Riding with a Harley-Davidson Sportster on My Kawasaki W650

#harleydavidson #motovlog #kawasaki
On a recent ride to breakfast with my friend Paul, I pondered whether his motorcycle, a Harley-Davidson 48 Sportster, was a girl's bike. I've heard a lot of tough talk on the internet about a Sportster not being a "real motorcycle" so I thought I would raise the question and make some observations while riding along on my 2001 Kawasaki W650. Because if his Sportster is a girl's bike, surely mine at half the engine size must be a toddler's machine.
We had some fun on the ride to Mamie's Cafe and Bakery in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania for breakfast and to talk about our motorcycles.
And my thoughts on the matter... A Sportster is a real motorcycle. No such thing as a girl's bike. Just motorcycles that meet the needs of the individual rider, regardless of gender. Ego may be the driver for someone to dismiss or belittle a machine.

[@Retro_Iron]

I’ve owned several Harleys but never really was one to “join the club”. The only time I ever heard any references to “chick bikes” - of any brand - was from the Harley Culture. Always thought that was pretty narrow minded and dumb coming from people who “lived to ride”… Some took that approach pretty seriously. They’ll miss a lot as they age out of those clam-shell, heavy machines and go looking for something else. Or maybe they’ll just bite the bullet and trike ‘em. Not my style. I’ll down size as long as I can to keep riding. Anything on two wheels has a place in my garage. And my Vespas have opened up a whole new experience for me. Funny you mentioned how riding those roads on the motorcycle takes over your thinking. At times I find myself flirting with the illusion of sitting still while the scenery is moving towards me instead of the other way around. Just watching it and taking it in as it approaches me and reveals itself. Weird how the mind plays tricks. And that’s some of the magic of riding.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I suppose anyone who takes a narrow view of pretty much anything may find themselves in a troubling position when life throws you a curve ball. In particular, insisting on only riding a big Harley when age or disease intervene to make that impossible. Willingness to choose a different machine means you can still have a riding life. You description of sitting still while the scenery moves towards you is something that has happened to me but not very often. Probably where I've experienced it the most is driving the car at night while it's snowing and the it looks as if I am being swallowed by the incoming snow. A magic trick of optical illusion. On the motorcycle it is something different for me I just can't quite describe it.

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

That's right. The chick bike thing is from the Harley culture group. You are right I've only once ever heard someone say chick bike that wasn't in the Harley culture. It started in the late 1950's and them they keep on repeating it because they heard their uncle say it in the 1960's.

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

I still own a Sportster and have never paid any attention to what folks say to my choices. That W650 looks like a dream going down the road.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I don't pay much attention to what others say about my riding choices. But the Harley "chick bike" thing has always puzzled me a bit. Especially when I hear people utter it with conviction. Perhaps someone who believes it will enlighten me. The W650 gets better and better.

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

The W650 to me is hard to beat. Everything about it I like.

[@johnduncan916]

In some ways this is about two friends enjoying life in each others company, the bikes are along for the ride, cheers from New Zealand

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You’re exactly right. The motorcycles are merely a means to an end. And in this case, to spend time with each other. I’ve made a lot of friends because of scooters and motorcycles. It helped me break free from the kind of self imposed isolation I lived with. I will always be gratefulto have found riding. Not just for the solitary benefits I derive from it, but for the richness of the friendships that have grown as result of riding motorcycles and scooters. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate your thoughts.

[@clanky44]

Love your videos, beautiful W650, love the mix of electric start and kick start! I'm in my 50's and just getting my license. Just purchased a 2023 W800 and cannot wait to get my journey started. My wife purchased a Triumph Speed Twin 900, so it would appear that I'm the responsible one in the family 🙂

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for watching the videos. The retro look and performance of the W650 and W800 motorcycles is just great. Good luck on your new adventures. Be safe!

[@jackhorsley3912]

I really love these videos of you and a buddy going to get breakfast, so relaxing, the scenery is beautiful and I love seeing what you get for breakfast 😂 makes me hungry!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you like them! Paul texted me this morning about riding to breakfast today but sadly I couldn't. It's a fine way to start a day!

