My new Kawasaki W800 (no pics yet)

[ohiorider]

I only hope I'm as enthusiastic about my 2021 Kaw W800 as I was over my 2000 W650.  To date, the new ride has been sitting in the garage on a Battery Tender for the past several weeks.   Hopefully, all this nasty snow covering our roads will be gone, and a good rainstorm or two will clear the salt from the roads.  I've been riding vicariously watching YouTube road test reviews of the bike ..... most are favorable.

In 2000, when I took the W650 for a test ride, I signed the sales contract for the bike upon returning to the dealer.  It was a lovely little middleweight ride for several years and over 50k miles.  No ABS, no fuel injection, just Motorcycle 101.

Bob

[Kiwi_Roy]

They are really nice bikes 
A friend here has one.
Enjoy.

[bobrebos]

I like the looks of them.  Congratulations on your new bike and ….come on spring! 

[kballowe]

LOL - that part about buying a motorcycle in winter and then waiting for a nice day !

Congratulations on your new bike.  Post up some pictures when you can.

 

[Bulldog9]

Congrats Bob, great choice!

[twowheeladdict]

The W800 is a beautiful classic motorcycle with top fit and finish. I did a 20 mile ride on the Cafe version.

I have owned many Kawasaki bikes over the years. I have a love hate relationship with them because they always seem to offer a color I really want to the rest of the world With no intention of bringing it to the US.

Enjoy your new ride!

[aproud1]

Congrats on the bike! The W800 is one I just cant seem to get out of my head.

[majstevetrevor]

I was also tempted by this bike. A rare long stroke engine..

[bad Chad]

I have been told by more than one person who should know, that leaving a battery on a float charger over an entire off season is likely to damage the battery and shorten its life.

[ohiorider]

I have been told by more than one person who should know, that leaving a battery on a float charger over an entire off season is likely to damage the battery and shorten its life.

I alternate the tender between two bikes, the old R100GS and the new W800.  Leave charger on each one 7-10 days, then move it to the other bike for same amount of time, approximately.  Does that make any difference?  I don't know.  But I get pretty good life out of my batteries using this method.  I've heard the same thing you mentioned in your post.  Both bikes have external plugs, so it makes alternating between the two very easy.

Bob

[audiowize]

You can put a charger on an outlet timer too so it runs only an hour a day.

[bad Chad]

Yes, both good ideas.

[twowheeladdict]

I have been told by more than one person who should know, that leaving a battery on a float charger over an entire off season is likely to damage the battery and shorten its life.

Must be a northern thing.  my bikes are always on maintainers when parked.  tanks full, and ready to ride.

[Muzz]

When it came out it was tested by the same guy who had tested the W650.

He reckoned it was a vast improvement on the 650.

[Vagrant]

I have been told by more than one person who should know, that leaving a battery on a float charger over an entire off season is likely to damage the battery and shorten its life.

For the last 10 years I have had 1-2 bikes stored in AZ. for nine months on battery tenders. No issues, and before you ask fresh premium with a double dose of stabil.

[Dimitri_Harkov]

A beauty and also sounds great in my opinion.

I surely would have one now if the W800's way of vibrating didnt put me off.

I wanted it so badly I even booked a second long test ride.
Alas, my impression didnt change so I went vor the V7.

Anyway - a great bike that will surely outlast you if you want it to 

Cheers,
D.

[lucky phil]

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a better bike and deal.

Ciao

[Dimitri_Harkov]

The RE650s are more bike per buck, but I'd take the W800 over the RE650 every day.

Fit and finish is amazing.
Oh, the seat! The sound!
Torque advantage,.... I could get on and on.

The stock tyres are s****, though.
But that's the case on the RE too.
And many might say: also on the V7 III.


@ohiorider: At least tell us the color if there are no pictures yet :)

Cheers,
D.

[ohiorider]

The RE650s are more bike per buck, but I'd take the W800 over the RE650 every day.

Fit and finish is amazing.
Oh, the seat! The sound!
Torque advantage,.... I could get on and on.

The stock tyres are s****, though.
But that's the case on the RE too.
And many might say: also on the V7 III.


@ohiorider: At least tell us the color if there are no pictures yet :)

Cheers,
D.

Dimitri, she's blue.  Only color available in the USA on the 2021 models.  I went thru one set of 'retro treads' on my 2000 W650.  I'll see how the ones on the 2021 respond, especially on rain-grooved highways. most likely go with something other than OEM when it's time to replace them.





         Stock photo

[Bulldog9]

The RE650s are more bike per buck, but I'd take the W800 over the RE650 every day.

Fit and finish is amazing.
Oh, the seat! The sound!
Torque advantage,.... I could get on and on.

The stock tyres are s****, though.
But that's the case on the RE too.
And many might say: also on the V7 III.


@ohiorider: At least tell us the color if there are no pictures yet :)

Cheers,
D.

Completely agree. The fit and finish on the re is nowhere near as good as the W.

I have a friend with a beautiful 650 that I'm tempted to buy but I did not have the garage space or household commanders patience for another acquisition at this time.

[weevee]

The RE650s are more bike per buck, but I'd take the W800 over the RE650 every day.

Fit and finish is amazing.
Oh, the seat! The sound!
Torque advantage,.... I could get on and on.

