Motorcycle specifications KawasakiW 650 2001 So British, says the rising sun

presentation of the W 650 2001

British motorcycles from the golden age of motorcycling fired the passions. From Norton and Triumph to the leather battles in front of London's Ace Café, the '60s vibrated to the sound of gleaming machines full of personality and... random reliability. Inspired by the Hinckley-based manufacturer's illustrious Bonneville, the W 650 was a superb idea from Kawasaki. Its success is undeniable, no doubt because it offers all those nostalgic for the sixties the chance to "rediscover" the charm of an English motorcycle of that era, without having to get their hands dirty every 200 kms. And then there are all those who appreciate beautiful machines, because the W 650 is a beautiful machine. Like the Bonneville of yesteryear, the bike is powered by a 650 cm3 twin.

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Not super-powerful, but very pleasant to ride, especially in the low to mid-range. This mill, quite supple and with very little vibration, exudes joie de vivre. The sausage pots even give it a very pleasant tone of voice. With its wide handlebars, low seat height and easy handling, it immediately puts the rider at ease. With its general joviality, the bike quickly titillates your senses and suggests a playful ride. That's all it takes to enjoy the ride. Reassuring, the machine holds the road well, and only at high speeds is stability perfectible in long curves. Handling is excellent, making for a playful, winding ride on small country roads. It's here that you'll appreciate the work done by the suspension, preserving comfort while softening road imperfections. The single-disc front brake is convincing, but the rear is frankly lacking in power. The pleasure of riding this "Anglo-Japanese" is simply superb.

M.B - (photos internet)

Published on 1/18/21
by Greg

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Key facts Kawasaki W 650 (2001) : What you need to know before you buy

Highlights

• Look
• Engine
• Partie-cycle

Weak points

• Guidons trop grands
• Saddle a little firm

Prices

	Basic version
France	6,999€

Bikers' reviews

of 21 reviews Read reviews

Model sold in 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Performance

• Max speed : over 170 km/h (105.60 mph)
• Average fuel consumption : 4.70 liters/100km (0.50 mpg)
• Estimated range : 319 km (198 miles)
  Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.

History

Evolution : from 1999 to 2019

See its history and progress over the years W 650 / W 800 - La Bonneville de Kawasaki.

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 21 reviews

bonnie without the hassle!

nounours 50 Model 2003

having owned 102 motorcycles in my life, the W650 stands out for its riding pleasure; its vocation has never been to compete with other motorcycles in its category, but to provide its rider with safety, comfort and everyday pleasure. performance enthusiasts won't go looking for a sixties bonnie, so they know the W isn't for them... much more interesting than its fuel-injected big sister, the 800, which I only kept for a month and a half, the 650 will remain in my garage for Sunday rides with my vintage buddies! 11/05/2025 19:25 Rating : 4/5 Respond to nounours 50

NOUNOURS 35 Model 2006

after 98 motorcycles and 70 years on the road, I find this bike very endearing, its torque making up for its low power, which you quickly forget when you adopt a cooler riding style! 07/31/2024 12:33 Rating : 4/5 Respond to NOUNOURS 35

Magnifique encore aujourd'hui en 2023 rien à rouiller tout est encore parfait

Love Model 2002

Motorcycle still beautiful today 2023 11/30/2023 19:49 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Love

RICK Model 2005

BON SOIR, JE LA TROUVE MAGNIFIQUE UNE VRAIE MERVEILLE, BIEN PLUS FIABLE QUE LES TRUMPH QUE J'AI EU. WITH A FEW FAULTS OF COURSE, THE VERY HARD SEAT, THE SOFT FRONT BRAKE, AND THE VERY RANDOM ROAD HOLDING EVEN WITH THE LITTLE QUIDON IF YOU RESPECT THE MANUFACTURER'S TIRE PRESSURE OF 1,7kg at the front, I put on 2.1kg and we're on a different bike. For the front brake, I put on an aviation hardness, and there's much less loss at the lever. THE ENGINE STRUCTURE REALLY LOOKS RÉCTRO, A FANTASTIC COUPLE I CROSS VILLAGES AT 50 kmH IN 5 iem WITHOUT HITTING THE PISTONS,HIS 4,5 LITERS PER 100 AND EVEN LESS DEPENDING ON DRIVING AND 5 LITERS IN TOWN, ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT, SINCE ITS PURCHASE TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO I NO LONGER DRIVE IT AND I SOLD MY CAR 10/07/2015 21:47 Rating : 5/5 Respond to RICK

michpot Model 1999

slt my 650W kawasaki year 2002,12000km good condition green color of any beauty,unfortunately according to my chick I have to sell it,snif in your opinion how puiiens I get 1 max .mercie;Michpot 01/19/2012 12:38 Rating : 5/5 Respond to michpot

