The Quintessential Modern Classic. Kawasaki W800 Review In The Idyllic British Countryside

Channel Partners:
XLMOTO: Fantastic quality riding gear, parts and more from a range of different brands. The UKs Largest online motorcycle store! bit.ly/48Id0kX
QUAD LOCK: The BEST Motorcycle Phone Mounts on the market! bit.ly/3TLhRwV
At long last I got my hands on a Kawasaki W800! This particular one is one of the earliest versions (2011) which was produced from 2011-2019, they then updated the bike in 2019. but sadly it is no longer available in the UK New and we don't quite understand why it was discontinued!
In this video I discuss how this could be the truest most classic looking and feeling retro/modern classic motorbike of them all! I talk about the handling, character, performance, brakes (it has a rear drum brake!) and more...
Become a Channel Member to get early bird viewing privilage of our new videos BEFORE they go public! / @mrdarcy-olman
Our SHORTS Channel: / @mrdarcyandtheolman-sh...
DARCY'S CAR CHANNEL: / @darcysdrive
Our Podcast: / @dad-n-darcy
Instagram: / mrdarcyandtheolman
/ mrdarcytheolman
BUY ME A COFFEE: www.buymeacoffee.com/mdatom
MERCH: mr-darcy-the-ol-man.creator-s...

[@Tomasz.P___b]

About eight years ago, while driving my car, I was hit from behind by a motorcycle. The impact was so strong that the rider was thrown out of sight. My car was a total loss. When the rider eventually limped back, the motorcycle, a W800, started right up despite the crash. It was such a beautiful machine with a gorgeous engine that I thought it was a restored classic. I couldn't believe it when the rider said it was new. So, after a 15-year break, I've decided to return to motorcycling, inspired by a motorcycle that nearly killed me and its rider 😂.

[@simonchilli2088]

Nice one Centurion like it, like it lots😂🤣

[@kramnam4716]

Great! Have you chosen your car revenge victim yet?

[@frenchenstein]

Excellent tale 👍🏽

[@Tom-bm7mm]

I started riding when I retired at age 55. The 2020 W800 was and still is my first bike. I love it.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Awesome! 🙌🏻

[@paolosoddu9642]

Lucky you that got to retire that early

[@mloclam6917]

I'm 55 and will be looking forward to my retirement when I'm 90

[@ThePlough1978]

​@@mloclam6917#metoo I'll have to back to work soon. 46 year old , no pension , no skills ... I'll be a wage slave in a dead end job I hate until the day I die 😂 *Crap Game* 🎉

[@klausl.2212]

Retired at age 55? Soldier? First Bike age 55 Sissy-Soldier?

[@borderlands6606]

One of very few authentic looking modern classics.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Agreed

[@UncleJunior79]

The first bike that made me fall in love with modern classic motorcycles.

[@ktric2007]

I'm 6ft4 and ride one of these, plenty of room and comfortable for all day rides.

[@shaunfleming8668]

The 360 degree crank is what really makes this an authentic pastiche of a British bike. Most have dreadful 270 cranks for that v twin sound but very few British bikes were v twins...doesnt ,make much sense to me.

[@splodge5714]

I own a 2001 W650. Not the best in performance, handling or brakes but the nicest looking take on a 60's British bike. And it's got a kickstarter!

[@davericketts9101]

Me too. I`ve got a 2001 model as well. Brilliant bikes.

Me too :D...

[@dirkperdieus2960]

Mine 1999 👍

[@stevesteve1965.]

What I always liked about the W800 in particular is they seem to have got the proportions right, it really does look like a brand new time warp late 60s early 70s bike.

[@williamhuxley]

I bought the W650, back in 2002, one of the nicest bikes I've ridden. I could turn round on full lock on tickover it was so beautifully balanced. Going for a group ride out to the coast made me smile as all the sport bike riders queued up for petrol as I could get there and back on a tankfull. I could even hold some at bay on the twisties as scraping the hero blobs was no problem! I too used to get complimented on my 'restoration', reinforced when, just for fun, I used to occasionally kick start it. Happy memories indeed.

