NGC - I wish Kawasaki would bring this little bike back (again)

[ohiorider]

https://www.topspeed.in/motorcycles/kawasaki/w/2017-kawasaki-w800-ar157868.html

I owned a 2000 model W.  It ran flawlessly for 6 riding seasons and 50,000 miles.  They weren't selling well, even in 2000, so the dealer discounted his remaining stock of three bikes to $4995.00 each.  I'd do a new W800, given the opportunity.  Although this link is to an article about Kaw introducing the W in India, it has several nice pics of the bike.

Bob

[Perazzimx14]

https://www.topspeed.in/motorcycles/kawasaki/w/2017-kawasaki-w800-ar157868.html

I owned a 2000 model W.  It ran flawlessly for 6 riding seasons and 50,000 miles.  They weren't selling well, even in 2000, so the dealer discounted his remaining stock of three bikes to $4995.00 each.  I'd do a new W800, given the opportunity.  Although this link is to an article about Kaw introducing the W in India, it has several nice pics of the bike.

Bob

Opportunity is there to own. While not new nice used examples are always available. Need only put one's money where's one mouth is.

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2001-Kawasaki-W-650-120745202

[fotoguzzi]

2001 Kawasaki W 650
Used Classic / Vintage Motorcycle in Scotts Valley, CA 95066
$6,500

wow, what did they cost new?

[Sasquatch Jim]

  And with its' double cradle frame it would be a natural for a medium weight sidecar rig.
 On top of that it looks like a motorcycle should.
 If it is offered in this country, I would be very likely to buy one and put a hack on it.

[ohiorider]

Perazzimx, that is one clean low mileage W650.  Wish you hadn't posted that, since I just laid out similar cash for a new leftover Honda CB1100.  I wonder how low an OBO the seller would take for this (probably one of the nicest examples)W650?  I might have to tap into the IRA!

Fotoguzzi, I think the MSRP on the 2000/2001 W650s was $400-500 less than the 2001 Bonnevilles ...... about $$6300-6400.

Sasquatch Jim, when I owned mine, there were a few owners on the W650 forum that did mount lightweight sidecars on their W650s.  The front forks were a little bit lightweight, so one might have to find a leading link kit, but it would be a really pretty rig.  It had good bottom end torque, as well as a multi plate wet clutch.

Bob

[Lee Bruns]

  And with its' double cradle frame it would be a natural for a medium weight sidecar rig.
 On top of that it looks like a motorcycle should.
 If it is offered in this country, I would be very likely to buy one and put a hack on it.

 ONce on the 562 Velorex is a sweet package on the W650, but the lower rear mount was a 'bit' of a bear. I made a carrier for it that created a better upper rear and lower rear mount point.

[Calculon]

If you liked it so much, why did you get rid of it?  I'd agree, it's a very nice looking bike.

[Arizona Wayne]

Interesting that the `01 W800 is 676cc and the new India W800 is 733 cc.   Also interesting is the phone # area code of the `01 W800 is 928, the same as my Arizona area code PH. #. 

[Shorty]

I had a shot at a gently used one at a dealership for 3 grand or less. I test rode it. Probably the only thing I liked about it better than the Bloor Triumph Bonneville offerings was the kick starter. I was well over the bevel drive thing by then.  The W650 I rode felt lighter than the Triumphs, but also less powerful, and more vague handling. Honestly it's biggest fault was it did not spell TRIUMPH on the tank I have seen ads and videos of the W800 and they are very nice. But then again, Triumph has upped its game since then. AND the W800 loses the kick start.

[ohiorider]

If you liked it so much, why did you get rid of it?  I'd agree, it's a very nice looking bike.

I felt like it was time to move on (at the time.)  I'd ridden the bike for 50,000 miles over 6 years without any major issues, and thought it was time to sell it to someone who probably wouldn't ride it like their one-bike-only BMW sport tourer  for the rest of its life.

I was probably wrong in assuming I'd used up 60-70 percent of the bike's life ...... the little Kaw ran as good when I sold it as the day I purchased it.

Fit and finish, slick controls, carbs that started in the coldest weather .......  big thumbs up!  It was, aside from being slightly down on power when compared to my later retro purchase, (2003 Centennial Edition Bonneville) every bit the equal of the Bonnie, with a few exceptions.  I liked both bikes, and rode them interchangeably.  I enjoyed each bike for its individual characteristics.

