W650 owner

[oldfella]

Hi,
just joined BK and have a Kawasaki W650. Really like it. Back on a bike after many years. Never thought I would buy Japanese ! Anyone else out there have one???:rockon:

[skelstar]

Welcome to the site! Haven't seen many of these around.

[Bonez]

Hi,
just joined BK and have a Kawasaki W650. Really like it. Back on a bike after many years. Never thought I would buy Japanese ! Anyone else out there have one???:rockon:Had a freind, now sadly passed away, who owned 2. Had a very good run out of his first one, 50.000kms in three years, decided to trade it in on a second one.

I'm going to have one in my garage eventually.

[SwanTiger]

Very nice machine :2thumbsup

Let me know if you're keen on a ride, do you like gravel? The back gravel roads up through the middle of Rodney are great, take you back 40 years.

[Motu]

I'm having a W650 one day too - they are holding their 2nd hand prices too well,good if you want to sell,but a bit steep for buying.

[oldfella]

Hi,

Yeah sounds cool - have had some fun around the old north road and kaukapakapa in the last week or so.

Will be working away all next week, but back out west where its best towards the end of January. - oldfella

[phantom]

They're a bit like the GB only newer and half as big again, certainly wouldn't say no to one.

[Pat]

Welcome , thats a nice machine you have , I dont own one but have often admired them and you are certainly not an old feller as i dont consider myself as such and you have a few years to catch me up.Cheers
Pat

[Edbear]

Welcome! I too, would love to have one, though maybe in addition to the GSX, as though the W650 would probably be everything I need, I have become a little bit addicted to the performance of the 'F'.

I reckon they outdid Triumph with the W650, a better looking retro and better executed than the Bonnie, though the Bonnie has grown on me.

[Shadows]

Nice bikes, Kawasaki do a better Bonnie replica than Triumph themselves do!

[Hitcher]

Ahh. A W650. The bike Triumph should have built...

And welcome to Kiwi Biker. Enjoy the ride!

[Motig]

Welcome, welcome. Nice bike, guy at works got one and they certainly fool the brit bikers at 1st glance. Heck a long term brit enthusiast I know is even thinking of getting one !!!

[Blueskies]

Welcome , thats a nice machine you have , I dont own one but have often admired them and you are certainly not an old feller as i dont consider myself as such and you have a few years to catch me up.Cheers
Pat

I agree Pat. What's with these young fella's calling themselves oldfella's? Lol.

[Edbear]

I agree Pat. What's with these young fella's calling themselves oldfella's? Lol.


Well, mebbe we're a few years behind you, but I'm a Grandpa, nonetheless and we're looking down the barrel of our 30th anniversary this Oct. Does that count?:Offtopic:

[Blueskies]

Yes Edbear, am thinking it does count. It's longer than I managed so . . . definitely it counts. Good on you.

[Drum]

Welcome to the site mate. A beautiful bike, the W650.

[Pussy]

Welcome. Yep, gotta agree, the W650 is more Bonneville than the Bonneville. had a test ride on one in 1999....loved it

[Ixion]

I was looking at one off them in the dealers a while back. caught my eye because it looked so lean and lithe amongst the sprotsbikes.

In that respect it is very much more akin to the T120 than the Hinckley Bonneville, which is a large almost bloated thing. The thing with the old T120 was that it was a light skinny thing for its size. The W650 is about the same size.

[Paul in NZ]

When I first saw a W650 I wondered if triumph were going to make something as nice? But no - they made something else that is far uglier but much more popular as far as sales in NZ (and i suppose world wide?).

The only reasons i can think of are that most people buying a new bonneville came from T140's or have never ever seen a 'real' Bonnie OR it just seems like more bike for the money? Dunno... People expect a large bike these days (people are bigger) and the W650 looks small like a 250. (who cares - nice bike)

There are a few W650's trundling about with 1960's triumph mufflers and handlebars and they sound / look even better. Blindfolded you would be pressed to tell them apart from the real deal. Nice bike and on my wish list.

[V4ME]

Welcome Oldfella - Hey love the bike. Was reminiscing with my friend in Auckland over the weekend - My first bike was a Zundapp 50cc - loved it. then moved onto a BSA 350cc and about the same time also got a DT350 Yamaha. Loved all of them.

[Motu]

If they don't make a scrambler/streettracker soon I'll just have to do it myself.There has been a rumour of a 750 too.

http://www.letop.fr/scrambler.php

[Paul in NZ]

If they don't make a scrambler/streettracker soon I'll just have to do it myself.There has been a rumour of a 750 too.

http://www.letop.fr/scrambler.php

My feeling has always been it will be one of those bikes that eventually slips out of production and becomes a cult hit... Too late...