[@secretariat-13]

Long ride for breakfast with a good friend, doesn’t get any better than that, I envy the types of roads you have available to ride, nothing like that anywhere near my home. As far as the Harley being a “chick” bike? Loved Paul’s answer, I can definitely see myself riding that bike, as always thanks for the treat Steve.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm not a cross country rider or adventurer. All my rides are contained in a day for the most part and riding with a friend to breakfast is high on my list of pleasures. Paul is funny. His 48 ball answer cracked me up.

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

There surely isn't anything feminine about Sportsters. What men like about Sportsters is what women like about Sportsters there is no difference between the genders that way. - Paul

[@splodge5714]

When pushing my 1200cc Sportster around the last thing I think of it as is a girls bike. It's a big heavy old lump.

[@kz1000st1]

Seeing you ride the W takes me back to when I had mine. One thing I can tell you in all certainty, the W was exactly like the 1960's Bonneville's I had ridden when I test rode them after Dad's repairs on customer bikes. Strong off the bottom end and casual in operation in comparison to my Japanese rocket bike of the day. If you were still commuting it would have been the perfect machine. Yours needs a windshield. It makes it much easier to ride all day and maybe your back stiffness would disappear.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The W650 certainly feels casual in operation. Nothing like the jumpy Triumph Street Twin. I like the wind hitting me. I probably won't add a windshield unless I find myself suffering. Right now riding the W650 doesn't affect me any differently than the Vespa or Himalayan. They both have windscreens. I just sort of cramp up now after sitting for an hour. Even in an easy chair at home with no wind!

[@splodge5714]

Really enjoyed your breakfast ride. I have a 2003 W650 and a 2001 Sportster 1200S. Both so different to ride, the engines give a different feel. But both are great fun.😊

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you like it. We've had a lot of bad weather here lately. Six inches of snow this morning so I am pacing until the roads clear so I can go for a ride. I miss though breakfast rides.

[@heckadude]

The banter between you and Paul never ceases to crack me up. Always love seeing your adventures and it was especially fun to see you both enjoying your new machines. A big takeaway for me was the Apollo to Sportster rating system of which I was previously unaware!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I was unaware of that rating system myself. Paul is a wealth of critical moto-information.

[@heckadude]

@@ScooterintheSticks he sure is 😂

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

My friend who says Sportsters are "chick bikes" is socially challenged. People have trouble with his attachment to false ideas like that. Sometimes I let it go other times I correct him publicly when he says something racist or sexist. I don't like to sit by in silence with someone says something hurtful and racist because my silence can be taken as agreement with the racism. On a good note, when I tell him he is full of horse hockey he is okay with that - he listens. It's odd, he listens.

[@kdsowen2882]

Nice ride , bikes sounded-great , I gave my 'W' a bit of a polish today Dave nz

[@ScooterintheSticks]

My W650 needs a wash and polish!

[@bobman7881]

I have a Sportster roadster and a w800 both are really enjoyable but different feeling rides They both bring me back to the late 60s when I was free and riding like a wild man lol

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It's been a long time since I've ridden a Sportster but I can tell just watching Paul ride his or just sitting on it that it is nothing like my W650. But as you say, they both remind me of my perception of what a motorcycle looks and sounds like when I was a kid in the 1960s. I'm glad I have the W650 to have a hands on reminder!