[@r_v_g]

I am a 64 year old grandpa, and actually bussy to get my license. I already made my choise wich bike its gonna be, the W800, or the W650. Brilliant bikes, both of them. Hopefully within 2 months I own one. Can't wait 😊

[@geraldscott4302]

I just turned 65 (also a grandpa) and have been riding since age 16. I have had around 50 bikes during that time, maybe a third of them bought new. I currently have 5 bikes. I am very proud to say that not only have I never been in an accident, but that I have never owner a bike with a computer on it. Every single one of my bikes have been carbureted, with no ABS. I have had bikes with clutch and sidestand nanny switches, I removed those immediately. The W650 is a real motorcycle, the W800 is a computer that looks like a motorcycle from the outside.

[@FreddieDobbs]

Congrats on 100k!🕺🕺🕺

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you so much Freddie! 😁

[@per-arnehjorth9785]

Yeah! I forgot! Congratulations! 🎉🎂🥂

[@ianhalliwell8604]

As an owner of a charismatic bike, the GoldStar, I just love the W800. Fantastic style, Kawasaki build quality and reliability. This is the only bike I'd swop the GoldStar for, i just love it and in that green its just sensational.

[@frenchenstein]

🌟So glad you have reviewed the W800, I've had one for three years now and I love it: 2011 model; top bike👌🏽

[@timgarnett7636]

Been waiting years for a decent review of this bike! 👏 congrats on the 100k!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Hope you enjoy it! Thank you 😊

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Congrats on 100k!! Love the w800 😍

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you!! It’s a real beauty

[@5034403]

I’ve commented this before, but I wanted to say again how much I appreciate that you spend a good amount of time showing beauty shots of the bike itself. Most other motovloggers spend far too much time just showing the view from the seat… I stay subscribed to your channel because I love seeing so much of the bike, and not so much of the view over the handlebars. Thanks for that, it distinguishes your work.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks very much, that’s our goal. When we started this channel we wanted it to be different

[@davericketts9101]

Totally agree.

[@user-hf6ok2tj5h]

Couldn't agree more. Also, thanks for not standing in front of the motorcycle when filming. It's surprising how many presenters don't get it. Cheers

[@davericketts9101]

I have it`s predecessor, the beautiful W650 in burgundy and cream. It has twin Keihin CVK 34 carbs and a kick start, as well as electric start. It sounds even sweeter and has even more charm. If you get a chance to ride one of those, take it.

[@boodog4023]

I really dig that kick start option along with the electric start I would buy one for that.

[@davericketts9101]

@@boodog4023 Yep, it was one of the main reasons I went for the 650, not the 800. Kicks easily, every time.

[@hatchetjack1031]

I'm the proud owner of a 2020 W800Cafe. Beautiful bike, great ride! Thanks for reviewing it!

[@mindspinn311]

I have a Bonneville T120 and will admit the W800 is a better British retro bike. It’s still on sale in the US after being discontinued for a year, but the price at $10k is insane. They sit at dealerships until they get heavily discounted.

[@stewartnorton6386]

What timing. Just bought one of these yesterday! Been looking around for ages for one. They definitely are the forgotten modern retro. There are hardly any reviews except from owners on youtube especially compared to Triumphs, RE's and even Moto Guzzi. First time I saw one I fell in love with it, been looking for months but all the bikes were hundreds of miles away from me. Then few weeks ago one came up for sale 20 minutes away, I was over there like a shot and when the cover came off I was smitten, so beautiful! The ride is amazing and just what I was looking for. I'd come from a Honda Hornet and the inline 4 didn't really suit my riding style anymore and I wanted a lovely looking Sunday ride backroads bike and this ticks all the boxes and more...so happy with it, also got a good deal 2016 model with 3800 on the clock for 4 grand 🥰👌☺️ Edit - If you search for "w800 db killer removal" on KZbin you can see how easy it is and how much difference I make to the sound .

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

I proudly own a 2015. Give it six months and it will only get better.

[@clanky44]

If the KZbin algorithm aligns properly, you will be inundated with Japanese W800 content. Lovely bikes with great history.

