Hi Guzzi Guy, welcome to the forum. Most of the forum is Yamaha XS650 but I'm very happy to answer your W800 questions. You could also go to https://thelonelyones.co.uk/ which is mainly W800s and Royal Enfields but they're really nice people into interesting bikes, as are the folk here.
Had my W800 SE from new in 2014 and done over 34,000 miles.
The Dunlop OEM tyres wear out fast on the W800 and they're not the best for handling, esp as they wear out. Changed the Dunlop at 3,500 miles for an Avon Roadrider which gave much improved handling and lasted at least twice as long as that. Have since run through a few sets of Avons and I would recommend them.
At the moment, running Kenda K761. Not too sure about them at first - made the bike feel different, especially at the rear, quicker turning, almost unstable, felt like the rear tyre was too narrow. But getting used to them and, when the time comes, will have to decide whether to buy Kenda again, go back to Avon or try something else.
Are you looking at a new or used W800? I think they are great but like all bikes it depends what you want and what you are going to use it for. There's an active Lonely One member down in your neck of the woods on an older W650 - if you see him, say Hello to Angof. Cheers, Raymond
PS - crossed in the post with Grizld1
Actually, ask about the suspension - W800s definitely benefit from money spent on better shocks, many people fit Hagons.
Had my W800 SE from new in 2014 and done over 34,000 miles.
The Dunlop OEM tyres wear out fast on the W800 and they're not the best for handling, esp as they wear out. Changed the Dunlop at 3,500 miles for an Avon Roadrider which gave much improved handling and lasted at least twice as long as that. Have since run through a few sets of Avons and I would recommend them.
At the moment, running Kenda K761. Not too sure about them at first - made the bike feel different, especially at the rear, quicker turning, almost unstable, felt like the rear tyre was too narrow. But getting used to them and, when the time comes, will have to decide whether to buy Kenda again, go back to Avon or try something else.
Are you looking at a new or used W800? I think they are great but like all bikes it depends what you want and what you are going to use it for. There's an active Lonely One member down in your neck of the woods on an older W650 - if you see him, say Hello to Angof. Cheers, Raymond
PS - crossed in the post with Grizld1
Actually, ask about the suspension - W800s definitely benefit from money spent on better shocks, many people fit Hagons.