There are some who'd disagree.  I'm looking to buy one of these two bikes, and what will probably sway it for me is the relative lack of vibes you'd get with the Enfield.  Ultimately, its finish is lacking by comparison - but for the price it's seen by these two as the better buy: https://youtu.be/o126vI1SxRQ   

[ohiorider]

I buy what I like ..... I buy what I know.  I put 52000 miles on a 2000 W650 between 2000 and 2006 - 07.  Thoroughly enjoyable.  One of my all time favorite bikes.  Dependable as an iron anvil, lovely to look at.  When I got ass-ended and needed repairs, my Kaw dealer at the time took care of it in a timely fashion.  They are still my Kaw dealer.  At this stage of my life, I don't mind spending a few more bucks to replace what I once owned and loved, with good dealer support to boot, if needed.  And fifteen minutes from home.

Bob

[lucky phil]

There are some who'd disagree.  I'm looking to buy one of these two bikes, and what will probably sway it for me is the relative lack of vibes you'd get with the Enfield.  Ultimately, its finish is lacking by comparison - but for the price it's seen by these two as the better buy: https://youtu.be/o126vI1SxRQ   

Not bagging the OP's choice, that's for him to decide and he's happy so that's great but having owned and owning quite a few high end bikes over the years ( Bimota, RC30, Ducatis) and being an engineer and a "detail" guy I'm impressed with the RE. Pricepoint has to be considered for one very relevant reason. That is because the places they have obviously saved on the build costs are the things that are cheap and easy to upgrade anyway. So the hand levers, mirrors, foot levers, and indicators, easy and cheap to replace which I have done. The foot levers I just upgraded to folding tips and did some slotting on to improve the look. Cost $50 for the folding toe ends, the rest just a bit of bench work. The LED chrome indicators $75, mirrors same $75. Same with the rear tail light housing and fork brace. Both nice cast alloy pieces but finished in a dull grey. Removed them and stripped off the paint and hand finished to a "brushed" look and shot it with a coat of clear engine enamel, nice pieces now. same with the rocker cover which when I had it off for the first service  finished in a "brushed' look also.
Add a pair of very nice stainless high quality mufflers for around $400 and save about 10KG and its a very good looking quality piece. Want to spend all the difference in the purchase cost between the W800 and the RE? Then add to the above a set of Ohlins shocks and Andreani fork cartridges and you've got a very nice and highly competent bike. Remember the RE has a Harris engineering designed frame (which RE now own) and an engine designed in their new R&D facility in England by the engineers they poached from Triumph.
It's smoother than the W800, a lot lighter, has a slipper clutch which the Kawasaki doesn't have despite what the video suggests, an 18" front wheel instead of a 19"! is a 6 speed gearbox and with a 270 deg crank sound like a V twin. Parts are incredibly good value if you're used to the extortional rates of the Japanese and Italians. How's $350 usd for a brand new painted fuel tank shipped to your door. Replacement foot and hand controls for the occasional garage tip over are also laughable well priced.
So basically it competes with the w800 but is way cheaper and if you spend a fraction of the cost difference you get something thats arguably better and for the full cost difference on upgrades something thats considerable better. For everyone to make their own choices but thats how I read the comparison.
Some home finishing touches below. The aftermarket mufflers are outstanding quality and welding for $400 USD

Ciao       

[ohiorider]

And a ciao to you, too.

[bad Chad]

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a better bike and deal.

Ciao

The guy just bought a brand new bike that sounds like it will suit him well, and he’s clearly thrilled about it.  Why chose his thread to show us how much smarter you are??

[audiowize]

There are more Kawasaki dealerships within an hour of where I live than there are Royal Enfield dealerships in the United States as a whole.

There are a whopping 11 Royal Enfield dealers in the US, and I don't think it's a stretch to imagine you might need one.  Ohio rider would have to go to Cleveland or Indianapolis for dealer level help.  If Ohio Rider retires to Florida, the closest dealerships are in Pennsylvania and Texas!!!

For me there are 16 Kawasaki dealerships within about an hour of where I live.  I would feel a lot happier having all those choices if I needed help rather than having only one option!

I'd also prefer the more robust electrical system in the W800 and chrome that's a lot less likely to rust.  Depreciation is also going to weigh heavily in favor of the W800.

Some people are willing to pay a little more for a better product; there's nothing wrong with that.

[lucky phil]

The guy just bought a brand new bike that sounds like it will suit him well, and he’s clearly thrilled about it.  Why chose his thread to show us how much smarter you are??

Threads for me are about information and thoughts. As I pointed out the OP has made a choice, he's happy with and I support that but for others that may be interested in the comparison process I post my thoughts and analysis. Others might be considering the same options. If you don't like my posts don't read them.

Ciao 

[ToddK]

Great choice! I was looking VERY hard at this bike before ultimately deciding on the V7. Haven't ridden one, but sat on one a few times. Beautiful bike, congratulations!
As for the INT 650, I also looked hard at that, and sat on them numerous times. Another beautiful bike, IMO, and fit and finish seemed just fine, considering the price point. The one thing that bugged me about the RE was the footpeg position. They seem to be exactly where I want to put my feet at a standstill, though I'm sure I would get used to it. I can't imagine either would piss you off on a sunny day cruise.

[JJ]

A few more cool photos while we wait for the real McCoy!!

I really like the looks of this retro-classic...You chose very well...

[lucky phil]

Great choice! I was looking VERY hard at this bike before ultimately deciding on the V7. Haven't ridden one, but sat on one a few times. Beautiful bike, congratulations!
As for the INT 650, I also looked hard at that, and sat on them numerous times. Another beautiful bike, IMO, and fit and finish seemed just fine, considering the price point. The one thing that bugged me about the RE was the footpeg position. They seem to be exactly where I want to put my feet at a standstill, though I'm sure I would get used to it. I can't imagine either would piss you off on a sunny day cruise.

This is true for some people on the Interceptor it seems. Not an issue for me and is I suspect a rider physical issue. It's easily solved anyway with a few different aftermarket options for foot pegs available.

Ciao