02-08-2021, 06:16 PM
(02-08-2021, 05:00 PM)Indypikes_imp Wrote: I have not ridden a W800 but I am attracted to them for obvious reasons as standard, retro bikes do it for me. I've seen leftover 2019 Cafe versions in the yuck brown being sold for ridiculously low prices. What I don't like is the ugly, fat tank that just ruins the aesthetics for me, but that's obviously subjective.
Reviews have not been kind to the W800.....buzzy, slow, clunky, etc. but I know that really doesn't mean a whole lot. A friend of mine in FL, who is a very astute and finicky motorcycle connoisseur, recently picked up a 2020 in Red and really likes it. I hope to see him this Spring and give it a spin.
My thinking is that a new Bonneville T100 would run circles around the W and that would be my choice if in the market for a mid-priced, retro standard. Again, just my opinion.
Ride for 10 years a W800, one of the first 800 edition. Enjoy the bike very much on over 72.000km. It has typical paralleltwin vibrations in a small range of round about 3.300 til 3.800 rpm. Not much but you can feel them. Out of this range the W800 runs very smoothly. The bike is nearly as fast as the speedcutted CB, but it will take more time to rev the W up to its max speed. No wonder. Though the CB can handle faster speeds better, I think the W isn't meant to be driven for fast rides, because the bike sometimes starts to slinger which the CB with its stronger frame and riding layout won't. The W is clunky? By no means no, not mine. The proportions of the motor can stand and win all comparisons in my eyes. All in all the W is a reliable and very good looking retro bike, one of, if not the best. But the looks depend on the version. I personally prefer the shiny first edition and the last released one and would leave out the released ones in between.
Wisedrum