[@trevjones1315]

At last, you've got around to the bike that really does look like a 60s machine. We are all guilty of brand snobbery. 😂

[@brentpresnell5369]

Congrats on the 100,000! My wife and I are in our mid 50s and bought our Classic 350 about a year ago after watching your reviews. You and your Dad do a great job making them! We especially love the countryside. As far as the W800, that looks like something I might be interested in when I'm ready for my second bike. Thanks for the review and relay our message to your Dad for us. Wish we could come to your celebratory ride, but being from the US, that won't happen, so we hope all goes well with that. We'll be waiting on your next video.

[@rob2475]

Enjoyed the video. Surprised you didn’t mention the superb condition of the bike. It looks brand new! Saying something for a thirteen year old bike.

[@porcaminosrurales3755]

the first W800 is the most simple, confortable and beautiful retro bike, only modern for the fuel inyection. I'm a owner of a W800 SE 2012 Balck and Gold. Amazing bike

[@BlakesPipes]

all i have to say, W800 is the superior retro, what they did in 2019/20 with the Cafe, amazing. thanks for the video. love mine

[@davidtait7407]

Dave here, I’ve a 22 plate Kawasaki W800 cafe , I drilled out the baffles with a 35 mm drill bit sounds awesome now, put some straight bars on with bar end mirrors it’s the business now. I’m sure you said your in Rutland,… if so a meet in one of the big car parks a5 Rutland Water would be a good location and riding around the area is stunning. I’m from Loughborough Leicestershire and takes me about 50 mins to get there.

[@VillageBobby]

I did the same. with exhaust. Not over loud at all but sounds proper. Ecu compensated with no issues for the lack of baffles and slight mixture change.

[@T3-RIDER]

This bike sounds perfect with aftermarket exhaust system, bevel gear driven cams and 360 degree crank

[@TheJJSK8]

Congratulations on 100K well deserved. Keep it up🏍️😁

[@olethorhermansen5696]

The W800 is still sold here in Denmark, so I don't think it's because of emissions, if you don't have it in the UK. Here it costs 50% more than a Royal Enfield Interceptor, so it's a rare bike on the roads, but it truly is gorgeous!

[@hop-skip-ouch8798]

They released a W175 single in India. Priced it so high on launch almost no one touched it. Then dropped the price by almost 20% and now some enthusiasts might be interested. General public are still not touching it.

[@besenwieslersepp1011]

As far as i know, GB works after Brexit with the EU emission standards. And the W800 2019- meets the standards. GB seems not a market for the W800.

[@onyertod]

Also dropped from the market in in Australia. I think lack of demand, (partly due to high price) will kill it before long. Pity because its a quality machine, worth the price, but unlike the RE 650s, its not a mainstream product for Kawasaki.

[@AsmodeusT]

Congrats on the 100K. I have been watching religiously for the past couple of years. Wishing you both the absolute best! I only have a 125CC bike as I'm new to all this but would be up for the meet.

[@paulsymonds820]

Looking forward to seeing the old man again….legend!

[@cyberdionisio]

Congrats on the 100K subscribers! Very lovely bike indeed.

[@onyertod]

Thanks for reviewing the W800, particularly the original version. I have the 2014 Black Edition. Lovely bike.

[@tevehaku]

Concrats for the 100K!

[@Heivang]

100K! Congrats. Well deserved. Been fun to follow you up to 100 and it will be a joy to tag along to a million. Keep it strong as always. Hope you and your dad will have a great celebration. Proud of you both.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you so much! Fingers crossed 🤞🏻

[@markfranks1329]

A Japanese motorcycle company called, Megura, I believe, produced a 650 parallel twin heavily based on the BSA A65. Megura was absorbed into Kawasaki who in turn offered their own 650. In the mid 70s Kawasaki had a DOHC 360° air cooled parallel twin called, amazingly, a Z750. In a sea of inline-4s, it was never a big seller. This W800 owes a lot to these earlier machines and it's a great pity it's not available officially new anymore in the UK. Love that rear drum brake on spoked wheels. OK, may not be that efficient, but it looks so right on a bike styled in this manner. Just mo. Congrats on your subs numbers. Very well deserved. 👍

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

Meguro manufactured small displacement bikes. Kawasaki Heavy Industries purchased Meguro, despite Meguro not having a "big" bike in their range. Kawasaki were intent on manufacturing a "big" bike to compete with the British at the time. Kawasaki approached BSA with the view to producing the A65 engine under license. BSA allowed Kawasaki to produce a "metrocised" version of their A 65 which Kawasaki labelled the W1. Despite being a good motorcycle, for the day, they were expensive, and shortly after they were released, Honda came along with the CB750 a wiped the floor with them. In the latter part of the 90's, Kawasaki sort to pay homage to their original machine and produced the W650 which was actually the first of the retros. But history repeats! The W650 was expensive. Not only that, Triumph released their range of bikes only two years later. Emissions regulations killed off the carburetted W650 and it evolved into the injected W800 but with no improvement in performance. The W800 has taken a very undeserved back seat to its competitors ever since.

