W800 - If I find I need to go still lighter

[ohiorider]

I owned a 2000 W650 for several years and slightly over 50,000 miles.  A wonderful little bike I used around town as well as for trips into the mountains of West Virginia.  Having owned the 2016 T120 for slightly over a year and a half, I'd be willing to go with less hp and less weight.

I had essentially zero issues with my 2000 model.  I bought as a leftover for $4995, and sold years later for $3400. I found it an enjoyable bike to ride and maintain.

At MSRP, the new W800 is on the high side, but I see some 2020 leftovers and a 2021 with very few miles in the $7k range now.

Here's the 2021 in blue.  One thing I recalled after looking at this pic ...... there was no muffler removal involved when removing and replacing the rear wheel.

My W650 was involved in a slight ass-ender (by a car) that required replacement of rear fender and taillight/license plate mount.  It was an insurance job, and I anticipated being out of the bike for a good while.  Big surprise when local Kaw dealer called me in less than 3 weeks to let me know I could come pick it up.  Although the W was no longer being imported into the USA, parts were ordered from Japan.  Good service on the part of the dealer and Kawasaki.

Bob

[Kev m]

I've been eyeing up a leftover Cafe at a local dealer for months.

It's such a simple and elegant bike. Another actual retro but with EFI and ABS now.

Very cool bike.

I too have fond memories of riding the W650 (that belonged first to my bud and later to my little bro).

[twowheeladdict]

In 2020 I test rode the W800 Cafe, Triumph Street Twin, RE Interceptor, and V7III Racer within the span of a few days and reported here on the forum.

The Racer was the most enjoyable bike, so I decided to cafe my V7III instead of adding an additional bike.

Today I can buy a new W800 Cafe for $6800 or a barely used red W800 for $7000, but after seeing the reveal for the Z650RS, I now want to wait until the 2022 bike reveals.

[D Knaus]

I went into an implement dealer 2 weeks ago to buy some Stihl 2-stroke oil, and ended up with a 2020 W800. 
I've been riding a 1979 Bonneville 750, love that bike, but my back is getting worse so the doc said to quit with the kickstart stuff.   The W800 is almost exactly the same bike, handling, power, size and weight, but has a push button start.
I think I'll like it just fine when it gets broke in.  79 MPH is 4000 rpm, and  for some reason the vibration is almost non existent at that engine speed.
I still use the Sport 1100i for faster rides, but this bike is more enjoyable on the curvy back roads at moderate speeds.

[grebmrof]

Today I can buy a new W800 Cafe for $6800 or a barely used red W800 for $7000, but after seeing the reveal for the Z650RS, I now want to wait until the 2022 bike reveals.

https://www.motorcycledaily.com/2021/09/kawasaki-announced-retro-styled-z650rs-for-european-market/

Hmmm, wonder IF it will come to the U.S.  Looks interesting...

[bad Chad]

Why not a new V7 Special?

[twowheeladdict]

https://www.motorcycledaily.com/2021/09/kawasaki-announced-retro-styled-z650rs-for-european-market/

Hmmm, wonder IF it will come to the U.S.  Looks interesting...

I owned a Ninja 650 for 15,000 miles and a Versys 650 for 30,000 miles so very familiar with that drivetrain.  The Z650 is supposedly just over 400 lbs wet, so it will be interesting to see what this comes in at.  I really like the green with gold wheels.  Don't like the radiator but I know that is becoming a necessary item for the future. 

[grebmrof]

Why not a new V7 Special?

Those are just gorgeous, but I think that would be on the short list too and the closest dealer is 250+ miles away - and I think that would be a deal breaker.

[SIR REAL ED]

https://www.motorcycledaily.com/2021/09/kawasaki-announced-retro-styled-z650rs-for-european-market/

Hmmm, wonder IF it will come to the U.S.  Looks interesting...

I hope that looks better in the flesh, than in the picture.  Strange blend of current insect bike and retro gas tank.

Great engine!!!

[ohiorider]

Those are just gorgeous, but I think that would be on the short list too and the closest dealer is 250+ miles away - and I think that would be a deal breaker.

That's certainly something I'm considering.  If I was buying an out of warranty used bike, not such a big deal.  However, I'm thinking new leftover, not used.  So it works out to <10 miles vs 220 miles each way.

[SIR REAL ED]

I owned a 2000 W650 for several years and slightly over 50,000 miles.  A wonderful little bike I used around town as well as for trips into the mountains of West Virginia.  Having owned the 2016 T120 for slightly over a year and a half, I'd be willing to go with less hp and less weight.

I had essentially zero issues with my 2000 model.  I bought as a leftover for $4995, and sold years later for $3400. I found it an enjoyable bike to ride and maintain.

At MSRP, the new W800 is on the high side, but I see some 2020 leftovers and a 2021 with very few miles in the $7k range now.

Here's the 2021 in blue.  One thing I recalled after looking at this pic ...... there was no muffler removal involved when removing and replacing the rear wheel.

