The Royal Enfield does also have a slip/assist clutch - my mistake when I was compiling the spec. Service intervals will be covered in a future video (hit subscribe!) The Enfield does need valve clearances doing very regularly, but I'm going to wait until I can speak to a mechanic and find out exactly what's involved and what it costs. Cheers, John
They are both comfortably easy for home mechanics. The Enfield could not be simpler with adjuster/locknut like in the old days. The Kawasaki has an ingenious, superior bucket and shim design, without needing cam removal to change a shim. Both simple home mechanic capability.
I narrowed my choice down to the Enfield Interceptor and the Kawasaki W800 Classic. Of course I looked at the price difference at the time and took my time pondering. When it came down to it I was just smitten with that W800, it is such a quality piece of kit and it really has the correct look and yes that 19 inch front wheel belongs there, it visually does make a difference. I was surprised how many guys actually mentioned that without me pointing it out. The W800 has such a rich sound and stunning looks, it draws compliments every time I go out and I just love riding this bike. In 35 years of riding I have never been so pleased with a bike purchase. She is a keeper.
I bought a W800 too. Very pleased with it. As for the vibration: for one you don't notice it after a couple of miles, and two I fitted a different front sprocket with one extra tooth. All in all an excellent excellent motorcycle 👌🏽
I just picked up a leftover 2022 this past weekend (in the U.S.A.). I haven't ridden in 20 years and consider myself very much a novice. I have a lot to relearn. But after taking it up and down the road, only getting up to maybe 30-35mph, it was smooth. Initial impressions are good from a noobie. I look forward to getting more acclimated with the bike. I agree with you about styling. I was between a W800 and a Guzzi V7. I just kept circling back to the W800 until I realized it was the one. The price I paid made it easier. The dealer had three leftover 2022s (two now remain) and apparently wanted to get rid of them. It's sad they don't sell well around here, but the silver lining is a cheaper new bike and also a unique piece that most people don't even know exists. These bikes are most certainly not a dime a dozen in the U.S. When I was looking for a bike, I brought up the W800 to my brothers (I found out about it from a RUclips comment!). Both said they had never heard of it, despite enjoying looking at used motorcycles quite often for fun. The W800 was news to them! They are certainly a hidden gem.
Hi , I also have a w800 cafe 2019 You mentioned the bigger front sprocket I love this bike but just think it needs another gear A year on are you happy the way it performs with the larger front sprocket Cheers Paul
I have owned my (2013) W800 for a few years now, from new. Was an old stock I bought new in 2015. It has been absolutely brilliant and I will never sell it (and I have owned over 35 bikes, so that says something). Tomorrow I'm picking up my new Royal Enfield Himalayan, that is totally different from the w800 but still an exiting bike. The W800 is underrated, people know nothing about these bikes but have strong opinions. They are 100% quality, made in Japan and it shows in everything. I trust it completely and have ridden it trough Europe without any preparations, just rolled it out the garage and went. I would not do this with any other bike. I do love the Intercepter though, beautiful bike, but too similar to the w800 for me to consider it. Oh and fun fact : out of all my bikes the w800 gets the most attention. People wave me down, or ask about it at the gas station, even get compliments from car drivers at trafic lights.....never had that before with any bike I have owned.
I get the same thing re attention with my W650, but then the kickstart also helps so people are less likely to think its a Triumph (although they still do lol 😁 )
@@Jf_1900 w800 rides brilliantly. Royal Enfield is spending big on marketing, their main competitor being triumph and kawasaki. Take these youtubers and especially paid RE posters in the comment sections with a grain of salt. Their job is to make sure no one buys the w800. I think youd be happy with either bikes, W800 being more quality and more real classic. 360 degree and air cooled. that bevel gear is amazing to see. the RE twins need more work design wise, some of the engine shapes and proportions are not there yet, W800 design is perfection, pure art.
@@slash502 The 360 degree crank is interesting in that sounds like a boxer or aircraft engine, but few people would say it sounds better than a 270 setup. Overall, I think Kawasaki have been asleep at the wheel with the W800. RE have proven that. No question the W800 is the higher quality machine, but RE have taken the best ideas from a few bikes and tweaked them for enhanced appeal while remaining completely classic looking. I'm not sure why Kawasaki haven't done the same with the W800, but it's become a rather boring machine compared to the RE650 bikes.
I bought one 12 months ago for the same reason. A new bike that was getting good reviews or a six year old bonnie or w650/800. After a test ride it was no contest, & I still feel I made the right choice.
I have the Continental GT650. Read the Cycle World 2019 article of the GT vs. w800 Cafe. The GT is on the cover of that issue. Bottom line for 3,000 or 4,000 dollars or pounds, you can add the S&S Cam, Ohlins Suspension, no Cat Silencers , and a S&S big bore kit. The R.E. 650 is a basically a purpose built 750cc engine, with thicker cylinder sleeves and smaller pistons, remember she broke the land speed record and was over 120hp running Nitrous. They blew 2 engines doing it, but it still broke the record for the class. A2 compliant is the reason for the detune. An S&S modified 650 to a 750 will rip the skin off that w800. A 750 RE Flat Tracker will race this year in American Flat Track. I’ll be watching. Built Like a Gun since 1901!
Thanks gentlemen. This is impressively comprehensive! I want to put a good word in for the Kawasaki. Someone who worked near my old office had a W650 and I ogled it for over a year and always wanted one, but they are very hard to find here in the States because they were only brought over for 2000 and 2001. I kept my eye out but never found one. When they re-introduced the W series to the U.S. market last year, I was very excited. I liked the "Street" model but unfortunately for me they had it in Canada but not the U.S. Then when I saw they were introducing the basic W800 for the U.S. 2020 MY, I was SUPER psyched. So psyched in fact that I got one as soon as the weather got warm enough to drive it home from the dealership, which was late March (days before the Covid lockdown started, as it happened). I've been using it as an in-town commuter, and I really love this bike! The handling in city traffic is sublime. It rides like a dream. I couldn't be happier with the bike.
You gottta be kidding me.... the W800 is on another level, and will last you 200k miles ..... will any Enfield ever last that long? Btw, I do own both. Since the reviewers are both British.... guess the outcome was kinda predictable...... been riding for 30 years, dozens of bikes. Kawasaki is the best brand, full stop. This is like compaing a lamborghini with a fiat.
I'm looking to buy one of these or an 865 triumph. I'm leaning towards the kawasaki because Japanese stuff is always reliable. Are there any performance parts for the w800? I'm old and don't want to go that fast anymore, but I can't help myself, I like tinkering with things. 47 hp is enough to do anything, but 60-65 would be nice.
@@Tonymarony5113I’m in a similar position. The 800 or a Thruxton. I’ve done my time on fast bikes. I just want to ride for pleasure. I’ve heard the Triumph isn’t the most reliable and can be hard and expensive to work on.
@np1663 I'm 46 and don't want to go that fast anymore either, but I bet the kawasaki is running lean as due to emissions bullshit. I like to fuck that shit off when ever possible. No doubt, just that would free up a little more power.
@@Tonymarony5113 bikes should be exempt from the emissions nonsense. I’m same, I like tinkering. I’ve even been thinking about stripping back as much as possible from a Royal Enfield 650 and adding big bore kit, performance cam etc. luckily I’ve got a mate who does MOTs. He stands well back when taking readings from exhausts
As a Luddite, Brit bike fiend, former Meriden specialist Triumph shop owner, if someone is looking at a modern parallel twin retro, be it RE, Kawa or Triumph, the Kawasaki wins all day long on looks, feel, quality and authenticity. The only bike available that still runs a 360 degree crank, just as importantly, is an actual long stroke, not short stroke, and does not have a cheapo chain driving the cam(s). It also has a wonderful unique, easy home workshop valve adjustment design. Comfortably the highest quality parallel twin on the market if you are not worried about performance. No i don't own one, nor any of them, far too modern, smooth and soulless for my liking, but you get my point.
That valve rocker slide feature to allow shim replacement without removing the camshaft is brilliant. I would buy this bike just to get the engine with bevel drive, sod everything else!
Michael Hayward, thanks so much for your comment. I've been waiting for Meridan efficianodos to speak up about the W800s or W650s. I bought my W800 because it is by far the closest modern bike to your legendary steeds. I do find my W800 Street is not soulless though. It has character (maybe not quite as much character as as an Amal carbed Meridan Bonnie). I also find the torque on the W800 makes for plenty of get up and go.
@@dougfielding8215 I feel the W800 is let down by it's low 8.5:1 comp ratio or thereabouts. There seems no need for it to be that low, even when air-cooled, using engine management, it should be at least capable of running 9.5:1. Also, is just me or does the W650 seem to have a slightly more 'soul' to it? As if 650 was the magic, perfect size.
@@5533851 The low compression does allow for regular octane gas, which I'm pleased with. I find it really goes when you crack the throttle. Check the Dino's Vault RUclips video on the W800.
One thing I like about both these bikes is the lower compression engines can last a long time when made well. Also they run on regular gas (petrol) rather than premium gas. If you keep your bike a long time that adds up.
RE for me, every day of the week. Every time they bring out a new model I think 'I wouldn't mind one of those'. Whoever's doing the R&D and design for these bikes is an absolute genius.
In india the kawasaki costs 776,000INR (699,000 ex showroom) and the interceptor costs 304,000INR (265,000). that's a big price gap. and I'm amazed how much value for money interceptor has, even in European market. anyways great video.
