Kawasaki W650
The Kawasaki W650 has a top speed of 175 km/h, produces 50 hp and weighs 202 kg. Motoryk rates it 8/10.
La Kawasaki W650 a été introduite en 1999 en hommage moderne aux motos doubles parallèles classiques de style britannique des années 1960, particulièrement inspirées par la légendaire Kawasaki W1 de 1966. Il a été conçu pour capturer l'esthétique et le caractère rétro des vélos vintage tout en incorporant une fiabilité et une ingénierie modernes, avec un moteur à double arbre à cames entraîné par engrenages coniques qui imite l'apparence des poussoirs classiques. Le W650 a développé un public dévoué auprès des amateurs de café racer et de rétro et a été produit jusqu'en 2007, avant d'être remplacé par le W800 à injection de carburant en 2011.
50 hp
Pouvoir
56 Nm
Torque
202 kg
Poids
175 km/h
Vitesse maximale
3.8 L/100km (approx. 26 km/L typical real-world average)
Carburant
Nue
Corps
Video Review
Ce que les acheteurs doivent savoir
Bulletproof Engine Reliability
The W650's parallel-twin engine is widely regarded as exceptionally reliable with minimal major failures reported. Regular oil changes and valve clearance checks are virtually all it needs to run for decades.
Watch for Carb Issues
Sitting bikes commonly develop clogged carburetors due to old fuel varnish buildup — always ask about storage history. A carb clean or rebuild is inexpensive but is the most frequent issue buyers encounter.
Strong Resale Value
The W650 holds its value unusually well due to its discontinued status (produced 1999–2008) and cult following among retro-café enthusiasts. Clean examples often sell for close to purchase price years later.
Générations et spécifications par année
Série de production originale du W650. Deux cames parallèles entraînées par engrenages coniques, style rétro classique d'inspiration britannique sur l'ensemble.
"La moto la plus honnête jamais construite par Kawasaki."
J'ai parcouru 14 000 kilomètres sur une W650 2002 et j'y pense toujours plus qu'à des vélos qui coûtent trois fois plus cher. Cette transmission à cames à engrenages coniques émet un son mécanique qui ne ressemble à rien d'autre : un vrombissement faible et précis sous le son de l'échappement qui rappelle que l'ingénierie peut être un art. Ce n'est pas rapide et 50 chevaux, c'est exactement comme 50 chevaux, mais la courbe de couple est si linéaire et la réponse de l'accélérateur si nette que la conduite urbaine devient véritablement méditative. La véritable frustration réside dans la protection contre le vent : à partir de 130 km/h, vous vous battez contre la physique, et les pièces chromées, aussi belles soient-elles, commencent à se piquer si vous les regardez mal dans un climat humide.
Pros
Les inconvénients
Évaluation d'un acheteur d'occasion
"The most honest classic twin money can currently buy used."
$3,500-$6,500 usedThe W650 is one of those bikes that gets under your skin in a way that's hard to explain rationally. It's not fast, it doesn't handle like a sportsbike, and the technology stopped evolving around 1999 — because that's essentially the point. Kawasaki built something that looks and feels like a 1960s British twin but actually starts first kick, doesn't leak oil, and won't strand you roadside. That parallel twin with its bevel-gear-driven cams sounds absolutely gorgeous at a steady cruise. Used examples need careful inspection around the carb diaphragms — they crack and cause flat spots that frustrate new owners who blame the engine. Check the fork seals, too; they're a known weak point on higher-mileage bikes. Cam chain tensioners occasionally rattle on cold starts but usually self-resolve once warm. Parts availability is decent but not brilliant, so budget accordingly. If you want a genuine café racer base or a Sunday morning machine that makes you smile without destroying your wrists, this is genuinely special. Just don't expect it to keep pace with modern traffic.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Kawasaki W650 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Problèmes courants
🔥 1 CRITICALRev through range, listen for flat spots or hesitation
Cold start rattling from top end, disappears when warm
Check charging voltage, should read 13.5-14.5V at 3000rpm
Oil residue on lower fork legs, soft front end feel
✅Liste de contrôle préalable à l'achat
Solid retro bike, rewarding if well maintained
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Kawasaki W650
Kawasaki W800
Royal Enfield Re 650 Twins
Bsa Gold Star 650
Yamaha Xs650
Kawasaki Z650rs
Compare Kawasaki W650 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Kawasaki W650 vs Kawasaki W800
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki W650 vs Royal Enfield Re 650 Twins
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki W650 vs Bsa Gold Star 650
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki W650 vs Yamaha Xs650
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Kawasaki W650 vs Kawasaki Z650rs
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Kawasaki W650? +
Carb diaphragm cracks causing rough idle: Rev through range, listen for flat spots or hesitation (moderate) | Cam chain tensioner wear and noise: Cold start rattling from top end, disappears when warm (moderate) | Rectifier/regulator failure killing battery: Check charging voltage, should read 13.5-14.5V at 3000rpm (serious)
Is the Kawasaki W650 a good motorcycle? +
The most honest classic twin money can currently buy used. Rating: 8.0/10. Best for: Nostalgic riders wanting reliable classic twin character. Avoid if: You need motorway speed or daily practicality.
What is the horsepower of the Kawasaki W650? +
The Kawasaki W650 produces 50 hp @ 7,500 rpm, with 56 Nm @ 6,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 175 km/h.
Is the Kawasaki W650 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Kawasaki W650 is a reasonable choice for new riders (50 hp is manageable), weighing 202 kg. Nostalgic riders wanting reliable classic twin character
Is the Kawasaki W650 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Kawasaki W650, notably: Rectifier/regulator failure killing battery (Check charging voltage, should read 13.5-14.5V at 3000rpm). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Kawasaki W650 good for daily use? +
Nostalgic riders wanting reliable classic twin character Fuel: 3.8 L/100km (approx. 26 km/L typical real-world average).
How fast is the Kawasaki W650? +
The Kawasaki W650 reaches a top speed of 175 km/h, producing 50 hp at 202 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Kawasaki W650? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Kawasaki W650, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/kawasaki/w650/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
