Kawasaki W 800 Three Year Ownership review

[@casperdog777]

Oh and one other thing...quality. The Japanese made bike comes with Japanese quality build and this is something we all tend to take for granted, but it is worth mentioning. The Kawasaki is a robust and well made machine. Important and also over three years you get a knowledge of 'is it reliable', answer: yes it is.

[@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.

[@viramati5831]

Wow. Just found this and I'm the current owner of this bike with a little over 20,000 miles on it. I have added Hagon progressive springs up front and a steering damper as it was pretty twitchy at higher speeds, Hagon 2810 shocks to the rear and a couple of other minor things

[@casperdog777]

congratulations is she well ? I loved that bike 💗

[@casperdog777]

remarkable coincidence !!! 🙌🙌🙌

[@kdsowen2882]

I am lucky to own 3 bikes, my TX650 yam cost the most and still isnt road-ready . I ride the W650 and an old Yam TR1 (XV1000 down here in NZ) . They are all different experiences . My many 'Old-Triumphs' of the past ,put me Off the-brand.The TR1 is a blast and big-grin-factor . The W650 is more-sedate and 'Gentlemanly' , like the TX, I never tire of looking at it and enjoy polishing it. When the others get too heavy for me , I will end up riding the W full-time I suspect , it just needs a nice 'Barking-exhaust' . Dave Aotearoa NZ

[@FRANK-cents]

I've gotta xv750 and recently got a w800 , just got a louder delkevic exhaust for so it's gunna bark soon 😅 love riding em both 😎

[@gmmuller100]

I agree they're great bikes, that background view of the valley where you are looks a lot like Australia

[@casperdog777]

Hey thanks and we've got some non British weather this June and into July - up to 31 degrees centigrade. I like it! Arun Valley West Sussex. Tranquil and very pretty.

[@Thatmaninrio]

You dont have to ride it ploddingly, you can push any bike..(its what they did in the 60s) New High-tech sport bikes dont make anyone a better rider, they just go faster. Nice honest review though

[@casperdog777]

thanks and yes your'e absolutely right there. Many W800 riders are of a certain age LOL

[@Rickenbacker1985]

Oh man ..the tank! Great looking bikes.

[@robertcrooks9275]

I think the w650 was modeled off a bsa 500 and it came out a few year before the Bonneville came out.

[@helenatyukodi5227]

That are those crome covers with wholes beside the air filter cover? Want got them for my W800.

[@bfarm44]

Personally I like the badging and wouldn’t remove it

[@casperdog777]

fair comment; it's personal likes / dislikes. But enjoy your W 800

[@davidfoat9557]

Hi Dave, I have just bought your bike!

[@casperdog777]

Super bike you'll love it. Super reliable. Keep in touch ! Hope you got a good deal?

[@sampauci2414]

this particular w800?

[@armandogonzales9304]

I'm keeping my 2012 Triumph T100.

[@casperdog777]

I now own a Triumph T120 but the W 800 is still a cracking bike!

[@sampauci2414]

@@casperdog777 what year?

[@sampauci2414]

the pre 2017 bonnies have the better tank shape IMHO, although I hear there are build quality and reliability issues?

[@casperdog777]

@@sampauci2414 2014 model

[@casperdog777]

@@sampauci2414 actually apologies, the Bonneville I now have is 2018 (my W 800 was 2014). The T120 was a bit heavy for me and 1200cc too big so I went for a 900cc Street Scrambler.

[@roywane354]

Nice bike! I have a W as well. Where did you find the throttle body covers?

[@casperdog777]

they were made in Italy I recall and cannot remember who sold them in the UK as they were on the bike when I got it. Sorry ! 😕

[@casperdog777]

PUIG screen now off the bike now, riding it without a screen

[@dougfielding8215]

Dave Allan - I bought a fly screen for mine. I think it directs more wind at my neck and face so I may take mine off also.

[@timwrigley8382]

Beast?

[@casperdog777]

Yes a mild ''beast'' LOL a very tame cat to be fair.

[@KrisLaKrass]

Prefer look, got a givi box 🤦‍♂️

[@casperdog777]

Givi box is the small one, takes a full face helmet. I wish I had got the larger one. Good bike.