Pipil

Vends ta gonzesse!!! 09/05/2013 17:25 Rating : 3/5 Participate in the conversation

philippe52 Model 2006

It's a very pleasant bike to ride cool, you can titillate it a bit but it will rub very quickly in the corners. It's comfortable and easy to ride! But there's a risk of "high" speed steering if you tense up on the handlebars! It will soon have an 800 cc big sister! It's my "Sunday" bike that I'm going to keep!
Bonne route aux vrais motards . 09/20/2010 16:03 Rating : 5/5 Respond to philippe52

Feuille Model 2006

Warrol: I've had enough
Stop criticizing this bike as a pale copy of a Bonneville! It's INSUPORTABLE!
The W650 is a reissue of the W1, which was a Kawa motorcycle from the 1960s! It's time to get your facts straight! 11/20/2008 11:47 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Feuille

stood Model 2006

I've owned a W 650 since 2002 and have only covered 26,000 km,
it's an extremely reliable and easy-to-maintain bike, and its looks remind me more of a BSA A 10 than a Triumph, but that's a personal opinion. I don't do a lot of Paris with it, but I've found it behaves perfectly well in city traffic. Given the riding position, I wouldn't recommend freeway riding (I've got a big handlebar model), as it puts a strain on the arms and is downright monotonous,
on the other hand, its torque at low revs makes this bike more than pleasant ..... Try it for yourself! The sound of the original pots is perfect, it has a satisfactory range, it's a very good machine
I wouldn't change for anything in the world
Stood 06/06/2008 17:22 Rating : 5/5 Respond to stood

Miko Model 2006

I've been driving a W650 2000 for 3 years now... it goes by fast when you're happy :-) I was lucky to find it, they were only on the market for 2 years in Canada (2000 and 2001) and only a few hundred found an owner. I replaced the seat with a Corbin Gun Fighter (mono) and the original handlebars for a cafe racer style. Better comfort and less wind resistance. And what a look!!! People stop me at traffic lights, salivating... Even Harley riders deign to smile at me (no mean feat). On the perfo side, I've replaced the air box with K&N filters and installed new jets accordingly. I'm in love, but the season is still too short in Quebec. 03/30/2007 19:59 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Miko

JPL Model 2006

You need to inflate the front to 2.5kg. When I feel a little blur when cold, which fades as soon as the tire warms up, I'm at 2.2 sensitive (at least with the original tire)
Can you make up my power plant? I can't, maybe I need to work out
On long trips, my bottom hurts and it's uncomfortable. Has anyone changed the seat?
Otherwise, I love this bike! 07/25/2006 23:09 Rating : 5/5 Respond to JPL

warrol Model 2006

hi everyone

how can we psychologically get over the hurdle?

i liked the aesthetics of this brele but it's a copy!
it's flat and empty
anodized, tasteless and mediocre

i came close, but I couldn't make it on the first try
i stopped it, crutched it up and sat in front of it...
nothing
all i see on this brele is knock-off and the very bad feeling of a modern plagiarism, a bad marketing stunt
almost an insult to the real history of European motorcycling
Our history

i'm still fascinated by the guys who manage to buy them
you use them as utilities with a top case?

greetings
05/28/2006 16:24 Rating : 5/5 Respond to warrol

good-deal Model 2006

After more than 25,000 km, I can tell you a lot about it. I'd advise any new owner to protect the mudguards well, and to regularly spray WD-40 in the areas that are least easy to maintain. After that, I'm really enjoying it, it's a real bike, it doesn't limp much, and maintenance is cheap, and above all, at least the MUG stands out from all the others. 05/27/2006 13:34 Rating : 5/5 Respond to good-deal

krikri Model 2006

I've been in perfect love with my W for 6 years and 49,000 km. The only changes from the original: Hagon shocks and Wilbers fork springs, and the sausage becomes a rail! 03/15/2006 11:08 Rating : 5/5 Respond to krikri

