Luv my 77 xs650 BUT might give er up for Kawi W800!!

XS650D

XS650 Junkie
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Yes, dealer confirmed the W800 is coming back to North America,Canada to be specific as the
bike was previously available in the USA for a few years with the 650 motor.
I have a bud with a 2001 and got to ride before he sold and I loved it, sounded great, rode and handled
great with very little vibes for a twin.Only thing I wasn't really happy with was the power was a lil flat.
With the w800 that should have solved that problem and im looking forward to testing one out in the spring.
Have a dealer 15 minutes from home. The bikes got some big shoes to fill as I have my xs running ,riding and handling very well for a basically stock 40 year old bike. Few things I already dont like is no centre stand, no kick start, fuel injection and no chromed out version just plain black on most of the bike.
Im not into black, hate black rims ect,old fashioned I guess, i like the chrome and polished Aluminum look and prefer a
coloured tank like the emerald green/silver combo they used to have. I never thought I would consider another bike as I have looked at all the retro bikes out rite now but none have appealed to me until now.
But I need to see it upclose and go for a spin. I think that part of the Luv affair with the xs650 is not only the look but also the feel of riding something that feels classic and vintage but runs fairly well.Time will tell I guess, cant wait for spring!!
 
Following with interest.

2019-kawasaki-w800-cafe-first-look-fast-facts-3.jpg

Pulled some 2016 W-800 specs:

https://japan.webike.net/KAWASAKI/W800/6216/m-spec/

Thought I'd try to figure its "A" factor.

http://www.xs650.com/threads/the-a-factor.53656/

With a 220 lb rider, I get:
Kawasaki W-800 - 773cc, TopGear=4.4, 476lbs ==> A = 4.89
60mph ==> 3,400 rpms

"A" factor a bit better than a stock XS650, lower highway rpms...
 
Wow Kawa have really got the styling spot on . Plenty of retro features , High tech fuel and ignition system and yet they have kept the overall appearance nicely classic looking.
For someone that needs a reliable economical bike for year round riding ,long hauls and maybe daily commuter use with minimum repair and maintenance its hard to argue keeping an XS650 if you can only have one bike.
For me its all about the History and Heritage the age and patina, the research and maintenance , troubleshooting problems etc. As long as I can still get out of bed in the mornings I wouldn't want it any other way :bike:.
 
Hey XS650D - could you tell us which dealership you and speaking with and what the price will be on that W800?

Pete
(in Windsor, ON)
 
New retro bikes are really fun to ride, but after a while I miss being able to tinker with them.
They are rather automotive like, in that they are basically just turn the key and go machines.
Not taking anything away from that Kawasaki or new Triumphs or the like. They are all great bikes, I just enjoy working in them.
 
Why not keep the 650. If you sell it you will never be able to replace it for what you get for it. If I was going to get a new bike I would take a serious look at the new Royal Enfield twin. From what I have read about it it sounds good. It also looks nice, 3 year unlimited mileage warranty. Big drawback is their dealer network.
 
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I have two new motorcycles and the '76 XS. To me these are really two different things, and riding the 42 year old bike gives me a very different feeling than the new ones do. Just like driving a car from the sixties gives me a very different feeling than one from 2008. If you can, I would keep the XS if you go for the Kawasaki.
 
I think the Sugg List in Canada is $8900 for the base model, definately not crazy money!
I could probably get close to $6500 for my XS. Probably have 10 Grand into it by now not counting
the many hrs of wrenching getting it to this point. Its been a Frame out total rebuild with mostly
new parts.This will be a tough decision. The torque in that w800 motor is all in the bottom at 2500rpm which I like
not so much in the top end and thats fine with me. To many Cops around here to ruin your day!!
Report back in Spring with my findings.
 
Hey Pete forgot to mention the dealer I spoke with is Snow City Cycle located in Scarborough.
They will have all the models available in early Feb at the Exhibition bike show, cant recall the exact date.
If u decide to go I may meet u there if theres no snow storms ect. The prices I originally got was 9 grand but its actually $10 Grand
for the basic model. Dealer tole me this is just a test to see if they get any orders and what kind of interest is generated at the show
This will make or break weather the bike will be sold here. It could just be a 1 hit 1 year wonder and ill kick myself if that happens
and I dont get one. Problem is I want the chromed out version and there not offering that model at least this year.
Could be many more models for 2020 if its a successful launch.
 
If u decide to go I may meet u there if theres no snow storms ect.

I love to meet you there XS650D - but I am going in for a knee replacement next week and so I won't be mobile before the end of Feb. at the earliest I suspect.

Cheers and keep us posted on the W800 test ride!

Pete
 
but I am going in for a knee replacement
Pete my mother had a knee replaced at 88. Dad was alive then and teased her if she would get her moneys worth out of it. She was 88 then. She had the knee replaced and went through the physical therapy. In a few weeks her knee was better than ever. She's going to be 96 in April and it's still going strong.
 
I love to meet you there XS650D - but I am going in for a knee replacement next week and so I won't be mobile before the end of Feb. at the earliest I suspect.

Cheers and keep us posted on the W800 test ride!

Pete
good luck Pete .....heres wishing you get a quick recovery matey :)

Hey just thought....you guys could still meet up at the dealership if you do a whatsApp video call ;)
 
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