[oldfella]

Hi,
Well - it was either "oldfella" or "grumpy", so I chose the one I felt more like on the day. Hey it's my 30th (wedding) anniversary this year too!
A Young - oldfella

[oldfella]

Hi,

Mine has after market pipes - good and lound and sounds cool when accelerating. It will never keep up with my son's 636 Ninja, but what the hell. My last bike was a 1965 Tiger 100 SS (500 twin). It was hotted up and went well, cost me a fortune in tickets and I enjoyed it.
But the W650 doesn't leak and it starts first kick (yes I bought it 'cause kick starting is how a bike should be started).
Cheers, oldfella

[Edbear]

Hi,
Well - it was either "oldfella" or "grumpy", so I chose the one I felt more like on the day. Hey it's my 30th (wedding) anniversary this year too!
A Young - oldfella



Hey! Congrats, too!

[oldfella]

Hi V4me,

Never had a Zundapp, but did have a 1955 Matchless G80s, a '54 LE Velo (water cooled horizontal twin "noddy bike" a 49 Enfield 350 Bullet and a '65 tiger 100 ss. All very British - hence why I like the looks of the W650 - it's a great bike.

Oldfella

[Edbear]

a BSA 350cc



Me too! A '51. Sounded mean with the gutted Dunstall megaphone! Often by the time I got it started I was too sore, (ankle/foot) and too stuffed to ride it!

[Edbear]

Yes Edbear, am thinking it does count. It's longer than I managed so . . . definitely it counts. Good on you.



Yeah, we somehow muddled through! I often think though, of the saying, "There but for the grace of God..." :yes: We had our moments but we've learned a lot. I figure if she can put up with me, I can certainly put up with her! (She's still hot!:love: )"Sides, we're too old and tired to be bothered bickering and arguing now, we just wanna have fun!:second:

Sorry, off topic again! Back to bikes, lest we get kicked off to another thread or something!:dodge:

[w650 fan]

Hi, I have just brought a new W 650 after a long time looking. What a great bike to ride. I had an old guy come up to me and ask how long it took me to restore the old trumpy, and what a great job I had made of it:gob: I had a scot oiler fitted and a pack rack 'cos I intend to trip 'round abit. Also had a screen fitted.
I've only done 1750 k's on it, but then I've only had it a couple of weeks. Does that tell you how much I like it?

[V4ME]

Me too! A '51. Sounded mean with the gutted Dunstall megaphone! Often by the time I got it started I was too sore, (ankle/foot) and too stuffed to ride it!

Man!! you are ever so right about the sore ankle/foot - bloody thing kicked back like a mule. - And it was always when you were trying to impress the ladies too - funny that!

[Bonez]

Hi, I have just brought a new W 650 after a long time looking. What a great bike to ride. I had an old guy come up to me and ask how long it took me to restore the old trumpy, and what a great job I had made of it:gob: I had a scot oiler fitted and a pack rack 'cos I intend to trip 'round abit. Also had a screen fitted.
I've only done 1750 k's on it, but then I've only had it a couple of weeks. Does that tell you how much I like it?Welcome to KB.

[w650 fan]

there was a w 650 on trademe, '99 model with 23.000 k;s going for 6,200 the other day

[SpankMe]

Does anyone sell aftermarket parts for the W650 to turn it into more of a cafe racer? (besides VD Classic (http://www.vd-classic.com/EN/access.php?acc=650w))

[Dcati]

Cool bike. I agree with others that these are better than the original Triumphs.

I was in Aussie recently and went to the coolest bikeshop (see link below) owned by the guy who started Mambo clothing. He builds bikes and uses the W650 motor as a basis for some of the bikes. Have a look at the site and if you can ever get to the shop you will be amazed!

http://www.deus.com.au/

[w650 fan]

yes there is aftermarket parts available. If you do a google search on w650 you will find a link to a discusion group that will have links to many after market parts such as scrambler pipes, gun fighter seats and cafe racer style tanks and other stuff. Sorry, I can't think of the name of the site. Hope this helps.

[Motu]

A W650 is an easy bike to personalise,they are a natural to make more ''British''.The ability to make a bike your own is very lacking in modern bikes,and bikes like the W650 will always appeal to someone who likes to change their handle bars,seat or exhaust.

When all the Yamaha XS650's are used up,then the customisers will move onto the W650.The XS650 has a big cult following,not for what the bike is,but what it can be made into.There are restorations,cafe racers,choppers,streettrackers and street scramblers....engines are modifiued to 270 cranks,big bore kits,carb changes,modified ignition systems,exhaust systems.The XS650 is the perfect bike for people who like to pull bikes apart and put them together a different way.

The W650 is built in the same mold.

[oldfella]

Hi, I have just brought a new W 650 after a long time looking. What a great bike to ride. I had an old guy come up to me and ask how long it took me to restore the old trumpy, and what a great job I had made of it:gob: I had a scot oiler fitted and a pack rack 'cos I intend to trip 'round abit. Also had a screen fitted.
I've only done 1750 k's on it, but then I've only had it a couple of weeks. Does that tell you how much I like it?
Hi,
Great to see another owner. You bought a brand new one huh. I have done about 1,000kms since just after Christmas and loving every minute of it. I picked up a workshop service manual for it - the information is good. Have had 6 bikes and a total of 34 "cages" now and have never taken any of them to a garage *(yet).

How do you rate the screen? Was it a genuine part or an off the shelf type? Sounds like it might be a good idea.

