Kawasaki W650 Desert Sled - Custom Scrambler Build

[@douglasfrantzen3011]

Really nice video, enjoyed watching this.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@ericdearriba2445]

Classic

[@mattjones3795]

That swing arm is a work of art

[@bearcatracing007]

Finally someone with the correct history. Great bike, sounds fantastic.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it BearCat Racing, thanks for your nice comments :)

[@martindavies8326]

The bike looks fantastic, well done 🇬🇧👍

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Nice one Martin, thanks for watching!

[@andwiseman]

That's a thing of beauty!

[@Pete-z6e]

Knobblys in the rain, a short but happy life.

[@jamesmoros1274]

Awesome bike and the W650 is my favourite bike, classic looks and predictable handling. Greetings from Oz 🇦🇺

[@juliojames5986]

I also love those style Motorcycle’s and parallel twins. Triumph, BSA, Matchless, etc. contemplating the W 800. A great look and sound of the old times on your 650. Thanks for this interesting video. 🇺🇸👍🏻

[@specialse]

Accurate information and history of deigns for once , more information on the history of W1 / W2 650 etc would have been cool. Great video .

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for your comments, we’ve got more videos with Rich planned, stay tuned :)

[@theeastman9136]

A great result from careful selection and matching of first class parts. The result makes me quite envious. Good show and nice video too. Thanks.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey The East Man, thanks for saying!

[@martinsowkowski8957]

WHAT A BIKE, WHAT A VIDEO, I bloody love this machine, and its something I would have never even considered, im now on ebay lol

[@ianwilson9353]

Awesome bike, really nice work and fantastic video. And no annoying music over the exhaust note. 👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for your nice comments Ian! Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@ianwilson9353]

👍🏼

[@benhaagsma9409]

Lovely bike, beautiful details. Used to own the original W1 and W 2

[@Yippeedee]

That's an extremely beautiful build.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Yeah, Rick has a super keen eye for detail eh, thanks for watching :)

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

What incredible work and using an amazing bike as the foundation!

[@med-3000]

I had no idea of the heritage. very cool. Great package the W650 and the new 800

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Glad you liked it Medford, thanks for watching!

[@ericweber1969]

Outstanding video! Love this machine, and it’s wonderful to hear directly from the builder.

[@TheLemonadedrinker]

Great video. A really interesting motorcycle you've created, with a beautiful engine and exhaust note. Brilliant!

[@paulongley2033]

Hi Rick what a nice job ,just love it .its so right well done mate .

[@headlesskitten]

Thanks mate

[@stevemarshall5197]

Excellent video thank God no irritating music 👍it looks really great like the fact you did a decent road ride also some off road. Would love to know the area you did the road test. Look forward to your next project

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it Steve, riding area was around Oxted, England, we're based down here. Thanks for watching :)

[@nokogiri5132]

NICE VIDEO! I have a W650 I'm going to customize. There are a lot of good ideas and advice in this video. Thank you!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Rick has built another one of these and we're shooting the video soon, standby

[@gasser2348]

Very cool bike & I would buy one. Thanks

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on Gasser, cheers for watching :)

[@allsearpw3829]

REALLY enjoyed the build and the attention to detail ,amazing finish on the project .Well done .

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for saying!

[@martinhoflich6150]

nicest bike in my eyes , Cheers from germany 👍

[@biketron]

That is an excellent build! When I first glanced at the thumbnail I thought it was a Triumph Tiger 100. Very well done, had me fooled for a moment. Edit: Spelling error.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Glad you liked it Biketron, thanks for watching and your nice comments!

[@frankmlchaelglasscock6539]

What a fantastic bike

[@neil1150]

Great video, bike is beautiful, not seen a better example, ever.

[@c.g.c2067]

It's much better than a Triumph to be honest !! Very tasty, good job indeed

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks a lot C.G.C :)

[@derekcollins1972]

Better than what Triumph?.It sure is beautiful,but remember,if it wasn't for Triumph there wouldn't be any W-650.

[@c.g.c2067]

@@derekcollins1972 hehe maybe. I was just saying that it is a beautiful bike. Triumph bikes are awesome aswell of course but this W650 is unique.

[@danmcneil7181]

Congrats on a beautiful build . Love the look and sound. Always liked the W650 classic looks. I'm also curious about your jacket. What brand is it? 👍😀🇨🇦

[@headlesskitten]

Thanks. The jacket is Hideout. Made for me.

[@RD2564]

Very nice machine, well done.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for the nice comments!

[@robincarkett7209]

Beautiful bike and great video. Thanks for sharing, enjoyed that.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on Robin, thanks for your nice comments:)

[@peterdriver4760]

Nice job

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks!

[@cassial777]

beautiful work

[@leeweir1969]

Well “ just excellent !!! Great looking and sounding bike, and presentation. Great thought and build process. First of your videos, I’ve watched so far. And looking forward to see more. Keep up the great work bud. And nice to see someone else appreciating “ a nice pint of Guinness. Fair play, and cheers 🍻 👍

[@ericseyller2848]

top bike beautiful thanks from france

[@metalmick]

Cracking bike, mate.👍

[@1motomanic]

You have the midas touch, beautiful build.

