Kawasaki W650: Building Memories

Riding a 2001 Kawasaki W650 is more than a vintage motorcycle experience. More than a modern version of a classic Triumph Bonneville. It is a motorcycle experience that embraces a calm approach to the backroads of America. And in the process opens a door to creating some great memories that will last a lifetime.

[@txslow6]

I adore your philosophical thoughts as you ride in the wind, each video is a gentle reminder that it's ok to slow down and enjoy life. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, your rides, and your videos.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for your kind words about the video content I share. I appreciate them. Slowing down took me a long time to understand the need and benefit. Our modern world makes it seem the best path forward requires rushing. I've come to see that is just not true...

[@adrianstrand1120]

Wonderful channel, I could listen to Steve talking all day about what motorcycles mean to us all, best wishes from the Uk.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

All day would be a long time!😁 I appreciate the sentiment. I will endeavor to continue to share things worthy of your time.

[@himydad1499]

A gentle motorcycle for a gentle man.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Old and slow...

[@bugscooters]

Steve, this is pretty much the perfect video. It's so remarkably well done, and heart-felt. It gives all of us creators something to strive for.

[@Dr.ModNut]

@bugscooters couldn’t agree more. Be young. Be foolish. Be happy. 🛵🏁🎯 Ride safe. Cheers!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for your generous words Bug. I just enjoy the puzzle of transforming the thoughts in my head into a video on the screen. If someone finds some value in them that's a nice extra. I'm miffed at you though. You've planted the Triumph 900 Scrambler in my brain and I can't seem to make it go away...

[@ScooterintheSticks]

How about old, foolish, and happy??

[@johncoleman1935]

Well, said. Not a creator but still live the ride. Thanks

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@johncoleman1935 Making videos is just an offshoot of riding. Something I enjoy doing. But for most of my riding there are no cameras. The ride is what I seek...

[@ricardocacho8952]

Beautiful.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you!

[@irishadventurer9759]

Very nice looking classic style bike. You make riding it look smooth as butter.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The W650 is a very smooth running and riding motorcycle. It has me mesmerized!

[@clanky44]

Lovely video Steve, you’ve encapsulated the experience of these W modern retros. I absolutely love my new W800 and in my 2 months with it, have put enough miles (2600kms) to understand and more importantly, embrace the emotions these bikes elicit. I don’t go out looking to go fast on the bike, I go out to be as smooth as I can, to improve my riding and to enjoy the journey, to stop along the way and take in new sights and experiences and on most rides this naturally means stops at coffee shops, bakeries and diners. Cheers Steve, from the shores of Lake Huron, Ontario

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and perspective from the shores of Lake Huron. I appreciate them. Your description of what you do with the bike is a perfect summation of what I do with mine. Simple rides and great returns of experiences and memories.

[@oscartravis5740]

So beautiful, truthful and elegiac, it encapsulates why I love my W650 too. I took it recently on its first big journey and it performed as only a Japanese thoroughbred can, whether on highways or B-roads, it didn't skip a beat. It may have the soul of what was once a hooligan, but it's wearing a vintage tweed suit, and it's this character that no other retro bike, to my mind, quite has.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I would agree with. your assessment of the W650. It is wearing a vintage tweed suit. Nothing showy. Just functional. And from that laid back state comes something magical that is hard to describe. Thank you for the kind words about the video. I appreciate them.

[@oscartravis5740]

@@ScooterintheSticks You're welcome, and thanks Steve for making these wonderful videos, keep building those memories and enjoying the ride

[@frenchenstein]

🌟Hiya Steve, Really enjoyed this video. The serenity I get from riding my W800 is everything that you say. Thanks for putting it into words. Peace and love from North Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm glad the video resonated with you. I just want to share the notion that there is more to motorcycles than speed, power, and noise. From what I've seen on Google Street views, there are fantastic roads in North Wales to explore with the W650.

[@Irinaha]

Thank You, Steve.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You bet!

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

Well said, well narrated, well filmed. A powerful message. This is what you do best. 👌

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks Eric for the kind and supportive words. I really enjoy making videos. More than I ever thought I would. Seems a good mix for my interests, talents, and thoughts.

Amazing video (text). Perfectly encapsulates one part of what is riding the W. The other one is twisting the throttle hard, and smile knowing the universe is not going anywhere...that fast.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for the kind words about the video. I'm glad I could echo your feelings about riding the W. It is just an amazing machine.

[@user-zz5he9xu5d]

Your trembling voice and calm background music make me look back on my life. I own a 2008 w650 too and sometimes run on quiet roads. I am younger than you, but I can feel your heart. _ Frome Kwan Jang _ in south korea

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for sharing your kind words about the video. Riding quietly on quiet roads is something in which the W650 excels. Be well on your own journeys.

