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I wouldn't and change oil and filter uround about every 12.000km or in intervals of 2 years as recommended in the manual of the bike. My W800 is 11,5 years old now and has run over 76.000km without any motor problems. It's a very reliable and solide engine like the motor of the CB.
W650 had intervals of 6.000km or once a year. Don't know why Kawasaki lengthend the interval for the W800. They changed carburetors into fuel injection, gave the engine more ccm, left out the kicker and lengthend the secundary translation. There are no real major changes in the interna of the engine.
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I'm just saying it probably doesn't belong on a modern motorcycle. It offers no advantages over a properly tensioned chain or belt, costs more, and weighs more, is harder to assemble and work on.
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Nothing about our bikes belongs on a modern motorcycle either- other than the fuel injection and braking, if that.
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(05-29-2022, 06:19 AM)pekingduck_imp Wrote: I'm just saying it probably doesn't belong on a modern motorcycle. It offers no advantages over a properly tensioned chain or belt, costs more, and weighs more, is harder to assemble and work on.
For an 800cc-class twin mill, the bike actually gets equal or worse fuel economy compared to the CB1100.
However, we can all probably agree that there are intangibles that attract riders to a machine's "soul". Maybe the gear-driven cam brings that uniqueness to the riding experience of the W800.
Similarly, the Moto Guzzi V7 isn't particularly a speed thrill, but its other attributes offers some real soul to prospective riders.
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Just spent the day on country back roads on a W800 which I borrowed for the day - what an absolute hoot the bike was. Quite a light thing to chuck around in comparison to the CB but some questionable handling and suspension that takes some getting used to! I did get used to it in the end and it can be ridden reasonably spiritedly once you understand what it likes. Change is as good as a rest as they say. About 35 of us out, I ran backmarker for the group, bloody hot, 29 Deg C which is hot for Ireland.
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So sweet Tev - and the W800 ride to boot!
Looked like alotta fun.
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Here is what I thought of it, I'd definitely have one. But alas, only room for one air-cooled bike and the CB gets the spot.
https://youtu.be/UyZql0qvr_c
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Excellent Tev. Looks like some fun to watch over my morning coffee.
