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14 May 2015
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Wirral UK
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As promised.
Hi guys I did say I would let you know what I ended up with. As TWB said prices for 2nd hand stuff were extortionate. It was hard to find a Guzzi south of 6k and the same goes for the Kwacker. I did test ride a Bonnie and the seat was like a plank and the suspension made my fillings rattle. (False teeth may be the answer here?) I have to admit the sound out of the Bonnie was glorious and the engine pulled like a train.
I finally came across a Kawasaki W800 SE with only 2.5K on the clock in showroom condition for £4.8K (Special thanks to Touring Ted for this gem) I bought it and rode it home last night and have to say I was nursing a semi all the way home. It appears to do everything the Bonnie does but with much kinder suspension for these old bones.
My much loved Transalp has gone to Touring Ted who I am sure will give it a nice home and look after it. I will periodically post up notes about servicing and ride conditions for any one to make a comparison with the Guzzi. I would have loved to have bought one and it was my first choice but for £2k less the Kwacker will do.
I still have the Dommie for camping trips and solo projects. If prices of a 2nd hand Guzzi drop drastically over the next couple of years I may trade in the W800 for one.
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14 May 2015
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
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Quote:
Originally Posted by greenmanalishi
Hi guys I did say I would let you know what I ended up with.
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Thanks for the update, much appreciated.
I guess you will write in the Kawa tech section.
__________________
Dave
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14 May 2015
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
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Nice one.
Can we now finally do a three way comparison (well in a month or three when you've got the miles in)?
Theory said the W800 had less go, but as all manufacturers measure power anywhere from the main bearing to the wheel and weight as loaded/unloaded/kerb/ready to ride/without oil/without paint/calculated/came to them in dream etc. we need a test to know. Personally I bet there is no noticeable difference unless two up.
What's the real world range? Again theory says the Kawa has better efficiency than the Bonnie but not the V7's big tank? 200 miles without a nervous breakdown?
Any annoyances? Stuff employing chocolate fireguard designs or monkey metal construction?
Enjoy your ride, I think the W800 maybe a bike you'll want to keep.
Andy
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1 Jun 2015
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
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Stan, Well I think the bike is a fine choice (even though its Jap !) but fine all the same. They are very pretty and have something about them - i can see the attraction. (That's hard praise coming from me Honest !).
I am surprised you could not find a Guzzi for similar money there are plenty around the £4500 mark but hey ho i bet your a happy man - but the images in my head of you riding with your semi really does not bear thinking about - less details - please Stan.
Skål Jake
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