Who would buy one?

honda rebels sold well too...and they suck too....

news flash:

this just in....


ford to release an updated version of the model T....


teen ager launches exciting new career imitating elvis and
metal roller skates are making a big comeback......

i would buy one

so would i

me too,,,, schwantzzing would be faboolus

The cylinders and head on the W650 look tall to me, so I'm wondering if the W800 may even be a tad taller. I like shorter cylinders on vertical twins like the BSA below:

Not for me. Call me a snob or close minded or whatever, but in my mind Japanese bikes have transverse fours, British bikes have parallel twins, and US bikes have V-twins.

WPBill wrote:

Not for me. Call me a snob or close minded or whatever, but in my mind Japanese bikes have transverse fours, British bikes have parallel twins, and US bikes have V-twins.

I agree with this - and I think that sentiment is fairly pervasive. While Kawasaki did produce the W1/W2 back in the 60's and 70's, it was just a copy (albeit better) of a British bike. The new Triumph has been selling successfully, the Royal Enfield bikes out of India have been selling well around the world. I'm not sure there is enough potential buyers to generate a mass of sales. Plus Kawasaki historically has not marketed the W650 very well.

I'd buy one if I could, as long as they don't come out with fuel injection, or liquid cooled, that will be a big turn-off. I've always been a twin fan. I'm still hoping to one day get my paws on an original 1966-68 W1, but they were rare in Canada. So the few around are ridiculously priced for something that leaked oil like a sieve, LOL. There are suppose to be lots left lingering in the United States though.

WPBill wrote:

Not for me. Call me a snob or close minded or whatever, but in my mind Japanese bikes have transverse fours, British bikes have parallel twins, and US bikes have V-twins.

Some of Kawaski's, Honda, and Yamaha's best sellers have been their numerous twins they've made. First original design of a parallel twin was German if memory serves.

It's common knowledge that Harley didn't invent the V twin, or have exclusive use of it.

It sure as heck wasn't the Japanese who invented the inline 4 motor, and it was pretty much not related to Japanese bikes or in use on them until the 550-4 Honda first hit the streets. It seems to me Indian was one of the first to use an inline 4 in their bikes.

chuckle :silly:

That is beautiful, Not my stile but beautiful. Now do that with a 900/4 or 1000/4 or 1100/4 and I would.

Mcdroid wrote:

I honestly don't know...but, if my track record with recent bikes is any indication, no. I haven't bought a new bike since 1982 :laugh: The bike doesn't bother me though...kinda cool...but I was just offered a ultra-low mileage 1986 GSXR1100 in near mint condition...which would you chose...the W800 or the GSXR :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: ?

The GSXR anyday. My brother is an old school GSXR nut. He bought a brand new one in 86 and just bought 2 more GSXR 750 projects

Where did I state that any one country invented any specific engine profile? Just that in my mind...

Speaking of "in my mind," mustn't forget:
German motorcycles have opposed twin engines!