Kawasaki W650 650cc Review

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Kawasaki W650 650cc
4.1 stars
Average rating for this product is: 4.1 out of 5

From 12 ratings and 23 reviews

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johnhutchwales's Review of Kawasaki W650 650cc Motorcycle

26th Jul 2009

Overall Rating

4 stars
  • Value for money
    4 stars
  • Length of ownership
    4 years
  • Reliability
    4 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    2000
  • Build quality
    4 stars

I knew there was a brilliant bike in there the first time I rode one: but the Kawasaki W650 650cc only gets 4 stars in standard trim, because it does have some weaknesses. Original Bridgestone Accolades are downright dangerous, with ZERO grip in the wet. Don't wait till they wear out (probably never). Replace with BT45s. Suspension is pretty poor and Hagon mods don't really fix it: they just change it from bouncy and mushy to bouncy and harsh, because there's no rebound damping to speak of with either set up. Replaced with Maxton acrtridge fork internals and rear shocks, but other quality kit available, including Ohlins. Seat is awful: replaced with Corbin, which is very comfortable solo or two up. Other additions: Renthal road bars (cos I love them), Hepco & Becker frame/cases (brilliant), EBC pads and braided line. Now it goes, handles AND stops as well as it looks. Cruises all day at 85 mph+. Totally stable. Goes round corners like a good 'un. Sounds fabulous. Incredibly flexible and tractable (20 to 110 mph in top without snatching!)
So ... I paid £2600 for a bike with 1500 miles on it and spent £1200 getting it right. That still works out good value for a bike that suits me better than anything else on the market. Real world performance. Real character. Better than an old Bonnie, without the vibes, leaks and breakdowns. MUCH better than a new Bonnie, which to me has all the character of an over-fed Honda Dream. This really is the bike that (old) Triumph should have developed in the 80s and 90s. Kawasaki simply took over where they left off.
If you own a W650, hang onto it and keep improving it. If you fancy one, buy it before they start becoming collectable and rare.
Pillion view (Liz): DO NOT SELL THIS BIKE. EVER.

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