Is this really going to be your first bike? Do you mean your first big bike or your first bike ever, never having ridden before? No criticism meant or implied or anything, just a question because I can understand the attraction of the Ewan and Charlie films or the stories of riding Enfields to Europe. It was prehistoric versions of those things that got me into biking in the first place and I'm still touring here, there and everywhere decades later. But.... there are practical considerations.

I don't know what the motorcycle licence requirements are in Belgium but in the UK it would take you some time and a test or two to get a licence suitable for any of the bikes on your list. If you've never ridden before none of them are suitable for catching the bus to the dealers, handing over a fistful of cash and riding away. Whilst riding isn't that hard there is a knack to it in the same way there is to driving a car but the consequences of getting it wrong can be much more severe (= painful). Most people start with something small, light and easy to manage, get used to that and work their way up.

If you're ok with licences, experience etc, personally I'd suggest you go with the W800. If you think it's a great looking bike (and I agree) you're much more likely to get on with it. Buying with your heart can be a quick route to heartache but the W800 has the advantage of being Japanese, cheaper, smaller and everything else good enough. Be aware though that retros attract more bigotry and prejudice than just about any other type of motorcycle (possibly 1200GS's excepted ). You'll be told it's a poor copy of a Triumph, that it's Japanese rubbish, you should have bought a modern Triumph retro, and loads of other stuff - all by people who've probably never ridden one. The salesman will be your friend though - he'll be happy to sell you one as I understand they don't move off the sales floor that quickly.

Ignore all of that stuff - apart from getting the best deal you can from the salesman, because the W800 will do everything you want of it. Like most road bikes it'll handle light off road - gravel, good quality dirt, that kind of thing, as well as tarmac - if you're a good enough rider. That's the secret, know the bike and know your own limits. I've gone along dirt tracks and along flowing river beds on a GoldWing when I had to - not many and not often but it would do it.

No doubt you'll get other advice saying go for the BMWs - and they'll probably be right. All I'm saying is that the W800 will do all you want from it and if the retro look floats your boat that's an important factor. Riding a bike you like beats riding one that has more ticks in the practical column but you're not that bothered about. I think so anyway.