Kawasaki W800 Amazing Retro 4k - if you like retros - You should check out the W800!!!

[@HitomiCOD2]

Driving my w800 to my parents tomorrow for the last cleaning this year before preparing it for wintertime :)

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

@@HitomiCOD2 I haven't fully winterized mine yet, which maybe I should.....

[@Bob-xc2us]

Another great analysis of what makes the W800 such an intriguing machine. It's all about the torque and the looks. Everything else is just icing on the cake. Horsepower is not a good yard stick to measure any motorcycles by. It is just a sales tool. Usable torque is the most important factor when riding on normal roads and streets and the W800 delivers in spades. There are other intangible characteristics of the W800 that are impossible to put into words. In the end it is down to how it makes you feel when you look at it and when you ride it. Words cannot properly describe that visceral experience but you have come very close.

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

@@Bob-xc2us thank you so very much, being unable to find the right words I always recommend taking test rides to experience it for themselves! Thank you for posting!

[@jenspoulsen3451]

⁠Willie G. Davidson once said “It’s all about the look, the sound and the feel”, ofcourse refering to a Harley Davidson. But I’ve had a 1200 Sportster for 19 years and have allways loved exactly that, the look, the sound and the feel. In 2022 I sold it, but could not purchase a new replacement because of emission restrictions in Denmark. I then discovered the W800, and once more I fell in love - it had the very same qualities, the look, the sound and the feel. But is in fact even more beautyfull, I think, and it’s a rare bike in Denmark. I have never had a bike quite like it, and hope to ride it in decades to come.

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

@jenspoulsen3451 I'm so happy that you love your W800! Thank you so much for commenting!

[@jenspoulsen3451]

@@bigbluemotorbikedogI love your videos and I understand and share your enthusiasm for the W800.

[@Bob-xc2us]

@@jenspoulsen3451 Thanks Jens. You are spot on about the W800. Here in Ottawa Canada I have not seen another W800 or W650 on the road in two and a half years of riding my 2022 W800. By the way. My grandparents on my fathers side were Danish emigrants to Canada in the early 1900s. I see you like Canon cameras. I have an old 35mm Canon TX. It's the same as a Canon AE1 but with a heavier body and no automatic functions. It was a great camera and used the same lenses as the AE1. Alas the invent of digital cameras has put the TX on the back burner. Cheers: Bob Jensen

[@josephstuhlreyer7972]

W 800 with factory cruise control would add appeal. Weight loss with aluminum subframe and swing arm. Update LED turn and brake signal lights. Add a 6th gear with overdrive ratio.

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

@@josephstuhlreyer7972 5th gear on the W is overdrive, I see the W as more of a city / two lane hiway bike than a mile eater but I do have a touring bike with cruise and I don't use it... LED all around I completely agree... the weight to me feels more like my 1972 bike. Thank you so much for commenting! I said the same things about the W when I first bought mine, she grew on me... just as she is.

[@jefflang6271]

What are the new tires that you went with. I remember you mentioning them in another video but I can't find it. Thanks.

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

I went with the Michelin Road Classics: video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGTJnHVprrSqpbssi=DxbDjI4GI0ZC5PqH

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

www.michelinman.com/motorcycle/tires/michelin-road-classic

[@jefflang6271]

@@bigbluemotorbikedog Thanks. I have a 2024 W800 & I agree with you about the tires. I can't wait to change them out for next season!

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

@jefflang6271 makes a huge difference in my opinion

[@DonJ.]

What brand and size tires are you using now. Thx for the video

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

www.michelinman.com/motorcycle/tires/michelin-road-classic Front Tire Size: 100/90-19. Rear Tire Size: 130/80-18.

[@maisielouis2013]

I have the same year/color as yours. I also added rack, different saddle and new tires (although I rode the original tires about 13,000 miles) and I switched the throttle body covers from black to chrome. I too get a big smile as I walk toward it across the parking lot at work getting ready for my ride home each day. What is the little black luggage bag on your rack in most of the photos? Thanks for your videos.

[@trailrider1980]

Have you done the valve clearance check?

[@maisielouis2013]

@@trailrider1980 Took it to the dealer for service including valve check. Needed to replace chain after about 14,000 miles. But everything else ok.

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

This one is close to the bag I have on mine: www.amazon.com/kemimoto-Motorcycle-Waterproof-Expandable-Luggage/dp/B085997KQJ/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?crid=KRX4UGEL7GMS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HdKRfPSjS7z8Df92nPBd7aQTpUHue_NcpfK2-lwPafreDfAx3iSBlmOAH3cVkgvtbHIpLZLarhxQkklGMrdeT-XhytGkkEbH4JnJ3bNGexyL8DyZpVkSxr8apuxm3dFv1VUdsy5tMSypYf4QE65djnD9UkF96-FcQbrxJLm3DOIVWEa0DJ6qve882qattFx8a1-mwGsHuEzSnb1wAzvkkTUlm3rLiqSKJmQ4tCFILXW2MKaID6xoAyJqFmhRBeSJjeXVjuW5w1UELIZvtHR4nh27Rvi2aC1BroNylAg62-c.rNHyREPi4UHm1nLscDnsiqnTADvl7sQhArcRjQYN8ps&dib_tag=se&keywords=Kemimoto%2Btailbag&qid=1730475890&sprefix=kemimoto%2Btailbag%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-4-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1 TBH I can't remember where I got my tail bag that I use, I think at Performance Cycle in Denver Colorado, was a long time ago.

