Kawasaki W 800 CAFE reviews

Had not ridden for 17 years, so I needed something mid sized to ride. I was VERY pleasantly surprised by this bike; it's fast, easy to handle, responsive, kicks butt at lower speeds, has an amazing fuel economy even with the mods I've done already. Could do with a larger tank, but that's down the road. Can't bear to get off it. I ride as long as there is no ice/snow on the road. Had it just under a year now, am sure it will be there for a few more yet. Show less

I bought my 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic last summer, and weather permitting, have ridden it every chance I get. I commute 45 miles one-way to work and it's perfectly comfortable. The forward foot pegs make for easy highway riding and the low seat height makes it comfortable in town as well. The gears are spaced apart such that it never has any unexpected low-end surprises, yet can pull away from the pack without gasping for air. I mostly like the wide stance: It has a fatter tank than what I was used to, and the foot pegs put my feet a little farther apart than on my old Honda 600 so that makes it feel like a bigger bike, without the weight of a bigger bike. I've had a Honda Magna, Yamaha XT225, Kawasaki Ninja 600 and a Yamaha Virago, and although I loved all my other bikes as well, this is the one I'll probably always keep. It looks good, performs above what I expected, and is comfortable in the saddle. The foot pegs do come stock with the metal feelers on the ends, so that when cornering they will scrape. Not to worry, you're probably not exceeding the limits of the bike, it's just the pegs. Just let 'em drag around the corner. I do. Show less

I have been riding a while. For a long time I looked for the perfect ride and found it. My favorite feature on it was a smaller tank. I have yet to see another like it and the grey/pink paint job is girly. My 800 has been off road thanks to my newly-riding hubby has kissed a few cars and even though she runs like a champion. It has also been a great learning bike for my hubby. I just cannot say enough good about this bike. I have never been stranded in about 1 year and 2 months time - not once! The 800 has enough power for my hubby and me to cruise around town together. Show less

I have had my Vulcan 800 Classic for two weeks and could not be happier with it. I can't compare this bike to any other because it is my first, but I should have gotten one years ago, I am having a ball. I haven't had a problem with the seat yet, maybe that's because my face hurts from smiling so much. I intend to get the factory tachometer, windshield and floorboards. Have Fun. Show less

This is my first bike, I wouldn't change it for any other bike, I'm in it for the long haul. When I was looking for a cruiser for the first time, I looked at every motorcycle dealer site just looking for something that catches my eyes. When I came on about the Kawasaki site and saw the drifter, I told my wife that I just have to have it; I made a few phone calls every one told me that it's a special order so I started to shop around for the lowest price. So far, I bought my bike in the spring/summer off 2005. Overall, I give it a 5 star. But I wish that the double seat with hardware wouldn't cost so much... Show less

I purchased my bike 2 months ago and have only 160 miles on it but the bike measures up to the positive reviews I've read. It has great handling and power, excellent gas mileage and wonderful looks!!! (My brother-in-law asked if I was riding a "Victory!" - not at the price I paid!!!) The seat sucks after 45 minutes, but I get the impression that every Japanese cruiser on the market has a lousy seat, given the reviews I've read. Can't imagine why they (the Japanese) haven't discovered closed-cell foam...??? A replacement with a Mustang, Corbin or "Piper Enterprise" option will take care of that problem - then I doubt you'll have anything to complain about on this bike!
I considered the aftermarket Belt Drive but they get bad reviews - "Wide-drive Belt Drive" destroys the lower end of your engine. Given the nature of modern-day chains, a little WD-40 to clean the thing will take care of maintenance issues and really negates the need for a belt-drive option. Also, you can swap out the sprockets to get great highway RPM's and mileage (17/38 or 18/40 does the trick... gives you a 450 RPM reduction).
Great bike - highly recommend it to new or returning riders! Show less

This is the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. Not to discount what the others have said, but one of the reasons I picked this bike is BECAUSE of the seat and how soft and comfortable it is. I have absolutely no complaints about his bike. I love it, and when it gets old I will trade in for the latest and great new model. Show less

After reading all the reviews of the mid size bikes, I decided to go ride each one and buy the best. I rode the 800 classic, the Shadow ACE (which I was going to buy before the comparison) and the Suzuki C50 in one morning. I didn't try the Yamaha 650 because I just didn't think the engine would have enough power compared to the 800. After the three rides I rode the 800 Classic again just to be sure. Absolutely the best ride, with most power, best handling and least vibration. In 5 weeks I have 2035 miles and have loved every straight stretch and every turn! Show less

I'm a novice rider,just started riding in July 05. I took a motorcycle basic rider safety course which I can't even tell you how priceless it was. I got my license! I was looking into mid-sized metrics since Harleys are simply out of this world in prices. I really liked the Honda Shadow Spirit 750 until I put my butt on a Vulcan 800 Classic and I knew this was the bike for me. I bought an 01 that only had 4000 miles on it from a friend who already put a couple of grand into it in accessories and it was much cheaper than a new one. Anyway, this bike rocks, it's quick, comfortable, easy to manuver and looks so nice when the sun hits the georgeous metallic red paint and extra chrome that's on it. So far I've had no problems with the bike and it's easy to maintain. I took a couple of somewhat long rides and it was pretty comfortable on the highway but the back winding roads is where this motorcycle shines. Dipping the bike around turns and rolling on the throttle, man I simply 'dance' with the bike. I was riding with a Yamaha silverado 1100, a Harley dyna and Harley Night Train and easily kept up. I can see me one day moving up to a bigger bike but it won't be anytime soon as I intend on getting plenty of miles out of this baby, I love it! Show less

I LOVE this Bike! I had a sega 650 crotch rocket and had much fun, BUT THIS bike rides and runs like a dream!!! I LOVE the style which is why I bought it and get compliments from every one, even H-D owners! Get a windshield though, as it tends to buffet in high winds and helps with cross winds. I will upgrade to a larger version as I wish it was a shaft drive. It's an excellent upgrade bike but is a little loose in tight turns. But all in all, I would buy it again and I will keep this one just for love and looks! Show less