New (to Me) 2000 Kawasaki W650 - Page 100

DaBinChe · 12-19-2012, 10:06 PM

Not sure why y'all so concerned about everything being stock. My bike I got was stock and it was god awful...almost sold it after a few weeks of having it but decided to give it a shot and upgraded the suspension and lowered the handlebars and now it rides the way that it should of been "stock".

Blakebird · 12-20-2012, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBinChe

Not sure why y'all so concerned about everything being stock.

Stock is what retains the resale value.

If you're going to sell it, it's good to have the stock parts to bring it back to as close to stock as possible. I wouldn't include suspension in that formula though - I think a good set of aftermarket shocks and fork springs are improvements that should stay with the bike - aftermarket shocks are made to look like oem.

Barnone · 12-20-2012, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blakebird

Stock is what retains the resale value.

If you're going to sell it, it's good to have the stock parts to bring it back to as close to stock as possible. I wouldn't include suspension in that formula though - I think a good set of aftermarket shocks and fork springs are improvements that should stay with the bike - aftermarket shocks are made to look like oem.

Yep, that's is what I believe we are preaching. Anyway, it is your bike so you can do anything to it you want.

I would prefer to have an unmolested bike but that is just me. When i bought my W650 last year it was stock except for tiny after market turn signals and no tank badges. I did do the three turns out mod and added LeatherLyke hard bags but that is it for me. I've had three W650s all with the stock handle bars which are fine for me.

GoonerYoda · 12-20-2012, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBinChe

Not sure why y'all so concerned about everything being stock. My bike I got was stock and it was god awful...almost sold it after a few weeks of having it but decided to give it a shot and upgraded the suspension and lowered the handlebars and now it rides the way that it should of been "stock".

The hope is, with a stock bike, the owner didn't do too much to it to ruin it. Changing out too many things may be great for the owner, but the buyer may not like it.

Mine is still stock with the exception of the progressive rear shocks. I may change the bar and then again, I may not for example. But I think I'll eventually do what I can to smooth out the engine a bit more.

Spike77 · 12-20-2012, 07:51 PM

I've never posted any pics so I thought it was about time. Merry Christmas,
happy Hanukkah, and happy holidays if that's what you prefer. Cheers and good
tidings to all...

Spike77

https://plus.google.com/photos/11330...Iizh6quj7rqqAE

DaBinChe · 12-21-2012, 12:36 AM

with cosmetic stuff I could understand cause beauty is in the eye of the beholder...but stock the bike rides/handles/feels like crap. I'm glad I changed things which makes this bike a long time keeper.

Kentucky · 12-21-2012, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBinChe

with cosmetic stuff I could understand cause beauty is in the eye of the beholder...but stock the bike rides/handles/feels like crap. I'm glad I changed things which makes this bike a long time keeper.

I have had three W's. My current one and my last one were both used for touring. I rode each of them to LA and back from Daytona. National Cycle Plexistar 2, Corbin and racks for GIVI bags were the only changes. I find them extremely comfortable for long distances. It's going to hurt a little turning this one loose but it will be on the market as soon as I get some pics taken.
Barry

Ginger Beard · 12-21-2012, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duelsporter

It was a nice day for a ride here today - almost 70 degrees. Took a couple of the bikes out for some excercise, including the W. I forgot my camera -- sorry for the crappy cell-phone pic.

Nice!!

tonysmallframe · 12-29-2012, 04:09 PM

Looking at getting one of these as a city bike. Found a couple examples with 40k+ miles on them - anything to be wary about?

ORexpat · 12-29-2012, 04:33 PM

Most folks report a dead-reliable ride. Normal issues seems to revolve around a dying battery causing weird electrical gremlins, and the usual issues caused by ethanol and dirty carbs. One issue I've heard of that's particular to the Dub is rare; oil leakage around the oil delivery tube (IIRC) between the cylinders at their back. Apparently that can rust and cause problems requiring a tear down. OTT, the bikes are very well designed and built.

Oh- there is an issue with the rear fender cracking. See earlier posts. Several inmates have posted photos or repair and maintenance work.

Many folks upgrade front and rear suspension. If you ride w/o a windshield many of us prefer lower bars. Lots of posts on those too. Some also like to drill the air boxes and play with the jetting; personally I think the factory got that pretty close. Tweaking the air screws and blocking the vacuum for the air injection to the exhaust seems to do the trick.

There's also an active Yahoo Group for the W650/800. They have extensive digital files that are a superb resource.