[@markfranks1329]

@@davidbrayshaw3529 There ya go! One learns something new everyday! I bet Honda were not best pleased when Kawasaki came along with their Z1, either.

[@simonwalker7957]

Meguro

[@markfranks1329]

@@simonwalker7957 Thanks.

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

@@simonwalker7957 You are 100% correct! I had a brain fade. I've since corrected my post. Thank you.

[@aapddd]

It’s the prettiest for sure. It sounds like an old bike too ! Very cool.

[@catpost]

Finally! Been waiting on you to review this bike. Nice work, it’s been worth the wait.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Glad you liked it!

[@andrewd7586]

Firstly Darcy & your dad, congrats on 100,000 mate! 👏🏼 I love this Kwaka! My late uncle here in Australia was riding AJ’s, Matchless & Ariel’s back in the 1950’s! He married my mum’s sister, Auntie Barb back then & they went on their honeymoon on an old Ariel! Any years later after my dear Aunty Barb passed away Uncle Don said to me “I’m thinking about getting one last bike! I like the Kawasaki WR800. What do you think?…” I said “Uncle Don, go for it! Unfortunately his health took a turn for the worst & he never got the opportunity. Nonetheless, Darcy a wonderful tribute by Kawasaki to a bygone era. I still have my Triumph Thruxton 900, 2011 model, a Triumph Steve McQueen Edition & a lot older classic, the BMW R100s,1980! 😎👍🏼🇦🇺

[@bidouchonsan]

Congratulations for 100K, go for 200K ! when i bought my Honda 125, the owner's nephew followed me for a test ride on his W800. fantastic looking bike !

[@ino2207]

Cool looking bike. Need to test ride one of these one of these days. Thanks for the review.

[@AjaySingh-228]

Wow, this Kawasaki W800 looks amazing bro...I'm interested to hear more about the comparison between this W800 and the Royal Enfield Continental GT. Those are both such cool bikes, and it would be great to see how they stack up against each other...congrats on reaching 100,000 subscribers! That's a huge milestone. Here's to many more!"

[@bobman7881]

I rotate between my w800 and my Sportster roadster it brings me. It brings me back to the 60s when I started riding. Love them both As always another good video thanks

[@kwakithailand]

Congrats on crossing the 100k subs threshold, well deserved for your restless top notch quality work, lads👍

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you very much!

[@kwakithailand]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan U R most welcome, Darcy 🤝

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Firstly, congratulations - much deserved too 👏. Yes, a stunner that W800. I'll bet it's made in Japan too which adds to the authenticity. These were 650 originally and I saw one of those a couple of year's ago.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks so much, yes exactly 👌🏻

[@tomstockell9481]

Good one Darcy - I’ve always admired this bike from afar, it’s beautiful

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

You and me both!

[@christianmouraux7269]

I got one few months ago and really love that motorcycle, as much for its great esthetic as for its character. The kind of bike I’ll keep forever 😀

[@williamlylecameron9345]

Great video thanks Darcy. I'd like to congratulate you and the Ol' Man for achieving 100K subscribers, this in my opinion is long over due but very well deserved. Please keep doing what you both do as we all love your reviews, they are always professionally produced and informative.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Wow, thank you so much! 😊

[@BlakesPipes]

since i own one, watching this video makes me want to go for a ride.... problem is, its pouring down rain and i do not need to go anywhere. love this motorcycle!

