Short video going over highlights of modifications I've made to my W800. Detailed in the video is the seat, rear rack, and tires. Longer video going over all the modifications and why I made them is in the works.
Hello Blue - Great advice on the tires! I’m in California and my ‘24 W800 with stock Dunlops on the freeways is rather squirrelly and unsettling. So new tires for highway riding is my future. Otherwise, love my W in all the same ways all W800 riders do. Thanks and Cheers!
I did some similar mods: In addition to the Road Classic tires (a great recommendation BTW) I added a Dart Flyscreen windscreen, 20mm handlebar risers, a Corbin Gunfighter seat (tried the Omega Racer and didn't like it), and a passenger grab bar instead of the rack. I also replaced the black throttle body covers with chrome covers. A great riding bike, reminds me a lot of the 1976 Kawasaki 750 twin I got in '76 and rode coast to coast.
Kawasaki W800 is the most beautiful bike there is in the retro realm. Pure joy to ride. Pretty useful modifications, I was considering swapping the seat as well. It's a bit less comfortable for taller riders (I'm 6 ft) due to the curve being too close to the tank. But it didn't stop me from making my first 10k kilometers anyway.
Ive been using Metzler lasertech tires on my 01 W. There work wonderfully. There supposed to be good in the rain also, but i dont like riding in the rain. Thanks for sharing !!
With the summer were having in New Brunswick getting caught in the rain is becoming a habit, not one i like. Spent 2 hours in the rain on the weekend, just under 200kms, and the Road Classics felt solid. I would call it a medium rain, was having Pizza during the big down pour, and way more than a drizzle. The W800 stuck to the road and didnt have any "moments". Alway good to hear about your W Big Blue.
I found a 2020 with only 62 miles on it the guy was short and couldn’t reach the ground. He even purchased a lowered OEM Kawasaki seat which lowered the seat by 2 inches. He had the original seat which I put on and it was not comfortable for my big butt. I put on the Corbin “gunfighter and lady” and it changed the bike for me it’s expensive and perfect for me. If anyone wants to buy the Kawasaki low seat I’ll sell it for half what Kawasaki gets. Tires next I’m still breaking it in but love the bike so far
I'm 5'8" (approximately 173 cm) and I had a slight lean forward, so I put on the 28mm bar risers to bring the bars up a little and closer to me to make the ride more 'upright' which I personally find very comfortable. The comfort seat actually helped the distance to the ground a little bit I think, but only slightly. Thank you for commenting!
Great information. Does the small flyscreen offer any wind protection and does it introduce wind buffeting? I love clean air of non faired motorcycles.
I waited a while before swapping out the dunlops, I'm super glad that I bought the MIchelin Road Classics, they are very good tires with a *lot* more grip. Confidence inpiring in the wet and corners! I do have a recommendation for the Avon's too, so those I'll try after I wear out the Michelins!
It's bling. That being said, there is a tiny amount of difference using the fly screen in the mid section, (think under rib cage while riding), if you're looking for proper wind protection, a fly screen isn't going to do the trick. Thank you for the question and for watching the video!
Hahaha - I didn't modify any of those, infact - I *added* weight even (crash bars and rear rack) - I think you're looking more for cafe racer mods on a W800... I recommend checking Omega Racer - www.omegaracer.com/cat_782642-kawasaki-w650-w800-parts/
