Kawasaki W800 (2011-current)

I fell in love with this bike in the few seconds it took to get up to 60mph after I opened up the throttle on a brief test ride. This was going to be my first big bike so it had to be just right. Took the Bonnie out also because I always fancied one and well, it's a Bonnie! But the Kwak just grabbed me immediately. Although the Bonneville engine was perky enough, the ride was fidgety, not the comfiest and after 20 mins I was glad it was over. The W800's twin is much smoother yet still impressively torquey & responsive. Ride position was better and as has been said by MCN and Bike, etc., the fit & finish is way ahead of the Triumph. Wasn't sure about having to clean all that chrome and lustrous paint mind, but actually it's a real pleasure because you will fall in love with the damned thing. It's so obviously been made with a rare touch that is largely missing from the sea of plastic that dominates bike showrooms these days. And to quote my SV650 owning mate- "Whoa....It looks SO much better in the flesh!". Of course only one manufacturer dominates the retro class which means much more people will be drawn, Harley-like to the heavyweight 'brand' that is Triumph instead of Kawasaki- better known for lime green sportsbikes. Their loss I'm afraid. Everyday, I realise I made the right choice and although other bikes may enter/exit the garage in the coming years- I'll always have a corner for the W800.

Having swopped a Yamaha R6 for this bike I can say I have fallen in love with it. The engine is simply lovely, it is tractable and has plenty of torque. The Yamaha was quicker, but the W800 is much more fun to ride. Around the towns and villages that I drive the engine is beautiful, you don't have to keep changing gear as it will pull really well from below 2000 rpm in second, third, whatever you happen to be in really. The suspension mops up the sleeping policemen without even a murmer. I guess the brakes are not as good as the Yam but, what the hell, I hardly ever use them except if a black cat runs in front of me. I simply love it.

Back in late 60's (yeah I'm that old)Yamaha released its version of the Triumph. Kawasaki released it homage to the BSA. The Yammie hung around for a few years in various rebirths, but eventually disappeared. The Kawasaki didn't. I have ridden the W650 (when they 1st came out) & a friends bike. I liked it a lot, sure it did not have heaps of grunt. But performance fitted the retro brief. I have test ridden the W800 & same story, but with a tad more power. The finish on these bikes is great & in Kawasaki's own words, is a homage to the original W1. Compared to a lot of modern Euro & other Japanese bikes, its pretty understated style wise. Comparing it to Triumphs (like the T100) is fair, but you have to remember that even these Triumphs are not from the original manufacturer, but from a company that bought the name & is just doing the same thing that Kawasaki is doing in their interpretation of what a "Retro" bike should look like. (Kind of like Triumph's interpretation of a Japanese sports bike, the TT600, a CBR clone). I could also mention that Triumphs are manufactured in Thailand, But lets not go there. Both manufacturers do a good job in the way the bikes are presented, put a 60's Triumph or BSA next to them & you would soon see that the reality is only a nod with a few styling cues. What Kawasaki give you is a complete bike, you don't have to fork out more money on "Extras" like center stand, tool kit, knee pads & so on & the motor is a gem. I'm buying one.

After getting myself in quite a frenzy over the W800 I rushed (in the snow) to the Scottish Bike show last Saturday, eager to see the beastie in the flesh. Well I have to say I was disappointed! My heart literally sank. Ok its a nice bike but there is something not quite right with it. The engine isn't as good looking as it is on paper somehow, the tank badge rather gross, the seat looks like a blow up lilo and all in all its just trying to hard. Right.... back to the Triumph stand.... The Bonneville looks quite dull in comparison, but it just seems a tadge more 'genuine'. Shame they didn't have the Thruxton on show (why the hell not?) So what to do.... well I was out today on my Royal Enfield Bullet EFI DeLuxe and it caused more interest than any of the plastic fantastics or other chromed wonders, so no thanks Kawasaki and yeah maybe one day hello Thruxton. But until then I'm sticking with the Bullet.Cheers Chennai. (PS ignore my scores I haven't had the pleasure of riding one yet)

After getting myself in quite a frenzy over the W800 I rushed (in the snow) to the Scottish Bike show last Saturday, eager to see the beastie in the flesh. Well I have to say I was disappointed! My heart literally sank. Ok its a nice bike but there is something not quite right with it. The engine isn't as good looking as it is on paper somehow, the tank badge rather gross, the seat looks like a blow up lilo and all in all its just trying to hard. Right.... back to the Triumph stand.... The Bonneville looks quite dull in comparison, but it just seems a tadge more 'genuine'. Shame they didn't have the Thruxton on show (why the hell not?) So what to do.... well I was out today on my Royal Enfield Bullet EFI DeLuxe and it caused more interest than any of the plastic fantastics or other chromed wonders, so no thanks Kawasaki and yeah maybe one day hello Thruxton. But until then I'm sticking with the Bullet.Cheers Chennai. (PS ignore my scores I haven't had the pleasure of riding one yet)