Kawasaki W800 grouptest

The Kawasaki W800 impressed during its first ride, but how does it compare against its two closest rivals, the Triumph Bonneville and Moto Guzzi V7 Classic?
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[@kdsowen2882]

I have a W650 down here in NZ, probably the cheapest place in the World to buy the 'W'-bikes by the prices I've seen o/seas . It is a great little bike, 2 more hp than the 800, but less torque. As you say though, they are all great bikes in their own right and if the right deal had crossed my path on either of the other two , it would be that bike, now in my shed and I would be equally happy. Also have to agree that this is one of the most unbiased comparisons ever , very refreshing to see . Dave NZ

[@herrjacobsson2501]

Hi there. Thank you very much for a good review. Just a little correction about Triumph being "...a British bike...". Bonnies are made in Thailand since 2008-ish. And it's a good bike. Kawasaki W800 are made in Japan, and from the start from the BSA A7 transformed into the 1966 Kawasaki W1. And they were good bikes as well. My point is that most bikes now a days are quit the same, inspite of the name of the tank badge. Maby not "Made in ..." but "Made by the world"! Wish everybody the best! J/Sweden

[@timjohnson1199]

I want all of them!

[@perrydasavage]

All 3 are fantastic looking Bikes ... but given a choice, I'd have to choose the Guzzi, just because I could!

[@sqd8r]

I love these reviews, even this many yrs later they are still relevant.

[@Dranreb865]

sqd8r that is the beauty of these kind of bikes. They will always be relevant . Try watching reviews of an r6 or a cbr 600rr 10 years ago they look and feel so outdated.

[@iwandaniabdulmuis683]

One of the good thing about modern classics is that they never look dated. Any of this bike still looks good next to their 2021 counterpart. In the case of the GUZZI, I think this version looks even better than the new V7 850.

[@stefanmaslaczyk1259]

The W has a 360 degree crank, giving it the same heart beat of the old British twins, including the Bonneville.

[@powersliding]

honestly is the best policy, kawasaki eventhough my heart says triumph. its a better version of the triumph

[@Mfothergillable]

I have to say I've been really impressed with the video quality this year, and the realistic and fair road tests

[@kneeslider47]

Couldn't agree more. Was going to buy a new Bonnie in 2010. Test rode a couple and ended up getting the dealership to source me a decent 2005 T100 Bonnie instead as its a much nicer bike! Saved me about £3000 for a better machine.

[@staninjapan07]

Off topic: "...government malfeasance, corporate greed, music and motorcycles...." I checked out your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@spidiq8]

@jathe5th It'll justifiably cost that, (it's a Kawasaki, it's Japanese, it's incredibly well built, people who like British classic style but want something that won't piss oil every stop and bits that don't rattle off will pick this every time), it'll also hold it's value for resale very very well, (search for secondhand W650's if you doubt me, theres no such thing as a cheap one and the few that are for sale, (because the owners like them so much they rarely sell on), do sell.

[@canadianwebsurfer]

Come on guys, It may be cold there but at least your riding..... Haven't been able to throw a leg over my bike since October here in Canada. Soon though!

[@Beaver314]

@spidiq8 yes i understand, it's a matter of personal tastes... i just don't get how it can cost more then a modern day roadster or street naked? there is nothing sophisticated about the engine, tires, brakes, wheels, fairing, chassis, ...

[@dv8tion242]

i'll take the pair of Kawas, please. one of those w800's and a sport bike would make me a very happy camper.

[@turbo311]

Between the Bonneville and the Guzzi I'm torn. I can appreciate the sporty handling and extra power of the Triumph but I like the looks of the Guzzi better and you never see Guzzi's so it's automatically cool. My favorite local dealer sells both marques. Going to ride both, but I doubt that will make the choice any easier. The Kawasaki isn't available here in the states, so that's out anyway.

[@stax666]

I'll go with the the Italian!

[@dave8204]

@lonelykatana Most bikes sold in Europe have Fuel Injection to get through the EU Emissions regs,that's why some bikes have been sold in Europe and America with different specs,i.e. the KLX250 Kawasaki was sold with a carb in the U.S. and Fuel injection in Europe and some bikes still sold in the U.S. are now banned here,KLR650,DR650 e.t.c. Taxis and Buses here belch out black smoke that chokes yo0u....but we have Fuel injected 125s "to protect the environment".

[@truthhunter46]

i got the same [black n white] love it!!! stopped in stratford the weekend and it was a real talking point...half the price of my cheapest sportsbike I have ever owned and ten times better looking. rode a fuel inj model the other day and it was nice and smooth and a lot more modern feeling BUT if I wanted modern n smooth I would get a cbr 600. I love the carb model bonnies ,put tors pipes on n just chill in t shirt n half face helmet..love it!!!