My W650 was involved in a slight ass-ender (by a car) that required replacement of rear fender and taillight/license plate mount.  It was an insurance job, and I anticipated being out of the bike for a good while.  Big surprise when local Kaw dealer called me in less than 3 weeks to let me know I could come pick it up.  Although the W was no longer being imported into the USA, parts were ordered from Japan.  Good service on the part of the dealer and Kawasaki.

Bob

Great looking bikes.  I can see myself getting one someday, and then reliving the 1970's fad of making your UJM specifically personalized.  Better suspension, tires, brakes, ergonomics.......

[twowheeladdict]

I hope that looks better in the flesh, than in the picture.  Strange blend of current insect bike and retro gas tank.

Great engine!!!

Really?  I don't see any body parts shared with the Z650. 

[SIR REAL ED]

Really?  I don't see any body parts shared with the Z650. 

Exhaust system, swing arm, side covers, rear fender, head light, don't ring true 1970's for me.

I can understand that if the bike was "too true" to the 70's styling, Kawasaki marketing might see it as taking sales away from the W800, rather than filing an additional niche and increasing total sales.  I'm sure the sales of the W800 was looked at closely before creating the Z650.  Color is reminiscent of the original 650.

Changing the items I listed above might also jack up the price toooooo much.  Us old farts are also often cheap SOB's!

[dirtiegirtie]

Background: I've never purchased a new bike, always went used.

I was infatuated with the W800 Cafe last winter. I never had a bike with ABS and think that extra safety would be a big benefit. There were multiple 2019 leftovers listed as low as $5995 popping up across the country. I waited and finally a dealer in MA dropped the price on the two 2019 leftovers they had to that price... a brand new bike for $6k?!?
What I didn't realize was how much the additional 'fees' would be. Sales tax? Yeah, I expected that. Doc fees? I figured a little more than the $140 I typically pay to title and register on my own, but they wanted over $300. Then they charged another $500-$600 for 'freight and prep'.

My numbers might be off a little bit, but what I remember was this; the $5995 bike suddenly would have cost over $7,500. Maybe those fees don't seem like such a big deal when you are tacking them on to a $15k - $20k bike. But suddenly paying 25% more than the advertised price was just too much of a shock for me.

It all worked out - I have my Guzzi and I just bought a 2011 Concours with the ABS I wanted. (but hot damn, I still love the looks of that W800 cafe!)

[dirtiegirtie]

If this one was just a weeeee-bit closer, I don't think I would be able to control myself.

https://longisland.craigslist.org/mcy/d/westhampton-beach-2019-kawasaki-w800/7375669140.html

[bad Chad]

I agree 200 plus miles to a dealer blows.
Anecdotally, I have bought 3 new Guzzi from three different dealers and none have needed warranty work, although the latest still has 3 months left on the warranty! 

[twowheeladdict]

If this one was just a weeeee-bit closer, I don't think I would be able to control myself.

https://longisland.craigslist.org/mcy/d/westhampton-beach-2019-kawasaki-w800/7375669140.html

And open to reasonable offers.  I would make the road trip if I were within 500 miles or do a fly and ride if within the same 500 miles and didn't have a truck. 

Definitely not a bike I want to fly and ride 1200 miles home.  Way too authentic feeling and with those clubman bars I would be done by the time I got home. 

[ohiorider]

Funny, just thinking of 'stepping down' to a 47hp W800 made me question whether to do it or not.  What? ...... less than 50hp?

Until I came to my senses and remembered how I traveled on my 1963 BMW BSA 650 Spitfire Scrambler, and years later, enjoyed riding my 2000 W650. 

If I (or the dealer) can figure out where the wobble is coming from in the front end of my T120, I'll continue with it.  If not, it's gone, and will be replaced by a lovely W800.  The wobble situation is weird, and resolving it is like nothing I've encountered on any bike over the past 38 years and >600,000 miles.

The old Beemer GS has gotten slightly too tall for me any more, and will most likely have to go.  Hey, 30 years of good times on this old gal has been great. but it may be time to pass it on to a younger rider.

Someone recently described this as 'ageing out.'  If that's what it is, all I can say is "it has been a great ride!!"

Bob

[Kiwi Dave]

Until I came to my senses and remembered how I traveled on my 1963 BMW 650 Spitfire ......

BMW or BSA, Bob?  I'm confused!

[twowheeladdict]

Funny, just thinking of 'stepping down' to a 47hp W800 made me question whether to do it or not.  What? ...... less than 50hp?

Until I came to my senses and remembered how I traveled on my 1963 BMW 650 Spitfire Scrambler, and years later, enjoyed riding my 2000 W650. 

If I (or the dealer) can figure out where the wobble is coming from in the front end of my T120, I'll continue with it.  If not, it's gone, and will be replaced by a lovely W800.  The wobble situation is weird, and resolving it is like nothing I've encountered on any bike over the past 38 years and >600,000 miles.