[@MrCapri78]

Wow that is a real beauty 👍

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Nice one Peter, thanks for watching our videos :)

[@mebeasensei]

Wonderful. I also have a W650 and love them. I wanted those CR carbs so badly for so long, but way too much $$$ .. but I changed the frame, exhaust, tore out the air box, pods and new jets and my dream is to put in a monoshock so I can put bags on it. I put progressive springs in to. Your bike is awesome. Love the speedo! I want one !, Cnt figure out your accent. Thinking Swedish that spent a long time in Australia ? Then I realized! South African.

[@headlesskitten]

Hi Tommy, I get the 'Swedish Australian' often enough :) Have lived all over for a long time. Thanks for the compliments.

[@mebeasensei]

@@headlesskitten May I ask, is the swing arm slightly longer. It’s my dream to put a slightly longer on on.

[@chrisbland8650]

Worthy of Rickman comparison, but nicer detailing. Watch out for the knobbly, slippery rear tyre. A really lovely bike.

[@duncanmacleod7210]

Great build

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Nice one Phil, thanks for your comments :)

[@MegaTrelleborg]

Fantastic model thankyou

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Glad you like it Hector, thanks for watching!

[@goshawkish]

Amazing,fantastic build ,well done,and great vid,really well put together

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks Kev!

[@goshawkish]

i can,t stop watching it,its that good give yourself a massive pat on the back,my ideal bike i would not change a thing

[@headlesskitten]

@@goshawkish Thanks Kev

[@ajkolb2746]

Beautiful!

[@marinusmourik9494]

Beautiful bike,looks period right,well done job !

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on Marinus, thanks for watching our videos :)

[@thesilverfoxtravels6653]

Really good video and very informative. I've just subscribed to the channel. 👍

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Welcome aboard Silver Fox Travels, thanks for your nice comments!

[@waltermiraglia5380]

fantastico lavoro..complimenti da italia

[@davidjackson7715]

Well done

[@ralphlanuza9441]

woooow! bike is amazing. you are amazing. i enjoyed watching your videos. 😍

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thank you so much 😁

[@seniorelzappo9919]

Hi Rick.nice job mate, you have got her spot on . whats your next project ?

[@headlesskitten]

There are about 5 bikes on the go at the moment. Hill Climbing Monkey bike getting most of the attention at the moment.

[@climbmotoadv1550]

nice video! Iv driven the w 800 2020 and the w 800 limited 2018. they are lovely bikes. If I hade that much done to a bike I would be to afraid of it getting stolen :p not for the value but for the time spent.

[@simonclare100]

beautiful, very desirable bike, I want one

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Nice one Simon, thanks for checking in, more like this to come :)

[@maxwinslade1727]

Saw that at Malle Mile

[@jackxish]

Dam thats easy on the eyes !

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on Jackxish, thanks for watching!

[@kdsowen2882]

Not my Style of bike, but a Work-of-Art none-the-less . I have just bought a very tidy unmolested one , I will probably only upgrade the exhaust and inlet, suspension plus rear-mudguard assembly . I used to 'Cafe' everything in my younger days... the body dictates things now , yours looks like an exceptional 'Rider'. Are you from Africa ? I spent a little time there and your accent made me wonder . Dave Aotearoa nz

[@wuttmodel3232]

So cool sir

[@davidmoore1486]

Once I've finished my hornet iam going to get a w 650 and would love it if you could list where I can get some of the parts you use iam going down near original Street tracker

[@spotsterjon74cu]

Great job well done👍

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thank you! Cheers Jon!

[@craigmiddleton7669]

Amazing knowledge skill and ability. Hey also what do you think of the stock Kawasaki W 800?

[@nicholasjheinz7461]

How is the vibration?

[@allsearpw3829]

Hi, a stunning looking bike , with your know how what would the cost of all the parts as a kit be ? Thanks for the video .🤔

[@headlesskitten]

Hello mate, I can supply some of the parts but it's mostly custom made parts. Drop me a line [e-mail]

[@cocoplexplex]

Flawless! Money spent how much? :) THX

[@stevemarshall5197]

Any ideal of the weight compared to original ?

[@headlesskitten]

About 20kg less

[@Desertfox170]

Can you buy that type ov el exhaust❤

[@STARCROSSEDMOTO]

What type of baffles are in the exhaust pipes? I am attempting to make my own for an xs650.

[@headlesskitten]

Straight pipes

[@Nightraincruiser]

Thank you for this nice review .... I have got a question for you..what do you think about the New w800 in comparison to this w650?

[@headlesskitten]

W650 is better.

[@Nightraincruiser]

@@headlesskitten okay...and why is that ?.... In a nutshell

[@headlesskitten]

@@Nightraincruiser It's lighter, a bit more power, easier to work on and modify, generally more parts available. Find the best W650 and it will never lose value.

[@Nightraincruiser]

@@headlesskitten thx bro...