[@mebeasensei]

I have the w650. I wish for three things, 1) better braking, 2) knowledge to achieve the best carb jetting for a header I had made and had to give up on, 3) a fuel gauge (The suspension can be easily fixed)

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

Thank you for commenting! Love the W650 as well. For the W800, it has discs front and rear, which do sufficient braking in my opinion, it's fuel injected, so solves any issues with carb jetting, and leaves it to ECU mapping, and the fuel guage, yeah the light isn't the best, but similar in function to reserve tanks on the older bikes. (petcock manual switch). I've been considering picking up a W650 if I can find a nice example of one.

[@lanceemola2450]

I owned a w-650,the only problem l had was any speed above 80mph the front end would wobble. It never got fixed but no big deal.it would ride like a dream all day at 70mph.

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

@lanceemola2450 sounds like a tire balance issue... which tires were you using?

[@lanceemola2450]

@bigbluemotorbikedog stock tires

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

@@lanceemola2450 I switched mine out right away to the Michelin Road Classics

[@BlakesPipes]

I do believe 2025 kawasaki is bringing the W 235? Which I do not get. Did not know we needed a lower displacement motorcycle in this line up. I would have continued with the Cafe look on the W800 then a 235cc. 😊

[@mebeasensei]

Kawasaki built a wonderful little retro bike called the Estrella from 1992 to about 2015. Gorgeous bike, particularly the solo seat one. A 250cc banger. They made it in Indonesia too, more recently. Don't know what it wasn't sold in the states. It only made about 20 HP but it was gorgeous abd would rival the Royal Enfield Classic 350 for looks. I wanted them to make a 500 version of it too, but I think Euro emissions killed it. The new little one they are making doesn7t look nearly as nice IMO .

[@Bob-xc2us]

I Japan they also have a W400 which would be an excellent beginner bike here in North America. I don't think the W230 will do well as it is a little under powered for our riding environment. It is probably perfect for the high traffic, lower speed limits and smaller roads in other parts of the world. I had a 1981 Honda CM400T that was a nice bike for small touring with me and the wife on it. A bit small but just enough power to keep up or stay ahead of most traffic. My 2022 W800 is just perfect for my riding environment and occasional shorter touring and, as mentioned, gives me a little rush every time I look at it. That low easy torque makes it a joy to ride in any conditions. It may a little on the heavy side for a beginner bike though. I think Kawasaki would be better off bringing the W400 here than the W230. Why not bring both?

[@BlakesPipes]

Thanks for giving me a rabbit hole today to go down! Lol. I just dont se RE 350 selling well here. Maybe if we go towards these 15 minute cities it would. I thought this W800 was a great starting point here in america to get people on a bike with style, but they need to sell enough of them to create a used market, and need to bring down the cost as RE has done with there line up. But i am just a guy that enjoys my own W800 cafe and sad that they dropped that line. I feel like a million dollars when i am on it.😊​@@mebeasensei

[@BlakesPipes]

I own 2020 cafe and love the bike. I started 25 years ago a a Yamaha V-Star 650. That was a heavy small bike. But i think the W800 is a perfect starter bike and for people that dont need the speed! I have my Concours14 so go distances and get my jollies off. But small displacement, i feel should be where the electric consummer and manufacturing should be winning. We dont need a smaller bike that will only market small town America. It will work in other countries, but what do i know. 😊​@@Bob-xc2us

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

@@BlakesPipes the W230 is on the US Kawasaki site, for living in city limits, much better looking option than a scooter IMHO. Maybe they are trying to compete with the rebel 300 as the go to motorcycle beginner training courses?

[@markfortin8286]

A motorcycle "only" having 5 gears doesn't bother me in the least. I find 6 gears has become more of box to be checked off than anything meaningful. My Royal Enfield INT 650 had six gears, but it was geared in such a way that it completely failed to make any practical use of it.

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

@@markfortin8286 on the W the 5th gear is an overdrive, so just "taller" gearing. Thank you for commenting!

[@Blair62]

How often do you have to adjust the valves on the W Dog?

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

@@Blair62 every 12 to 15k miles is what the USA maintenance book says. Excellent question!

[@joaovasco3969]

Iam currently still waiting on Kawasaki Portugal to find out if we are going to get the 2025 version , the W800 seams to be the right pick for me , i could get a Triumph T100 but this w800 sounds way beter and acording to lots of reading doesnt have eletronic gremlins, iam not worried about vibrations my old bike was a Africa Twin 1993 that V twin had some serious vibrations. My only conserns are iam 6 foot ( 182cm) tall also iam 90kg (202 pound) . Iam planing to do 5 to 10 days trips solo camping so ill take some gear with me. Will this bike be ok for my size weight and trip plans ?

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

@@joaovasco3969 is your route paved? Much shorter suspension travel than an Africa Twin... I personally prefer an upgraded seat and tires, with a few other mods, I am 5'8" and was over 220lbs (now 180) when I bought my W. No wind protection either, so interstate routes are windy. Definitely the W can do the trip. I would make sure you ride one before so you get a better feeling regarding the ergonomics. The stock saddle was only comfortable for me for a couple of hours at a time.

[@joaovasco3969]

@@bigbluemotorbikedog routes i plan to take dont involve freeways preaty much contryside roads 90kph to 100kph. I gess if the seat isnt great i can always get a beter one.

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

@joaovasco3969 that's what I did....

[@joaovasco3969]

@@bigbluemotorbikedog It has arrived at dealer 2025 model waiting on Picture cant wait to get my hands on it , thank you for your videos it helped me made the decision to get it .

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

@@joaovasco3969 I am so happy for you - may you have thousands upon thousands of happy miles ahead!

[@jjstuartonwriting8150]

Why does it cost so much?

[@bigbluemotorbikedog]

@@jjstuartonwriting8150 steel instead of plastic, high quality parts, outstanding engineering and manufacturing in Japan. You can find the quite affordable on the used market. I have only bought myself one new bike in my entire life.