I looked at the RE and Triumph's and bought the Kawasaki W800 Street. I am insanely happy with it. The quality of the fit and finish is top notch and definitely seemed to be a notch better than the Interceptor. W800s are still made in Japan when most Japanese bikes are made in Thailand. The small amount of vibration at some revs doesn't feel bad to me and the bike feels quite smooth (besides, the engine gets smoother with more miles). The clutch pull is very light. Love the bevel driven top end, the sound of the pea shooter exhaust and the looks and function of the headlight. Where I live, in the Rocky Mountain foothills of Canada, there was only $1000 difference in price. I keep my bikes for a very long time and the W has a proven track record going back to the 1999 W650. I felt no need to buy an extended warranty.
@@-thirteen The words "bugger-all" comes to mind. If you're lucky, 7 months. In 2 months of riding my W800 Street I've put on over 4000km. riding in the foothills of Alberta. You take advantage of every chance you can and you don't want your scoot in the shop for extended periods of time due to any issues.
I'm definitely not interested in buying either of them but I just liked the format of you guys just sitting down and talking about them. Felt so natural
@शिरीष ರಾಮಾಯ I would not do S&S, almost no real world advantage. I'd change both the suspensions, change the brake pads, add a Brembo caliper and master cylinder, change the exhaust, perhaps the throttle body for more snap if it were a weekender and retain the ability to wring the thing like a madman. Out of pocket would be about as much as a pre owned A3 Bonnie.
You forgot to mention the 'Harris' frame on the Enfield, plus an engine tear-down, wear-comparison , 3 bikes, same k's, same-servicing (youtube) Showed RE had best tolerance, least-wear, W800 a close second and miles behind was Triumph . They were expecting W ist, Triumph 2nd and RE a further-back 3rd..it could be that REs tooling was newer/better , that would account for some of it .
Great review. The vibration issue is probably because the W800 is a 360 degree crank, both pistons up and down simultaneously, whereas the Royal has a smoother 270 degree crankshaft.
That is it exactly, that is what I like about the W800, the vibration comes in and is noticeable between 3500-4500 rpm but it isn't bad. Modern bike engines are smoother but they don't deliver the character that the 360 degree crank does. The older Brit 650's were much more harsh in that respect.
Just got into the video which is a brilliant comparison between the two bikes. Concerning the vibrations of the Kawasaki I do suppose it depends on the tolerances of the certain bike you run into. Having driven four different W800s I can say that each one had different vibration characteristics ranging from "my hands fall of" to "now that´s very acceptable". My current one is absolutely accepable but you cannot discuss the vibrations away. All in all it can depend on the example you get.
@@michaelstein4608 I have the 03 W650 , I don't even notice the vibration but have had comments about it . Interestingly , none of them had actually ridden one (W) and few people realise that they were actually 'designed-to-vibrate' because that is what the Japanese-Domestic-Market wanted . They were originally Only produced for that market and 'Pressure' from kawasaki-Agents World-Wide led to exports . The Prototype showed they could dial-in whatever vibration they wanted, from zero upwards . Having grown-up with British bikes and old Ducati's etc , the bike feels normal to me . Dave NZ
It's actually down to the way the cranks are balanced and to what percentage of reciprocating parts. The vibration can be made more comfortable by increasing the percentage, which moves the vibration from vertical to horizontal. This is something Edward Turner studied and developed and why you'll see classic BSA's "bounce" at tickover and Triumphs front wheel nods back and forth. The way the cranks are balanced makes a difference too. Since I had my cranks dynamically balanced (most of the classic factories used static balancing) they feel like they vibrate less. By taking out rocking couple, life of crank components is improved too
@@michaelstein4608 I'm a novice and just bought a W800. I took a quick spin (only made it to 30-35mph) and my two bros also took it out for a brief spin. I didn't even notice vibration and they didn't comment on it either. But the bike only has 6 miles now (3 from the dealer test after bike prep), so we have a lot to learn. But after getting up to 3rd and 4th gear at 30mph+, I only thought about vibrations the next day when I realized I didn't notice anything. Bikes feeling different based on tolerances makes sense.
Dammit you're right! Well that explains the lighter action then. I've added a card that links to our launch report at that point in the video, and put it in the pinned comment. John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/royal-enfield/royal-enfield-interceptor-650
I ride mostly with my wife as a pillion. As much as I thought we'd be buying an Interceptor, she hated the cramped position predicated by the upswept exhausts. We test rode the W800 and we both loved the position it put us in. So we bought it. My first bikes were in the 70s and were 360 degree parallel twins. None of them were anything like as good as the RE or Kawasaki. So you are correct - it really is up to the individual, their style and needs.
I have an early W800: No. 273 off the line. It's currently at 90,000 km. No ABS, no LED headlight. One of the "eaters" rusted out of an exhaust, so that had to be replaced, but that's the only problem I've had. A dream to drive. In town, 2500 rpm = 50 kmh in 3d, 60 kmh in 4th: speed check by pitch! Great for rhe passes here in CH; great for leisurely tours in decent weather. It's been from the North Sea to the Med. Can you tell? I LOVE THIS BIKE !!!
Kawasaki build quality is exceptional, RE you get what you pay for. W800 is designed to be authentic as possible - vibrations? Yes mate, 60s bikes vibrated, just put some gloves on.
It's a beautiful bike, and I'd strongly recommend a test ride to anyone interested in it; that vibration just spoilt it for us. Many might love it for that though!
I said to my brother that the W800 feels like a late '60's Honda 350 physically (loosely speaking) but with power. I said to him that the W800 feels gutless against a modern multi but powerful in ordinary traffic (where we spend our time) and he totally agreed. And he doesn't have to :)
Not that I've tried but I wonder what the chances of getting a demo on a W800 from a Kawasaki dealer are? The RE dealer chucked me the keys of both 650"s for an hour and I signed for one straight away. The Japanese makes don't seem as keen to support their dealers with demo's as I couldn't find a Suzuki dealer with a demo SV650 in the whole state of Victoria. The RE Distributor in Australia is also very active behind the brand in supporting events and the like and the 650 is forming a real community. We already have 550 members on our Australian Facebook page. With the £3000 you're part way to buying a GT650 for when you want a sportier ride 😉
Back in March I got a demo on a 2019 W800 Cafe from a dealership in New York State. I was already pretty enthusiastic about the bike to begin with, and was so impressed that I bought the basic W800 a week later.
I've recently bought the W800 classic after looking at the RE. I got a discount on the W of approximately £800, none offered on the RE. Future values will come into it also, the W will hold its value better than the RE.
W800 is a much better crafted machine with a lot of detailing and technology features like the OHC drive by shaft…. RE is nice too but you see, feel and realise where the difference in money has gone…
The W's seem to hold their value exceptionally-well, but not-so in NZ (my good-fortune 4-8k NZD ) where soft-old-guys constantly bitch about the 'vibes' .You can also pick-up low-k Continental GT's and interceptors for as little as 7.5k NZD on a regular-basis . I suspect the W650's at-least , will climb in value as many of the Aussie-ones (just over the-ditch) have been Douched (EX-Machina ) and people here follow that a fair-bit Dave NZ
Test rode both bikes extensively here in Australia, and the Kawasaki came out on top all the way. The quality in every single area is clear, the design is very well thought out, as a bike to use, not a show pony. The W800 is made to use for all types of road riding, touring, commuting, twisties. The Enfield requires a lot more maintenance which isn't really an issue for me as I do my own, but it could be for a newer rider who doesn't want the extra expense. I suppose the ticket price saves them some though.
I agree and I've owned over 50-bikes in my close-to 70yrs ,I went the W650-way and love it , they come 'alive' when you push-them through the twisties . For more-adrenalin, I ride my old XV1000 (TR1) , after much 'fettling' , it's close to 70hp and very torquey . Dave NZ
@@TheMissendenFlyer you get everywhere TMF!! The last 3 to 4 video's I watched I've noticed you've commented 😂. I've just finished watching your video on the 5 things you 'hate'. I have to agree the rear light unit spoils the look slightly for me. Still a cracking looking machine thought nonetheless.
I would love to get the kawasaki, it is honestly one the best built motorcycles on sale today, full stop. But the price really makes it dificult to justify... Here in Portugal I can get an Interceptor for 6450 euros, a street twin for 9200 euros or W800 for 10300 euros. The thing is, you can sometimes get awsome deals on the kawasaki. A couple of years ago i saw a left over 2017 model W800 for sale, brand new, for 4250 euros but couldn't buy it at the time...
I got my dad a interceptor 650 and saw tears coming out from his eyes for the first time .. We are a RE family .. We own a bullet 1980 model, a twins park , a classic 350 .. my dad was so surprised when he rode 650. He said woah What a bike .. huge improvement RE .. You made us Indians Proud..
Nice in-depth video guys! As a new rider currently doing my DAS i've got my eyes set on the Interceptor and i'm already making note of the modifications i'd like to make to it. I'm really looking forward to entering the biker community with such a universally positively-reviewed bike as my first :)
cracking review, and asked the questions that we all need answers to. The Kawasaki looks fantastic, and no doubt is better quality. However it is a lot more money. I must say the only real fault you found with it is the vibration issue. But you did state at the beginning that the bike had done less than 100 miles, so maybe after running in, the bike would be a lot less vibey. The Enfield looks ok, has a great engine, which had been run in. And performed very well. I can't help but think that the W 800 will probably last forever, and the build quality will be way better than the Enfield. But I can't argue against the price difference. So there is a reason that the Enfield is the 3rd best selling bike, and what Enfield have done in a very short space of time is truly amazing. My next bike will probably be a bike in this style. But I would need a long test ride on each of these two to decide which would be best for me. My heart would tell me Kawasaki. But test rides on both, may mean that my head would decide otherwise.
I think I’d go for the W800, the seat hight and the Quality of the Machine , Plus it’s a great looking motorcycle does it for me. It was a tossup between the Triumph T100 or the R E 650. The W800 wins.
