A Fine Looking Retro Motorcycle

[Cormanus]

I understand this Kawasaki W800 is not imported to the US. You can still get the 2016 SE model in Australia, but that looks like it.

In my view, this is a better looking bike than the SE—see here.



The 2016 SE

 

[Wisedrum]

The green one shown in the first picture is the model I own and ride for 6,5 years. In Germany it was sold the first 2 years after the W800 entered the market in 2013.
Then Kawasaki always changed colors and outlook of the W, which I don't like that much. The blackend models looks way too much like a rat bike in my eyes, as if someone has sprayed the bike over with cheap mat black, not my style. The Kawa is a very lovely bike and maybe it is the best looking retro bike, but now disappeared from the German market and prices for used ones a still rising, which start round about by 6.000€. Used first CB models are nearly starting in the same price region..... I will keep both.

Wisedrum

 

[Cormanus]

A new SE would cost AU$13,000 or about €8,500. The CB1100 was priced around AU$15,000 or nearly €10,000 in 2010 and 2011.

 

[Cormanus]

Speaking of fine looking retro motorcycles, I came across this picture of a couple of fine looking retro motorcyclists who, one way and another, had a bit of influence on the business ...

 

[bigsheep_imp]

I like the look of the W800 but I would spend the extra $$ to get the CB1100. 48 ponies on an 800 isn't my thing. Being over 700cc is the next tier for insurance around here so if I'm forking out extra $$ for 800cc I want the zip it should come with. Honda's 500 cc rebel would be similar in power.

 

[Wisedrum]

The W800 is a bike in its own class, outstanding look and with a good torquey feel, I think not to compare with the smaller Honda. 48HP are not always 48HP in the same way. The W offers them very nicely with not much revs. But bikes are always a very personal thing. And mostly special bikes will only come to honor when they are put out of the market. The W is such a bike in Germany and I'm happy to have one.

Wisedrum

 

[bigsheep_imp]

Wisedrum you're right 48hp can be applied very different ways. The fact that it was never available in Canada and I was looking to move up from my 700cc 50hp bike to something with a little more pep means it wasn't what I was looking for. But if I ever had the opportunity to take one for a ride and just for myself I'd jump at the chance.

 

[Wisedrum]

Do so, you won't be dissapointed. Ir's not the HP alone, it's the whole package a motorbike offers. In my opinion it's a satisfying one, in its way overwhelming this kind of retro up to a certain degree of perfect imperfection, which is not to be found in the CB and need its comparison, but can't be found elsewhere. Very entertaining. And a motorbike should do that in its own sweet way. The W does it.

Wisedrum

 

[Cormanus]

I’ve not ridden one either, but I’d like to. They are beautiful looking motorcycles, I think. Had I not found a CB1100, the W800 was on my list of possibles.

 

[rotor]

I buy motorcycles with a firm idea of the intended use for it.

CB1100 is for me a motorcycle intended primarily for long-distance, multi-day touring. If I was looking for a lighter, "around-town" and/or commuter bike, W800 would have been on the list. But then, the only advantage of W800 over CBF500 would have been "the looks". For everything else...

 

[Wisedrum]

Both motorbikes I own can cover it all. Touring, city biking, whatever, but no motocross.
I don't differ between purposes how to use them riding wether the CB or the W.

Wisedrum

 

[Doc1961_imp]

I bought a W650 new in 2000. Loved that bike. Should have kept it. My wife even misses that bike. Missed it so much, bought a used one in 2010 with 810 miles.