About eight years ago, while driving my car, I was hit from behind by a motorcycle. The impact was so strong that the rider was thrown out of sight. My car was a total loss. When the rider eventually limped back, the motorcycle, a W800, started right up despite the crash. It was such a beautiful machine with a gorgeous engine that I thought it was a restored classic. I couldn't believe it when the rider said it was new. So, after a 15-year break, I've decided to return to motorcycling, inspired by a motorcycle that nearly killed me and its rider 😂.

I started riding when I retired at age 55. The 2020 W800 was and still is my first bike. I love it.

One of very few authentic looking modern classics.

I own a 2001 W650. Not the best in performance, handling or brakes but the nicest looking take on a 60's British bike. And it's got a kickstarter!

The 360 degree crank is what really makes this an authentic pastiche of a British bike. Most have dreadful 270 cranks for that v twin sound but very few British bikes were v twins...doesnt ,make much sense to me.

I am a 64 year old grandpa, and actually bussy to get my license. I already made my choise wich bike its gonna be, the W800, or the W650. Brilliant bikes, both of them. Hopefully within 2 months I own one. Can't wait 😊

The first bike that made me fall in love with modern classic motorcycles.

Congrats on 100k!🕺🕺🕺

I bought the W650, back in 2002, one of the nicest bikes I've ridden. I could turn round on full lock on tickover it was so beautifully balanced. Going for a group ride out to the coast made me smile as all the sport bike riders queued up for petrol as I could get there and back on a tankfull. I could even hold some at bay on the twisties as scraping the hero blobs was no problem! I too used to get complimented on my 'restoration', reinforced when, just for fun, I used to occasionally kick start it. Happy memories indeed.

What I always liked about the W800 in particular is they seem to have got the proportions right, it really does look like a brand new time warp late 60s early 70s bike.

I'm 6ft4 and ride one of these, plenty of room and comfortable for all day rides.

As an owner of a charismatic bike, the GoldStar, I just love the W800. Fantastic style, Kawasaki build quality and reliability. This is the only bike I'd swop the GoldStar for, i just love it and in that green its just sensational.

I have it`s predecessor, the beautiful W650 in burgundy and cream. It has twin Keihin CVK 34 carbs and a kick start, as well as electric start. It sounds even sweeter and has even more charm. If you get a chance to ride one of those, take it.

Been waiting years for a decent review of this bike! 👏 congrats on the 100k!

I’ve commented this before, but I wanted to say again how much I appreciate that you spend a good amount of time showing beauty shots of the bike itself. Most other motovloggers spend far too much time just showing the view from the seat… I stay subscribed to your channel because I love seeing so much of the bike, and not so much of the view over the handlebars. Thanks for that, it distinguishes your work.

Congrats on 100k!! Love the w800 😍

What timing. Just bought one of these yesterday! Been looking around for ages for one. They definitely are the forgotten modern retro. There are hardly any reviews except from owners on youtube especially compared to Triumphs, RE's and even Moto Guzzi. First time I saw one I fell in love with it, been looking for months but all the bikes were hundreds of miles away from me. Then few weeks ago one came up for sale 20 minutes away, I was over there like a shot and when the cover came off I was smitten, so beautiful! The ride is amazing and just what I was looking for. I'd come from a Honda Hornet and the inline 4 didn't really suit my riding style anymore and I wanted a lovely looking Sunday ride backroads bike and this ticks all the boxes and more...so happy with it, also got a good deal 2016 model with 3800 on the clock for 4 grand 🥰👌☺️ Edit - If you search for "w800 db killer removal" on KZfaq you can see how easy it is and how much difference I make to the sound .

Dave here, I’ve a 22 plate Kawasaki W800 cafe , I drilled out the baffles with a 35 mm drill bit sounds awesome now, put some straight bars on with bar end mirrors it’s the business now. I’m sure you said your in Rutland,… if so a meet in one of the big car parks a5 Rutland Water would be a good location and riding around the area is stunning. I’m from Loughborough Leicestershire and takes me about 50 mins to get there.