Barnone · 12-30-2012, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonysmallframe

Looking at getting one of these as a city bike. Found a couple examples with 40k+ miles on them - anything to be wary about?

ORexpat pretty much nailed it on the check out of the used W650s.
I would just examine it like any other used quality bike with 40k miles on it. To me a clean and not heavily modified bike is the most desirable.

You didn't ask but if I was getting a city bike for DC, I'd get a 250cc twist and go scooter.

Speedo66 · 12-30-2012, 08:56 AM

When I lived in Manhattan with the potholes, raised manhole covers, ruts, etc., I found a 250 dual sport to be the best urban assault vehicle.

I have had the W down there too, and it also worked just fine, plus got plenty of admiring looks.

Kentucky · 12-31-2012, 04:06 AM

Finally did it. My '01 W is in the Flea Market as of this morning.
Barry

ORexpat · 12-31-2012, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kentucky

Finally did it. My '01 W is in the Flea Market as of this morning.
Barry

We can help post the photos, if you'd like. PM if you're interested in that.

greer · 12-31-2012, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ORexpat

We can help post the photos, if you'd like. PM if you're interested in that.

You beat me to it. We've got to have pictures, Barry. You can send them to dsgreer@scrtc.com if you like.

Sarah

12-20-2012, 07:51 PM	#1490
Spike77 n00b Joined: Apr 2012 Location: NW Pennsylvania Oddometer: 4	My 2000 W I've never posted any pics so I thought it was about time. Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, and happy holidays if that's what you prefer. Cheers and good tidings to all... Spike77 https://plus.google.com/photos/11330...Iizh6quj7rqqAE

12-29-2012, 04:33 PM	#1495
ORexpat Oregon Expatriate Joined: Jan 2007 Location: West of Seattle . . . Oddometer: 2,329	Most folks report a dead-reliable ride. Normal issues seems to revolve around a dying battery causing weird electrical gremlins, and the usual issues caused by ethanol and dirty carbs. One issue I've heard of that's particular to the Dub is rare; oil leakage around the oil delivery tube (IIRC) between the cylinders at their back. Apparently that can rust and cause problems requiring a tear down. OTT, the bikes are very well designed and built. Oh- there is an issue with the rear fender cracking. See earlier posts. Several inmates have posted photos or repair and maintenance work. Many folks upgrade front and rear suspension. If you ride w/o a windshield many of us prefer lower bars. Lots of posts on those too. Some also like to drill the air boxes and play with the jetting; personally I think the factory got that pretty close. Tweaking the air screws and blocking the vacuum for the air injection to the exhaust seems to do the trick. There's also an active Yahoo Group for the W650/800. They have extensive digital files that are a superb resource. __________________ Old . . . and . . . Slow

12-30-2012, 08:56 AM	#1497
Speedo66 Beastly Adventurer Joined: Jan 2010 Location: Now Fairfield Co, CT Oddometer: 4,584	When I lived in Manhattan with the potholes, raised manhole covers, ruts, etc., I found a 250 dual sport to be the best urban assault vehicle. I have had the W down there too, and it also worked just fine, plus got plenty of admiring looks. __________________ '01 Kawasaki W650 '05 Yamaha XT225

12-31-2012, 04:06 AM	#1498
Kentucky Beastly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2006 Location: Daytona Beach, Florida Oddometer: 1,150	Finally did it. My '01 W is in the Flea Market as of this morning. Barry __________________ 2012 Kymco GT300i 2006 Honda ST1300 (for sale soon) 2009 Kymco Agility 125 2006 Kymco B & W 250 SOLD SOLD 2007 Piaggio BV 250

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12-19-2012, 10:06 PM	#1486
DaBinChe Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2007 Location: BayArea Oddometer: 142	Not sure why y'all so concerned about everything being stock. My bike I got was stock and it was god awful...almost sold it after a few weeks of having it but decided to give it a shot and upgraded the suspension and lowered the handlebars and now it rides the way that it should of been "stock".

12-21-2012, 12:36 AM	#1491
DaBinChe Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2007 Location: BayArea Oddometer: 142	with cosmetic stuff I could understand cause beauty is in the eye of the beholder...but stock the bike rides/handles/feels like crap. I'm glad I changed things which makes this bike a long time keeper.

12-29-2012, 04:09 PM	#1494
tonysmallframe Adventurer Joined: Oct 2010 Location: DC Oddometer: 25	Looking at getting one of these as a city bike. Found a couple examples with 40k+ miles on them - anything to be wary about?