@@slash502 Sorry mister Slash but if I want to feel vibrations I will buy a vibrator. I have ridden bikes for the last fifty years and the W800 is by far the worst bike I have ever ridden. Looks great and I had the cash to buy one new till I went for a test ride.Yuk what a dog turd.
@@amraceway go buy a sofa mate, you are not meant to ride motorcycles. or buy a vibrator if that's what you need. W800 is an excellent bike, much much superior to the RE650s.
that gentleman who says the interceptor does not handle does not know that the GT version of it won the cafe racer championship race against BMW and Triumphs. it was bored out to 865cc using the SnS kit.
Regardless I'd still go for the kawasaki, personal choice. Lovely review guys 👍. Do this yearly or more, as a long term comparison between the two machines.
I was comparing these two bikes and didn’t buy either. The W800 is a special bike, and it’s what I would buy regardless of being a lot more money than the Enfield. It’s worth the difference.
Given the number of RUclips reviewers who appear, shall we say influenced, you guys are in a different category here and very good. Many thanks for the great content and perspective.
Thanks Ray! We're in an incredibly fortunate position - we do have some ads on the site, and we even got sponsorship to help pay for this video's edit, but we're not reliant on adverts. We've also been in the industry so long that we know most of the manufacturers well and they accept that some bikes and kit get good reviews, some don't (my boss and I both worked at RiDE magazine many years ago when editorial was king, so we could ignore the screams from the ad teams). We don't have to give glowing praise to know we'll be able to continue to work with brands, so I just try to make content based on the advice I'd give my closest - and most skint - mate. Cheers, John
2020 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 with 37,000 miles and I still LOVE My Royal Enfield! Checking valves is very easy. Service manual says to remove the tank, which is also easy, but doesn't have to be removed. 4 bolts, slide the cover to the right, check left side, slide left, check right side. It is easier to adjust the valves with tank & cover off but not impossible. All the maintenance is easy for the average gearhead. Being a full time traveler my only wish is that it was belt drive so I wasn't stopping all the time to clean, lube & adjust.
You're not realising that that specific revs range vibration is intended...its MEANT to have that classic like the Brit twins feel of the 60s and the original W1 and W2. For my W650 the vibration seems to occur at around 75-80kmhr and tails off at 90kmhr. AND its a true 360* crankshaft parallel twin like the old bikes, not a 270* like the Enfield. With those different firing orders its unfair to compare the two bikes on vibration.
Both great bikes but think I'll stick with my 2013 Triumph Bonneville T100 been problem free and easy to maintain by myself, only thing missing is ABS but apart from that 67 bhp & 50ftlbs does the job
Excellent review! Before watching this, I purchased a RE 650 Interceptor about 13 months ago. It now has 5,000 very happy miles on it! At 5' 8" I am a bit short, and did put lower shocks, Power Booster temperature sensor, DNA air filter and the RE short flyscreen on the bike. For the money I saved, I can spend more on other things now...plus fuel. I did test ride the W800. And though I really liked it, I found the same vibration between 3500-4500 rpm and a bit of difficulty finding a good gear for 30 mph....always either too low rpm or too high! Thanks for this great review....My wife has a Moto Guzzi V7iii....fortunately I did not have to choose between the RE and the MG!
I owned the 2000 Kaw W650 for about 5 years. I sold it for a couple of reasons mainly the fact that the seat wasn’t straight and flat. My RE650 came with a modern clear glass headlamp not the Vintage Lucas style lens. I prefer the RE650 over the Kaw.
Remember your W650 had a drum rear brake, carburetors rather than fuel injection,smaller front disc, tank and fork diameter, no slipper clutch and the frame on the Ws from 2019 and later are re-engineered along with the exhausts.
What a fantastic and detailed comparison ! Even though I’m a Kawi Fanboy and own a Kawi, I’ll never buy a W800 since it costs thrice of Interceptor which is made locally here in India. Please compare Street Twin with these bikes.
Both bikes are definitely amazing machines! If I have to make a final decision i would go with the W800 street 👍 but this machine is a bit to much for me and my garage at the moment 😅 Have a great weekend
The Kawasaki engine is inherently Superior because of the bevel Drive campaigns are cheap and nasty way of driving and when they snap they destroy your engine all of my Hondas died from cam chain disease Ash B of adjusting them regularly my CX500 died at 10 years old and 250 thousand miles my 883 Sportster with Gear Drive is still running at 350,000 MI Gear Drive is the way to go and worth the money if you're going to keep the bike forever and as for the cake on the British 650 twin Yamaha XS650 twin and the Kawasaki kz750 twin are both inherently Superior bikes to the Royal Enfield
Hello everyone. I am from Vietnam. I am owning a Kawasaki W800 SE and used to a salesperson for Royal Enfield. Personally, I prefer how W800 looks. Quality of the machine & finish of W800 is much more perfecr than the Int 650. W800 delivers more power whenever you twist the throttle. Suspension of w800 is super smooth while it's so hard on the Inter 650.
Great video. I’m picking up a brand new W800 café Monday 23rd August for £6499. Reduced from £9099 as the new 2022 model is due. The Kawasaki is the true original classic as it has a 360 degree crank. The vibes dissipate as the engine breaks in & as long as the break in is done correctly. I can’t wait for Monday.
The W800 is geared higher, 70 mph at 4000 rpm, the RE 650 is only going 60 mph at 4000 rpm. So that is why they are similar in performance. I own both and have 14,700 miles on the W800 and 3400 miles on my RE 650 INT. I really don't notice the vibration on the W800.
After weeks of researching, I narrowed down my search to the Interceptor 650 and the W800 Classic, with the preference towards the W800 because of it's beautiful styling and engine. However, after a test drive, I unfortunately realized that the W800 was a lot less comfortable than the Interceptor at my height (6'3). The Interceptor's seat height provides more room, it is easier to move around and get comfortable on the bench style saddle, and it's easier to adjust the pegs downwards (as the break lever of W800 runs below the peg, adjustment optionality is limited). Now I've got an awesome Interceptor 650 and added an aftermarket peashooter exhaust similar to the W800's stock one. Unbelievable how much this changes the style of the bike, truly believe it is best of both worlds like this :)
I owned a 2019 W800 Cafe for about a year and thought it was an excellent bike except for a few significant problems - one pointed out by you guys - the vibration issue at certain revs. It was almost as if it would be better to change DOWN to 4th gear at 100-110 kmph to eliminate that annoying vibration! It totally smooths out above about 120 kmph (in fifth gear) - but 100-110 is a real pain. I own a 51 year old Triumph and I am used to motors that vibrate and personally I did not find it an enjoyable vibe on the W800 - others might. But that's just me. Another obvious negative is NO 6th gear - come on Kawasaki - it's 2020! This would be a huge improvement in my humble opinion and make the bike very capable of touring on one up. FINALLY do NOT make my mistake and fool yourself into thinking that the Cafe version of the W800 will be OK for your (old) back. It is lower than it looks. There is very little adjustment. Repeat there is very little adjustment. WORST of all to change the bars you need to change all the electric cables, brake cable and clutch cable etc BECAUSE they are only JUST long enough for the stock bars on the bike. That is an expensive operation ($1000 CAD plus). So my advice is buy the non Cafe version if you have any suspicion whatsoever that you will not handle those low bars. The reviews of the Cafe seem to consistently gloss over just how low they really are. You have been warned! (Anyway that new Street version looks nicer than the Cafe in my view - it was not available when I bought my W800). oh, if you are wondering I traded the W800 Cafe for a 2019 Kawasaki Verseys LT 650 - a different kettle of fish altogether but MUCH more comfortable - and a GREAT all round touring bike. I still have my old Triumph, which I ride almost daily and love dearly.
Thank you for that comment, I have been looking at a W800 and convincing myself (despite being sensitive to vibration) it would fine, and if I needed to change the bars, no big deal.....wow thank you for taking the time to write. The RE is looking like the bike for me and the assessories are relatively cheap!!
I'm hoping that they bring out a classic styled RE 650, along the lines of the RE 500 classic. Bit more of a 50s twist. Regardless, RE have done a brilliant job all round with the 650.
Just bought the enfield. Need to take it back for servicing at 300 miles. Luckily it's a nice ride. Love the bike. I'm also 5'6" and it is a bit tall and the reach is just a hair too far. Hitchcock's will fix that. Its heavy. Backing it out while sitting on it at 5'6" is not happening unless on smooth flat. Seems to rev nicely but for the 1st 1000 miles nothing above 4k rpm so I'll have to wait to push it. Overall, early on I can say I'm extremely happy
I think the whole heritage aspect to verticle twin production, is a furphy, because all motorcycle manufacturers never had one until they made their first. Those manufacturers could not look back to any other bike except for a verticle single. It is interesting to note that the German manufacturer Horex produced a verticle twin in 1932 several years before Triumph, so when people talk about the British tradition, of vertical twins for motorcycles it is as if they are blind to what ever is being made elsewhere for bikes and cars. The french and italians have had a long history of aircooled verticle twins being used in vehicles. And look we could go on all day and say out pride or conceite that well at least Triumph was the first British marque to make a parallel twin, but we forget the company was started by germans. So lets keep it real. Incidetally the W1 and W2 all came out with twin carbs. They also developed this engine from a 500cc twin, boring it out gradually until they reached a capacity, where there was no vibration throughout the rev range....that being 624cc. I had two of these that l both bought in 1984. I would still have one if it had electric start, and if the spare parts were easy to get hold of. There are tons for sale in japan even now. They1973 model was the best, with a disk brake front end, even though they used twin leading shoe front brakes from the bigining of production When did the brits start using those?
That side on view of the Kawasaki is superb. Really love that retro look. However, I really enjoyed your honest appraisal of the two bikes. If I was going to choose, clearly I would go for the RE. Oh, I like the Interceptor's headlight better.