Enjoyed the video. Surprised you didn’t mention the superb condition of the bike. It looks brand new! Saying something for a thirteen year old bike.

I'm the proud owner of a 2020 W800Cafe. Beautiful bike, great ride! Thanks for reviewing it!

🌟So glad you have reviewed the W800, I've had one for three years now and I love it: 2011 model; top bike👌🏽

I have a Bonneville T120 and will admit the W800 is a better British retro bike. It’s still on sale in the US after being discontinued for a year, but the price at $10k is insane. They sit at dealerships until they get heavily discounted.

Congrats on the 100,000! My wife and I are in our mid 50s and bought our Classic 350 about a year ago after watching your reviews. You and your Dad do a great job making them! We especially love the countryside. As far as the W800, that looks like something I might be interested in when I'm ready for my second bike. Thanks for the review and relay our message to your Dad for us. Wish we could come to your celebratory ride, but being from the US, that won't happen, so we hope all goes well with that. We'll be waiting on your next video.

100K! Congrats. Well deserved. Been fun to follow you up to 100 and it will be a joy to tag along to a million. Keep it strong as always. Hope you and your dad will have a great celebration. Proud of you both.

all i have to say, W800 is the superior retro, what they did in 2019/20 with the Cafe, amazing. thanks for the video. love mine

At last, you've got around to the bike that really does look like a 60s machine. We are all guilty of brand snobbery. 😂

Cool looking bike. Need to test ride one of these one of these days. Thanks for the review.

Congrats on the 100K. I have been watching religiously for the past couple of years. Wishing you both the absolute best! I only have a 125CC bike as I'm new to all this but would be up for the meet.

A Japanese motorcycle company called, Megura, I believe, produced a 650 parallel twin heavily based on the BSA A65. Megura was absorbed into Kawasaki who in turn offered their own 650. In the mid 70s Kawasaki had a DOHC 360° air cooled parallel twin called, amazingly, a Z750. In a sea of inline-4s, it was never a big seller. This W800 owes a lot to these earlier machines and it's a great pity it's not available officially new anymore in the UK. Love that rear drum brake on spoked wheels. OK, may not be that efficient, but it looks so right on a bike styled in this manner. Just mo. Congrats on your subs numbers. Very well deserved. 👍

The W800 is still sold here in Denmark, so I don't think it's because of emissions, if you don't have it in the UK. Here it costs 50% more than a Royal Enfield Interceptor, so it's a rare bike on the roads, but it truly is gorgeous!

This bike sounds perfect with aftermarket exhaust system, bevel gear driven cams and 360 degree crank

Finally! Been waiting on you to review this bike. Nice work, it’s been worth the wait.

I rotate between my w800 and my Sportster roadster it brings me. It brings me back to the 60s when I started riding. Love them both As always another good video thanks

Firstly, congratulations - much deserved too 👏. Yes, a stunner that W800. I'll bet it's made in Japan too which adds to the authenticity. These were 650 originally and I saw one of those a couple of year's ago.

Looking forward to seeing the old man again….legend!

Congratulations for 100K, go for 200K ! when i bought my Honda 125, the owner's nephew followed me for a test ride on his W800. fantastic looking bike !

Good one Darcy - I’ve always admired this bike from afar, it’s beautiful

Firstly Darcy & your dad, congrats on 100,000 mate! 👏🏼 I love this Kwaka! My late uncle here in Australia was riding AJ’s, Matchless & Ariel’s back in the 1950’s! He married my mum’s sister, Auntie Barb back then & they went on their honeymoon on an old Ariel! Any years later after my dear Aunty Barb passed away Uncle Don said to me “I’m thinking about getting one last bike! I like the Kawasaki WR800. What do you think?…” I said “Uncle Don, go for it! Unfortunately his health took a turn for the worst & he never got the opportunity. Nonetheless, Darcy a wonderful tribute by Kawasaki to a bygone era. I still have my Triumph Thruxton 900, 2011 model, a Triumph Steve McQueen Edition & a lot older classic, the BMW R100s,1980! 😎👍🏼🇦🇺

It’s the prettiest for sure. It sounds like an old bike too ! Very cool.