[@laurencebell1144]

I have had owned both bikes and have been riding for over 40 years so can relate. I love the styling of the 48 and would go as far as to say it is one of the prettiest non-custom bikes I have seen and I loved to look back at it when parked - riders will get what I mean. But that suspension! I swapped out the rear shocks for gas ones from a dyna and it was so much better your friend may want to try this (affordable to do as there's lots of little used dyna shocks about in black and straight swap too 10 minute job). But the riding position makes your back scream and any bumps are likely to make your kidneys bleed! the absolute worst bike I have ever had for my back (which is not too bad normally) had to sell it for that reason and that reason only. the W650 my current bike is IMHO motorcycling nirvana. It does everything. Keep the soft suspension if you are cruising and have bumpy roads and add a fork brace to stop any wallowing when pushing it or upgrade if you like to scratch. Quick tip a car valve spring on top of the existing fork springs with your next oil change (heavier oil) will provide a progressive suspension set up for next to nothing if you are short of cash and has the added bragging rights of an old school racing hack. My W650 will NEVER be sold I'll put a sidecar on it when I get doddery in about 30 years time if petrol is not banned by then lol. Did I mention they are probably one of the most reliable small engined bikes period! 500000 miles is not unusual. Great vid and thanks for your efforts.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences on these two motorcycles. I sent your comments on the 48 to my friend Paul. He said he'll add his thoughts at some point. A harsh ride and suspension system is not what my aging back needs. The W650 is a very cushy ride and presents no issues so far. And like you say, it presents an opportunity for me to experience motorcycle nirvana. I like that. I might use it for a title of a video! Thanks again for taking the time to comment and share your knowledge. I appreciate it. And the kind words about the video.

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

I agree. The 48 is one of the coolest looking non custom motorcycles. Making a motorcycle look good (versus slapping on chrome willy nilly) by changing the handle bars, seat and sissy bar is delicate balance. They put a lot of thought into the visual design at the Harley factory. It's often a balance between looks, safety and comfortable riding positions. For instance!... My 48 is not comfortable to ride like my Bonneville. The Bonneville (Steves Kawasaki is very similar to a Bonneville) is super easy to ride and is very comfortable everytime I sit on one my first thought it "whoa this is perfect".

[@laurencebell1144]

@@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304 try the dyna shock hack. It really made a big difference for little outlay. Lots upgrading dyna suspension and the standard air shocks are awesome for the weight of the sports term. Forgot to mention you don't need to connect the air in without they are plenty good enough and look standard.

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

We sure are lucky to have such pretty roads to ride on. I like the part where we go through the tunnel and the spot 6 miles from Martinsburg through a tunnel of corn. I like the angels singing in the background music during the Star Wars Chick Bike segment. I had the video playing full screen on my 25" monitor it was very clear and the sound was clear. The quality of your videos sure is nice. Paul

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It was a fine ride and a lot of nice scenery down that way. But it isn't my favorite direction to ride. I prefer north, east, and south east. I need a map! It has taken me some time to fine tune the video making. Switching to 4K video made a huge difference.

[@martinholt2844]

I enjoyed that ride. The roads look real empty and made for motorcycles! 👍

[@ScooterintheSticks]

They are great for riding. Very quiet rural roads criss cross the region. And if you need to get somewhere fast there is a network of Interstate highways. I seldom need to get anywhere fast...

[@captainjim605]

Nice video, Steve! My first Harley (in 1978) was a 1000cc Sportster. That was coming from a 650 Yamaha (which was after a 650 Triumph, just for some perspective). The low end torque on the Sportster felt like I could pull stumps with it. ;-) Of course, I heard some of the "girl's bike" or "almost a Harley" comments. It was a great bike. Over the years, I had 9 Harleys, 2 of them Sportsters. As far as the "girl's bike" comments, it does weigh less than a big twin, but I never felt the need to carry the bike around. That first Sportster I had was a taller seat height than my second Harley (a 1980 Sturgis)... the big twin carried the weight lower; combined with the lower seat height made it easier to move around in the driveway or parking lot. Sportsters are fun bikes - if I felt the need for something "shifty," I'd consider another one. It is a different riding experience than your W650 (or the Triumph or Yamaha parallel twin), but just as satisfying. You should swap bikes with your buddy for a ride, just to get the experience.

[@captainjim605]

Oh, and, yes, I noticed the difference with the background music! Live to ride...