After years of touring and super sport touring bikes I chose a leftover 2022 W800 as my retirement ride. I am very happy with her ease of handling and smooth power band. Such a pleasure to ride. I no longer ride interstate highways. I prefer a bike with a large bullet proof wind screen due to flying debris for any regularity of highway trips.
I wouldn't say the Royal Enfield has an old style light.That's the old light.That's the same light they were putting in a bikes in the 60s. It's really hard to use especially at night.
I live in America and what I noticed about these two is that the Royal Enfield sells for basically MSRP. The Kawasaki W800 isn't selling or isn't selling well and there are some great deals to be had on a leftover one. That said, I wouldn't imagine resale to be as good on the Kawasaki, since the bikes are slow sellers and discounted at the manufacturer dealership. We just recently got the W800 "street" all we had previously was the café.
Engine vibration can be down to just needing more miles to bed in and be run in. Its not an R1 with Nikasil liners and water jackets. Its a long stroke 360 degree parallel twin. You cant get more British. The Enfield and all the new Triumphs run 270 degree cranks which are 1. Trendy. 2. Act and sound like a 90 degree v twin 3. Smoother by design. 4. Not very 60's. I'm sure the W800 with 2-3k miles on it will smooth out.
@@splodge5714 Please give some of your comparison thoughts on both. The W is a bit heavier, but does it feel heavier or does that make it feel more planted. What about performance of both. I would find that interesting. By the way, my W800 was smoother after 4000km but I never felt it was an issue. It feels like you are riding a well running motorcycle rather than a sewing machine.
As a proud owner i can safely say that interceptor is a lovely bike but there are some issues that can can be fixed like you mentioned in the video, the seat is too narrow for long ride which can be replaced, replacing the exhaust will reduce the weight a lil for maneuvering, there are small rusting issues in the weld joints and exhaust tip though for me, The fuel gauge of interceptor is not all accurate it has a mind of its own 23:57, interceptor also has slipper clutch 26:25. but you pay mainly for that beautiful engine.
I had the 650 a couple years ago, and it was a good bike, apart from quite a few issues from delivery. I ended up spending a good amount of $$ sorting it out for me. I had originally wanted the w800 but for a while there could't find one, and so I went for the Interceptor. The RE was wonderful unless I had to do any highway work at all and then I was amazed at the instability in wind or dirty air near other vehicles. I eventually sold it and just recently found a clean used W. Completely stock, and so similar to the RE. slightly more vibey, feels a tiny bit smaller which was suprising. But the ride quality and overall fit and finish are a big step above the RE in my opinion. The RE did feel a bit snappier off the line, but the W gathers speed better. Not that I ride highways often on these bikes ( I have my BMW 1200r for that) but that was the kicker for me, feeling safe at speed and in wind.
650 makes more sense if you are a beginner, dropping it won't be a regret. Very much driveable, vibrations are more of a character to me. Plus you are left with some money for gears and rides. Having multiple motorcycles in garage and more money to spend than definitely kawasaki is the bike for you. And yes, royal enfield is much more customizable in my opinion. Though it is a retro styled bike, you can still do a lot of things to make it look the way you want.
I owned a 2020 W800 café for a year, rode it for 4500 miles. Bought a '22 RE INT650, rode it for 7000 miles. Loved both! But I got the W-café heavily discounted, so the price difference was not that much. ...And now I just bought a leftover '21 (blue) W800, also heavily discounted. Very excited to be back on a W. If one likes classic, air-cooled twins, I think you'll be happy with either of these bikes...so look for the little extras that matter to you...perhaps the color options for the INT, or maybe it's the bevel-drive of the W. Fun considerations!
I have a 2013 W800. I believe the valve shims have to be done every 24 000 km. I believe the Interceptor has a 10 000 km interval for valves. Anyway, I agree about the vibes but after my brother raved about his W800, I bought one and I do love it.
Kawasaki's engines are pretty bullet proof. I had my zx9rs shims checked at 60,000 miles, they didn't need doing then. Nor at 100,000 miles, so don't stress about shims 😎
The clearances on my 1999 ZX-6R were way out with just 18,000 miles on the clock. At the very least, they MUST be checked at the recommended intervals. John
@@bennettsbikesocial Yes, I was just repeating what someone told me when at a Kawasaki dealer but I have now looked at the manual that comes with the bike and it says every 12 000 km, not every 24 000 km. So it's good that I've needed to check on that. There's a light-hearted review of the W800, just happens to be my year model at ruclips.net/video/RSE73I4LXe4/видео.html 'An Honest Review of the kawasaki W800'. Fun to watch. No, it's nothing to do with me personally.
@@bennettsbikesocial wow you must have been really unlucky 😳, I owned 2 6rs and the first model 636, on none of my bikes did the shims need any adjustment, and yes they were checked...
The Royal Enfield does also have a slip/assist clutch - my mistake when I was compiling the spec. Service intervals will be covered in a future video (hit subscribe!) The Enfield does need valve clearances doing very regularly, but I'm going to wait until I can speak to a mechanic and find out exactly what's involved and what it costs. Cheers, John
They are both comfortably easy for home mechanics.
The Enfield could not be simpler with adjuster/locknut like in the old days.
The Kawasaki has an ingenious, superior bucket and shim design, without needing cam removal to change a shim.
Both simple home mechanic capability.
No the enfield does not require valve adjustment anymore than any other bike I'm not sure why people keep saying this .....
ruclips.net/video/cNCUCXimNNs/видео.html
@@michaelhayward7572 That pushing aside the follower is pure genius! I wish my ZX-6R had that... would have saved me a lot of trouble! John
Here in India the w800 is 3 times more expensive than the i650
I narrowed my choice down to the Enfield Interceptor and the Kawasaki W800 Classic. Of course I looked at the price difference at the time and took my time pondering. When it came down to it I was just smitten with that W800, it is such a quality piece of kit and it really has the correct look and yes that 19 inch front wheel belongs there, it visually does make a difference. I was surprised how many guys actually mentioned that without me pointing it out. The W800 has such a rich sound and stunning looks, it draws compliments every time I go out and I just love riding this bike. In 35 years of riding I have never been so pleased with a bike purchase. She is a keeper.
I bought a W800 too. Very pleased with it. As for the vibration: for one you don't notice it after a couple of miles, and two I fitted a different front sprocket with one extra tooth. All in all an excellent excellent motorcycle 👌🏽
I just picked up a leftover 2022 this past weekend (in the U.S.A.). I haven't ridden in 20 years and consider myself very much a novice. I have a lot to relearn. But after taking it up and down the road, only getting up to maybe 30-35mph, it was smooth. Initial impressions are good from a noobie. I look forward to getting more acclimated with the bike.
I agree with you about styling. I was between a W800 and a Guzzi V7. I just kept circling back to the W800 until I realized it was the one. The price I paid made it easier. The dealer had three leftover 2022s (two now remain) and apparently wanted to get rid of them. It's sad they don't sell well around here, but the silver lining is a cheaper new bike and also a unique piece that most people don't even know exists. These bikes are most certainly not a dime a dozen in the U.S.
When I was looking for a bike, I brought up the W800 to my brothers (I found out about it from a RUclips comment!). Both said they had never heard of it, despite enjoying looking at used motorcycles quite often for fun. The W800 was news to them! They are certainly a hidden gem.
Hi , I also have a w800 cafe 2019
You mentioned the bigger front sprocket
I love this bike but just think it needs another gear
A year on are you happy the way it performs with the larger front sprocket
Cheers Paul
I have owned my (2013) W800 for a few years now, from new. Was an old stock I bought new in 2015. It has been absolutely brilliant and I will never sell it (and I have owned over 35 bikes, so that says something). Tomorrow I'm picking up my new Royal Enfield Himalayan, that is totally different from the w800 but still an exiting bike.
The W800 is underrated, people know nothing about these bikes but have strong opinions. They are 100% quality, made in Japan and it shows in everything. I trust it completely and have ridden it trough Europe without any preparations, just rolled it out the garage and went. I would not do this with any other bike.
I do love the Intercepter though, beautiful bike, but too similar to the w800 for me to consider it.
Oh and fun fact : out of all my bikes the w800 gets the most attention. People wave me down, or ask about it at the gas station, even get compliments from car drivers at trafic lights.....never had that before with any bike I have owned.
I get the same thing re attention with my W650, but then the kickstart also helps so people are less likely to think its a Triumph (although they still do lol 😁 )
How does it ride? a lot people seem to be complaining which is putting me off it as the enfield is getting a lot of praise
@@Jf_1900 w800 rides brilliantly. Royal Enfield is spending big on marketing, their main competitor being triumph and kawasaki. Take these youtubers and especially paid RE posters in the comment sections with a grain of salt. Their job is to make sure no one buys the w800. I think youd be happy with either bikes, W800 being more quality and more real classic. 360 degree and air cooled. that bevel gear is amazing to see. the RE twins need more work design wise, some of the engine shapes and proportions are not there yet, W800 design is perfection, pure art.
Even the youngest brother W175 gets the attention-thingy you were mentioning. I have that bike and honestly, it has not let me down so far. I love it.
@@slash502 The 360 degree crank is interesting in that sounds like a boxer or aircraft engine, but few people would say it sounds better than a 270 setup. Overall, I think Kawasaki have been asleep at the wheel with the W800. RE have proven that. No question the W800 is the higher quality machine, but RE have taken the best ideas from a few bikes and tweaked them for enhanced appeal while remaining completely classic looking. I'm not sure why Kawasaki haven't done the same with the W800, but it's become a rather boring machine compared to the RE650 bikes.
Thank you guys, nice to see the Enfield compared to something other than a Triumph. 👍
I would like it to be compared with a Moto Guzzi V7 III.