[@TheInterloafer]

I was wondering if Mr. Darcy or the Ol' Man would ever review my bike, and just then as if my magic, you did! This is great. I'll confirm video matches my thoughts as well. About a decade ago I noticed a really good looking bike parked by my office here in New York on a regular basis and found out it was a 2000 or 2001 Kawasaki W650. I learned it was imported to the States for just those two years and started trying to find them on the used market. But then Kawasaki announced they were coming out with a W800 for 2020 and I got it as soon as it got warm enough to ride, which turned out to be a week before the pandemic. Anyway I couldn't be happier! I love everything about this bike. It's very well suited for city riding and perfectly fine on the highways. A really great all-purpose bike which I've been using as a commuter for four years. It is like riding to work on a work of art!

[@Scout4x]

Congratulations on 100K!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you!!

[@dorian_xvs7953]

Congrats on 100k! Well done! I'm waiting for the details of the bike meet!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you! Hopefully soon 🤞🏻

[@dorian_xvs7953]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan can't wait mate :)

[@VincentComet]

Awesome content as usual keep up the good work

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Appreciate it!

[@54macdog]

100k and growing. Well done.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you! 🤩

[@anthonycleal7043]

The W800 is undoubtedly a fine modern classic. In the UK it's always been somewhat in the shadow of Hinckley's products, but in my opinion it's a more faithful tribute to the idea and the image of what a classic parallel twin should be. It's rather ironic to think that back in the day, the Japanese products helped to cause the demise of the British motorcycle industry back in the 1960's/70's when our factories were turning out similar machines to this 'modern' Kawasaki. I have owned my W650 since 1999, when I traded in my Ducati 900ss to buy it. It came into the country in the same batch as the road test bikes, but was spared that fate, instead being taken into stock by a motorcycle dealership up the road from Kawasaki HQ in Bourne End. It shares garage space with 3 other bikes, but it is still my favourite. I have been riding for 47 years, during which time I have owned more than 20 very different bikes and ridden countless others. I can honestly say that the W650 is one of the best all rounders. Being of a certain vintage myself, I cut my teeth on bikes with drum brakes, basic electrics and generally 'no frills' gizmo and gadget wise. The W suits my style of riding perfectly. It's taken me near and far with the utmost reliability. I do all my own servicing and spannering, and the W is very easy to work on. I like the fact that it has carburettors and a kickstarter. I did take a test ride on a W800 with a view to possible purchase, but with just a 100cc increase in capacity (albeit with fuel injection and a bit more torque), I decided that I preferred my 650. I know that I made the right decision to keep it. Anyway, congrats on the increasing subs and another good review.

[@tmar0075]

U hit the big one 100k!! Well deserved 😮..n the W800 is a looker😊

[@rpd051]

Congrats on the 100k! Was already thinking about doing a roadtrip from Amsterdam to the UK on my XJR1300, but your bike meet just convinced me 🤙🏻

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you 😁 That would be absolutely incredible if you oh came all the way from Amsterdam. Ik liefde Amsterdam!

[@TheNorthernClassicRider]

Congratulations on the 100k, well deserved 👏👏Nice looking machine. Did you notice the VW combo at 10.28😍

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you! Yes they were on the way to Santa pod 😁

[@spdaltid]

That was a great review. I burst out laughing with the juxtaposition of bucolic rural scenes and reggae, in a fun way. Looking forward to the future episodes featuring a few classics.

[@Fighterx1001]

whoo, finally a W800 review from you guys! a nice surprise to see during this hot Saturday afternoon accompanied by a glass of iced coffee. i have the smallest variant of the W series family, the W175 as my weekend toy. quite spartan compared to its contemporaries, but in my eyes it looks the most retro

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Hope you enjoyed it! Sounds like a great bike 👌🏻

[@christophertyacke6019]

Absolutely the most authentic bike built today . Original design and build materials with todays safety features. ABS, FUEL INJECTION.

[@n000rbiig]

ABS came only in the later models, after 2019

[@onyertod]

@@n000rbiig He did say "built today".

