Kawasaki W650 reviews

I'm not quite sure how to react to your criticism of this motorcycle, but then again, we all have our different interpretations of reality, which are all legitimate to some degree, but we must beware of universalizing them. I do not disbelieve that you are having problems with your bike. We all have different riding styles and each bike, even though mass produced, is its own unique entity. But I must state that I weigh approximately 200 pounds and I often do two-up riding with my girlfriend who weighs on a good day approximately 125 pounds for a nominal riding total of 325 pounds. I wasn't quite sure whether this somewhat smaller sized bike had it in it to do regular two up riding, but it does have decent ponies and torque, and to my surprise the W650 hasn't shown any great resistance to ferrying two passengers around the greater Los Angeles area. In fact the bike carries my girlfriend and I nicely around Los Angeles arterial freeway system at about 75-80 miles per hour and I have yet to experience the problems you have discussed. In fact the bike feels pretty happy at this speed with the two of us, decently stable (handling's a little mushy with the rain grooves but corners well), and never feels like its straining to keep up. I admit that the bike's power on the freeways has surprised me in a positive manner. I still need to attach either some form of fairing or a windshield to keep the wind from battering me (now that's a real problem), but overall I have almost no complaints with this motorcycle. Perhaps your problem is that the weight is centered at one precise point of the bike's frame instead of being slightly dispersed, but that's neither here nor there. Anyway, for the rest of you reading this, I would like to state that I love this motorcycle. It's not perfect, as nothing is, so I cannot give it or anything in life 5 stars. This bike performs well and is reliable and is capable of being utilized for a multiplicity of purposes, from day to day commuting to taking it out on long voyages. It's happy slow and medium fast and it looks very cool. I've owned several bikes and this is the first one that my girlfriend has immediately fallen in love with. The bike has a look that attracts attention. People will stop you and ask you about the bike constantly. It's like riding around on conversation piece, sort of a rolling work of art. It's a nice thing. Show less

Up until the time I rode my W650 on a 75mph interstate highway, I had absolutely no complaints. However, at my weight (280 lbs) at 75-80 actual mph (Kawasaki's W650 speedometer is 5 mph optimistic), the machine develops a terrifying violent side-to-side threshing, sometimes called a "tank-slapper". This is probably due to my weight being mostly on the rear wheel; if I lean far forward over the front wheel, the steering tends to be more stable. This is not, however, the way the machine's ergonomics are designed for riding. I took the bike to the dealer, who rode it and pronounced it stable at high speeds. However, he weighs 65 lbs less then I, and that is the critical difference. The W650 owner's manual states that 404 lbs is the maximum load capacity, at which speed the machine should ostensibly be stable. The dealer balanced the front tire, and "did everything we could possibly think of" to align the machine to correct the problem. It didn't make any difference, the tank-slapper is still there. Obviously there is a factory defect, everything else being accounted for. Kawasaki has refused to honor their warranty, stating that the motorcycle is not designed to be stable under "racing speeds". Since the interstate highway speeds are the speeds at which the machine is dangerously unstable (for someone of my weight), I believe that Kawasaki is denying my claim in order to avoid admitting that this bike is defective. Beware, you other W650 owners; Kawasaki USA appears to be unwilling to honor their warranty on this machine. Show less

With the heavy cruiser craze, many have forgotten or never experienced what a motorcycle like this feels like. The riding position places the foot pegs and controls under your feet where they belong. Your boots and pants are behind the hot engine casing not touching it. It may not look cool to the newbies but with it's nimble quickness and power to weight ratio it will impress you. A heavy 650 or even 750 cruiser would be hardput to compete. What about the sound? There are probably only two that are legend. The Harley of course and the Triumph Bonneville. This Kawasaki is a dead ringer with a sound to die for. Show less

It's definitely more addictive than that. Once you've ridden it makes you understand what a really good passionate, illicit affair is all about. There's really nothing logical about this bike, its price, its looks, its performance, but once you get on and start driving around, at 15 miles per hour or 75 miles per hour, the endorphins begin to secrete is massive amounts in the brain. You return home. You park the bike. You sit on the couch and think what the hell am i doing here i should be out riding that bike. Show less

I picked up the W-650 in the afternoon and was immediately on it that evening. This is one fine handling machine and without doubt the best all around bike I've owned out of the 20 something bikes, jap, H.D.& British I've owned. I had the tank painted deep maroon metallic, very similar to Triumphs Cherokee red of the 70's and put a Corbin Gunfighter seat on it. People stare at this bike. I also have a new stock tank for the day when i turn it back to original and give it to my son. I have a deposit on a 2001 Bonneville BUT it's going to have to REALLY impress me by measuring up to the Kawi for me to close the deal. And of course the Kawi will then have a stablemate. Show less

I now have only 520 miles on the beauty. Guys 45 and older appreciate the looks. It does not handle or run nearly as fast as my SV 650, but the low end cruising around town is worth it. My only problem so far is that the front break squeaked from day one. I had a Kaw mechanic clean and check it out twice, but it did not stop the high pitch sound. Installation of DP break pads have seemed to cure the problem so far. The low end torque is fun without having to run many RPMs. Yes, I would buy another one, but I will probably add a ZR-7S to my stable next. Show less

I grew up around my father's Bonneviles and Nortons. Through my teenage years, I rode my father's restored Bonneviles and really enjoyed the overall ride and power characteristics. The W650 is such a refreshing bike. It brings back the "fun factor" in riding motorcycles. The power this 360 degree twin puts down is so enjoyable. Handling, seating, handlebar feel and suspension all feel right. And the SOUND! Job well done Kawasaki !! Show less

The bike is a 5 star cycle that's for sure! When I first saw it on a showroom floor I thought "Somebody's done one heckuva restoration job!" until I looked closer. I mean what a great bike! The looks, the performance, the ride itself. I had an old Enfield and also a '72 Honda 750-4 and the "W" reminds me of both kinda rolled into one. My wife said she doesn't even want to get back on the BMW! I can ride this thing for hours with no fatigue! Show less

One day the mailman dropped off a couple of new motorcycles magazines at my automotive shop. I just happened to look through one (see I'm a dirt bike guy....or was) and I saw what I thought was a Truimph like my dad's old 69 he had in 69, but it was a new Kawasaki W650. MAN.... it looked so cool I started calling dealers right away, but no one knew anything. Then I called Headquarters and they informed me that they would not be coming to the states. I keep the magazine on my desk, went to speed week and saw one on display. The rep. said there would be a limited few sent to specific dealers. I found one over the phone on a Friday and bought it the next day. Every evening I check the garage just to make sure its still there. My tag says it all 'TRIC 1'. Show less

I love this bike! It does everything that one of my Triumphs or Bsa's does except leak oil, fry the electrics, and vibrate off parts. The look is flawless, the sound is right, and the seat is just as hard and uncomfortable as any Brit Bike. The W650 never fails to draw a crowd when I stop at the local bike shops, and most people think it is an early 60's Triumph until they look closer. I get to hear a lot of stories from aging boomers about the old Bonnies they had way back when. If you want the feel and performance of a classic 650 vertical twin with modern reliability I highly recommend the W650. Show less