Comparing it with the Triumph seemed unfair. The Bonneville is much more expensive and has a bigger, more powerful engine
@@fernandomagalhaes2957 It has been done a few times, RE won hands-down, but both are great
What's a Triumph ?
I'm looking at that Enfield like wow I might be able to afford a new bike that I like!
Go for it, I got an orange crush last month, love it, great smooth bike.
i got a black one ... no regrets love it
Take my word buddy.. you will not regret
I bought one 12 months ago for the same reason. A new bike that was getting good reviews or a six year old bonnie or w650/800. After a test ride it was no contest, & I still feel I made the right choice.
Why spend 30 G when the same fun can be done for under 10
I have the Continental GT650. Read the Cycle World 2019 article of the GT vs. w800 Cafe. The GT is on the cover of that issue.
Bottom line for 3,000 or 4,000 dollars or pounds, you can add the S&S Cam, Ohlins Suspension, no Cat Silencers , and a S&S big bore kit. The R.E. 650 is a basically a purpose built 750cc engine, with thicker cylinder sleeves and smaller pistons, remember she broke the land speed record and was over 120hp running Nitrous. They blew 2 engines doing it, but it still broke the record for the class. A2 compliant is the reason for the detune. An S&S modified 650 to a 750 will rip the skin off that w800. A 750 RE Flat Tracker will race this year in American Flat Track. I’ll be watching. Built Like a Gun since 1901!
There's a guy in Germany who has done crazy stuff with the W650-800's for years. More than double the bhp.
Both bikes are detuned and over engineered.
Jesus H Christ
Don’t see Kawi with the balls to race that junk motor in American Flat Track production twins class.
Michael Hayward of course there is a “guy”, but at what cost?
@Jesus H Christ you can mod the re 650 heavily and it will still be nearly as expensive as a stock w800. I think re 650 is a smart choice
@@brookcampbell2940 prolly the same as your 3-4k. He is very well respected. Hey i'm just saying. I've got no dog in this shitfight.
Thanks gentlemen. This is impressively comprehensive! I want to put a good word in for the Kawasaki. Someone who worked near my old office had a W650 and I ogled it for over a year and always wanted one, but they are very hard to find here in the States because they were only brought over for 2000 and 2001. I kept my eye out but never found one. When they re-introduced the W series to the U.S. market last year, I was very excited. I liked the "Street" model but unfortunately for me they had it in Canada but not the U.S. Then when I saw they were introducing the basic W800 for the U.S. 2020 MY, I was SUPER psyched. So psyched in fact that I got one as soon as the weather got warm enough to drive it home from the dealership, which was late March (days before the Covid lockdown started, as it happened). I've been using it as an in-town commuter, and I really love this bike! The handling in city traffic is sublime. It rides like a dream. I couldn't be happier with the bike.
You gottta be kidding me.... the W800 is on another level, and will last you 200k miles ..... will any Enfield ever last that long? Btw, I do own both. Since the reviewers are both British.... guess the outcome was kinda predictable...... been riding for 30 years, dozens of bikes. Kawasaki is the best brand, full stop. This is like compaing a lamborghini with a fiat.
As far as reliability, I will always choose a Japanese bike over anything built anywhere else.
I'm looking to buy one of these or an 865 triumph. I'm leaning towards the kawasaki because Japanese stuff is always reliable. Are there any performance parts for the w800? I'm old and don't want to go that fast anymore, but I can't help myself, I like tinkering with things. 47 hp is enough to do anything, but 60-65 would be nice.
@@Tonymarony5113I’m in a similar position. The 800 or a Thruxton. I’ve done my time on fast bikes. I just want to ride for pleasure. I’ve heard the Triumph isn’t the most reliable and can be hard and expensive to work on.
@np1663 I'm 46 and don't want to go that fast anymore either, but I bet the kawasaki is running lean as due to emissions bullshit. I like to fuck that shit off when ever possible. No doubt, just that would free up a little more power.
@@Tonymarony5113 bikes should be exempt from the emissions nonsense. I’m same, I like tinkering. I’ve even been thinking about stripping back as much as possible from a Royal Enfield 650 and adding big bore kit, performance cam etc. luckily I’ve got a mate who does MOTs. He stands well back when taking readings from exhausts
W800 is made in Japan so there is no comparison, w800 wins
As a Luddite, Brit bike fiend, former Meriden specialist Triumph shop owner, if someone is looking at a modern parallel twin retro, be it RE, Kawa or Triumph, the Kawasaki wins all day long on looks, feel, quality and authenticity.
The only bike available that still runs a 360 degree crank, just as importantly, is an actual long stroke, not short stroke, and does not have a cheapo chain driving the cam(s). It also has a wonderful unique, easy home workshop valve adjustment design.
Comfortably the highest quality parallel twin on the market if you are not worried about performance.
No i don't own one, nor any of them, far too modern, smooth and soulless for my liking, but you get my point.
That valve rocker slide feature to allow shim replacement without removing the camshaft is brilliant. I would buy this bike just to get the engine with bevel drive, sod everything else!
Wot bike fo you own man
Michael Hayward, thanks so much for your comment. I've been waiting for Meridan efficianodos to speak up about the W800s or W650s. I bought my W800 because it is by far the closest modern bike to your legendary steeds. I do find my W800 Street is not soulless though. It has character (maybe not quite as much character as as an Amal carbed Meridan Bonnie). I also find the torque on the W800 makes for plenty of get up and go.
@@dougfielding8215 I feel the W800 is let down by it's low 8.5:1 comp ratio or thereabouts. There seems no need for it to be that low, even when air-cooled, using engine management, it should be at least capable of running 9.5:1. Also, is just me or does the W650 seem to have a slightly more 'soul' to it? As if 650 was the magic, perfect size.
@@5533851 The low compression does allow for regular octane gas, which I'm pleased with. I find it really goes when you crack the throttle. Check the Dino's Vault RUclips video on the W800.
One thing I like about both these bikes is the lower compression engines can last a long time when made well. Also they run on regular gas (petrol) rather than premium gas. If you keep your bike a long time that adds up.
RE for me, every day of the week.
Every time they bring out a new model I think 'I wouldn't mind one of those'.
Whoever's doing the R&D and design for these bikes is an absolute genius.
In india the kawasaki costs 776,000INR (699,000 ex showroom) and the interceptor costs 304,000INR (265,000). that's a big price gap. and I'm amazed how much value for money interceptor has, even in European market.
anyways great video.
but the Kawa doesn’t start rusting a week after you buy it.
@@dotdashdotdash ok buddy
W800 any day of the week. Looks better, higher quality build and I'd trust the reliability over the Enfield.
Looks are subjective and as for reliability enfield are amazing
The w800 looks alot more premium than they interceptor.
I looked at the RE and Triumph's and bought the Kawasaki W800 Street. I am insanely happy with it. The quality of the fit and finish is top notch and definitely seemed to be a notch better than the Interceptor. W800s are still made in Japan when most Japanese bikes are made in Thailand. The small amount of vibration at some revs doesn't feel bad to me and the bike feels quite smooth (besides, the engine gets smoother with more miles). The clutch pull is very light. Love the bevel driven top end, the sound of the pea shooter exhaust and the looks and function of the headlight. Where I live, in the Rocky Mountain foothills of Canada, there was only $1000 difference in price. I keep my bikes for a very long time and the W has a proven track record going back to the 1999 W650. I felt no need to buy an extended warranty.
Brilliant! It is a beautiful bike, and I love that we all enjoy different things in motorcycling! Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks John, the review was well done.
Nice. How long is your season where you live?
@@-thirteen The words "bugger-all" comes to mind. If you're lucky, 7 months. In 2 months of riding my W800 Street I've put on over 4000km. riding in the foothills of Alberta. You take advantage of every chance you can and you don't want your scoot in the shop for extended periods of time due to any issues.
@@dougfielding8215 we get less here in NY usually
I'm definitely not interested in buying either of them but I just liked the format of you guys just sitting down and talking about them. Felt so natural
Thanks! There's another coming shortly...
Get the interceptor, spend a grand on stripping the budget parts and you’ll have the best bike and £2k in your pocket.
शिरीष ರಾಮಾಯ hi mate, was wondering what country you are in? Is that $650 in US dollars?
@शिरीष ರಾಮಾಯ Obviously you don't spend money taking parts off, you spend the money replacing the parts.
@शिरीष ರಾಮಾಯ I would not do S&S, almost no real world advantage. I'd change both the suspensions, change the brake pads, add a Brembo caliper and master cylinder, change the exhaust, perhaps the throttle body for more snap if it were a weekender and retain the ability to wring the thing like a madman. Out of pocket would be about as much as a pre owned A3 Bonnie.
Sorry, I’d just get a slightly used W800 and enjoy a bike that doesn’t start rusting a week after it leaves the showroom.
@@dotdashdotdash Stupid comment. Do you own a 2018 Interceptor 650? They are made in india where they have a humid climate.
You forgot to mention the 'Harris' frame on the Enfield, plus an engine tear-down, wear-comparison , 3 bikes, same k's, same-servicing (youtube) Showed RE had best tolerance, least-wear, W800 a close second and miles behind was Triumph . They were expecting W ist, Triumph 2nd and RE a further-back 3rd..it could be that REs tooling was newer/better , that would account for some of it .
As much as I like the Royal Enfield, the W800 has my vote! it is absolutely fantastic. Wish this was the Cafe vs GT
Great review. The vibration issue is probably because the W800 is a 360 degree crank, both pistons up and down simultaneously, whereas the Royal has a smoother 270 degree crankshaft.
That is it exactly, that is what I like about the W800, the vibration comes in and is noticeable between 3500-4500 rpm but it isn't bad. Modern bike engines are smoother but they don't deliver the character that the 360 degree crank does. The older Brit 650's were much more harsh in that respect.