Wow, this Kawasaki W800 looks amazing bro...I'm interested to hear more about the comparison between this W800 and the Royal Enfield Continental GT. Those are both such cool bikes, and it would be great to see how they stack up against each other...congrats on reaching 100,000 subscribers! That's a huge milestone. Here's to many more!"

Congrats on crossing the 100k subs threshold, well deserved for your restless top notch quality work, lads👍

Concrats for the 100K!

Congrats on 100k! Well done! I'm waiting for the details of the bike meet!

Great video thanks Darcy. I'd like to congratulate you and the Ol' Man for achieving 100K subscribers, this in my opinion is long over due but very well deserved. Please keep doing what you both do as we all love your reviews, they are always professionally produced and informative.

Congratulations on 100K well deserved. Keep it up🏍️😁

whoo, finally a W800 review from you guys! a nice surprise to see during this hot Saturday afternoon accompanied by a glass of iced coffee. i have the smallest variant of the W series family, the W175 as my weekend toy. quite spartan compared to its contemporaries, but in my eyes it looks the most retro

I was wondering if Mr. Darcy or the Ol' Man would ever review my bike, and just then as if my magic, you did! This is great. I'll confirm video matches my thoughts as well. About a decade ago I noticed a really good looking bike parked by my office here in New York on a regular basis and found out it was a 2000 or 2001 Kawasaki W650. I learned it was imported to the States for just those two years and started trying to find them on the used market. But then Kawasaki announced they were coming out with a W800 for 2020 and I got it as soon as it got warm enough to ride, which turned out to be a week before the pandemic. Anyway I couldn't be happier! I love everything about this bike. It's very well suited for city riding and perfectly fine on the highways. A really great all-purpose bike which I've been using as a commuter for four years. It is like riding to work on a work of art!

I got one few months ago and really love that motorcycle, as much for its great esthetic as for its character. The kind of bike I’ll keep forever 😀

Congrats on the 100K subscribers! Very lovely bike indeed.

Well deserved on reaching 100k👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻one of my favourite channels as I like the content & we share the same sense of humour! As for a venue for a bike meet would cooper motorcycles help out?

Congrats on the 100k! Was already thinking about doing a roadtrip from Amsterdam to the UK on my XJR1300, but your bike meet just convinced me 🤙🏻

Awesome content as usual keep up the good work

since i own one, watching this video makes me want to go for a ride.... problem is, its pouring down rain and i do not need to go anywhere. love this motorcycle!

Could you guys do a video, on what bikes you would recommend to an older beginner rider. Congrats on the 100k subscriber milestone. I’m a new subscriber and I’ve really enjoyed the content thus far.

Thanks for reviewing the W800, particularly the original version. I have the 2014 Black Edition. Lovely bike.

That was a great review. I burst out laughing with the juxtaposition of bucolic rural scenes and reggae, in a fun way. Looking forward to the future episodes featuring a few classics.

Congratulations on the 100k, well deserved 👏👏Nice looking machine. Did you notice the VW combo at 10.28😍

Congratulations on hitting 100K! I think Kawasaki has dropped the ball on the W800 when compared to the RE INT650. The INT has a 6 speed gear box, compared to the W800's 5 speed. Nearly the same HP and torque, however the RE is about 33% lower in price. The W800 is $10,400 US, while the INT650 is $6,849. Both are beautiful modern classics as far as looks, performance, and styling go, but the INT650 comes in at $3,550 US dollars less. Having ridden both I found the power curve for both very similar and the 6th gear on the highway gave the INT for me, a much more relaxed ride. The engine felt far less stressed with over 100cc less displacement. Ride safe!

U hit the big one 100k!! Well deserved 😮..n the W800 is a looker😊

100k and growing. Well done.

Congratulations on 100K!

