would be just about perfect.

[@casperdog777]

check out the revamped 2019 models ?

[@travelinben1966]

Dave Alan No, but if those issues were addressed,I’ll have one.

[@mebeasensei]

I'm no mechanic, but wouldn't a few mods get this from 48 to 60-65HP? Furthermore, couldn't it lose 20-25kg pretty easily?

[@casperdog777]

+TommyTwobats Tommy I think you could. Plenty of people customise these bikes. A Motad exhaust sytem would lose some weight and losing the air box could help too. Thank you for your comments sir.

[@Dranreb865]

Carlos Google Maps Simple! Just add a turbo mr. Carlos!

[@pauloakes5718]

As a purist why bother this bike is what a Bonny should have been!Want faster borrow my Daytona👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Volume is coming accross very low on my phone.. good video though 👍

[@casperdog777]

apologies done on my old i phone I think

[@spikeheadish]

would like to see a tank rack on it like the old triumphs had.

[@casperdog777]

Hi, not sure if you can get them but it's a nice idea thanks

[@dougfielding8215]

Motone offers a nice one that uses suction cups, available in black or chrome.

[@casperdog777]

Kawasaki releasing a newly upgraded W 800 in 2019. So the bike will be sold next year.....

[@jsprite123]

The 2020 model now has a rear disk brake...

[@dougfielding8215]

@@jsprite123 As did the 2019 W800s along with ABS, 41mm front forks instead of 39mm and a light pull slipper clutch, new frame and LED lighting and a retuned exhaust that sounds better.

[@glenrichardson6439]

Dave sorry mate new to this way of communicating, but just purchased a W800 final edition and want to know where I can get hold of those custom injector covers on your video of the blue W800 they really suit the bike and want a pair for the new toy.

[@casperdog777]

@@glenrichardson6439 they came with my bike when I bought it, so not entirely sure , sorry.

[@glenrichardson6439]

@@casperdog777 Ok Dave, are they in your opinion a professionally manufactured part or do you think they were fabricated by an individual in his or her workshop. Any makers marks on them at all?

[@gwilliamwallace]

Looks more like a Triumph than a Triumph.

[@grumpyoldfart7302]

It looks more like the '66 lightning 650 to me.

[@casperdog777]

I'll take your word for that. Now no longer imported into the UK (2016 was the last year).

[@percyprune7548]

Same thoughts, Triumph inspired engine but B.S.A. styling elsewhere, maybe A50.

[@charlespalmer7775]

It is beautiful lookalike a triumph

[@casperdog777]

yes, they're a great looking bike . Take care buddy.

[@loursbourbonnais4053]

Très belle moto 👍✌🐻

[@casperdog777]

Merci Monsieur

[@AlexAlex-im5mt]

Drill the pipes and remove db killers. It sounds good plus you get more HP.

[@casperdog777]

Alex, I'm tinking of getting the Motad system possibly next year. Still pleased with my gorgeous 'gal

[@casperdog777]

I Now have a pair of Motad exhausts and this has transformed this bike for the better. Losing some weight and also the sound from the MOTAD system is like the bike should have sounded if it was a genuine British design from the 1960s. Had the W 800 fro nearly 2 years (in May 2017) and I am still happy with my W 800. Godd all round bike. Great commuter or a leisure bike. Can go distance too. 100% reliable.

[@carlosgooglemaps94]

Alex Alex Sorry to disappoint you but to get more hp is no that easy so stop spreading the mith just because you ear it from someone else

[@joelcarson4602]

Yep, changing the stock pipes without changing the intake and fuel delivery at the same time is a waste, it just makes more noise and doesn't do anything for the horsepower. On older bikes when you changed the exhaust system you would re-jet the carbs and add an aftermarket air filter and fiddle with the ignition timing and you might pick up a couple of horsepower, but on the newer fuel injection system ( "System" is the key concept here folks.) bikes, changing the exhaust pipes is pointless and likely even harmful to engine lifetime, performance and emissions. Engineers who are LOTS better at this than you have done their job and it's best to keep it the way they made it.

[@hemantv.5409]

You haven't realize W 800 looks like a copy Cate version of the Bonnie......?

[@shannonchen8194]

the injector cover looks so good

[@casperdog777]

Hey, thanks, when i bought the bike in May 2015 they were on the bike so i left them on as i thinks they look good too.

[@dwheeler016]

Nice bike.

[@andyinnes2178]

No rear disk and no ABS even on a bike trying to look authentic is not acceptable. The tyres are also way too skinny meaning little rubber contact with the road. All these issues mean I wouldn’t touch this bike over a Bonny or interceptor or even the new Goldie.

[@casperdog777]

fair comment. Back in 2015 there was less choice. Enfield are today making good retro bikes and are affordable for many. But the Kawasaki was 100% reliable.

[@havok531]

Turn up the volume! Can't even hear what he's saying.

[@farmoboy83]

Beautiful but 9k is a lot of money...

[@casperdog777]

second hand here in the UK they are anything from £4 k to £7 k

[@bfarm44]

Biggest mistake from kawasaki was only releasing the 600 in the US. That enemic pos wouldn't sell and for good reason. They should have released the 800 and built an 1100 and they would have sold them by the boatload. Poor decision on their part

[@casperdog777]

I guess they are now selling the retro Z900 RS over there? That is proving a success so far here in the UK but it is a very different type of retro.

[@keesketsers5866]

Why poor decision? Typical murican bs talk. Maybe the rest of the world wants it like this. Who cares what the us wants. It’s modeled after old british bikes, they were NOT heavy 1100cc boats like the typical us bike (and yes I also own a Harley, so stop whining).

[@erwinhenkes933]

well done mate, but piece of advice: buy a better micro🤣

[@Benzyl]

Would have been a better video if i could have made the words out, even at max volume this was inaudible.

[@Benzyl]

@@casperdog777 I've been interested in the W650/W800 for years now but unfortunately the only way I was going to make this video out was to wait till after midnight and turn everything in the house off.

[@casperdog777]

made on an ancient i phone - old technology creaking . This bike has long gone. Look at a Royal Enfield Classic 350 in 2023

[@casperdog777]

try a Royal Enfeild Hunter or Classic 350 in the 2020s. Better mpg and the W 800 looks good but let down in several areas@@Benzyl

[@briangtester2536]

I don't understand people buying retro tech, and especially not something as extreme as this. the whole thing is faux, false phony. If you want a 70's bike you can easily buy a REAL one and restore it for the same money as this weird faux thing

[@percyprune7548]

I have a genuine 60's Triumph and the W800. For long distance European travel the W800 designed to take the filthy lead free petrol rubbish is ideal and has a 5 speed gearbox. For fun travel, the Triumph wins but a 4 speed box and lead free troubles are obvious. It's retro but for the 21st century.

[@jamespolucha8790]

Some people don’t have the skills to restore one so why not buy this if it makes them happy and back on the road, don’t be a hater man