Just got into the video which is a brilliant comparison between the two bikes. Concerning the vibrations of the Kawasaki I do suppose it depends on the tolerances of the certain bike you run into. Having driven four different W800s I can say that each one had different vibration characteristics ranging from "my hands fall of" to "now that´s very acceptable". My current one is absolutely accepable but you cannot discuss the vibrations away. All in all it can depend on the example you get.
@@michaelstein4608 I have the 03 W650 , I don't even notice the vibration but have had comments about it . Interestingly , none of them had actually ridden one (W) and few people realise that they were actually 'designed-to-vibrate' because that is what the Japanese-Domestic-Market wanted . They were originally Only produced for that market and 'Pressure' from kawasaki-Agents World-Wide led to exports . The Prototype showed they could dial-in whatever vibration they wanted, from zero upwards . Having grown-up with British bikes and old Ducati's etc , the bike feels normal to me . Dave NZ
It's actually down to the way the cranks are balanced and to what percentage of reciprocating parts. The vibration can be made more comfortable by increasing the percentage, which moves the vibration from vertical to horizontal. This is something Edward Turner studied and developed and why you'll see classic BSA's "bounce" at tickover and Triumphs front wheel nods back and forth. The way the cranks are balanced makes a difference too. Since I had my cranks dynamically balanced (most of the classic factories used static balancing) they feel like they vibrate less. By taking out rocking couple, life of crank components is improved too
@@michaelstein4608 I'm a novice and just bought a W800. I took a quick spin (only made it to 30-35mph) and my two bros also took it out for a brief spin. I didn't even notice vibration and they didn't comment on it either. But the bike only has 6 miles now (3 from the dealer test after bike prep), so we have a lot to learn. But after getting up to 3rd and 4th gear at 30mph+, I only thought about vibrations the next day when I realized I didn't notice anything.
Bikes feeling different based on tolerances makes sense.
just for Info: the Interceptor has also an slipperclutch
Dammit you're right! Well that explains the lighter action then. I've added a card that links to our launch report at that point in the video, and put it in the pinned comment. John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/royal-enfield/royal-enfield-interceptor-650
Does the W800 have braided steel brake lines like the RE has?
@@MarmiteTheDog No, it doesn't. Cheers, John
I ride mostly with my wife as a pillion. As much as I thought we'd be buying an Interceptor, she hated the cramped position predicated by the upswept exhausts. We test rode the W800 and we both loved the position it put us in. So we bought it. My first bikes were in the 70s and were 360 degree parallel twins. None of them were anything like as good as the RE or Kawasaki. So you are correct - it really is up to the individual, their style and needs.
This style of comparing bikes is great. Please do more of it.👍
Cheers! More to come, but until then, try this: ruclips.net/video/bz8iBgi2mjI/видео.html
I have an early W800: No. 273 off the line. It's currently at 90,000 km. No ABS, no LED headlight. One of the "eaters" rusted out of an exhaust, so that had to be replaced, but that's the only problem I've had. A dream to drive. In town, 2500 rpm = 50 kmh in 3d, 60 kmh in 4th: speed check by pitch! Great for rhe passes here in CH; great for leisurely tours in decent weather. It's been from the North Sea to the Med. Can you tell? I LOVE THIS BIKE !!!
Just found your channel. Excellent! Very enjoyable listening to you fellows talk it all over.
Kawasaki build quality is exceptional, RE you get what you pay for.
W800 is designed to be authentic as possible - vibrations? Yes mate, 60s bikes vibrated, just put some gloves on.
I’d never buy a bike that was built with worn out Third World tooling. Kawasaki for me.
@@dotdashdotdash criticizing is Ok but racism not. Hope you are not working for Kawasaki.
Thank you very much for this The W800 as had very little coverage unlike the RE 650 that has been reviewed by a hell of a lot of people
It's a beautiful bike, and I'd strongly recommend a test ride to anyone interested in it; that vibration just spoilt it for us. Many might love it for that though!
I said to my brother that the W800 feels like a late '60's Honda 350 physically (loosely speaking) but with power. I said to him that the W800 feels gutless against a modern multi but powerful in ordinary traffic (where we spend our time) and he totally agreed. And he doesn't have to :)
Not that I've tried but I wonder what the chances of getting a demo on a W800 from a Kawasaki dealer are? The RE dealer chucked me the keys of both 650"s for an hour and I signed for one straight away. The Japanese makes don't seem as keen to support their dealers with demo's as I couldn't find a Suzuki dealer with a demo SV650 in the whole state of Victoria. The RE Distributor in Australia is also very active behind the brand in supporting events and the like and the 650 is forming a real community. We already have 550 members on our Australian Facebook page. With the £3000 you're part way to buying a GT650 for when you want a sportier ride 😉
Back in March I got a demo on a 2019 W800 Cafe from a dealership in New York State. I was already pretty enthusiastic about the bike to begin with, and was so impressed that I bought the basic W800 a week later.
@@TheInterloafer The one I rode had shocking vibrations.
Paulus - I bought my Demo W800 Street at a dealer in Canada. It's the dealer's that choose their demos, not the manufacturer.
@@TheInterloafer Are you finding that you are choosing one over the other more often?
@@amraceway I never found it annoying and it lessens a lot after 4000km. I find the bike delivers smooth torque at speed.
I've recently bought the W800 classic after looking at the RE.
I got a discount on the W of approximately £800, none offered on the RE.
Future values will come into it also, the W will hold its value better than the RE.
Does this still hold true?
@@xocoyotl4 don’t know
@@xocoyotl4 I would say it does, even 6 year old W800s are down only around 20% on RRP, whereas the REs are down that much after 2 years.
W800 is a much better crafted machine with a lot of detailing and technology features like the OHC drive by shaft…. RE is nice too but you see, feel and realise where the difference in money has gone…
The W's seem to hold their value exceptionally-well, but not-so in NZ (my good-fortune 4-8k NZD ) where soft-old-guys constantly bitch about the 'vibes' .You can also pick-up low-k Continental GT's and interceptors for as little as 7.5k NZD on a regular-basis . I suspect the W650's at-least , will climb in value as many of the Aussie-ones (just over the-ditch) have been Douched (EX-Machina ) and people here follow that a fair-bit Dave NZ
One of the best analysis, I am glad that I bought interceptor 650
Test rode both bikes extensively here in Australia, and the Kawasaki came out on top all the way. The quality in every single area is clear, the design is very well thought out, as a bike to use, not a show pony. The W800 is made to use for all types of road riding, touring, commuting, twisties. The Enfield requires a lot more maintenance which isn't really an issue for me as I do my own, but it could be for a newer rider who doesn't want the extra expense. I suppose the ticket price saves them some though.
I agree and I've owned over 50-bikes in my close-to 70yrs ,I went the W650-way and love it , they come 'alive' when you push-them through the twisties . For more-adrenalin, I ride my old XV1000 (TR1) , after much 'fettling' , it's close to 70hp and very torquey . Dave NZ
Got my self a Baker express INT 650 it’s been wonderful riding it
I've got the Sunset strip, the inverse colour scheme. Brilliant bike, I love it!
Take the Interceptor for what it is. A cool, good looking bike, awesome for leisure riding.
And you have the best value in the market.
It’s been 9 months and I still love my 650. Only regret I have, I bought orange crush, but now I like baker express more.
I got the Baker Express last week.:)
@@TheMissendenFlyer you get everywhere TMF!! The last 3 to 4 video's I watched I've noticed you've commented 😂. I've just finished watching your video on the 5 things you 'hate'. I have to agree the rear light unit spoils the look slightly for me. Still a cracking looking machine thought nonetheless.
I’m in the same boat! Gonna give it a few more months and then buy the Baker Express tank from RE to swap it out and have a new look 💪🏼
The Orange Crush version has a few extra ponies and the highest top speed 🤣
@@iwandaniabdulmuis683 of course it does. Everyone knows that 😉
In the Western United States it's not uncommon to find gas stations 100 miles apart for instance Barstow to Ludlow or Ludlow to Needles
I would love to get the kawasaki, it is honestly one the best built motorcycles on sale today, full stop. But the price really makes it dificult to justify... Here in Portugal I can get an Interceptor for 6450 euros, a street twin for 9200 euros or W800 for 10300 euros. The thing is, you can sometimes get awsome deals on the kawasaki. A couple of years ago i saw a left over 2017 model W800 for sale, brand new, for 4250 euros but couldn't buy it at the time...
Great video chaps. Very enjoyable. The interceptor will most definitely be my first bike. Can't wait! 👍😋
Have fun! John
Hi Gary! Have you got that RE yet?
I got my dad a interceptor 650 and saw tears coming out from his eyes for the first time .. We are a RE family .. We own a bullet 1980 model, a twins park , a classic 350 .. my dad was so surprised when he rode 650. He said woah What a bike .. huge improvement RE .. You made us Indians Proud..
So your father went from a bullock cart to a horse cart. Congratulations
Nice in-depth video guys! As a new rider currently doing my DAS i've got my eyes set on the Interceptor and i'm already making note of the modifications i'd like to make to it. I'm really looking forward to entering the biker community with such a universally positively-reviewed bike as my first :)
Great to hear! John
With a substantial price difference I think the RE is the clear choice
When it comes down to it, it is personal preference. Personally , I like the Interceptor.
Both are great bikes, I've been lucky enough to ride both. But I own the Interceptor! The test ride sold it
Royal Enfield every time. Just brilliant.
I agree, I test rode one last year, saved over winter and bought one in may. I love it.
dude enfield is sexy i have drove classic 350 and thunderbird....i like the torque
@@utkarshsingh3541 Never liked their singles, but I found a love for this Interceptor 😍
@@vivek3366 bro cool..yaar ....do ride a lot?
