I'm planning a trip to Nepal and I'm thinking about using a W800 but would like to hear any thoughts about its reliability. Thanks much.

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1997 Africa Twin

They have a great reputation for reliability, so I wouldn't worry about it! Should be a great bike for the job.

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Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

I guess the 800 is a bit new for people to comment on.
I just reluctantly sold a 650 which I had done 6000 trouble free miles on.
It gave the impression it would last for ever and then some! Simplicity.
A little small for 2 up was it's only problem.
The more pwerfull 800 should be a blast. Don't know if it has a kick start though.
Enjoy,
Robin

How well does the W650 handle off tarmac?
Is the suspension up to days of corrugation and otherwise bumpy roads? Are there any "must have" modifications for real travel?
Been considering one myself, but don't know anyone who has put any sort of real punishment on one.
Would love to use one for a mostly on-road trip, but would hate to be held back by being restricted entirely to tarmac.

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Japan touring information

Thanks so far for the replies. The W800 unfortunately doesn't have a kickstarter anymore.

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1997 Africa Twin

Thats a shame as the kick starter was part of the fun when i had a w650. I enjoyed mine immensely and it was really good on fuel too!

Can't comment on the W650, I bought the Bonneville (more out there so easier on parts, Kawasaki dealer only wanted to sell ZZZZZR1000ZZZZZZZZZZZZR's in green with matching power rangers outfit). However, I believe the two are close enough to say:

Fit the sort of tyres you'd fit to an R80GS and performance off road will be similar. I do gravel and mud tracks with ease.

They'll take off road use but things like the shocks are cheap and nasty so don't expect comfort.

The road bike shape requires you to fabricate dust covers/bash plates for under the engine, things like the oil filter aren't covered in. Personally I let the silencers take a beating and replace from e-bay when someone else wants their Sunday ride to be louder. For a long run it could be sensible to scramblerise with a high level exhaust. I won't do this as the Triumph Scrambler is 10 HP down which makes a difference on the sort of roads I need to ride to get to the interesting stuff.

Range is ****. Although you'll see 50-60 mpg the tank is still too small. I run a 10 litre auxilliary tank, easy on a carbed bike, not so easy with FI (I'd carry a jerry can).

If Ted Simon made it on a bike this shape in 1973, why take a desert racer if you aren't going to race?

Andy

When looking at Sjaak's exploits on a Fireblade and an R1 at Home I recon the W650/800 is as good on gravel/hard dirt as most "travel" bikes (including all the faux off road type bikes like the v-strom, tiger, versys, gs, varadero etc) out there. The ride from Europe to Nepal is pavement 99.9% of the way if you want it to be.

Sorry can't comment on reliability, but if it's Japanese and not high revving it'll probably run for ever.

Is there an owners' club website?

cheers
Chris

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Brighty's website: TheBrightStuffDotCom

CURRENT RR WITH REGULAR UPDATES: The Wife Takes on Chlamydia: A South American Retrospective

W650riders : W650/W800 Riders

Or you might try this link

The Lonely Ones W650 & 800 (Royal Enfield & Classic Bike Enthusiasts) :: View topic - link to the W800 sales brochure&

Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier and could be too late to help.
My W650 has over 40,000 km absolutely troublefree. Except for oil changes, air filter cleaning, two new spark plugs and battery posts coming loose twice a year I have never done any wrenching on it. It is the most reliable bike I know. I love running bush dirt roads so I have fitted Heidenau K6o scouts which make it very steady at speed. For tarmac I prefer Metzeler Lasertechs. Stock suspension is a bit soft for serious travel with a good load so it would be best to improve it.
I take mine anywhere without a worry.
The W800 looks similar but has more computer controls and anti-smog which negates its few extra ccs and, in my mind, does not help reliability.
Louisg

A late response but I agree with LouisG. I have a W650 and it's a great touring bike, not in the fully faired kitchen sink class but as a 60 - 70 mph roadster travelling on A roads it is hard to beat for practicality, with a comfy position, bulletproof reliability and good fuel economy. I rode mine to Finland a few months ago and may ride to Morocco in May. The tank holds 15L so I carry a rotopax 6.6L reserve. Gives me more than 200 miles range, closer to 250 if I don't push it.


It's a torquey engine and will pull from 2K in any gear, some vibes dialled in at 3K and will cruise at 4-5K all day.

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'Peaches are better than Tanks'

Years and years since this was posted, but here is my W800 out touring…

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