[@saintjackass6445]

Is your rear tire Continental 120x18?

[@headlesskitten]

TKC 140x18

[@wearemotorhead4747]

👍

[@wernerbezuidenhout9532]

Were you born South Africa?

[@headlesskitten]

A long time ago in Joburg General Hospital. :)

[@manojnaidu8178]

Very nice build sir, but video quality should be improved more as we can't see the details on this machine

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hi Manoj, thanks for checking in, what details can't you see from the video?

[@bernibeckmann9753]

Allen Milyard likes Kawasakis. He could build this over the weekend and what's a custom parts supplier? Just kidding of course.

[@digbypowell6208]

Sounds like hes from New Zealand

[@headlesskitten]

Johannesburg

[@alansmith526]

Hi is a great video, would love one the sound is great just not smart enough to do what you have done.

[@caferacer850]

Very cool bike, I've often thought the kawasaki would make a great base for a scrambler, really nice build 👏👏👏👏

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Beautiful, Rick. Used to have a W650 - I've missed it every day since, which is rare for me, no matter how much I love a bike. You've inspired me. Time to start looking for a W650 project bike. Thanks.

[@philmorrow2446]

Stunning. A REAL motorcycle. If I had the cash, I would be knocking on your door!! Superb.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on Phil, thanks for checking out the video :)

[@michaelwilliams9946]

This was my favourite video so far. Well done!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it Michael and thanks for your nice comments :)

[@MrAndrew1953]

Proof that one person can look at an object and see something in it entirely different to everyone else. There should be more dual-purpose bikes with knobbies and big twin engines. I had a 1982 Triumph Tiger Trail 750 with tall gearing that climbed like a mountain goat.

[@quaisarsyed2775]

Aah brother you have really worked hard on this bike and you have tried to put English theme on it. I can say it’s a wolf in a sheep’s cloth great job 👍

[@bicikla_amuzo]

Great explanation of the building process, details and nice riding impressions. Perfect mix 👍😍 And a great excelent build bike of corse.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thank you very much Herbert, very nice of you to say :)

[@cedre2274]

La vidéo est passionnante à suivre, le Rick a l'air "so cool" et la machine est magnifique. Quel travail. On est sûr que Steve Mc Queen aurait adoré.

[@mrjamook]

What a absolute beaut!

[@tommontgomery2674]

The W650 is most often compared to the Triumph twin but the engine has always reminded me of the mid 50's Jawa bevel drive OHC 500 twin street bike. A very overlooked model that was a real beauty.

[@robertfarns]

Great advise at the end of the video about taking a build one piece at a time. So true, you eat a meal one bite at a time, not all at once. Thanks for the video.

[@MajorHazzard]

Everyone previously said it all, the only thing I will add is it sound's terrific, takes me back to my teens in the 60's

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on Blackie :)

[@inrptn]

Those shotgun pipes are gorgeous.

[@HarryRenner-h9q]

I really like that bike I especially like the stance of the bike. where it has a little additional suspension travel. I also like how the rack works with the rear fender. and how the tank is reminiscent to Triumph. and I really like the aggressiveness of the tires. and the swingarm looks light but strong. and I like how the adjusters are inside the cavity for less chance of damaging them. this is the best Job I've seen restoring a Japanese bike to resemble a British bike. fantastic job.

[@headlesskitten]

Thank you.

[@doylehurt2014]

That was fucking awesome well done very impressed what a beautiful machine

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on Doyle, thanks for watching :)

[@williamrae9954]

Swingarm reminds me of a 1990's Vertemati MX bike...like the top yoke idea,but the shocks could be slightly longer,still a bit low on the rear IMHO

[@vajracitta6408]

real nice bike, nearly bought a w650 recently, after seeing this video i wish i had not let that one get away

[@jurgenschulz5924]

super nice bike, nothing to complain about

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

That's all we can ask Jürgen :)

[@DakarBlues]

One seriously beautiful bike, as beautiful as a Metisse ❤

[@witofthestaircase1]

A very authentic voice. 12 months of devotion, many hours, many thousands of pounds and all apparent in the outcome.

[@englishpeter8768]

Stunning Bike!! If I wasn't resembling the green-eyed monster, I might pay you a compliment!!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for checking in again English Pete :)

[@aeror115]

Really nice looking machine 👍

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Sure is AeroR, thanks for watching!

[@juniperberry4295]

Velocette kss. Cam shaft drive.

[@larrrevenga49]

Beautiful . Love the pipes & sound .nicest bike . Super clean looking .

[@carlsitler9071]

650 is more than enough on a light bike. My Ninja 400 is a blast to ride. No, it doesn't launch like my Bandit 1200S or V65 Magna but I bet it will beat my Kawi 900 on the track and it sure blows away my old 440 LTD. Ride on.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on Carl!

[@snakedoctor3319]

WOW ! Sliding about all over the place ! Careful with that beauty man ! :D

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Tyres were quite new Dudley :) thanks for watching!

[@stevesteve1965]

Very smart motor. Want! 👍