@@utkarshsingh3541 not much nowadays. The last ride was in Oct 2019 around 450 km in a day
I think they are both beautiful bikes. I like the look of the Kawasaki a bit more. But I think, for the money, the Enfield is the better choice.
I have the W800, so how is the vibration compared to the new V7 Moto Guzzi?
cracking review, and asked the questions that we all need answers to.
The Kawasaki looks fantastic, and no doubt is better quality. However it is a lot more money. I must say the only real fault you found with it is the vibration issue. But you did state at the beginning that the bike had done less than 100 miles, so maybe after running in, the bike would be a lot less vibey.
The Enfield looks ok, has a great engine, which had been run in. And performed very well.
I can't help but think that the W 800 will probably last forever, and the build quality will be way better than the Enfield.
But I can't argue against the price difference. So there is a reason that the Enfield is the 3rd best selling bike, and what Enfield have done in a very short space of time is truly amazing.
My next bike will probably be a bike in this style. But I would need a long test ride on each of these two to decide which would be best for me. My heart would tell me Kawasaki. But test rides on both, may mean that my head would decide otherwise.
There's no comparison between those two. They look like apples to apples but the history of the manufacturers can't even be on the same page.
I love the cost analysis that you did here. Putting £3k into tangible terms is really useful.
I think I’d go for the W800, the seat hight and the Quality of the Machine , Plus it’s a great looking motorcycle does it for me.
It was a tossup between the Triumph T100 or the R E 650. The W800 wins.
Great if you like nasty vibrations.
@@amraceway Bulltweeties. I rode 10,000km in 7 months and loved every minute of it. I can't stay off it (forced to now with winter).
@@amraceway bullshit comment, it vibrates a little during 3500 to 4500rpm, like a machine should, ride a sofa if you cant even stand that.
@@slash502 Sorry mister Slash but if I want to feel vibrations I will buy a vibrator. I have ridden bikes for the last fifty years and the W800 is by far the worst bike I have ever ridden. Looks great and I had the cash to buy one new till I went for a test ride.Yuk what a dog turd.
@@amraceway go buy a sofa mate, you are not meant to ride motorcycles. or buy a vibrator if that's what you need. W800 is an excellent bike, much much superior to the RE650s.
that gentleman who says the interceptor does not handle does not know that the GT version of it won the cafe racer championship race against BMW and Triumphs. it was bored out to 865cc using the SnS kit.
Regardless I'd still go for the kawasaki, personal choice. Lovely review guys 👍. Do this yearly or more, as a long term comparison between the two machines.
I was comparing these two bikes and didn’t buy either. The W800 is a special bike, and it’s what I would buy regardless of being a lot more money than the Enfield. It’s worth the difference.
Given the number of RUclips reviewers who appear, shall we say influenced, you guys are in a different category here and very good. Many thanks for the great content and perspective.
Thanks Ray! We're in an incredibly fortunate position - we do have some ads on the site, and we even got sponsorship to help pay for this video's edit, but we're not reliant on adverts. We've also been in the industry so long that we know most of the manufacturers well and they accept that some bikes and kit get good reviews, some don't (my boss and I both worked at RiDE magazine many years ago when editorial was king, so we could ignore the screams from the ad teams). We don't have to give glowing praise to know we'll be able to continue to work with brands, so I just try to make content based on the advice I'd give my closest - and most skint - mate. Cheers, John
2020 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 with 37,000 miles and I still LOVE My Royal Enfield!
Checking valves is very easy. Service manual says to remove the tank, which is also easy, but doesn't have to be removed. 4 bolts, slide the cover to the right, check left side, slide left, check right side. It is easier to adjust the valves with tank & cover off but not impossible. All the maintenance is easy for the average gearhead.
Being a full time traveler my only wish is that it was belt drive so I wasn't stopping all the time to clean, lube & adjust.
You're not realising that that specific revs range vibration is intended...its MEANT to have that classic like the Brit twins feel of the 60s and the original W1 and W2. For my W650 the vibration seems to occur at around 75-80kmhr and tails off at 90kmhr. AND its a true 360* crankshaft parallel twin like the old bikes, not a 270* like the Enfield. With those different firing orders its unfair to compare the two bikes on vibration.
Both great bikes but think I'll stick with my 2013 Triumph Bonneville T100 been problem free and easy to maintain by myself, only thing missing is ABS but apart from that 67 bhp & 50ftlbs does the job
Excellent review! Before watching this, I purchased a RE 650 Interceptor about 13 months ago. It now has 5,000 very happy miles on it! At 5' 8" I am a bit short, and did put lower shocks, Power Booster temperature sensor, DNA air filter and the RE short flyscreen on the bike. For the money I saved, I can spend more on other things now...plus fuel.
I did test ride the W800. And though I really liked it, I found the same vibration between 3500-4500 rpm and a bit of difficulty finding a good gear for 30 mph....always either too low rpm or too high!
Thanks for this great review....My wife has a Moto Guzzi V7iii....fortunately I did not have to choose between the RE and the MG!
I owned the 2000 Kaw W650 for about 5 years. I sold it for a couple of reasons mainly the fact that the seat wasn’t straight and flat. My RE650 came with a modern clear glass headlamp not the Vintage Lucas style lens. I prefer the RE650 over the Kaw.
Hi Richard!! :)
You can get your seat personalized for less than 90 euro's.....
An Air Hawk seat pad does wonders for seat comfort on any bike with a relatively hard seat.
Remember your W650 had a drum rear brake, carburetors rather than fuel injection,smaller front disc, tank and fork diameter, no slipper clutch and the frame on the Ws from 2019 and later are re-engineered along with the exhausts.
What a fantastic and detailed comparison !
Even though I’m a Kawi Fanboy and own a Kawi, I’ll never buy a W800 since it costs thrice of Interceptor which is made locally here in India.
Please compare Street Twin with these bikes.
Hit subscribe and I promise we will! John
Bennetts Bike I did !
Both bikes are definitely amazing machines!
If I have to make a final decision i would go with the W800 street 👍 but this machine is a bit to much for me and my garage at the moment 😅
Have a great weekend
Cheers! You too!
The Kawasaki engine is inherently Superior because of the bevel Drive campaigns are cheap and nasty way of driving and when they snap they destroy your engine all of my Hondas died from cam chain disease Ash B of adjusting them regularly my CX500 died at 10 years old and 250 thousand miles my 883 Sportster with Gear Drive is still running at 350,000 MI Gear Drive is the way to go and worth the money if you're going to keep the bike forever and as for the cake on the British 650 twin Yamaha XS650 twin and the Kawasaki kz750 twin are both inherently Superior bikes to the Royal Enfield
I think it'd be a tough choice for me -- but I'd go with the Enfield.
Hello everyone. I am from Vietnam. I am owning a Kawasaki W800 SE and used to a salesperson for Royal Enfield. Personally, I prefer how W800 looks. Quality of the machine & finish of W800 is much more perfecr than the Int 650. W800 delivers more power whenever you twist the throttle. Suspension of w800 is super smooth while it's so hard on the Inter 650.
Great video. I’m picking up a brand new W800 café Monday 23rd August for £6499. Reduced from £9099 as the new 2022 model is due. The Kawasaki is the true original classic as it has a 360 degree crank. The vibes dissipate as the engine breaks in & as long as the break in is done correctly. I can’t wait for Monday.
Brilliant... enjoy! Cheers, John
The W800 is geared higher, 70 mph at 4000 rpm, the RE 650 is only going 60 mph at 4000 rpm. So that is why they are similar in performance. I own both and have 14,700 miles on the W800 and 3400 miles on my RE 650 INT. I really don't notice the vibration on the W800.
After weeks of researching, I narrowed down my search to the Interceptor 650 and the W800 Classic, with the preference towards the W800 because of it's beautiful styling and engine. However, after a test drive, I unfortunately realized that the W800 was a lot less comfortable than the Interceptor at my height (6'3). The Interceptor's seat height provides more room, it is easier to move around and get comfortable on the bench style saddle, and it's easier to adjust the pegs downwards (as the break lever of W800 runs below the peg, adjustment optionality is limited).
Now I've got an awesome Interceptor 650 and added an aftermarket peashooter exhaust similar to the W800's stock one. Unbelievable how much this changes the style of the bike, truly believe it is best of both worlds like this :)
I owned a 2019 W800 Cafe for about a year and thought it was an excellent bike except for a few significant problems - one pointed out by you guys - the vibration issue at certain revs. It was almost as if it would be better to change DOWN to 4th gear at 100-110 kmph to eliminate that annoying vibration! It totally smooths out above about 120 kmph (in fifth gear) - but 100-110 is a real pain. I own a 51 year old Triumph and I am used to motors that vibrate and personally I did not find it an enjoyable vibe on the W800 - others might. But that's just me. Another obvious negative is NO 6th gear - come on Kawasaki - it's 2020! This would be a huge improvement in my humble opinion and make the bike very capable of touring on one up. FINALLY do NOT make my mistake and fool yourself into thinking that the Cafe version of the W800 will be OK for your (old) back. It is lower than it looks. There is very little adjustment. Repeat there is very little adjustment. WORST of all to change the bars you need to change all the electric cables, brake cable and clutch cable etc BECAUSE they are only JUST long enough for the stock bars on the bike. That is an expensive operation ($1000 CAD plus). So my advice is buy the non Cafe version if you have any suspicion whatsoever that you will not handle those low bars. The reviews of the Cafe seem to consistently gloss over just how low they really are. You have been warned! (Anyway that new Street version looks nicer than the Cafe in my view - it was not available when I bought my W800). oh, if you are wondering I traded the W800 Cafe for a 2019 Kawasaki Verseys LT 650 - a different kettle of fish altogether but MUCH more comfortable - and a GREAT all round touring bike. I still have my old Triumph, which I ride almost daily and love dearly.