[mgmark]

If you liked it so much, why did you get rid of it?  I'd agree, it's a very nice looking bike.

I sold my '01 after a couple of years ownership, and enjoying it a lot. I wanted to try a lot of different bikes at the time so sold it to finance the next one. 10 years later I still appreciate what a good all around fun bike it is to ride, and bought a very clean '01 again off this forum. I can't think of anything to replace it that won't cost more.
That says a lot about a bike you'd own a second time.
Mark

[JJ]

I agree...cool bike and very reliable and versatile!

[kingoffleece]

The British bike press gave the 650 and 800 highest marks.
That says a lot.

[mgmark]

I agree...cool bike and very reliable and versatile!

I buddy has over 80K miles on his with basic maintenance. I figured if he couldn't kill it, it would probably run forever.

[sturgeon]

Best motorcycle Triumph never made.

[cookiemech]

Nice looking one in Pittsburgh Craig's List (so not too far from you):

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/mcy/6008735109.html

[ohiorider]

That is a nice one.  I told myself that 'three is enough,' so there'll not be a 4th bike (ever, hopefully.)  Realistically, 3 is one more than I really like to deal with.  But thanks for posting the info on the bike.  What puzzles me is that, having double wall pipes, most of the W650s didn't burn their header pipes blue or blue/black.  I'm thinking that any with burned pipes have probably been rejetted.  Mine was bone stock at 50,000 miles, and pipes were shiny as ever.

Bob

[kirkemon]

I ride my '01 W650 almost daily. Love it. I'm guessing the W800 has more torque and maybe a tad more weight. I keep mine maintained by the book (including adjusting the 8 valves) and it's been the most reliable bike I've owned.

[Muzz]

When it came out here the reviewer said the W800 was a much better package all round. The extra power made a huge difference to the bike in his mind.

[flower_king001]

2013 Kawasaki W800 vs Moto Guzzi V7 Walk around with Exhaust Sound Check

http://tinyurl.com/j23wq5x

[uncle]

I love to take every chance I can to chime in on the W650 - I got mine new in 2000 and still have it today...

[ohiorider]

What a beauty!  Love what you've done to the bike.  I'm usually a believer in keeping them stock, but the black fuel tank really works with this little twin that punches well above its weight.  Corbin Gunfighter enhances the bike's appearance, too!

Bob

EDIT: Here's a pic taken in 2006 of my 2000 model.  I probably went a step or two too far, with the hard bags, Corbin, small tank bag and flyscreen, but I used this bike as my little sport tourer.  It was comfortable and capable.

Riding from Durbin WV into Virginia, 2006.  Maury River along Goshen Pass in background.

[Nic in Western NYS]

Beauty!  Nice candidate for the Zen trip bike on the other thread.

[Muzz]

Come to NZ and get this one. Only $13,000 NZ. (New 2015 model)

[Lannis]

I felt like it was time to move on (at the time.)  ......

That sad addendum ("at the time") is part of all of our lives, I'm afraid.   Seems like a good idea at the time, and then, a few (sometimes very few) years later, we're regretting it.

Why do we keep doing it to ourselves?   I do know that an older and wiser (than me) Guzzi rider at the Virginia Rally a couple of years ago said "I've had enough regrets over bikes I've sold.   I'm not selling any more bikes.   I may take the gas out and cover it and put in on the stand at the back of the garage, but I'm not creating any more regrets for myself ...."

On the other hand ....

Lannis

[Testarossa]

One of my neighbors offered a W650 for sale. I rode it and liked it, but he wanted $7000 which was (is?) way too much.

[Muzz]

One of my neighbors offered a W650 for sale. I rode it and liked it, but he wanted $7000 which was (is?) way too much.

So that brand new W800 would set you back $9348US. Cheap air fare over, ride it home, Whats not to like.

[kirkemon]

I've posted my W650 before, but here it is again, LOVE this bike!

[ohiorider]

I've posted my W650 before, but here it is again, LOVE this bike!

Yo!  Those beautiful pipes (and air cleaners) really set this bike off!