When the student overtakes the teacher
For some purists, the Kawasaki W650 is just a Japanese copy without the charm of British myth. But for 1000 euros less, the copy – released before the reissue of the original! – offers a very interesting compromise. Urban essay.
Certainly, in the eyes of some purists, the Kawasaki W650 is just a vulgar Japanese copy that can never be proud of the myth of the British motorcycle..
Either … But it only prevents the copy – output before the reissue of the original! – offer for 1000 euros less a compromise that is well worth the detour !
Already, the ignition key located in the "normal" place makes it possible not to forget it stupidly as on the Triumph Bonneville (read).
In terms of look, the jap ‘does not have much to envy to the British. And for good reason: it includes almost piece by piece all the elements that make the charm of the Bonnie: vertical twin, sausage pots, spoked wheels … The Japanese even kept the kick, missing on the English !
The W650 is equipped as standard with a central stand and above all, it treats the possible passenger with greater consideration than the English, thanks to two effective grab handles.
The mirrors, visually failed (trapeze), have a clear tendency to vibrate at certain speeds but ultimately prove to be rather effective with a little practice. The sausage pots, identical to the original Triumph version, deliver a nice sound less "roots" than on the English and more discreet when decelerating. As on the English, the choke is on the carburetor.
The saddle, relatively hard, is wide and remains comfortable at least in town. It leaves hope for a large storage space … which vanishes upon opening !
As flexible and manoeuvrable as its British colleague, the Kawa easily makes you forget its lower displacement of more than 100 cm3 compared to the Bonneville (675 against 790). Lighter by 10 kg (195 kg dry against 205), the Japanese take 180 meters without complaining. On the German motorway, it must certainly even reach the last graduation of its meter (200), provided it has cervicals treated with gibolin. On the other hand, an unpleasant hollow is regularly felt at mid-speed on the first reports..
The handlebars of the W650, straighter than on the Triumph, are efficient. While the large handlebar version offers a questionable look and efficiency to say the least, the flat handlebar is the most beautiful effect. It will of course be necessary to cling seriously to it past 160, but curiously the air pressure is less felt than on the English. The reinforcements on the sides of the tank also allow you to feel the bike much better with the knees.
The clutch, a little hard at first, is no problem after a few kilometers. The simple and complete tachometer unit offers an odometer, a trip and a digital display clock. A push button located between the counter and the tachometer allows you to switch from one display to another, reset the trip and set the clock.
Like the Bonneville, the W650 is a very pleasant motorcycle around town. And just like her mistress, she makes you want to go and test her elsewhere than in urban pif-paf and other city roundabouts … But it will be for another test !
Kawasaki W650 tech. Sheet
| Engine | |
| Type | Inline twin, 4 stroke, air cooled |
| Displacement | 675 cm3 |
| Bore x stroke | 72 x 83 mm |
| Compression ratio | 8.7: 1 |
| Distribution | Single ACT, 8 valves |
| Food | 2 Keihin CVK34 carburettors |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Starter | Electric and kick |
| Transmission | |
| Gearbox | 5 gears, automatic neutral search |
| Final | Chain |
| Cycle part | |
| Frame | Double cradle |
| Front suspension | 39 mm telescopic fork |
| Suspension AR | Double shock absorber adjustable in preload |
| Front tire | 100/90 – 19 57H |
| Rear tire | 130/80 – 18 66H |
| Front brake | Single disc |
| Rear brake | Drum, 160 mm |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 2,185 mm |
| Width | 905 mm |
| Height | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,450 mm |
| Saddle height | 800 mm |
| Tank | 15 liters |
| Dry weight | 195kg |
| Commercial information | |
| Color small handlebar | Blue Silver |
| Large handlebar color | Not disclosed |
| Price | € 6,999 |
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