Thanks Mark! Also, great choice with the Versys 650 - I had one for a year and absolutely loved it. John
Thank you for that comment, I have been looking at a W800 and convincing myself (despite being sensitive to vibration) it would fine, and if I needed to change the bars, no big deal.....wow thank you for taking the time to write.
The RE is looking like the bike for me and the assessories are relatively cheap!!
Thanks John, looking forward to your report on the upgraded rear shocks. Cheers, Andy.
Brilliant comprehensive detailed analysis. RE650....all tha way.....Intercepter bang on budget. Thanks guys for the analysis
Fantastic informative entertaining, please do more in this format
Thanks, will do! Here's another: ruclips.net/video/bz8iBgi2mjI/видео.html
Love these reviews from you guys even though not my kind of bikes. Please keep them coming love the information.
I'm hoping that they bring out a classic styled RE 650, along the lines of the RE 500 classic. Bit more of a 50s twist. Regardless, RE have done a brilliant job all round with the 650.
That would be nice. Even just as a styling exercise! They do have more models planned for 2022 so I guess we'll see!
Just bought the enfield. Need to take it back for servicing at 300 miles. Luckily it's a nice ride. Love the bike. I'm also 5'6" and it is a bit tall and the reach is just a hair too far. Hitchcock's will fix that. Its heavy. Backing it out while sitting on it at 5'6" is not happening unless on smooth flat. Seems to rev nicely but for the 1st 1000 miles nothing above 4k rpm so I'll have to wait to push it.
Overall, early on I can say I'm extremely happy
Love these bikes, but the W800 won for me. The made in Japan fit and finish is second to none, and the bike is beyond amazing to ride.
Great review, thoroughly enjoyed, thumbs up!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks, John
I think the whole heritage aspect to verticle twin production, is a furphy, because all motorcycle manufacturers never had one until they made their first. Those manufacturers could not look back to any other bike except for a verticle single. It is interesting to note that the German manufacturer Horex produced a verticle twin in 1932 several years before Triumph, so when people talk about the British tradition, of vertical twins for motorcycles it is as if they are blind to what ever is being made elsewhere for bikes and cars. The french and italians have had a long history of aircooled verticle twins being used in vehicles. And look we could go on all day and say out pride or conceite that well at least Triumph was the first British marque to make a parallel twin, but we forget the company was started by germans. So lets keep it real.
Incidetally the W1 and W2 all came out with twin carbs. They also developed this engine from a 500cc twin, boring it out gradually until they reached a capacity, where there was no vibration throughout the rev range....that being 624cc. I had two of these that l both bought in 1984. I would still have one if it had electric start, and if the spare parts were easy to get hold of. There are tons for sale in japan even now. They1973 model was the best, with a disk brake front end, even though they used twin leading shoe front brakes from the bigining of production When did the brits start using those?
I prefer the 360 degree crank sound of the W800, wish the Enfield sounded more like that.
Japanese Bikes were & always will be way ahead in terms of Technology compared to anything that came out of the U.K.
Oh, also, the interceptor now has a pure glass headlight and not the old patterned Lucas style. I have a 20 plate so assume they updated this.
Great video, John. Tons of info, with lovely slick production value. I really enjoyed this.
Thanks! And all credit to the editor of this one, Dom Read-Jones. I usually edit my own, but Dom was the man here!
@@bennettsbikesocial Yes. Not easy to make a 35-minute video feel consistently engaging (even with your insightful commentary... Lol).
Come on guys Kawasaki w is the best classic by far!!!!
A slipper clutch is hydraulic, so it only works when the engine is running.
That side on view of the Kawasaki is superb. Really love that retro look. However, I really enjoyed your honest appraisal of the two bikes. If I was going to choose, clearly I would go for the RE. Oh, I like the Interceptor's headlight better.
After years of touring and super sport touring bikes I chose a leftover 2022 W800 as my retirement ride. I am very happy with her ease of handling and smooth power band. Such a pleasure to ride. I no longer ride interstate highways. I prefer a bike with a large bullet proof wind screen due to flying debris for any regularity of highway trips.
I wouldn't say the Royal Enfield has an old style light.That's the old light.That's the same light they were putting in a bikes in the 60s. It's really hard to use especially at night.
You do realize that 5th gear on the W800 is actually overdrive, right?
All these years and only Norton rubber mounted the twin engine to reduce vibration ?
The W800 has some isolation medium in their mounts, also a balance shaft. It all helps.
I live in America and what I noticed about these two is that the Royal Enfield sells for basically MSRP. The Kawasaki W800 isn't selling or isn't selling well and there are some great deals to be had on a leftover one. That said, I wouldn't imagine resale to be as good on the Kawasaki, since the bikes are slow sellers and discounted at the manufacturer dealership. We just recently got the W800 "street" all we had previously was the café.
Re is really good for msrp, imagine it's 40% cheaper in India and Americans are just paying a lot of taxes
Thoroughly enjoyable! You guys are fun to watch....
Thanks so much! John
Engine vibration can be down to just needing more miles to bed in and be run in.
Its not an R1 with Nikasil liners and water jackets. Its a long stroke 360 degree parallel twin.
You cant get more British. The Enfield and all the new Triumphs run 270 degree cranks which are
1. Trendy.
2. Act and sound like a 90 degree v twin
3. Smoother by design.
4. Not very 60's.
I'm sure the W800 with 2-3k miles on it will smooth out.
No it won't, it's a 360 deg crank weather it's done 700 miles or 7,000
No vibes on my W650 but then I dont think my BSA 650 vibrates either.
@@stevepalmer5670 i've not ridden one. Have you?
Current Enfield singles and old Brit and Euro twins get/got smoother with miles on the clock.
@@splodge5714 Please give some of your comparison thoughts on both. The W is a bit heavier, but does it feel heavier or does that make it feel more planted. What about performance of both. I would find that interesting. By the way, my W800 was smoother after 4000km but I never felt it was an issue. It feels like you are riding a well running motorcycle rather than a sewing machine.
i went for the w800,... for i know im gonna spend my lifetime with it,...
As a proud owner i can safely say that interceptor is a lovely bike but there are some issues that can can be fixed like you mentioned in the video, the seat is too narrow for long ride which can be replaced, replacing the exhaust will reduce the weight a lil for maneuvering, there are small rusting issues in the weld joints and exhaust tip though for me, The fuel gauge of interceptor is not all accurate it has a mind of its own 23:57, interceptor also has slipper clutch 26:25. but you pay mainly for that beautiful engine.
Yes - sorry, I missed it out when compiling the spec. John
Excellent review, most enjoyable.
This is a superb cross analysis, thanks!
Thanks! John
This is an easy choice, W800 cafe for me, def the better overall retro look and feel, plus the seat is lower, perfect for me!!
I had the 650 a couple years ago, and it was a good bike, apart from quite a few issues from delivery. I ended up spending a good amount of $$ sorting it out for me. I had originally wanted the w800 but for a while there could't find one, and so I went for the Interceptor. The RE was wonderful unless I had to do any highway work at all and then I was amazed at the instability in wind or dirty air near other vehicles. I eventually sold it and just recently found a clean used W. Completely stock, and so similar to the RE. slightly more vibey, feels a tiny bit smaller which was suprising. But the ride quality and overall fit and finish are a big step above the RE in my opinion. The RE did feel a bit snappier off the line, but the W gathers speed better. Not that I ride highways often on these bikes ( I have my BMW 1200r for that) but that was the kicker for me, feeling safe at speed and in wind.
Love that trumpet music in between 😂
Nice comparison
650 makes more sense if you are a beginner, dropping it won't be a regret. Very much driveable, vibrations are more of a character to me. Plus you are left with some money for gears and rides.
Having multiple motorcycles in garage and more money to spend than definitely kawasaki is the bike for you.
And yes, royal enfield is much more customizable in my opinion. Though it is a retro styled bike, you can still do a lot of things to make it look the way you want.
Dropping your brand new bike is always a regret.
I owned a 2020 W800 café for a year, rode it for 4500 miles. Bought a '22 RE INT650, rode it for 7000 miles. Loved both! But I got the W-café heavily discounted, so the price difference was not that much. ...And now I just bought a leftover '21 (blue) W800, also heavily discounted. Very excited to be back on a W. If one likes classic, air-cooled twins, I think you'll be happy with either of these bikes...so look for the little extras that matter to you...perhaps the color options for the INT, or maybe it's the bevel-drive of the W. Fun considerations!
nice breakdown guys - enjoyed watching it! FYI the enfield does sport a slip and assist clutch :)
Yes - sorry about that. I added a card at the point we talk about it, and put it in the pinned comment. Cheers, John
I have a 2013 W800. I believe the valve shims have to be done every 24 000 km. I believe the Interceptor has a 10 000 km interval for valves. Anyway, I agree about the vibes but after my brother raved about his W800, I bought one and I do love it.
Kawasaki's engines are pretty bullet proof. I had my zx9rs shims checked at 60,000 miles, they didn't need doing then. Nor at 100,000 miles, so don't stress about shims 😎
The clearances on my 1999 ZX-6R were way out with just 18,000 miles on the clock. At the very least, they MUST be checked at the recommended intervals. John
@@bennettsbikesocial Yes, I was just repeating what someone told me when at a Kawasaki dealer but I have now looked at the manual that comes with the bike and it says every 12 000 km, not every 24 000 km. So it's good that I've needed to check on that. There's a light-hearted review of the W800, just happens to be my year model at ruclips.net/video/RSE73I4LXe4/видео.html 'An Honest Review of the kawasaki W800'. Fun to watch. No, it's nothing to do with me personally.
@@bennettsbikesocial wow you must have been really unlucky 😳, I owned 2 6rs and the first model 636, on none of my bikes did the shims need any adjustment, and yes they were checked...