[@captainjim605]

Another video that many of us can relate to, Steve. These days my almost daily rides are good for the soul... no destination, just enjoying the ride. I gear up differently now, living in the desert: out early to beat the heat of the day, mesh riding jacket and pants, and a cooling vest (it works). Being a non-current pilot, I agree it is as close to flying as we land-based bipods can experience. Thanks for the thoughtful video!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The KZbin is full of stories of high speed, aggressive, competitive riders and riding. It would be easy to think that's what motorcycle and scootering is all about. But in the world most of the riders I meet are laid back and far from that stereotype. We're beginning our heat wave today with the temperature climbing near 90 with 78% humidity. Not my kind of riding weather. I'll have to fly in my imagination today...

[@captainjim605]

@@ScooterintheSticks I get that, Steve - when we were living in Texas, it was "the humidity, not the heat"... at least that's what I frequently heard. It still felt darn HOT. And now in Arizona: "It's a dry heat"... so is an oven. But, I get out early and that works for me. Got a nice ride in this morning... I did some "flying" with you in mind.

[@steelymanIam]

Very nice , I have a 00 model. Good choice of music. I love my bike also , does everything I want it to do and appreciates in price. I grew up in the 60s & loved the big British bikes. If I squint in the garage at night I imagine a 68 Bonneville is in there. Great vid & thnks for creating.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for the generous words about the video. Like you, when I look at the W640 in the garage, I see a ‘68 Bonneville as well. It’s a lovely machine to behold and ride!

[@davericketts9101]

The kind of video you do best and on the best bike to do it on. Still enjoying my W650, when the English weather allows me to. Thanks Steve.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Wow, thanks! I appreciate the kind words. We're both fortunate to have a W650. While not the right bike for everyone, for those of us that it does resonate with riding moves to a new level. I hope you get some good riding weather!

[@davericketts9101]

@@ScooterintheSticks Thank you Steve. You stay safe now and keep enjoying your beautiful countryside on that bike.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@davericketts9101 I endeavor to do both!

[@hans-joachim61]

Hello Steve, At almost 63 years old, I was able to fulfill my wish of buying an age-appropriate motorcycle. It had to be the 24 W800, and not a Bonneville. I still drive my 1100 CC Honda Shadow, but it's no longer fun to steer such a heavy horse. Now I've had the W800 since May, I couldn't do anything better.. Only the price wasn't very pleasant.. For 6K euros you get a RE Interceptor.. but since there is no RE dealer in my area.. I have it Kawa preferred to the Bonneville.. Greetings from Germany..

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I've seen a couple W800 motorcycles but have not had an opportunity to ride one. It is a handsome machine and I suspect a little easier to deal with than the carbureted W650. Even when it's warm outside you need to choke the engine at start up. Only a little thing but I've found myself wishing for fuel injection. The same with the 5-speed transmission. I find myself wishing for a sixth gear. But generally speaking I am thrilled with it. I looked at Bonnevilles and at the Interceptor but the W650, once I rode it was the one. Guten Tag!

[@barbwonderwander8559]

Very nice!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks!

[@rechard-jb9cr]

Another peaceful, calming, philosophical video. Peace. Peace within.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Seems as if I get more and more relaxed the older I get. Some become old bold riders. I just get quiet.

[@rb196441]

Happy Fathers Day Steve Great video 📹

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks so much. I appreciate the kind words and reminder of Father's Day.

[@kz1000st1]

It's amazing how you caught on to the strength and weakness in the W650. When I had mine it just didn't connect with me. It spent more time in the garage than it should. I bought the 1983 Kawasaki 750 Spectre and I really like it. A friend's son had a W800 and recently traded it in on a Kawasaki 650RS, a Retro looking Kaw with the 650cc, 70 horsepower engine. Not only does he like it more but it has him thinking of ditching his other bike, a 2023 115 cu. in. Indian Sport Chief in its favor.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Owning the W650 has been a great experience for me. No mechanical issues or breakdowns yet to break the spell. I suspect every rider eventually finds the machine that they connect with. I'm fortunate to now have 5 in the garage like that. But even though I need not look any further I keep looking. Perhaps because as I get older I realize the opportunities to try something new become fewer with each passing year. The Kawasaki 650RS is a handsome machine. A big difference from an Indian Sport Chief!

[@kz1000st1]

Mechanical breakdowns? Oh Steve, welcome to the world of Japanese engineering. The W650 has a bevel drive overhead cam so there isn't even a cam chain to wear out. In the 20,000 miles I had mine I only had to replace tires, oil and filter and brake pads only once. Oh...and batteries. Which were not an emergency since the kickstarter worked just fine. It was a great commuter machine and solid purchase.

