W800 vs V7-850 Comparo

[Dave Swanson]

Just because I am a bit bored and have been reading the mail on various forums.   I stopped on a W800 thread on ADV Rider and found a lively discussion on the Kaw W800.

The W800 and V7III can be had for about the same money.   So if you were out shopping for a new bike which one would win you over?  I must say I do admire the bevel drive engine of the Kaw for aesthetics. 

For me it would be hands down for the V7III, but the W800 is kind of cool.

[DaSwami]

I was thinking the same thing, really love the look of the W800, love the centerstand, it's really sweet.

I guess I would have to see the W800 myself and ride it.  The reason why I deferred was the undersquare engine, nice and torquey but not likely made to rev...at the end of the day, while perhaps not as "authentic", my T100 looks just as good and it is much more powerful, plus support and parts are abundant.  So I stand pat.

[ohiorider]

I've never owned a V7III, nor have I ridden one.  The only smallblock I've ridden was a 2004 Breva, and only for 20-30 miles.  Switching from my newly acquired 1200 Sport to my buddy's bike probably made the smallblock feel somewhat underwhelming.  I probably needed a lot more saddle time to truly appreciate the Breva.  Same feeling I had after riding a K100RS for 6 years and jumping on an R100GS, which I bought before riding it.  I went from 'what did I do!!' to appreciating the airhead, for 29 years now.

Never rode the W800.  However, I did own a 2000 W650, which I rode for 52,000 miles before selling.  Owned a 2003 Triumph T100 at the same time.  I can only imagine the W800 retains many of the characteristics of the W650.

The W was my baby sports tourer.  I set it up with Kawasaki's Euro lower handlebars instead of the US inspired buckhorns, Corbin Gunfighter solo saddle, 5 Star pannier racks, and Givi E21 bags.

It'd be interesting if one could put 100 miles back to back on the Guzzi and the W800 before making a decision.

Bob




Pix taken Sept 2006 along the Goshen Pass




W and T100 Comparison Chart

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Neither. 

[Kev m]

Easy one for me.

Well sorta.

I mean I had custody of a friend's W650 for a while. I rode it a good bit and really liked it. Then he needed to get rid of it and it was in my garage and I made sure Jay bought it.

Meanwhile the W800 comes out and I like it too, but we wind up with a second V7 instead.

Why both times?

* Shaft drive
* Easy valves
* Bigger tank
* Tubeless cast wheels

I also probably prefer the feel of the motor and chassis on the V7, but I already HAD a V7 and still bought another.

[boatdetective]

Neither. 

I have not ridden the W800 or 650. They look fab, tho. The V7 by now is well sorted and a "known quantity". My last test ride was a V7II- delightful handling and easy to ride. However, it did struggle a bit when challenged with a steep hill.

Tell me about the Enfield 650 twin!  Good looking machines.

[Aldo]

I've owned a Guzzi V7 Stone, a Kaw W650, an '04 Triumph Thruxton, and most recently, a RE Interceptor 650....

If i had to rank them I'd say I enjoy most the Enfield, followed by the Guzzi, then Thruxton, and finally the W650.  I'd probably consider owning another V7, but honestly don't care at all for the Triumphs (especially their current lineup) or the W650/800, personally...

So far, I've racked 3000 flawless miles on the Enfield, zero issues and I get compIiments everywhere I go. Moreover, I ride it like i stole it, and it still rewards me with 70+ mpg. I bought it on a whim, having never seen it or tried it in person and I've been thoroughly impressed with this machine.

[DaSwami]

I've owned a Guzzi V7 Stone, a Kaw W650, an '04 Triumph Thruxton, and most recently, a RE Interceptor 650....

If i had to rank them I'd say I enjoy most the Enfield, followed by the Guzzi, then Thruxton, and finally the W650.  I'd probably consider owning another V7, but honestly don't care at all for the Triumphs (especially their current lineup) or the W650/800, personally...

So far, I've racked 3000 flawless miles on the Enfield, zero issues and I get compIiments everywhere I go. Moreover, I ride it like i stole it, and it still rewards me with 70+ mpg. I bought it on a whim, having never seen it or tried it in person and I've been thoroughly impressed with this machine.

''


Hey Aldo, I only saw one of these in Valpi, it sounded very nice, a stock exhaust sound unlike any other.   The rider seemed captivated by it, going real slow and studying/listening to the bike.

I considered these but where is the closest dealer?   I'm just down the road from you.

[Aldo]

''


Hey Aldo, I only saw one of these in Valpi, it sounded very nice, a stock exhaust sound unlike any other.   The rider seemed captivated by it, going real slow and studying/listening to the bike.

I considered these but where is the closest dealer?   I'm just down the road from you.

