Kawasaki W 800 CAFE reviews

I've ridden many miles in this seat and the handling and reliability cannot be beat. The bike turns heads and in my opinion is one of the most reliable bikes on the market! Show less

Started riding on May 13 2007. Bought a new 2006 Honda Rebel and rode it 1200 miles just to realize it is much too small for my size and not stable in side winds. After passing the MSF course, I purchased (07/19) a used 2003 Vulcan 800 A9 with 2550 miles on it that has not been ridden for 2 years. After puring into the fuel tank Sea Foam, as well as Yamaha special solution into the carburator, the bike came alive and runs like a champ since than. 80 MPH on highway - no problem. 50 mph in 2nd gear - no problem. Accelerates, cruises and overall performs beyond expectations. Yea, it has chain which requires cleaning (I do it every 1500 miles) and yes, it is carburated, so it needs some warming in cold days. But I have ridden it in temperatures between 35 - 90 F and had no issues. One of the best deals you can get as a used bike. 5 star all the way. Show less

I give it 5 stars now only because we tore it down and started over. I won't even get into the internal parts we replaced in the engine and a rebuild of the carb, but now it runs like a bike should and you can feel the power and smooth performance it should have had to start with. Take some advice keep and eye on it. You will need to do a lot of motor work in the next 10/15 thousand miles. Have a buyer so now I can get a Honda or one of the top rated bikes. Beware of the dealer you buy from. Last time here so ride safe folks. Show less

I have sold my '01 Nomad and purchased an '06 HD Ultra. I could not bring myself to sell the 800. My wife got her license this last July and has taken over the 800. My son and daughter also ride the 800 when they come with on tours. Much to my son's distress I put the orig pipes back on at my wife's request. I've installed a Cobra light bar and a flip a lever throttle lock as well as hiway pegs and desert daugs. I have had many offers to purchase this bike but I'm going to keep it period. I get a real kick out of some people who mistake it for a HD Heritage. I replaced the orig tires with Dunlop D404's and they have held up very well hand the handling is spot on. I agree with the reviewer that mentioned the negitive fuel pressure issue. The change to prime or res is the quick fix and is not worthy of a ding in the quality area. This is a great bike! You can't go wrong with the 800. Ride safe! Show less

I bought my 2005 VN800 Classic in January 2006 to get back into riding after a 30 year absence. I have found this bike to be very reliable, fun to ride and I feel very safe on it. The only complaint I have is with the stock seat. After 80 miles on the saddle, it's a butt killer and you have to take a break! Dealer satisfaction is extremely high; I could not ask for better support and service from them. Show less

As a bigger than average guy, I have a penchant to do things with a skeptical outlook. I wanted to resume riding, but had no idea what I needed or wanted in a bike. It was near the end of summer and I didn't want to spend a ton and find out I was not happy with my decision. I considered the 800 classic a good way to return to the bike riding world, and gain back my skills. What a horse. This puppy could bark, and yet didn't wake the neighborhood: it could keep up at highway speeds and my additional size wasn't a deterrent to its willingness to step up and go. The bike has a great torque range and a smoothly increasing acceleration rate. It has been a great reintroduction to riding, and if I can afford to get its bigger brother and keep the 800 for my city cruiser, I will. If I had to start over again, I would still buy this bike. Show less

Bought my 2002 about 4 days ago and already put 325 miles on it which, if any one knows Sept weather here, can be a real drag. Bought mine at a local Harley shop. Wow - side by side with a fat boy! I'll take the Harley look with the Kawasaki reliability. It was piped and jetted which adds to the already awesome power. Lots of factory chrome with some extras. Nice chrome drag bars and forward controls. ONE AWESOME BIKE!! What a change from my first bike! Show less

I bought my Vulcan with 400 miles on it in Oct, 2005 and I've put over 3600 miles on it. I love riding it, with just the right amount of power to keep up with my riding group it's been a joy to ride. Everywhere I go someone comments on how nice it is and they love the color. I rode when I was much younger but I hadn't rode in over 25 years when I bought this bike, it was like riding a bike, it just came back naturally. I don't think you'll be disappointed in this bike at all. Show less

Awesome bike, rides well, I can't get enough. Wow power is there when needed, I also bought mine used and someone put straight pipes on it, I love them too. Used to think too loud, but grew on me. Wouldn't sell for anything. Show less

After 8000 miles I still really dig this ride. Handles very well in the city , country or at 85 on the highway. The seat gets a little uncomfortable on long rides and that I will be changing soon. The 900 looks like a nice ride but from what I have heard other than some cosmetics , not much of an upgrade. Show less