My New 2001 Kawasaki W650 Motorbike

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 enthusiastic about getting some kind of motorbike for cruising the backroads of Central Pennsylvania. The Triumph Bonneville has lengthy been in view. However after using a Bonneville and a Avenue Twin I dominated them out. Don’t get me fallacious, they’re nice bikes. However they only didn’t set off the emotions whereas using that I used to be after.

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

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

My first assembly with the Kawasaki W650.

Serendipity

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

I had taken my Royal Enfield Himalayan to the Kawasaki seller just a few miles down the street from my home to have them do the annual Pennsylvania Security Inspection. After the mechanic took it for a take a look at journey she instructed me it was an attention-grabbing 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 couple of W650.

My take a look at journey.

Falling for a Motorbike

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 journey. Preparations had been made for her to journey it to work and I may cease by and take it for a spin.

After 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 in search of.

This motorbike ticked the containers for the issues I used to be occupied with — 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 appeared like a 1968 Triumph Bonneville. And on the street it was calm, subdued, however had loads of energy for any state of affairs I may think about. And most significantly was the “Zen expertise.” I felt instantly at house using it.

This was the motorbike.

On the street with my Kawasaki W650.

Pleased Birthday to Me

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

My spouse knew I wished one other motorbike. Not being a rider, and usually not occupied with scooters and bikes, she didn’t actually perceive why I would like one other. However she knew it was essential 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 handbook 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 provides you with an thought of the way it sounds and what it’s prefer to journey.

The expertise of using my 2001 Kawasaki W650 motorbike.

Associated

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