Hey there; the stock exhaust note is actually very pleasent; although I did replace mine with a set of replica Norton peashooters mainly to get that more vintage look and weight savings over stock. They also sound nice - an added bonus.

I got mine from Marietta Sportscar and Cycle im Marietta, Georgia. They shipped it directly to my house; easy folks to deal with. They deal Guzzi's and Royal Enfield.

I haven't seen another one like it in the area...so it feels just as exclusive as riding a Guzzi.

[kirkemon]

I owned a W650 for 10 years, great ride, but I wanted something for longer (multi day) rides.
The bevel in the W motor is sweet. 8 valves. The suspension was spongy, the front had a dangerous nose dive when you grab a handful of front brake. I put in Progressive springs and Ikon shocks.

Little know fact that even many W650 riders are unaware of; the foot pegs are not even, one is further back than the other, not much, maybe 1/2" - 5/8". Only bike I know with that trait.

[Moparnut72]

Th pegs on one or both of my Airheads were staggered. R75/5 and R90/6.
kk

[moto]

I was very interested in the W650 until I rode one. I thought it was way too accurate a reproduction of the feel of my old Triumph 650, which is not something I'd prefer to ride anymore. Stronger, probably, and more reliable, but a more reliable Triumph is not what I want, I realized. Time moves on, and what was once exciting is now just bothersome.

The W800, I suppose, is more of the same -- that is, *more* of the same. More is not better I think.

Moto

[twowheeladdict]

''


Hey Aldo, I only saw one of these in Valpi, it sounded very nice, a stock exhaust sound unlike any other.   The rider seemed captivated by it, going real slow and studying/listening to the bike.

I considered these but where is the closest dealer?   I'm just down the road from you.

There is a used one for sale in North Alabama listed on Craigslist.  Looks like a decent starting price.  https://huntsville.craigslist.org/mcd/d/florence-2019-royal-enfield-int-650/7086562753.html

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Dave I dont think you are going to find a better looking bike than the V7III Milano...  plus the cast wheels, big tank, and shaft drive... a no-brainer for me!

[kingoffleece]

Ease of maintenance for the Guzzi is a huge plus for me, as kev pointed out.
That said, the R/E 650 is simply brilliant.  I was SHOCKED at how much I liked it and what a great job they did.  First good used one I see I'll snap up-I'm SURE someone with say "yea, but the motor was too small" and all that.  I'm pretty sure I'm done buying NEW motorcycles when time and time again I see fantastic value for barely ridden bikes.  I have not always thought this way.

[chrisfer]

All these motorcycles, W800 RE650 Triumph, are beautiful neo-retro.
But only the V7 has an authentic modernized engine.
And for me it makes a difference, a true modern classic.

[Aldo]

Ease of maintenance for the Guzzi is a huge plus for me, as kev pointed out.
That said, the R/E 650 is simply brilliant.  I was SHOCKED at how much I liked it and what a great job they did.  First good used one I see I'll snap up-I'm SURE someone with say "yea, but the motor was too small" and all that.  I'm pretty sure I'm done buying NEW motorcycles when time and time again I see fantastic value for barely ridden bikes.  I have not always thought this way.

You'd be suprised at how easy it is to service the Enfield 650 twins (having owned a V7 as well), Oil/filter changes are a snap, and valve adjustment is locknut and adjuster right off the OHC. The hardest part was honestly refitting the valve cover as the gasket tends to move around and space is limited between the upper frame and head... but you only need to check 'em every 6000miles. Other than the occasional final chain adjustment (Once so far in the 3000 miles I've owned mine) and the occasional chain lube, I've hadn't had to do anything else. 

[MMRanch]

Why on earth would anybody ever go back to having :

TUBES TIRES

and

CHAIN DRIVE

When there are better alternatives out there ???

That just sounds Crazzy ! 

When the RE goes belt drive and mag wheels , I'm getting one !   

Might even trade in my V-9 Roamer to do it ! 

[Aldo]

Why on earth would anybody ever go back to having :

TUBES TIRES

and

CHAIN DRIVE

When there are better alternatives out there ???

That just sounds Crazzy ! 

When the RE goes belt drive and mag wheels , I'm getting one !   

Might even trade in my V-9 Roamer to do it !

Funny you should mention that; cast wheels and belt drive are available for the 650 twins from aftermarket sellers. They also have tubless kits to convert the existing spoke rims.

FWIW, even with shipping charges, the price of the added accessories still make it cheaper than buying a new V7/V9....

Just sayin'...

[kingoffleece]

I can live with a chain.............. .........

[SmithSwede]

I can live with a chain.............. .........

I can live with an O-ring chain.

The old-fashioned non-O ring chains were clearly inferior to BMW or Guzzi shaft drives of the same era. 

But a modern O-ring chain closes the gap considerably.   

