Hello Bernard, yes I am still using the original stock Dunlop's it came with. I find them OK, however, they are very prone to tracking irregularities in the road surface. When they need replacing I shall consider something such as the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 & BT 46. Steve.
Hello Joseph, At 6'2", the stock bars put my weight forward, but I still find the riding position extremely comfortable and relaxed; without any problems even after 100 + miles. Have you ridden a 'regular' W800 to see how the bars feel? My personal issue, is the 'cafe' style seat; after about an hour it is so uncomfortable. I'm hoping it'll continue to break-in. If not I shall look at a regular W800 seat. Thanks for dropping by, and I would be be interested to hear how you get on. Steve.
@@teabrake2562 I have not ridden a street version but I feel that the up right bars give a better road feel, more control. The clubman bars makes the front end feel heavy at times. I need to ride it more and make a decision. The seat and bars luckily are easy things to change on this beautiful machine.
@@josephsperato5645 I’ve only ridden the street at the Dealers car park, but didn’t like the upright position. Years ago I rode GPz900R’s and GPz1100 unintrak. Both had similar drop bars that I loved. Also, I do a lot of cycling, and enjoy the lean forward on those bars too. Like you say, do some more miles and see how you get on with them. Have you a Kawasaki dealer nearby that’ll let you take a regular W800 out? I love mine so much, even compared to the Z900RS I took out for a road-test.
I have ridden the stock clubman bars from the dealership home. For me they would have been ok,when the footpegs were more aft. I have changed the bar to an aftermarket straight bar, similar to the one, that is on the Classic version. Eventhelittlefairingisstillinplace,looking nice. For me riding position is perfect now! I come from 25 years riding Harley Davidsons. For me the w800 Café is no downgrade. Its much more a bike that meets all my needs. Cruising at around 100 km/h with a nice sound. Other tires could improve riding stability. Otherwise a nice bike, maybe a bit too expensive.
Very cool. Felt like I was riding your bike.
Are u still using the tubed biased ply tires that came standard?
Hello Bernard, yes I am still using the original stock Dunlop's it came with. I find them OK, however, they are very prone to tracking irregularities in the road surface. When they need replacing I shall consider something such as the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 & BT 46.
Steve.
One quick question, do you find the handlebars put you in a comfortable position ? I am considering changing them to the street version.
Hello Joseph, At 6'2", the stock bars put my weight forward, but I still find the riding position extremely comfortable and relaxed; without any problems even after 100 + miles.
Have you ridden a 'regular' W800 to see how the bars feel?
My personal issue, is the 'cafe' style seat; after about an hour it is so uncomfortable. I'm hoping it'll continue to break-in. If not I shall look at a regular W800 seat. Thanks for dropping by, and I would be be interested to hear how you get on. Steve.
@@teabrake2562 I have not ridden a street version but I feel that the up right bars give a better road feel, more control. The clubman bars makes the front end feel heavy at times. I need to ride it more and make a decision. The seat and bars luckily are easy things to change on this beautiful machine.
@@josephsperato5645 I’ve only ridden the street at the Dealers car park, but didn’t like the upright position.
Years ago I rode GPz900R’s and GPz1100 unintrak. Both had similar drop bars that I loved.
Also, I do a lot of cycling, and enjoy the lean forward on those bars too.
Like you say, do some more miles and see how you get on with them.
Have you a Kawasaki dealer nearby that’ll let you take a regular W800 out?
I love mine so much, even compared to the Z900RS I took out for a road-test.
I have ridden the stock clubman bars from the dealership home. For me they would have been ok,when the footpegs were more aft. I have changed the bar to an aftermarket straight bar, similar to the one, that is on the Classic version. Eventhelittlefairingisstillinplace,looking nice. For me riding position is perfect now! I come from 25 years riding Harley Davidsons. For me the w800 Café is no downgrade. Its much more a bike that meets all my needs. Cruising at around 100 km/h with a nice sound. Other tires could improve riding stability. Otherwise a nice bike, maybe a bit too expensive.