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I tried to get something close in feel to "Born to Be Wild" by Steppenwolf. Just for Paul!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

There's a strong sense of tribe among the Harley riders of big twins. Everything else is less than. Half a Harley. Whatever. I was never one to join clubs so I am not familiar with the thinking of us and them. At least in practice. I've ridden Harleys before and never warmed to them. I doubt Paul's Sportster would either. Too loud, vibrating, and a seat like a concrete block. Where's the joy in that?? :}

[@captainjim605]

@@ScooterintheSticks We all ride for different reasons. I get the "charm" in a Sportster. Looking at the seat on your friend's bike, my back and back end said, "No thanks!" There are plenty of more comfortable options. Years ago (many), we did some long distance camping trips with my Sporty and my wife's Midnight Maxim... pretty sure she was more comfortable than I was. As far as "the tribe" vibe with Harley owners: that is a fact. But, even within the Harley folks, there are the baggers, the cruisers, and not sure what to call the Pan America owners. ;-) I was never one of those "If you don't ride a Harley, you ain't sh**" believers. Having had other brand bikes, the Harleys were generally a very good fit for me; more full dress bikes than Sportys or cruisers. We had Goldwings over the years, but I always found myself coming back to a Harley dresser as the bike I wanted to do big miles on. But... I wave at everybody! LOL Two years ago, during the Sturgis Rally, I pulled my Vespa into the parking lot of the Iron Mountain Road Store. I saw one guy amongst a group of Harley riders snickering in my general direction. I'm not stupid: the guy looked like he had a sense of humor, so I walked up to him and said, "You got a problem with my Vespa? I've had 9 Harleys - how many Vespas have you ridden?" His friends cracked up. I said, "Maybe you'd like to run yours against mine, 5 miles up and back, title for title?" (I was really hoping he wouldn't take me up on that, but I know the road well, and a nimble ride like the Vespa is in its element.) His friends cracked up more as he stammered. I sat with them for a while. When I left, I said, "Anyone can ride a Harley to Sturgis during the Rally - it takes balls to roll down Main Street on a Vespa." It's all about the attitude.

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

My first motorcle was also a 1000cc Sportster in the 1980's. The Sportster and the Bonneville were very similar, really good all around motorcycles. One of those two motorcycles was designed to copy the other one for sales/marketing reasons so originally they had the same riding format, size and horsepower. Now a days there are many styles of Sportster for many different tastes so my model 48 doesn't much look like a Bonneville anymore.

[@ricksanchez2983]

As it turns out, right after I got my Vespa Supertech, my son picked up his 2018 Sportster 48 (1200 cc). We had a bunch of good rides together, he on his Harley and me on my Vespa. lol Definetly NOT a girl's bike. That subcultural misnomer thing is utter bs. Too bad, as unfortunately, he got the bike totaled from some car driver that ran a red . Luckily no injuries were sustained. Driver conceded responsibility completely. And now I'm stuck for now riding solo.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Unless your son likes to go really fast your GTS will easily keep up with the Sportster almost anywhere. Whenever I would ride my scooter with my friend Paul on one of his big motorcycles I always thought we looked like those cartoons of the big dog and little dog going down the street. Sorry to hear about the accident. I hope you and your son get to ride together again soon. Maybe he'll get a scooter this time!

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

I hope he got his leg out of the rode before the car his him. Sometimes with I'm going through lights on my motorcycles I look left/right and get ready for the impact of someone running the light. Mostly I prep my mind, "lift the leg up before the cars hits so I don't lose the leg". True

[@Stefan_trekkie]

Cruisers are a bit different with very relaxed and calm nature. Like yourself and I am the same way too. When I was more active with non scooter motorbikes always wanted a nice cruise, but never had one. They where very expensive for me back then. They really hold price 2nd hand because people take care of the more. Sport bike where the lowest price 2nd hand bikes.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The W650 I have is very relaxed and calm on the road. The reason I enjoy it so much. I haven't ridden Paul's Sportster but I suspect it is a completely different experience. You're right about how some second hand cruisers can hold some value. Especially in the Harley and Triumph arena. The Kawasaki W650 looks like a Triumph. Since I bought a few weeks ago I've had a dozen people call it a Triumph.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

@@ScooterintheSticks We don't have a lot of Triumphs and Harleys in continental Europe but once upon a time the Kawasaki LTD 440 was my dream. Kawasaki Eliminator 600 was on my radar too.. But poor young me never had the money.. So, i've got myself a Transalp 400 and spend years on it.

