Author Topic: Leftover Kawasaki W800 cafe (Read 8223 times)

dave1068 · « **on:** February 18, 2020, 08:45:05 PM »

I know many of us here like classics/retros like Triumphs and the Kawasaki W models.

I know the maroon 2020 W800 standard is a sharp looking bike but I see on CL and kawasaki dealers that the 2019 w800 cafe is being sold in the 7500 price range. I know its an odd shade of brown with black fenders and a silver fairing with clubman type bars but that seems like a pretty good price.

Anyone here ever ride one? Might not be a bad 2nd bike

ozarquebus · « **Reply #1 on:** February 18, 2020, 09:24:31 PM »

I like the Ducati-like bevel drive gear train and read that W series is supposed to have a BSA/Maguro heritage dating back to kawasaki's first big bore bikes, whatever that is worth.

SmithSwede · « **Reply #2 on:** February 18, 2020, 09:29:02 PM »

Take this FWIW. I like bikes like this. And wanted to like this bike. I think it looks pretty good from the side.

But when I saw one in person at a dealer, I was surprised to learn it is weird and funky looking from the saddle. Clumsy looking and big.

Just my opinion.

twowheeladdict · « **Reply #3 on:** February 18, 2020, 09:35:01 PM »

I wanted one of these years ago when you couldn't get them in the states. Now that they are here, at the price they are wanting I think I would by a Royal Enfield instead.

If you can really buy one for $7500 I would be surprised. That price would make me consider one since it is close to the Royal Enfield but with Kawasaki reliability.

Many of those dealers will want to add up to $2000 in fees.

My local Royal Enfield dealer, who also carries Kawasaki but didn't order a W800 sells for MSRP, but no fees. He does pass on Manufacturer rebates to the customer.

LowRyter · « **Reply #4 on:** February 18, 2020, 09:38:11 PM »

Who wants a brown motorcycle that's newer than 40 years old?

Just sayin'.

ohiorider · « **Reply #5 on:** February 18, 2020, 10:31:20 PM »

Had a 2000 W650 for 7+ years and 50,000 miles. Lovely bike. I'd do an 800 based on experience with the earlier bike.

Cdn850T5NT · « **Reply #6 on:** February 18, 2020, 10:39:24 PM »

I have heard that they vibrate quite a bit, and I am presuming (maybe I shouldn't) that the vibration is NOT in frequency range that is tolerable (as it is on a Tonti Guzzi).

I think the concept is cool.... but I also point out the view and feel astride suggested above.

??

kingoffleece · « **Reply #7 on:** February 19, 2020, 06:27:00 AM »

Color is subjective, but I know I'd hate looking at that combo every time I had to see it.

greer · « **Reply #8 on:** February 19, 2020, 06:50:25 AM »

Have you actually seen the '19 bike, Dave? I thought it looked much better in person than in pictures.

Sarah

SIR REAL ED · « **Reply #9 on:** February 19, 2020, 07:22:40 AM »

I would find it hard to buy a Kawasaki W800 instead of a Royal Enfield 650.

Motormike · « **Reply #10 on:** February 19, 2020, 07:46:43 AM »

[quote author=twowheeladdict link=topic=104484.msg1655886#msg1655886 date=1582083301
If you can really buy one for $7500 I would be surprised. That price would make me consider one since it is close to the Royal Enfield but with Kawasaki reliability.
Many of those dealers will want to add up to $2000 in fees.
[/quote]
This! Every time I've looked into a dealership offering a "low" price on a bike, it just turns out to be bait, and they make it up in outrageous fees. I'd proceed with skepticism.

kballowe · « **Reply #11 on:** February 19, 2020, 08:29:09 AM »

I looked at one of those and some of it just looked cheap.
- then went out and read all of the reviews - none of which were complimentary.

It was my lucky day, because the sales guy got me a brand new 2019 Z900RS Cafe for $7,897 out the door (minus sales tax)

I'd still like to have a W800, but am waiting to see if they go on fire sale.

Our local supermotorsportswha tever place has the the W800 for $6,999. They add $857 in fees (more, if you're not paying attention). Then you must finance with them, or pay an additional $400. These "leftover" bikes were on the showroom when they had a fire in the shop. No discernable damage, but they will not warranty appearance claims.

https://www.bigstcharlesmotorsports.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=6990263&p=1&make=kawasaki&s=Year&d=D&vt=motorcycle%20%2F%20scooter&fr=xcustominventory&bodyType=Motorcycle-/-Scooter&category=Cruiser

bad Chad · « **Reply #12 on:** February 19, 2020, 11:12:13 AM »

From the reviews I’ve seen, the new RE seem to make people happier than new Triumphs or w800.

Muzz · « **Reply #13 on:** February 19, 2020, 01:24:15 PM »

Quote from: ohiorider on February 18, 2020, 10:31:20 PM

Had a 2000 W 650 for 6+ years and 50,000 miles. Lovely bike. I'd do an 800 based on experience with the earlier bike.

A year or so ago I read a local review of the 800. The same reviewer had ridden the 650 when it came out and liked it. his summary was that the 800 was a good bike for what it is, and much improved over the 650.

JJ · « **Reply #14 on:** February 19, 2020, 04:16:34 PM »

Quote from: SIR REAL ED on February 19, 2020, 07:22:40 AM

I would find it hard to buy a Kawasaki W800 instead of a Royal Enfield 650.

I would find it hard to buy a Kawasaki W800 instead of a late modern Triumph Bonneville

Still the W800 is a cool bike, as Kawasaki, in general, makes good motorcycles!

danomar · « **Reply #15 on:** February 19, 2020, 04:19:22 PM »

Quote from: twowheeladdict on February 18, 2020, 09:35:01 PM

I wanted one of these years ago when you couldn't get them in the states. Now that they are here, at the price they are wanting I think I would by a Royal Enfield instead.