[ohiorider]

Any of you folks remember this one?  Euro-styled Yamaha based on the Virago metal frame and same engine (I think) as the 920 Virago. 

Yamaha's Virago lineup used a shaft drive, this bike, the Yamaha TR1 used chain.  However, it was totally enclosed in a metal housing that contained some amount of oil.  So the chain was away from road grit, and constantly lubed.  There were most likely some negatives to this system.  No idea if/how it complicated rear wheel removal and replacement.

I think Yamaha may have imported this into the USA for one year, but that was during a very bleak period for the Japanese manufacturers, who continued to build an build, while bikes piled up in US warehouses.  In 1984, I bought a 1983 Virago 750 for $1865.00. I recall that price was 20% under dealer cost.  I don't think I even know the TR1 was possibly available.  Rode the Virago for almost 20,000 miles, until I encountered a 1985 K100RS parked in downtown Pittsburgh.  That one grabbed me!





Anyone here have any experience with the TR1?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Any of you folks remember this one?  Euro-styled Yamaha based on the Virago metal frame and same engine (I think) as the 920 Virago. 

Yamaha's Virago lineup used a shaft drive, this bike, the Yamaha TR1 used chain.  However, it was totally enclosed in a metal housing that contained some amount of oil.  So the chain was away from road grit, and constantly lubed.  There were most likely some negatives to this system.  No idea if/how it complicated rear wheel removal and replacement.

I think Yamaha may have imported this into the USA for one year, but that was during a very bleak period for the Japanese manufacturers, who continued to build an build, while bikes piled up in US warehouses.  In 1984, I bought a 1983 Virago 750 for $1865.00. I recall that price was 20% under dealer cost.  I don't think I even know the TR1 was possibly available.  Rode the Virago for almost 20,000 miles, until I encountered a 1985 K100RS parked in downtown Pittsburgh.  That one grabbed me!





Anyone here have any experience with the TR1?

They were called the XV920R here in the 'States. Rode one when they were new, but it was much larger than I was used to at the time, so I didn't buy one.

[ohiorider]

I'm guessing that the "R" was the differentiator between it and the 920 Virago.

[ampm7]

Aldo, a Enfield just like yours pulled up next to me at a traffic light. Nice looking bike. It seemed to go pretty good at least until I poured on the juice on the Eldo but he was going a different way so...

[alanp]

Dave I dont think you are going to find a better looking bike than the V7III Milano...  plus the cast wheels, big tank, and shaft drive... a no-brainer for me!

Bingo!

[Huzo]

Neither. 

I don’t “want” one, but those 650’s are really nice.
Just would like a second front disc and slightly smaller mufflers, they look oversized to me...
Also, the seat looks a wee bit underdone, a bit bulkier would be the go.
I would have a ride on one if offered.

[Buckturgidson]

W800.

[JACoH]

I really like the looks of the W800, but having traded in my V7 III last year... I miss it. Only thing that I couldn't continue with was the weight, I'm getting weaker in my old age. I believe the W800 is quite a bit heavier. Also, didn't like the idea of that service wrench (although small) that you can't turn off without going to a dealer (which are getting farther away,) bit O could live with that. I still think the V7III is the best looking bike out there, and I did put 16,000 miles on mine in 14 months, without a hitch.

[dewjantim]

Last spring I looked into buying either a new V7 iii or a W800 Cafe. I ended up buying the W800 because I got a better deal. The W800 Cafe was a grand cheaper than the V7. I really like the W800. It is a sweet running bike which is fairly comfortable considering the Clubman bars and the corresponding riding position. My only complaint is that the retro tires perform like something from the 60's...... really retro I guess. There is a big difference in power between it and my 16' T100 Triumph but that is to be expected since the Triumph has about 10 more horsepower. The cornering is about the same as the Triumph, a little hard to lean into the curves but, for the most part, steady when leaned over. I started looking into the new V7 850 Guzzi a few days ago. It seemed , on paper at least, a good jump in performance over the V7 iii. I called Enzo at Cadre Cycles in Cincinnatti and talked to him at length about the new bike and some accessories which could be ordered for it. Several months ago I purchased a nice, low mileage Ducati 996. The most uncomfortable bike I have ever ridden but very beautiful to look at. Enzo worked up a deal for me taking my Ducati in trade for the V7 decked out the way I like. Last night I had a conference with my financial advisor (better know as "The Wife") who graciously agreed for me to purchase the Guzzi. She is a real sweet heart even though she hates my motorcycle obsession. This morning I contacted Enzo again and bought the bike. When the accessories are installed he is going to deliver it to me. I plan to do a direct comparison between it and my W800 Cafe and post it to this thread. I also want to recommend Cadre for anyone wanting to purchase a Guzzi. Enzo and his staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and were  immensely helpful in assisting me with my decision to purchase the V7..... and the price was right too.