[@iggyzorro2406]

nice ride, great bike, mellifluous poetry. thanks.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you liked it!

[@silverback802]

Hello Steve, another very well done video. I love your 650, I ride a 2002 Kawasaki Drifter 1500 and a 2016 Kawasaki Versys 1000. Both are big bikes but I am relatively large myself. I'm 6'2" and weigh 285. At 76 years old I am considering in a couple of years of downsizing one of my bikes. I'm likely to buy a w650 or w800. I ride just like you and I think they would be perfect. Of course my friends say I am way too big for the smaller bikes but like you I am of the age where I don't care what they think as I will do as I want. Thanks Steve for the great videos.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for the kind words about the videos. The places I ride and the machines I ride make it a little easier to come up with something visually appealing. The rest are just the thoughts rattling around in my head. I've heard guys equate body size and the size of the motorcycle they are riding but the reality is you can pretty much ride anything you want. Height can be more of an issue than weight. But at 6'2" both the W650 and W800 would be fine. And so would a Vespa GTS scooter! And as you have already recognized, as we get older, it gets easier to ignore others and do what we want!

[@ralfhoffmann2487]

Lovely film - thank you

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you too!

[@Scooterdude01]

I think the w 650 is more like jewelry you'd wear, more like an accessory than just a machine. I feel the love you have for it in your words, very nice. Deep. I have a couple of scooters that I also love , and a shadow 750. Whenever i ride , its therapy, a mini vacation, i gave my cars away for the freedom to ride

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The more I ride the W650 the more I appreciate its unique demeanor. Like you, riding is all those things you described for me as well. Except I still have two cars...

[@Scooterdude01]

@@ScooterintheSticks I'm in SW Florida so I can ride all year.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@Scooterdude01 I'm in central Pennsylvania and ride all year too. And I never have to worry about being eaten by an alligator while sitting along the road having a snack!

[@Scooterdude01]

@@ScooterintheSticks I'm originally from NYC, but we had a summer house in NE PA near Honesdale. Miss the Delaware Skinner's falls, the rapids. Yes, lots of alligators, almost stepped on one, big Joe was his nickname. Long story

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@Scooterdude01 I've never been to Skinner's Falls Rocky Beach. It looks like a lovely place to spend a hot day. I have a hard time wrapping my head around life in Florida. I've only been there twice with the first visit in 1965. Pre-I-95 so it was a long, hot drive in a '65 Mustang convertible that my dad just bought. We went in the summer to visit an aunt and uncle in Port Charlotte. No one had AC in those days and everyone stayed inside with the drapes drawn. We would drive around the empty lots in a new development complete with canals and I remember all the alligators and rattlesnakes. Now add pythons and Nile monitors to my brain and it just seems like everything is set up to get me! I think I'll stay here in Pennsylvania...😂

[@freedomformen2548]

Wonderfull and peacefull video Steve ❤

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to ride.

[@Dr.ModNut]

The knowledge we gain as we age is priceless. Be young. Be foolish. Be happy. 🛵🏁🎯 Ride safe. Cheers!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Well said! Except I'm old!

[@capthook8066]

Great video Steve. I’m still riding and digging my 2010 GTS 300 😎

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Good choice! The GTS scooter will take you anywhere.

[@stephenmundane]

Profound -- would win a prize at a film festival -- thanks.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for your kind words about the video. It was a fine day to ride and I felt grateful to be on the road.

[@stevedunn5546]

Nice video thanks. Im 64 now and my long time Gsx1400 is getting a bit heavy. So looking at your vid. Im thi,nking maybe a W800. The remind me of the original Triumph bonneville i like that.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks! The 2001 W650 definitely looks like a late 60s Bonneville. Many other riders confuse it as such. Even when I show them the Kawasaki badge they have a hard time believing it. The W800 has a similar vibe but is much more readily identified as a modern motorcycle. They are hard to find though.

[@TheCoopdway]

So Classy!!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It's a great motorcycle. It puts up with me.

[@newlife155]

STEVE Williams, THE CLINT EASTWOOD on two wheels. You seem to be very tall , curious to know your height. Thanks.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Clint Eastwood has me beat. I'm just shy of 6'3". Tall enough to get things off of high shelves for my wife and frequently bang my head on low door frames at the bottom of stairways...

[@newlife155]

@@ScooterintheSticks that's what helmets are for.

[@hans-joachim61]

WISE WORDS “Humans are a big question mark in the book of nature.” Mengzi (around 370 - 290 BC)

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Humans certainly have the ability to create big questions.

[@twloughlin]

Robert Pirsig has nothing on you.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Hmmmm... Maybe we wait until I finish my first novel.... It was nice to read your comment though. Thank you.