The old Beemer GS has gotten slightly too tall for me any more, and will most likely have to go.  Hey, 30 years of good times on this old gal has been great. but it may be time to pass it on to a younger rider.

Someone recently described this as 'ageing out.'  If that's what it is, all I can say is "it has been a great ride!!"

Bob

 

[ohiorider]

BMW or BSA, Bob?  I'm confused!

BSA.  And you think you're confused 

[Dave Swanson]

Those are just gorgeous, but I think that would be on the short list too and the closest dealer is 250+ miles away - and I think that would be a deal breaker.

My local dealer is 400 miles away (Cadre).  250 miles is damn near next door.  For me  the distance did not factor into my decision one iota.

I really like the new W800, but it isn't a Guzzi so it will forever be a distant "also ran" for me. 

[willowstreetguzziguy]

If the Moto Guzzi V7 is not in the cards, what about Royal infield 650? It seems to be priced right and it is fairly light weight. I realize it’s not 2020 technology but then a W 800 was designed in the 60s.

[twowheeladdict]

If the Moto Guzzi V7 is not in the cards, what about Royal infield 650? It seems to be priced right and it is fairly light weight. I realize it’s not 2020 technology but then a W 800 was designed in the 60s.

The fit and finish and the bevel drive make the W800 a more appealing bike.  Kawasaki has one of the best warranties regarding not trying to get out of fixing things and being responsive.  Granted this was 10 years ago, but I was extending my warranties another 3 years on my higher mileage bikes for $250.  Needed a $2500 warranty repair at 50,000 miles on my Voyager. 

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I realize it’s not 2020 technology but then a W 800 was designed in the 60s.

The W650 from which the W800 evolved was a clean-sheet late '90s design. No relation at all to the W1/2/3 series of the '60s which was based heavily on the post-war, pre-unit construction, 650cc vertical-twin BSA A7 design inherited from Meguro. 

[willowstreetguzziguy]

There’s a great 2019 Cycle World comparison between the Kaw W 800 and the Royal infield 650 interceptor. It’s worth reading.

[ohiorider]

The fit and finish and the bevel drive make the W800 a more appealing bike.  Kawasaki has one of the best warranties regarding not trying to get out of fixing things and being responsive.  Granted this was 10 years ago, but I was extending my warranties another 3 years on my higher mileage bikes for $250.  Needed a $2500 warranty repair at 50,000 miles on my Voyager.

That was my experience with the W650 and with Kawasaki from 2000 thru 2006 or 2007.  At the time, I owned the W and a 2003 T100 Triumph.  Loved them both, but always thought the W had the best fit and finish (which it did.)  I'd also extended the factory warranty thru Kaw's extension program.  They honored the warranty when I had a weld crack on the exhaust.

Bob

[SIR REAL ED]

There’s a great 2019 Cycle World comparison between the Kaw W 800 and the Royal infield 650 interceptor. It’s worth reading.

Thanks for the recommendation.  Good article.  Several RE650/W800 comparisons are out there. 
I would consider a RE 650 INT based on the tests, price, looks.

IIRC, the performance numbers of both the RE and the Kawasaki are virtually identical to the Suzuki DR 650.

Curiosity got the best of me.  So I looked it up.  Kinda apples to oranges, like all bike comparisons.....

Performance specs DR650 / RE650 /W800

Dry weight = 347 lbs / 440 lbs / 465 lbs
1/4 mile = 13.7 sec@92.6 mph / 13.8 sec@95.2 mph / 13.9 sec@96.5 mph
0-30 mph = 1.7 sec / 1.9 sec / 2.1 sec
0-60 mph = 5.0 sec / 5.5 sec /5.2 sec
0-100 mph = 19.0 sec /15.8 sec /16.8 sec
40-60 mph roll on = 3.9 sec / 4.5 sec / 5.0 sec
60-80 mph roll on = 4.5 sec / 4.6 sec / 6.0 sec
30 mph stop distance = 28 ft / 38.1 ft / 38.6 ft
60 mph stop distance = 120 ft / 150.6 ft / 156.0 ft

[D Knaus]

There’s a great 2019 Cycle World comparison between the Kaw W 800 and the Royal infield 650 interceptor. It’s worth reading.

I read that article before I bought the W800.  One of my riding buddies has sold his heavy bikes and is now waiting on the RE Interceptor that he put money down on.  With no idea when it will come in.  Hope we can still ride together this fall, but it doesn't look promising.

[dave1068]

If this one was just a weeeee-bit closer, I don't think I would be able to control myself.

https://longisland.craigslist.org/mcy/d/westhampton-beach-2019-kawasaki-w800/7375669140.html

I live in neighboring RI and some of the MA dealers are stealers, freight is usually something hard to get out of as I think most dealers do pay for that but set up and doc fees are just ways to screw the consumer. Theres one particular used bike dealer now in Plymouth that comes to mind that tacks on about 600-700 per bike...When in doubt try to negotiate or walk out and see if they follow you....