Kawasaki W 650 2002 — Specifications

When Kawasaki decides to play the nostalgia card, the Akashi manufacturer doesn't do things by halves. With the W 650, marketed from 1999 and still in the lineup in 2002, the Japanese firm confidently steps onto Triumph's turf and that of its famous Bonneville. The gamble is simple: offer the charm of a British twin from the sixties, its gleaming chrome and generous curves, but without the oil leaks or the endless breakdowns that were part of daily life for Norton or BSA owners. A gamble that paid off, and rather well at that.

Beneath its old-world appearance, the Kawasaki W 650 motorcycle hides a sound and well-engineered powerplant. Its 676 cc parallel twin, with a 360-degree firing order, produces 50 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 55.9 Nm of torque available from 5,500 rpm. These figures are a far cry from a sportbike's, and that's precisely the point. There's no horsepower race here. The four-valve-per-cylinder twin, with its 72 mm bore and 83 mm stroke, favors flexibility and low-rpm riding pleasure. The chain-driven single overhead camshaft contributes to this unapologetically retro atmosphere. The modest 8.7:1 compression ratio allows for smooth, almost silky operation that perfectly suits the machine's philosophy. Compared to the Triumph Bonneville of the era, more powerful on paper, the classic Kawasaki W 650 plays the Japanese reliability card along with a competitive price of 6,999 euros new.

On the chassis side, the steel double cradle keeps things classically effective. The telehydraulic fork offers 130 mm of travel at the front, while the twin rear shocks make do with 105 mm at the back. Braking remains the weak point of the package: a single front disc and a 160 mm rear drum are just adequate for stopping the 215 kg wet weight. The 100/90-19 front and 130/80-18 rear tires complete the vintage picture. The 800 mm seat height and 15-liter tank allow for relaxed rides without stress, even if the range demands regular fuel stops. The five-speed gearbox and chain final drive work without fault.

The Kawasaki W 650 is aimed above all at fine machinery enthusiasts who put passion before performance, at those nostalgic for a bygone era, or at riders looking for a reliable and easy-to-handle machine. In the city or on quiet country roads, it proves disarmingly smooth. Beginners will find a reassuring ally, while experienced riders will discover a weekend pleasure machine. On the used Kawasaki W 650 market, prices hover around 3,990 euros for an example in good condition, making it an ideal base for a cafe racer or scrambler project. The Kawasaki W 650 spec sheet doesn't tell the whole story: it's when you see it in the sunlight, chrome polished and paint gleaming deep, that you understand its true power of attraction. Spare parts can still be found without too much difficulty, and the technical inspection holds no nasty surprises. Some owners report a recurring issue with mirror vibrations at cruising speed and a tendency for exhaust corrosion if maintenance is neglected, but nothing that's a dealbreaker. For anyone who wants to ride in style without breaking the bank, it remains a safe bet on the classic market.