[@KingCast65]

Indeed I shall, thanks! Meanwhile I am working to finish the repairs to my 955i with the broken crankshaft, nice.

[@philippep561]

I love the W but why they don't put the kickstarter....

[@GOBbluthagain]

nice to see you guys figured out your video editing woes great production for this episode a-9 / v- 10

[@JohnInSale]

Any chance of testing the Moto-Guzzi V7 Stone and letting us know how they've improved it etc ?? !!

[@frankkemble2103]

Triumph is not actually made in Britain; it's made in Taiwan and also it's not a Triumph; it;s actually a Hinckley but named after bikes with which it has absolutely no connection . Never sure why it's so mis-represented as a British bike and also as a Triumph. I'd buy the Kawasaki- great bikes.

[@organichotdog3807]

Made in Thailand, not Taiwan

[@Gr8Layks]

Less generalities and more specific details would help make this review useful.

[@turbosteve84]

Videographer: can we show the bikes while the guys are talking? We don't need to see the speakers (voiceovers!) -- but we need to see the motorcycles.

[@mindfield7]

I wish Kawasaki would bring that W800 to the States.

[@PaulStevenmototriumph]

wait what? Bonnie engines where updated in 2006 with 865. In 2008, the carbs were replaced for FI.

[@KingCast65]

You have what appears to be a 650R or Ninja 650. I had the first series in silver and red (is that a custom paint job? I was often asked) and it was one of my favorite bikes of all time, and still is. Where my Sprint RS 955i is a bit much for urban traffic the 650R was perfect because you could pin it more often without fear or impaling yourself on the next urban obstacle :)

[@smattgoss]

Christopher King what are you talking about

[@salafibrouae]

don't know about that, but he does look like he is ready to jump on a sports bike with that gear!

[@AscensionVisuals]

@canadianwebsurfer So close to that too (Wisconsin). It's agonizing! We have warm-ish weather but there's so much damn salt & sand on the roads that we have to wait for a good couple of rains before we can ride. The temps are up... now we just need that damned rain lol.

[@truthhunter46]

love the guzzi and bonny BUT would have to be a bonny before 08..they have really cheapened them after that .Cheap parts ,plastic badges and they started making bits in thailand and i want a british bike AND who wants fuel inj on a vintage bike?? no no no .No wonder carb model is sought after in the usa!!

[@thespeez]

Now, we need to get Kawasaki to bring the W800 here to the 'States!

[@Nickiller6969]

This guy is is really a good presenter. Keep them vids coming !

[@miciomocio]

opppsss. you said Ducati? tow time? opppsss that is a Moto Guzzi!!!! pay attention next time

[@SunShawnSean]

This would have been the older version v7 though no? The updated one is supposedly sportier, a bit lighter, better handling, larger capacity tank etc. Plus I would have to imagine the weight difference can be felt, the triumph is a heavy bike while the guzzi is considerably lighter. I'm currently torn making the same decision.. which one did you decide on?

[@spidiq8]

@jathe5th I'd take either bike over the Guzzi, I'm sure i'm not the only person in the world who thinks they're just pig ugly. I think it's the engine, it's the wrong way round in the frame but then of every Guzzi i've ever seen theres not one thats made me go, hmmmm, I like that

[@kevkfz5226]

Even on a good review we have put in a small anti guzzi comment. But why no 'It came from a tractor' comment MCN have repeated for the last 40 years.. Finally finished?

[@RobEilb]

cant wait til the next powerbike blog

[@RicardoSS85]

@sooupdragon And you say Guzzis are unreliable based on what? Don't tell me it's their history; this is 2012, not 1978.

[@fastkid392]

i like neevsy new jacket.. what is the model number?

[@Hedgehog_Inklings]

How do you lads feel about the updated Moto Guzzi V7 since 2013-2014? Unfortunately we don't get the W800 here in Canada but alas, having seen and ridden the Guzzi and Triumph I'm not sure which is best tbh. I think that inevitably they are both great in their own right and will appeal to people for a variety of reasons. Personally I just fine the new Guzzi too well made and sexy to pass up over the Triumph.... unless your talking about the Thruxton. The latter is by far one of the most beautiful bikes imho.

[@KingCast65]

Is it just me or is the Guzzi's tank scratched to hell at 1:22?

[@Flaming360Spider]

It's probably scratch marks from cleaning the tank.

[@bigred8438]

I finally got a Triumph T100 (2012), and am heartily disappointed in it. It doesn't brake properly, It has no torque, it has an elastic band throttle response to additional fuel, it doesn't handle properly - it wallows around after hitting undulations in the road, it has pronounced jittery manners over 60mph with the front end feeling light and flighty, the seat height is too low (6' tall rider) and is really uncomfortable even with the addition of an air hawk, and the seat height makes it cramped and the ground clearance under the pegs is abysmal you would have to have 5" long feet to prevent them being dragged under neath. Wheres the trip odo? Wheres the centre stand?