roland34 Model 2006

i've had this bike for three years now,.....and it's finally a bike that I like!...these days, motorcycles have lost some of their charm and the ability to put a bit of their soul into them.for my part, I've converted mine into a café racer (nostalgia for my past years...lol..) I've rediscovered some nice sensations,it's a simple bike and easy to maintain,not to mention that it's easy on the wallet....If I had to make one criticism, I'd say it lacks a little comfort, but that's nothing compared to the pleasure you get from riding this bike, which has a retro look and feel. Today, there's too much of a tendency to give priority to power and the way bikes are stacked, which for me is not a benchmark...for me, the w650 is another way of tasting the joy of motorcycling.avis:ceux qui cherchent des sensations de vitesse, laissés tomber....ce n'est pas un veau, mais pas non plus un dragster, c'est une moto avant tout pour se faire plaisir, et qui correspond à un certain état d'esprit. k.rol650@wanadoo.fr for those who want more information 01/10/2006 09:00 Rating : 5/5 Respond to roland34

jeanjean Model 2006

tres bonne moto tres façile
lok enorme ,fiabilitée ,économique
road comfort ...........bof

TRES BONNE MOTO 12/31/2005 10:31 Rating : 5/5 Respond to jeanjean

jfr Model 2006

Hello, I have owned this bike for 2 years and 40000 km on the odometer. I use it every day (20km) and for long trips (500km). It's an easy bike in town, with a rear brake that prevents slipping on wet or icy roads. It's a reliable bike with low fuel consumption and a small insurance policy, so its purchase price is justified. To make it more practical, I've fitted it with a windshield, a luggage rack and a small pannier to hold a U, rain pants and an anti-puncture spray can. For trips, I use the leather panniers offered by Kawa. Once loaded, it's no longer a motorcycle but a mule!
It's designed to be used every day, or for long trips, provided you avoid the freeway at over 130/140. A very fun bike on small country roads: extra! 07/10/2005 20:51 Rating : 5/5 Respond to jfr

Sébastien Model 2006

Hi, I've just got my licence, my father owns one and I was allowed to take it for a spin. Excellent word and very pleasant to drive! Between the custom and the roadster not bad and it's the show off. I like it, it's a good toy, but I'm more attracted to a Z750, even though my young age must have something to do with it.
On those good road to all!
05/22/2005 13:09 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Sébastien

dens86 Model 2006

I can confirm that it's a different way of riding, very original, but with plenty of thrills. What's more, the beast is economical. Unfortunately, I can't really enjoy it, so I'm selling the one I have, in superb condition; if you're interested, please contact me: denis.rochard@univ-poitier.fr 05/12/2005 12:57 Rating : 5/5 Respond to dens86

tb79 Model 2006

the previous comments are nice, but I'd like to hear from W650 owners. thanks and see you on the net! 04/01/2005 22:46 Rating : 5/5 Respond to tb79

lrvtt Model 2006

It's probably my next bike
It's got everything I want in a motorcycle
A superb face, out of sync with current production, that gives you the feeling of riding something "original"
An engine that combines everything I love: flexibility
pleasant character from low to mid-range,
Economy in use (fuel, maintenance),
It's the perfect size for everyday driving
in town ,on small roads ,or even when travelling,
Reliability that looks excellent,
A motorcycle philosophy that's pretty cool for preserving license points, but not "custom"
because I don't really like that category..
All that's left for me is to save up the considerable
to become the happy owner
owner. 02/04/2005 18:07 Rating : 5/5 Respond to lrvtt

Tan Model 2006

a nice, simple little motorcycle. but expensive... if I'd found a second-hand one at a reasonable price, I think I'd have fallen for it straight away. 01/08/2005 11:47 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Tan

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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the W 650 2001

What is the power of the W 650 2001?

The W 650 2001 develops a power of 50 ch (49.30 hp)

What is the torque of the W 650 2001?

The maximum torque of the W 650 2001 is 5.70 mkg to 5,500 rpm.

What is the maximum speed of the W 650 2001?

The W 650 2001 is capable of reaching a top speed of over 170 km/h (105.60 mph) on the track.

What is the weight of the W 650 2001?

The W 650 2001 has a a dry weight of 195 kg (430 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 215 kg (474 lb).

What is the fuel consumption of the W 650 2001?

Average fuel consumption is estimated at 4.70 l/100km (0.50 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.

QWhat is the seat height of the W 650 2001?

To ensure good accessibility, the W 650 2001 offers a minimum seat height of 800 mm (31.50 in).

What is the price of the W 650 2001?

The price of the W 650 2001 is 6,999€ in France