Cheers, Oldfella

[mitchilin]

Don't have a w650 but wish you luck on yours.I used to have a z750 twin which was a lot of fun when I was a lot younger and have thought of the w650 as a good sensible fun kinda bike but didn't know much about them.Might seeya around if when I'm out for a hoon around KKK and the old north rd.Peak Rd is a bit of fun as well,eh?Good luck onthe kawasaki(my favourite)and keep the shiney side up.Mitch(another noob)

[w650 fan]

Hi Oldfella, I put a GIVI screen on mine 14.5 inches high and it is sitting at abbout 55 degrees, but it is abit too upright. I am going to tilt it back to about 45 and try that. It does add a lot of noise, but keeps the wind off the chest although it does get you in the shoulder tips, but not too much that it's a hassle. I have found at it present setting, the bike does tend to wobble at around 130 k's, so might need to be set lower to get more weight on the front wheel. I have had the fork oil changed to 30 weight, as I am around 100 kg's and it tended to dive too quickly under braking two up, but it is now a little too hard, so might back that off to 20 weight when it gets it's 5k check up in a couple of weeks. I got the bike on the 2nd Jan so have been steadily putting on the miles. Really pleased with it.
My partner has a GN250, and wants a screen on hers, so I thought I might give her mine and try a smaller one on mine to get rid of the noise. We are going to Havlock North 3rd weekend of march and taking both bikes, so it will be a good try out for them.

[Paul in NZ]

I don't know which version of the W650 you have but there was a low bar kit option that might be more suitable if you want to put more weight on the front?

[surfer]

The XS650 has a big cult following,not for what the bike is,but what it can be made into.There are restorations,cafe racers,choppers,streettrackers and street scramblers....engines are modifiued to 270 cranks,big bore kits,carb changes,modified ignition systems,exhaust systems.The XS650 is the perfect bike for people who like to pull bikes apart and put them together a different way.




Absolutely gotta agree with you about the XS650, big fan base and spare parts are easy to come by at mikesxs and 650society. The w650 would look really nice customised; I hope it goes this way for the w650 too.

Welcome to the site oldfella. Nice bike.

[oldfella]

Hi Oldfella, I put a GIVI screen on mine 14.5 inches high and it is sitting at abbout 55 degrees, but it is abit too upright. I am going to tilt it back to about 45 and try that. It does add a lot of noise, but keeps the wind off the chest although it does get you in the shoulder tips, but not too much that it's a hassle. I have found at it present setting, the bike does tend to wobble at around 130 k's, so might need to be set lower to get more weight on the front wheel. I have had the fork oil changed to 30 weight, as I am around 100 kg's and it tended to dive too quickly under braking two up, but it is now a little too hard, so might back that off to 20 weight when it gets it's 5k check up in a couple of weeks. I got the bike on the 2nd Jan so have been steadily putting on the miles. Really pleased with it.
My partner has a GN250, and wants a screen on hers, so I thought I might give her mine and try a smaller one on mine to get rid of the noise. We are going to Havlock North 3rd weekend of march and taking both bikes, so it will be a good try out for them.
Hi W650fan,

Thanks for the information. I will check out a screen. Have no real problem with the front forks diving (I weigh around 82kg) but found the rear a bit squishy (the bike not me) when I bought it. The workshop manual says to adjust the rear spring compression to the second step for riders weighing 68kg (who are they kidding?) I set them to the 3rd step - being a bit heavier and that sorted things.

Also found the foot lever on the side stand scrapes on hard left turns- but sorted that with some grease (to free the stand up a bit) and a big pair of polygrips - to bend it up a bit.

Hassle free and very enjoyable riding so far. Have had 4 people ask "what year is the Triumph - it's in good nick aye"...........

Cheers

[w650 fan]

Mine has the low bars

[w650 fan]

I have just tried adjusting the rear springs up a notch, and it has helped a lot with the steering. I'm really impressed with the way it just goes through the corners with no frame flex. I have also been told to keep the yre pressures within a couple of pound of the factory settings as this is crucial on the w650's.
Cheers.

[oldfella]

I have just tried adjusting the rear springs up a notch, and it has helped a lot with the steering. I'm really impressed with the way it just goes through the corners with no frame flex. I have also been told to keep the yre pressures within a couple of pound of the factory settings as this is crucial on the w650's.
Cheers.
Hi,
Yeah had the same situation with tyre pressures. Pumped 'em up to the right value and it made the ride heaps better. My workshop manual says 28 psi / 200 kPa (cold) for the front and 32 psi / 225kPa (cold) for the rear, but increase the rear tyre pressure to 36 psi / 250 kPa if the rider weighs more than 97.5 kg or if carrying a pillion for more than a short run.

Oldfella.

[w650 fan]

My partner is only on the back for very short runs, she has the gn250 which she is getting the k's up on so she can get the 10,000k check done defore we go to havlock north in march. She did her first water crossing yesterday and got wet feet for her trouble. Oh well, practice makes perfect. The goal is to have her on her own w650 when she gets her full licence.