+1 on this.

dave1068 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 19, 2020, 04:35:45 PM »

Quote from: greer on February 19, 2020, 06:50:25 AM

Have you actually seen the '19 bike, Dave? I thought it looked much better in person than in pictures.

Sarah

I havent yet but Id like to, I see the ads on FB for them. I have seen the 2020 w800 in maroon and its nice looking

dave1068 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 19, 2020, 04:37:17 PM »

Quote from: kballowe on February 19, 2020, 08:29:09 AM

I looked at one of those and some of it just looked cheap.
- then went out and read all of the reviews - none of which were complimentary.

It was my lucky day, because the sales guy got me a brand new 2019 Z900RS Cafe for $7,897 out the door (minus sales tax)

I'd still like to have a W800, but am waiting to see if they go on fire sale.

Our local supermotorsportswha tever place has the the W800 for $6,999. They add $857 in fees (more, if you're not paying attention). Then you must finance with them, or pay an additional $400. These "leftover" bikes were on the showroom when they had a fire in the shop. No discernable damage, but they will not warranty appearance claims.

Now thats a good deal, thats also a sharp looking bike in 80s lime green. Comfortble ride?

LowRyter · « **Reply #18 on:** February 19, 2020, 05:20:52 PM »

After all this, it's still a BROWN motorcycle that wasn't built in the 1970s.

twowheeladdict · « **Reply #19 on:** February 19, 2020, 08:46:40 PM »

Quote from: LowRyter on February 19, 2020, 05:20:52 PM

After all this, it's still a BROWN motorcycle that wasn't built in the 1970s.

and that's a good thing.

kballowe · « **Reply #20 on:** February 20, 2020, 08:23:43 AM »

Quote from: dave1068 on February 19, 2020, 04:37:17 PM

Now that's a good deal, that's also a sharp looking bike in 80s lime green. Comfortable ride?

It's a pretty upright riding position, but ya still lean forward a bit. The seat is remarkably comfortable for the factory offering. It rides good and goes down the highway nicely.

Aldo · « **Reply #21 on:** February 20, 2020, 06:35:18 PM »

Royal Enfield Intercepter 650 or Conti GT 650...nicer looking, less expensive, easier to service than the W800. Try one and you'll be impressed. Doubts? 3 yr warranty and roadside assistance...hard to beat.

https://www.cycleworld.com/royal-enfield-continental-gt-650-versus-kawasaki-w800-cafe/

My Interceptor has been absolutely flawless thus far.

twowheeladdict · « **Reply #22 on:** February 20, 2020, 09:09:05 PM »

Quote from: Aldo on February 20, 2020, 06:35:18 PM

Royal Enfield Intercepter 650 or Conti GT 650...nicer looking, less expensive, easier to service than the W800. Try one and you'll be impressed. Doubts? 3 yr warranty and roadside assistance...hard to beat.

https://www.cycleworld.com/royal-enfield-continental-gt-650-versus-kawasaki-w800-cafe/

My Interceptor has been absolutely flawless thus far.

Thanks for the article. After reading it, if I could get either bike for the same $$ I would chose the Kawasaki. At MSRP I would choose the exact color RE in the comparison.

ohiorider · « **Reply #23 on:** February 20, 2020, 09:13:36 PM »

Quote from: Aldo on February 20, 2020, 06:35:18 PM

Royal Enfield Intercepter 650 or Conti GT 650...nicer looking, less expensive, easier to service than the W800. Try one and you'll be impressed. Doubts? 3 yr warranty and roadside assistance...hard to beat.

https://www.cycleworld.com/royal-enfield-continental-gt-650-versus-kawasaki-w800-cafe/

My Interceptor has been absolutely flawless thus far.

Lovely bike! Motorcycle 101, what so many of us grew up with.

Guzikid · « **Reply #24 on:** February 21, 2020, 10:30:54 PM »

Hope you have a better RE Dealer than we do...…….I'll take the Kawasaki, Thank you. The Kid

twowheeladdict · « **Reply #25 on:** February 22, 2020, 09:55:30 AM »

Quote from: Guzikid on February 21, 2020, 10:30:54 PM

Hope you have a better RE Dealer than we do...…….I'll take the Kawasaki, Thank you. The Kid

What is wrong with your RE dealer?

Tom · « **Reply #26 on:** February 23, 2020, 11:05:50 PM »

Check out this Motorcyclist vid review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iujTSxepzLg&t=921s

ohiorider · « **Reply #27 on:** February 24, 2020, 07:20:29 AM »

Here's a still shot for you, taken at a local multi-brand dealer last July.

bobrebos · « **Reply #28 on:** February 24, 2020, 02:44:45 PM »

Personally I LOVE the look of the W800 café. Awesome looking bike in my opinion!

https://www.kawasaki.com/Products/2020-W800-CAFE?cm_re=CATEGORYLANDING-_-PRODUCTTHUMBNAIL-_-PRODUCTDETAILS

twowheeladdict · « **Reply #29 on:** April 10, 2020, 07:54:35 AM »

I am heading out here in a few minutes to do a side by side comparison of the Continental GT and the W800 Cafe.

The dealer I am going to carries both Kawasaki and Royal Enfield.

Not sure if the owner is going to allow test rides though so we shall see. At least I can compare the fit and finish for now.

I have my mask, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Will put in a 150 mile ride taking the circuitous route to get there.

News:

Author Topic: Leftover Kawasaki W800 cafe (Read 8223 times)

bobrebos