[@JohnSmith-xw5qe]

Well deserved on reaching 100k👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻one of my favourite channels as I like the content & we share the same sense of humour! As for a venue for a bike meet would cooper motorcycles help out?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you so much 😀 I think cooperb wouldn’t quite work due to all the horses but I have a few places in mind now to ask 😊

[@davidmbrownphotography]

Congratulations on hitting 100K! I think Kawasaki has dropped the ball on the W800 when compared to the RE INT650. The INT has a 6 speed gear box, compared to the W800's 5 speed. Nearly the same HP and torque, however the RE is about 33% lower in price. The W800 is $10,400 US, while the INT650 is $6,849. Both are beautiful modern classics as far as looks, performance, and styling go, but the INT650 comes in at $3,550 US dollars less. Having ridden both I found the power curve for both very similar and the 6th gear on the highway gave the INT for me, a much more relaxed ride. The engine felt far less stressed with over 100cc less displacement. Ride safe!

Well it is no secret that kawasaki's anti- interceptor is the z650rs (and Z900rs)... , bigger "badge recognition from the Z line), same retro feel, and all new tech for a more reasonable price... economies of scale by reusing the z650 platform makes it a better deal for Kawasaki. Even in Japan they spun off the W800 as a Meguro K3... maybe just marketing, but that goes to say about the brand attachemn to the W line.

[@WeeFreeMan78]

Brother, believe me, the highest price of the Kawa is very well worth it. The quality of the W is on another level

[@rebelmindset6312]

Could you guys do a video, on what bikes you would recommend to an older beginner rider. Congrats on the 100k subscriber milestone. I’m a new subscriber and I’ve really enjoyed the content thus far.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Great suggestion! Thanks very much!

[@nobbyblob9906]

Bike Meet suggestion: The Robin Hood, Clifton Reynes, close to Olney. I love the W650/800 - I want one!

[@IevgeniiIegorushkov]

I always wondered why the W800 is still not there, and here it is! ❤

[@TheWanko11]

wow 100k subscribers...congrats!!!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you so much 😀

[@malcolmmathers2690]

had one back in 2011 a lovely thing for sure

[@jvl4832]

Gorgeous! That says it all…I want one so bad , but would have to sell my GS. Not a bad idea at the age of 66.. Great job Mr.Darcy of presenting this gem of a motorcycle. Greetings from Berlin, Jim

[@british1964]

Hi guys, congrats on the hundred K

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you!!

[@garryclarke-kray4071]

A bike I haven’t really considered but it definitely has those classic looks

[@JohnBackus101]

I have always been a fan of your content. Keep up the good work. Love from the island nation of Sri lanka.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you! Will do!

[@Bo-nn1ig]

Love the style of both bikes, and my Continental GT l, Classic 350 and soon Shotgun 650 because they are functional and have lines that are there for beautiful

[@carolinemcnabb9957]

Beautiful Great video Imagine how great that engine would look with a Rickman Metisse chassis wrapped around it

[@neilheslam1114]

Need to start doing some vids looking at cheaper bikes, subscriber bikes in different price brackets. I think that would be a great angle for the channel. Love the vids btw!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Noted!

[@P45K141N3N]

In my opinion the problem with drum brakes isn't stopping power. But lack of feel and that they fade quite quickly. Also congrats for the 100k! 🥳

newer w800 have disk brakes on the back already, and a bigger front disk and ABS...

[@simonwalker7957]

Well done for reaching your milestone, very well deserved; you guys put a great deal of effort into your content and is a welcome change to the POV videos that proliferate KZbin. As for the W, well, I bought the Cafe version which is actually a bit roomier as there’s a bit of a stretch like the Continental GT and rear disc which works far better. They are only Euro 4 hence there demise in Europe and U.K. which is a shame but being Japanese built, we’re costly. The one thing you forgot to mention, its standout feature, is that bevel drive for the OHC. Done purely because they could, and expensive talking piece; ‘tricketry’ as Henry Cole would say. I look forward to the Interceptor comparison; I decided against that one mostly because they are everywhere; I’ve never seen another W Cafe on the road but a few Standards and 650s are out there.

[@mloclam6917]

Well deserved success

[@clanky44]

Congrats on the 100k!! ..New rider at 57 years of age and I’m very fond of my 2023 W800. I wanted as retro a bike as I could find and there’s nothing that compares to the W. 360° crank, air cooled vertical twin with a lovely vibe that lets you know you have something between your legs. As far as folks saying the W is overpriced, here in Canada the Royal Enfield 650’s aren’t that much cheaper.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you! Good choice, yes I think it very much depends on where you live

[@dashastesonichterwartet]

I share your enthusiasm and fascination for this beauty. For me too, it is one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever produced.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Right on!