Need to start doing some vids looking at cheaper bikes, subscriber bikes in different price brackets. I think that would be a great angle for the channel. Love the vids btw!

the first W800 is the most simple, confortable and beautiful retro bike, only modern for the fuel inyection. I'm a owner of a W800 SE 2012 Balck and Gold. Amazing bike

Gorgeous! That says it all…I want one so bad , but would have to sell my GS. Not a bad idea at the age of 66.. Great job Mr.Darcy of presenting this gem of a motorcycle. Greetings from Berlin, Jim

Well done for reaching your milestone, very well deserved; you guys put a great deal of effort into your content and is a welcome change to the POV videos that proliferate KZfaq. As for the W, well, I bought the Cafe version which is actually a bit roomier as there’s a bit of a stretch like the Continental GT and rear disc which works far better. They are only Euro 4 hence there demise in Europe and U.K. which is a shame but being Japanese built, we’re costly. The one thing you forgot to mention, its standout feature, is that bevel drive for the OHC. Done purely because they could, and expensive talking piece; ‘tricketry’ as Henry Cole would say. I look forward to the Interceptor comparison; I decided against that one mostly because they are everywhere; I’ve never seen another W Cafe on the road but a few Standards and 650s are out there.

wow 100k subscribers...congrats!!!

I suggest Squires bikers cafe in Sherburn in Elmet near Leeds. It’s a big venue with a big car park, lots of land, cafe and bar areas, bikers shop etc and is used to hosting big events….more importantly it is slap bang in the middle of the country for all your viewers

In my opinion the problem with drum brakes isn't stopping power. But lack of feel and that they fade quite quickly. Also congrats for the 100k! 🥳

I have always been a fan of your content. Keep up the good work. Love from the island nation of Sri lanka.

Bike Meet suggestion: The Robin Hood, Clifton Reynes, close to Olney. I love the W650/800 - I want one!

I've owned two of these. Beautiful looking bike. The 360-degree crank gives that traditional parallel twin sound and feel, without heavy vibes. I'm six foot fall, and like you I found the riding position a bit cramped. Also, the gap between thighs and narrow rear of tank/front of seat prevented a good connection with the bike.

I share your enthusiasm and fascination for this beauty. For me too, it is one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever produced.

I always wondered why the W800 is still not there, and here it is! ❤

had one back in 2011 a lovely thing for sure

Love the style of both bikes, and my Continental GT l, Classic 350 and soon Shotgun 650 because they are functional and have lines that are there for beautiful

Beautiful Great video Imagine how great that engine would look with a Rickman Metisse chassis wrapped around it

I was considering this as my first bike. None available at the time in my area, and the horsepower is a little low. I like the styling aside from the pea shooter exhaust. I bought a Speed Twin 900 instead. I'm really happy with my choice, but the W800 bike has great styling, and I only assume reliability will be solid. I enjoy the videos!

Absolutely the most authentic bike built today . Original design and build materials with todays safety features. ABS, FUEL INJECTION.

Well done 👍 and I would be up for a meet as long as it’s not fookin 100’s of miles away…. Ps try reaching out to one of the biker cafes and see if they would be up for it…. Well done again pal👏

She’s a beauty and what I consider a true classic. The exhaust is an easy fix with a hole saw and that green is my favorite color but they don’t offer it anymore sadly

I own a 2019 W800 Cafe and I get after market parts from Omega Racer in Thailand. They make exhausts for the 2019 and later models as well as some of the earlier models. Some of the exhausts differ from the original (like a scramble option) but they make one that looks exactly the same but no cat and they come with or without baffles. I was very happy with my exhaust and other parts and would recommend them. Not only does it sound better, but you will feel the extra HP above 5000 revs.

Its a lovely bike love the styling a lovely review to

Hi, For Bike Meet, Suggestion: The Yew Tree Inn, Cauldon Low, Staffordshire They host Motor Events, and it's a great old Pub, lots of Character

Congrats on the 100k!! ..New rider at 57 years of age and I’m very fond of my 2023 W800. I wanted as retro a bike as I could find and there’s nothing that compares to the W. 360° crank, air cooled vertical twin with a lovely vibe that lets you know you have something between your legs. As far as folks saying the W is overpriced, here in Canada the Royal Enfield 650’s aren’t that much cheaper.

