Kawasaki W650 reviews

Forget the retro label, this bike is in a class all of its own. It's a well balanced, well finished machine - I bought mine in February and have put 5000 miles on it so far. The engine is more than adequate for long distance work, the handling is great especially on twisty back roads and around town, it runs quietly enough to be sociable but barks and snarls gratifyingly when needed! At first I found the saddle a little odd because of its slope but got used to it quickly, putting flatter bars on helped but now I've gone back to the originals and dont seem to notice the slope anymore. Its a real classic bike, I personally think if you MUST compare that it's more like a BSA or Royal Enfield twin than a Triumph, in terms of 'feel' and build. I intend to keep it for years to come. I've been riding since 1963, owned a variety of bikes and this is quite simply the best. Show less

I bought the W650 two weeks ago; I love the sound, the ride, and the looks. It is a great bike. I have owned 93 motorcycles over the years and love everything about it. Show less

I'm a "returning rider" (after a six-year layoff) and I couldn't be happier with this bike. I went through a couple of months of comparing bikes and window-shopping. It's definitely a great bike for first-timers as well. Apart from the great looks (be prepared to answer lots of questions from other riders), it has power, smoothness, responsiveness, and comfort (good seat height for someone with a 33" inseam). I had heard all the debates about the new Triumph Bonneville vs. this bike (heritage, authenticity, etc.), but when you're riding the W650, it is such a great experience that you won't care about all that. This motorcycle stands on its own as a new classic. Show less

I have put 600 miles on my 650. The sound, the ride, and the detailing are all first rate. I share this motorcycle with my wife and she likes it better than her own ride! We can't decide who gets it first in the morning. One thing I have noticed is the seat is slanted too much in the front or I would have given the bike a full five stars. don't let that stop you from getting a great motorcycle. Show less

This is my second posting on this bike. I tried the W for a day a month or so ago (see first post)... last week I bought one. Being on vacation I was able to do the break-in quickly. I now have 1500km (937mi) on the bike and I am more than satisfied. 4K rpm's will produce 60mph and 5,300rpm = about 80mph. I stopped at 6,000rpm, which produced about 90mph. WFO should see 120mph but by then your arms will be a foot longer. You'd be missing the point if you tried riding this bike like that. It got 4.5 liters per 100km combined (do some math for mpg) during break-in which is great. As the mufflers open up, the sound just gets better. The only changes I will make are to the suspension but I'll wait and see what the after-market will offer. I know a steering damper will be in order if you want to ride fast on the highway. I reduced my evaluation from five to four stars only because the front gets a bit sloppy past 70mph. This can be corrected I am sure and it is nothing scary. You can whiz around town so easily on this beauty, throw it into a turn or do some scratching in the twisties and it always inspires confidence though I would not mind twin rotors up front... but this is nit picking. I most enjoyed just plain riding around at legal limits with the warm summer breeze on my face. At a gas station or two, I kick started it just to watch the stares. This bike draws more attention than Captain America would, so get used to explaining how you kept it so clean. You just can't go wrong with the W650. Show less

It is torqueie AND fast! It is smooth and comfortable. The handeling is effortless. It roars like a lion when you jump on it which sounds just like an old British machine due to its 360 degree crankshaft configuration. Other bikers constantly mistake it for a Bonneville and stop me to say WOW! Anyone who rides or owns this bike will NOT be disappointed. Show less

My pops bought one cause it reminded him of the old Triumph he rode when he was my age. He's had it just over 4 weeks and between the two of us we've got 4600 miles on it. No sheet. It's an incredible bike in every way. Really brings back the essential elements of motorcycling. I'm totally in love with it. My dad is head over heels and never drives his car anymore. He took a 5-day motorcycle trip to nowhere-in-particular earlier this month and loved every minute of it. Averaged 600miles/day through rain, bugs, numb butt, whatever. I'm a serious speed and adrenaline junkie. My bike is a 215lbs. 500cc two-stroke motocrosser with 72hp at the rear wheel and a license plate. I've ridden everything, and my previous favorite bikes were my "supermotard" CR500R and my buddy's Aprilia Mille. No longer these are fast, obnoxious and do what they do well but the bike I REALLY crave is the mighty W. If you haven't already, BUY IT! Show less

When the bike first came in to my dealer here in Quebec I wanted it B*A*D*... then last week, he loaned me one for a whole day. I haven't had so much fun since driving my Austin-Healey 3000 forty years ago. I felt like a sixteen year old... I was so giddy I almost wet myself. At every traffic light cars would wait till I pulled away just to look and listen to this beauty. This is a bike like no other on the market today... quick and nimble, it feels light as a feather. The motor is responsive and smooth and has loads of torque for a 650, plus, it can wind up to 8k RPM without getting tired. And the sound... well you'll just have to ride your own. At 6'2" X 250 lbs I am a large man and for me, this bike has all the right ergonomics from the handle bars providing a nice upright riding position to the long seat that lets you move your butt around without having to sit on the rear fender. I have had more bikes than I can remember and this is one of the best in every way... most of all, it is F U N to ride. A keeper for sure! Show less

When I was 17, a new Bonneville 650 was $1200. Might as well have been 12 million! This is the bike that I always wanted but either couldn't afford or wouldn't put up with (maintenance and reliability problems in the Triumph). I traded in my Drifter for the W650 and couldn't be happier. The bike cruises easily and smoothly at 80 mph, gets from 60 to 65 miles per gallon at 55-65 mph, and is rock solid reliable. It has the British look with the Japanese reliability. Buy it, you'll not regret it. Show less

Having taken delivery of my new W-650, thought you might be interested in some feedback. I am a baby boomer and flipped out over the styling and the back to basics approach of this bike. What I won't miss is the continuous maintenance the real thing would have required. The following summarizes my experience thus far: Looks.........Pure Brit Bike...classic blue and silver looks beautiful. Fit & Finish...Excellent Controls......Typical Japanese...push to cancel turn signals etc. Comfort.......Classic sit-up riding style, room for me at 6'2". Show less