[@craigpennington1251]

At least where I live in the States, we don't have them either. I like them. Great on gravel & 2 lane blacktop roads. Plus bopping round town. Once was nice isn't no more. The world has gone bonkers. We've lost so much & are going backwards at an alarming rate. Not good. W800 is gorgeous cause it's not all black. It looks real as compared to the all blacked out crap which looks like a plastic model kit. Absolutely gross no matter what bike type it is. P.S. If you've not ridden old bikes, you gotta ride a hopped up to the hilt 1969 BSA Lightning Cafe with unbaffled TT pipes. What a blast.

[@felixgunawan2080]

What's your recording gear? It's surely make the grass looks pretty. I like it

[@per-arnehjorth9785]

One of the best looking bikes ever! 👍 Perhaps THE best looking bike besides the 1972 Norton 750 Commando! (And of course, beside my Sportster 😂).

[@captainpugwash788]

Stunning bike. Wish they’d kept a kickstarter like they did with the w650.

[@thebingleywheeler]

I suggest Squires bikers cafe in Sherburn in Elmet near Leeds. It’s a big venue with a big car park, lots of land, cafe and bar areas, bikers shop etc and is used to hosting big events….more importantly it is slap bang in the middle of the country for all your viewers

[@andyjdaviestjk]

It will be nice to see the old man back as well

[@benz201forever]

still my favorite bike

[@bfarm44]

She’s a beauty and what I consider a true classic. The exhaust is an easy fix with a hole saw and that green is my favorite color but they don’t offer it anymore sadly

[@olavius771]

That's it! The W800 from the first series is the most authentic retro bike behind the W650 in our times! 😉👍

[@waynecameron4911]

It's great that Kawasaki kept the 360 degree crank. I bought a Triumph T100 in 2011 and the 270 degree crank was a complete disappointment in the engine feel compared to the Triumph T140E I owned for 15 years

[@kevinpollard1550]

Its a lovely bike love the styling a lovely review to

[@ilejovcevski79]

That's one beautiful bike!

[@stewy62]

Certainly the most authentic retro twin cylinder bike with its 360 degree crank. The green ones are my favourite. Undercut substantially in price by Royal Enfield 650’s and on paper difficult to justify the cost extra of the Kawasaki unless your heart was set on one. Shame really, love the bevel drive on the engine ! 🇬🇧

[@frenchenstein]

🌟I'd love to hear the Old Man's review of the W800😃

[@paulsymonds820]

Ps Great vid MD!

[@TommieTrumper-TFC1200]

Well done 👍 and I would be up for a meet as long as it’s not fookin 100’s of miles away…. Ps try reaching out to one of the biker cafes and see if they would be up for it…. Well done again pal👏

[@Geshmaal]

Finally got your hands on one! IMO the design of this bike is perfect, when I have a spare £5k lying around I need to acquire one and baby it. I have deliberately avoided buying one to date because my bikes usually get used and abused, I need the facilities for a second bike that I can look after properly before I pick one of these up. Also crazy that you haven't ridden any older bikes! You should just take a punt on an 80s or 90s Honda.

[@roverchap]

I've owned two of these. Beautiful looking bike. The 360-degree crank gives that traditional parallel twin sound and feel, without heavy vibes. I'm six foot fall, and like you I found the riding position a bit cramped. Also, the gap between thighs and narrow rear of tank/front of seat prevented a good connection with the bike.

[@JoJo-hc4dj]

Shame they stopped making the W800 in the UK. It is a gorgeous looking bike 👍🏼

[@felipedourado5721]

I got a proposal regarding the place for the Mr Darcy and Ol' Man Bike Meeting, do it on an island right on the middle of the Atlantic Sea! I'll explain why. Since I'm here in Brazil and you guys are in Great Britain it could be fair for everybody, you would come half way south and I could go half way north! That would be perfect! 😂 Poor joke aside, of course unfortunately I won't be able to show up on your bike meeting, but I wish you all the best before, during and after the event. Congratulations for reaching 100k subscribers, hope the channel keep growing strong featuring other motorcycles as stunning as the W800 depicted here. Best regards from Brazil. 🏍 🏖 😎

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you so much! 😂😁