Finally got your hands on one! IMO the design of this bike is perfect, when I have a spare £5k lying around I need to acquire one and baby it. I have deliberately avoided buying one to date because my bikes usually get used and abused, I need the facilities for a second bike that I can look after properly before I pick one of these up. Also crazy that you haven't ridden any older bikes! You should just take a punt on an 80s or 90s Honda.

The W800 is undoubtedly a fine modern classic. In the UK it's always been somewhat in the shadow of Hinckley's products, but in my opinion it's a more faithful tribute to the idea and the image of what a classic parallel twin should be. It's rather ironic to think that back in the day, the Japanese products helped to cause the demise of the British motorcycle industry back in the 1960's/70's when our factories were turning out similar machines to this 'modern' Kawasaki. I have owned my W650 since 1999, when I traded in my Ducati 900ss to buy it. It came into the country in the same batch as the road test bikes, but was spared that fate, instead being taken into stock by a motorcycle dealership up the road from Kawasaki HQ in Bourne End. It shares garage space with 3 other bikes, but it is still my favourite. I have been riding for 47 years, during which time I have owned more than 20 very different bikes and ridden countless others. I can honestly say that the W650 is one of the best all rounders. Being of a certain vintage myself, I cut my teeth on bikes with drum brakes, basic electrics and generally 'no frills' gizmo and gadget wise. The W suits my style of riding perfectly. It's taken me near and far with the utmost reliability. I do all my own servicing and spannering, and the W is very easy to work on. I like the fact that it has carburettors and a kickstarter. I did take a test ride on a W800 with a view to possible purchase, but with just a 100cc increase in capacity (albeit with fuel injection and a bit more torque), I decided that I preferred my 650. I know that I made the right decision to keep it. Anyway, congrats on the increasing subs and another good review.

A bike I haven’t really considered but it definitely has those classic looks

Stunning bike. Wish they’d kept a kickstarter like they did with the w650.

Try and contact Newark show ground. They do similar stuff and it’s nicely situated between the A1 and A46 👍🏻

You can change the exhaust w/o intake remapping up to 2020. Delkevic and Khan Moto make Norton style systems for W800 that sound fantastic!

Well deserved success

Hi guys, congrats on the hundred K

way to go on the 100k, I got 100 on mine too! just figuring out how to get the "k" after it! well done guys!

Happy to attend a local meet if it's dry. I'd bring the Himi. Maybe Cooperb would host you if you ask nicely?

I have the w650 2002 it's stood the test of time build quality is excellent, it's even more of a classic than the w800 you get a choke lever, fuel tap with reserve and a kick-start which came in handy for a few weeks when the Battery died, you have to think more regarding the brakes and ride it smoother but down your favorite back road it's great fun. Stick another 15 on your 70 easily, Absolutely Love it!!

What's your recording gear? It's surely make the grass looks pretty. I like it

I got a proposal regarding the place for the Mr Darcy and Ol' Man Bike Meeting, do it on an island right on the middle of the Atlantic Sea! I'll explain why. Since I'm here in Brazil and you guys are in Great Britain it could be fair for everybody, you would come half way south and I could go half way north! That would be perfect! 😂 Poor joke aside, of course unfortunately I won't be able to show up on your bike meeting, but I wish you all the best before, during and after the event. Congratulations for reaching 100k subscribers, hope the channel keep growing strong featuring other motorcycles as stunning as the W800 depicted here. Best regards from Brazil. 🏍 🏖 😎

A bike meet sounds like fun, count me in. I can`t speak for them but have you tried The Sammy Miller Museum, near Southampton. There is plenty of parking, its easy to get to, a café on site, and of course the museum ,its also in the beautiful New Forest. They entertain plenty of club meets so may be able to help. Good luck with it...

It's great that Kawasaki kept the 360 degree crank. I bought a Triumph T100 in 2011 and the 270 degree crank was a complete disappointment in the engine feel compared to the Triumph T140E I owned for 15 years

Like your content but everything is always absolutely lovely brilliant and fantastic.