[@twloughlin]

Nice day, nice ride! Isn't it great to be retired and be able to take a 100-mile trip just for breakfast? 😀 Paul is not too much for safety gear, I see. Guess you can't ask a Harley rider on a girl's bike to wear much more!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm grateful to be able to have retired and have a few choices in life. Riding to breakfast is just one of them. I've quit mentioning gear to Paul. Or Andy. They ride in short pants and tennis shoes. No gloves. Whatever. But they know the risk and it's their choice. I diverge a tiny bit by sometimes riding with jeans rather than armored pants. Or without an armored jacket if I am just scooting down the hill to the Pump Station. But generally I ride with all the gear.

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

Safety gear like special coats and paints and boots? That's true, but I do wear a helmet and in other videos I have a full face helmet. My master plan is not to fall! - Paul

[@twloughlin]

@@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304 That was my master plan as well, until I fell two weeks ago while wearing a full-face helmet, and sustained a concussion going only about 35MPH on a dirt road. Mike Tyson's quote about plans comes to mind. I'm sure my recent experience has just made me overly aware at the moment.

[@kdsowen2882]

@@ScooterintheSticks In all-fairness...He should have been wearing a bikini

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@kdsowen2882 Hah!

[@andrewsmactips]

I prefer the Kawasaki's seat in that it actually has one.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The seat on the W650 is very comfortable. When I bought the motorcycle I also received a custom Corbin seat for it. But I doubt I will try it. I don't like the looks of it.

[@Scale_Slotcars_Latvia]

The kawasaki will definitely be more comfortable and better road manners too , i agree with you on the chic/girls bike reference, hear it all the time and gotta laugh . Harley riders would be guilty of the biggest nose in the air group even to in their opinion lesser Harley riders ....well ive been there (Harely Fat Bob) and now my body says comfort is king 😎...Harry

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The Kawasaki W650 is definitely comfortable and well mannered. Just what I was looking for and fits well into the "comfort is king" frame of thought. I'm not sure what to think about the Harley riders and their thought processes. Like with people and politicians I'm never quite sure if they actually believe what they're saying.

[@erik_dk842]

I like thet you keep your distance to that loud Harley. The W650 sounds better, anyway.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Paul's Harley sure is loud. He has quieted it down a bit. I love the way the W650 sounds.

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

Mostly every time I bought a Harley I've had to put quieter pipes on, people make them loud and although that sounds cool for a few days, it gets old@!

[@iggyzorro2406]

always loved the look of that Kaw - what's the 'W' stand for? Wretro or is that Wrong?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The Kawasaki W650 is a retro style motorcycle made by Kawasaki from 1999 until 2007. At that point it was replaced by the Kawasaki W800. The "W" in "W650" refers to Kawasaki's W1, W2 and W3 models, manufactured between 1967 and 1975. The "650" refers to the engine displacement.

[@Vanrides.]

​​@@ScooterintheSticks Althought the actual capacity of the W650 is 676cc. I too own a W650, plus two other bikes plus two scooters, as I advance in years I prefer the easy ride of my scooters. Greetings from an Englishman living in rural France.

[@bigwheels0354]

Haha chick bike 😂

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It's something I just never understood.

[@bigwheels0354]

@ScooterintheSticks love you're mates reaction though sure rubbed him up the wrong way haha

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@bigwheels0354 Paul's assessment of motorcycles always cracks me up. 48 balls...

[@silverback802]

I would take your w650 all day long over that harley

[@ScooterintheSticks]

So would I. At my age, comfort matters!