My New 2001 Kawasaki W650 Bike


2001 Kawasaki W650 motorcycle parked in my driveway.
The Kawasaki W650 moments after bringing it house.

One other Machine within the Storage

Anybody following my weblog or YouTube channel is aware of I’ve been eager about getting some type of motorbike for cruising the backroads of Central Pennsylvania. The Triumph Bonneville has lengthy been in view. However after using a Bonneville and a Road Twin I dominated them out. Don’t get me fallacious, they’re nice bikes. However they simply didn’t set off the sentiments whereas using that I used to be after.

I had just about centered on the Royal Enfield Basic 350. It had the traditional customary motorbike look I used to be after, had a subdued engine, and appeared good for the meandering I favored to do. Pace and energy had been simply not a priority.

So, how did I find yourself with a 2001 Kawasaki W650 motorbike?

2001 Kawasaki W650 parked at a motorcycle dealership.
My first assembly with the Kawasaki W650.

Serendipity

The Kawasaki W650 was not on my radar. I solely had a obscure recognition of its existence primarily based on a suggestion in a remark that I ought to take into account it. How I got here to purchase one is a narrative of probability, serendipity, and a coincidence of excellent fortune.

I had taken my Royal Enfield Himalayan to the Kawasaki vendor just a few miles down the highway from my home to have them do the annual Pennsylvania Security Inspection. After the mechanic took it for a take a look at experience she instructed me it was an fascinating motorbike. She had by no means seen one earlier than. Whereas speaking I instructed her I used to be taking a look at presumably shopping for a Triumph Bonneville to cruise the backroads however wasn’t completely comfy with the burden and energy.

After which she says she has a 2001 Kawasaki W650 that she’s planning to promote if I’m . She confirmed me just a few footage on her cellphone and I instructed her I’d give it some thought. At this level I used to be nonetheless leaning in the direction of a Triumph and I didn’t actually know something a few W650.

2001 Kawasaki W650 parked near Coyler Lake.
My take a look at experience.

Falling for a Bike

A couple of month later, just a few days earlier than my 69th birthday, I texted the mechanic asking if I may take it for a take a look at experience. Preparations had been made for her to experience it to work and I may cease by and take it for a spin.

Once I arrived she was busy changing the wheel bearings on an enormous Indian motorbike so she tossed me the keys and mentioned have enjoyable. A couple of miles later I used to be winding down the backroads towards Coyler Lake with an enormous grin on my face. The Kawasaki W650 was precisely what I used to be searching for.

This motorbike ticked the bins for the issues I used to be all in favour of — simplicity, styling, efficiency, and that elusive feeling I’ll name the “Zen expertise.” From the analog gauges to the twin carbs the W650 exuded simplicity. I cherished how a lot the motorbike regarded like a 1968 Triumph Bonneville. And on the highway it was calm, subdued, however had loads of energy for any scenario I may think about. And most significantly was the “Zen expertise.” I felt instantly at house using it.

This was the motorbike.

2001 Kawasaki W650 on a rural road.
On the highway with my Kawasaki W650.

Blissful Birthday to Me

I instructed the mechanic, Julia, that I’d have to consider it. I’ve realized to not instantly leap on selections that I knew had been proper. Primarily as a result of expertise has proven that they aren’t all the time what I believe they’ll be.

My spouse knew I wished one other motorbike. Not being a rider, and customarily not all in favour of scooters and bikes, she didn’t actually perceive why I want one other. However she knew it was vital and mentioned if I wished it then purchase it.

A couple of hours later, on my birthday, we had been at AAA transferring the title and earlier than I knew it I had added a 2001 Kawasaki W650 to my small fleet of scooters and motorbike.

Together with the motorbike got here a pair rear racks, the unique headlight, and some different odds and ends together with the Kawasaki service guide for the bike. And I bought a LongRide Small Traveler bag to hold meals, water, instruments, and cameras.

I’m prepared for journey!

The video under will provide you with an thought of the way it sounds and what it’s prefer to experience.

The expertise of using my 2001 Kawasaki W650 motorbike.