[@Radient001]

@dv8tion242 Agreed.

[@daWKin548]

im not going to lie, they all sound like my 125cc

[@mitchy5580]

Has Neevsy changed his iconic helmet design?!?!

[@AndersHagenAnken]

Thanks. This was useful to me :)

[@dodibenabba1378]

The Guzzi is the only true classic there...

[@Beaver314]

@spidiq8 too right

[@staninjapan07]

Only 6,500 quid, new? Unreal. I paid a touch over 4,000 quid for a 5-year-old W400 [yes, four hundred] here in Japan. Mind you, there are so many add-on costs here, it is a joke, and and M.O.T. (every 2 years) is about 444 quid for a bike over 250cc. Only ridden it 3 or 4 times do far, but seems like it will be V nice once spring arrives.

[@mebeasensei]

Kawasaki is the best, the besuto! The Triumph is a self-parody, and a cheap and nasty too. (But they should put some rear-disks on the Kwaka.

[@timjohnson1199]

The new Kaws have rear discs.

[@bfmv580]

What ever happened to that 'Sport replicas of our youth' series you guys started, you only made 1 part.

[@hfranke07]

I dont get it..... how is a Guzzi a retro british bike........?? You could add a BMW to the test as well, if this is your concept.

[@sam_p792]

I'd take the triumph every time.

[@kdsowen2882]

Thaiumph !

[@War10ck1004]

i've ridden the three bikes, and guzzi is the best for me. The engine has a really wide spread of torque and power, the best of the three for an every day use. It's the lightest, the easiest to ride. For me the W800 isn't as good as the 650 And the triumph has no character at all... Plus...the guzzi is the cheapest here in France.

[@pingpong2435]

Let me know how does it cost for w888 . Thank you so much

[@cyclopse50]

no offense, but i dont know why people find naked bikes like these attractive.

[@Don-lw4cb]

The Guzzis always badly blue their downpipes which makes them look old and crap very quickly

[@Crana]

damn, new bikes are really expensive, pre-owned all the way baby... let rich people get shafted first :P don't think i'll ever spend over £4 - £5K on a bike

[@penc5use3]

V7C all the way.

[@robertcrooks9275]

Triumph is British owned but made in Taiwan .

[@ice7771]

Rather have the triumph scrambler

[@mac163]

Imho the Kawasaki is closer to the look of the classic brit bikes than the triumph and lighter to boot.

[@Visionery1]

Moto Guzzi: "Guzzi" pronounced like "pizza", not fuzzy. :)

[@gerry343]

Moto Gizza ?

[@BunnyUK]

Mongto Spazzi

[@Doubledge]

triumph ftw.

[@sophiabarker9360]

Hey. Spectacular Work. undesirable cheese What's happening, guys.

[@Roberto7537]

La W800 insieme alla Z900RS le piú belle moto!✌✌🏍🏍

[@fleetingdays]

LOve it...!!

[@Beaver314]

how in the WORLD can that peace of junk cost 6600£???

[@Sebastianyangen]

m 190cm, will this bike be small for me?

[@BunnyUK]

Sebastian Øyangen a bit

[@AlessioSpalletti]

Sorry but The Moto Guzzi is the best!

[@TheStrappingLad]

Guh-zee? Goot-zee.

[@muttoncyborg]

T100 is my baby....luvely jubbly

[@DuranXL]

Kinda contradicting opinions :P

[@ReisterJP]

Japanese engineering > British engineering

[@truthhunter46]

well said . i ride my bonny in my half face helmet [and t shirt in summer] .. i believe thats why harleys and classic brit bike arent that popular in the uk because riders look like these idiots.. it just dont go!! i should know better being in my fifties but i couldnt ride like that..

[@ripmax333]

sadly w800 is going to be killed by the new emissions standards, i think even the guzzi v7.

[@gooldii1]

The Sound of the "W"!!! :-(( First, the Triumph accelerates...: Nice! Than, the Guzzi, and than the "W": " Wrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiieeerrrrrrrrr!!!" So, "W" stands for the "Sound": " Wwwwwwwwwrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiierrrrr"!! Its disgusting. Its so....bad, it sounds like an electric motor. W sucks! Go for nice Italian style or the british Original (or buy an Harley, an 1200 cc Sporster...). But not this silly sounding Thing!!

[@acebars]

How can these guys test ride these bikes with full face helmets? You need need at least an open face jet helmet, if you're really going to go old school they should all be in pudding basin helmets and goggles. Noobs.