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W650/W800 reliability W650/W800 reliability
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  #1  
Old 8 Jul 2011
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W650/W800 reliability
I'm planning a trip to Nepal and I'm thinking about using a W800 but would like to hear any thoughts about its reliability. Thanks much.
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  #2  
Old 8 Jul 2011
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They have a great reputation for reliability, so I wouldn't worry about it! Should be a great bike for the job.
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Old 8 Jul 2011
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I guess the 800 is a bit new for people to comment on.
I just reluctantly sold a 650 which I had done 6000 trouble free miles on.
It gave the impression it would last for ever and then some! Simplicity.
A little small for 2 up was it's only problem.
The more pwerfull 800 should be a blast. Don't know if it has a kick start though.
Enjoy,
Robin
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Old 10 Jul 2011
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How well does the W650 handle off tarmac?
Is the suspension up to days of corrugation and otherwise bumpy roads? Are there any "must have" modifications for real travel?
Been considering one myself, but don't know anyone who has put any sort of real punishment on one.
Would love to use one for a mostly on-road trip, but would hate to be held back by being restricted entirely to tarmac.
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Old 26 Jul 2011
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Thanks so far for the replies. The W800 unfortunately doesn't have a kickstarter anymore.
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Old 17 Aug 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by icarus View Post
Thanks so far for the replies. The W800 unfortunately doesn't have a kickstarter anymore.
Thats a shame as the kick starter was part of the fun when i had a w650. I enjoyed mine immensely and it was really good on fuel too!
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Old 18 Aug 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris in Tokyo View Post
How well does the W650 handle off tarmac?
Is the suspension up to days of corrugation and otherwise bumpy roads? Are there any "must have" modifications for real travel?
Been considering one myself, but don't know anyone who has put any sort of real punishment on one.
Would love to use one for a mostly on-road trip, but would hate to be held back by being restricted entirely to tarmac.
Can't comment on the W650, I bought the Bonneville (more out there so easier on parts, Kawasaki dealer only wanted to sell ZZZZZR1000ZZZZZZZZZZZZR's in green with matching power rangers outfit). However, I believe the two are close enough to say:

Fit the sort of tyres you'd fit to an R80GS and performance off road will be similar. I do gravel and mud tracks with ease.

They'll take off road use but things like the shocks are cheap and nasty so don't expect comfort.

The road bike shape requires you to fabricate dust covers/bash plates for under the engine, things like the oil filter aren't covered in. Personally I let the silencers take a beating and replace from e-bay when someone else wants their Sunday ride to be louder. For a long run it could be sensible to scramblerise with a high level exhaust. I won't do this as the Triumph Scrambler is 10 HP down which makes a difference on the sort of roads I need to ride to get to the interesting stuff.

Range is ****. Although you'll see 50-60 mpg the tank is still too small. I run a 10 litre auxilliary tank, easy on a carbed bike, not so easy with FI (I'd carry a jerry can).

If Ted Simon made it on a bike this shape in 1973, why take a desert racer if you aren't going to race?

Andy
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Old 18 Aug 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris in Tokyo View Post
How well does the W650 handle off tarmac?
Is the suspension up to days of corrugation and otherwise bumpy roads? Are there any "must have" modifications for real travel?
Been considering one myself, but don't know anyone who has put any sort of real punishment on one.
Would love to use one for a mostly on-road trip, but would hate to be held back by being restricted entirely to tarmac.
When looking at Sjaak's exploits on a Fireblade and an R1 at Home I recon the W650/800 is as good on gravel/hard dirt as most "travel" bikes (including all the faux off road type bikes like the v-strom, tiger, versys, gs, varadero etc) out there. The ride from Europe to Nepal is pavement 99.9% of the way if you want it to be.

Sorry can't comment on reliability, but if it's Japanese and not high revving it'll probably run for ever.

Is there an owners' club website?

cheers
Chris
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Old 18 Aug 2011
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W650riders : W650/W800 Riders
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  #10  
Old 18 Aug 2011
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Or you might try this link

The Lonely Ones W650 & 800 (Royal Enfield & Classic Bike Enthusiasts) :: View topic - link to the W800 sales brochure&
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