What bike do you want today?

this would be fun. too bad we don't get it in the states.

Remember when Ducati made motorcycles this sexy?

Rick G

The lines of the bike - cylinder fins, chrome panels, side cover graphics - have no relationship to one another. It gives it a kind of funky look, countering the trend to have every element integrated into a cohesive look. Depending on your taste, it either gives it a casual, unpretentious look, or it shows a lack of design skill.

It´s a Jawa, unpretentious and functional is what they do. If you want a prettier version they do a 60s race inspired version and I think they are also doing a version of the Mash TT. Trust me that is a beauty queen compared to the two stroke 350. I think it looks a lot better than either the Mash or Genuine versions of the same bike but as ever YMMV. Shineray are also doing an exact copy of the XR650/NX650 engine, that would be very interesting to me in a roadster frame.



https://www.jawa.eu/jawa-350-ohc--2?componentId=Web_1564484839&action=paginate&page=1

Cz/Jawas were just oddly styled bikes that never seemed to have a cohesive look or flow to the design.
That new bike does seem to capture that same awkwardness.

I hear what you guys are saying about the Jawa historically ... awkward is a good description. There's something to be said for things, bikes here, that are not all 'buttoned up,' nice and right. I think there is a trend in this direction with some current bikes, like Yamahas with missing side panels, and headlight assemblies looking like aftermarket street fighter customizations. The older 350 here shows an effort to align the bottom edge of the chrome, the bottom edge of the seat and the side panel stripe.

I’ve got no real reason to need this, but a track only Aprilia 660 would be a lot of fun

I really want an R7 but I will most likely get some other sport bike to ride for a couple of years until I can actually buy one.

Today I'm wanting this Royal Enfield scrambler built in Argentina:

Today it's the Indian 1200 FTR...it's calling me. Don't get me wrong, I like the bikes in the stable, especially the NC 750X, but that FTR is a fine looking machine.

I'll take one as well!!

I just want Kawasaki to build a scrambler version of the W800 that's as well done as its siblings.

• Left-side high pipes
  
• A little more ground clearance
• A little more suspension (~6" with damping adjustment)
  
• A smallish, but functional skid plate (more of a pebble guard would be fine)
  
• 70s era higher and a little wider scrambler bars with cross bar
  
• Tubeless rims
  
• Metal wrap-around hand / lever guards, but appropriately styled to not upset the retro look
  
• Cleated pegs
  
• 240 mile fuel range before low fuel warning
• 19" and 18" wheels are fine; no need for 21"

Don't change the engine at all. And, of course, the exhaust MUST sound just like it does on the other Ws.

JET

It was calling me, too, especially after riding one (actually, two; the S suspension is far better than the Rally, by the way). Until, that is, I found out about its pathetic ~130 mile fuel range (~100 miles before low fuel warning). Suddenly, it wasn't calling me anymore.

JET

@JETalmage your 800 can quickly have some of your mods...

There is a great chance your rim bead profile is already the tubeless profile making it just a case of sealing the spokes and spoke holes to go tubeless. Do the research next time you change tires, measure the rim bead to see if it matches up. Fact is if you have to do anything to get the tire off the bead, it's tubeless profile. The other profile allows the bead to slide off much easier, no breaker or the like required.

Bars are a breeze to get, the ATV bars are higher than the MX bars.

A set of longer travel shocks, maybe 1" more, take care of half the suspension issue, forks would be a bigger issue , but possibly doable with longer damper rods if there's enough stanchion/slider overlap.

Pegs are probably able to be found from a dual sport/off road manufacturer, just need to know what the size is to fit the mount.

You could get a damaged fuel tank could be modified like the old Triumph tanks if you want authentic. They welded a "box" on top to increase fuel capacity. But a carrier with a RotoPax would look better, put it on the right side by the shock, maybe put it in a weathered leather pouch to look the part, to balance out the following...

Omega makes a W exhaust:
​

You, too can scramblize your W

Gee, Mark, after 52 years of motorcycling, I didn't know any of that.

Did you know that by the same token, one could make their own 'cafe' model W out of the street model W with much less effort than you outlined for 'building' my own scrambler W? And yet, Kawasaki saw fit to make and sell both models, straight from the factory. Go figure.

I'm 67. Still working full time. I ride every chance I get. I'm not interested in building my own 'custom' 800 Scrambler. