Just thought I'd post my thoughts on the W650 that I'd previously PM'd to Matt - Sorry if I prattle on a bit!
As Tim mentioned I've owned 3 w650s (first one crashed and replaced with another), a w800, a 2010 Triumph Bonneville T100 and numerous XBRs. I've probably clocked up about 35k miles on the w650s so I know some of their plus and minus points. Xbally has hit the nail on the head with his comments although I'd suggest they are a bit more torquey as a long stroke twin given their lowish capacity (in modern terms anyway!). The handling is much improved with lower handlebars and decent tyres although they can still become a little skittish approaching 80mph-ish. I suppose performance depends on the sort of bikes you have owned up to now - I find them quite lively (not having had any sports bikes or the likes!!) although you'll probably still have to drop a gear for any hairy overtaking manoeuvres. Realistically though I'm not sure how much quicker you'd find them over a well set up xbr.
If you can Matt, I'd definitely recommend getting a longish test ride to see if you like it. The Bonneville is quicker and better handling at higher speeds, but after a few niggly build quality and FI related starting issues I didn't really warm to mine - as I said, just not for me and I certainly don't want put anyone off the Bonnie - many will prefer them. The new range of models does appeal though. I've also had one of the first of W800s which was ok too - heavier than the w650 (mostly down to all the emissions kit in the exhausts?) - performance was broadly similar to the older model but more torquey at lower revs and just as, if not more economical. Unfortunately it just sounded so quiet ( Lol!) and I was aware of some problems with the throttle bodies and didn't want to get caught with a major expense out of warranty. I understand that these are eventually being sorted / replaced some years after the problem was highlighted by owners.
One thing I would say is that if you do get a w650 and find that its not for you should at least get your money back or possibly make a few quid. Its a pity you aren't able to hold onto your XBR as you'll probably regret selling it!
They can get a bit buzzy through the bars and pegs around 65mph but is ok below and above that. You may not even notice it and it varies from bike to bike. Some folks fiddle with the airbox and jetting but unless you know what you are doing this is maybe best avoided. However I have read that if done correctly in combination with some less restrictive pipes there can be small gains in horsepower (Check the John Haddock mods). Its quite easy to drill out the baffles for a much deeper note though they aren't bad with the standard pipes.
The engine seems to be quite a tough unit as evidenced in the old ebay link below. There have been isolated cases of teeth shearing in the bevel drive but this is rare.
The early models (A1) were all light blue/silver or maroon/cream with high bars and were made from 99-01. Post 01 bikes came with lower bars, some minor changes to improve handling and a more comfortable ribbed seat. They also came in a different range of colours and are probably the ones to go for.
Plus points -
They are a fun bike which is slightly different from most other stuff out there.
Easy, cheap to owner maintain and not hard on consumables.
Can be very economical 60 - 70 mpg fairly typical. I tended to get slightly over 50mpg from the Bonneville ridden at the same speeds
Fitted with centrestand, grab-rails, bungee hook points, toolkit etc as standard.
Watch out for -
Imports - not necessarily a problem but some of them aren't fitted with the carb heaters to prevent icing. Some of the Jap imports on sale at the moment may fall into this category. If they are European Imports they may be fitted with MPH clock overlays (look out for the word "Redial" at the very bottom of the speedo face).
Handling not too bad but can skittish as mentioned above - fit progressive fork springs / Hagons or similar shocks.
I have experienced carb-icing on one of my bikes in certain conditions but not on the bike I own at present. Not uncommon on some Kawasakis of that era.
They aren't overly quick but I suppose most folks going for this type of bike are well aware of that.
The youngest of them is now 12 years old.
I'd recommend having a look at these websites / forums :- ADVRIDER (W650 - under "new to me"), The Lonely Ones and w650shop.de. Also check out John Moulton's review of his own w650 in the Real Classic website.
And have a look at this 100,000+ mile example sold years back on EBAY. Scroll to the bottom of the link for his description:-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150589903734Hope this information is useful but as I said Matt its worth taking a test ride to see if you like it or not
PHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All the best
Tony
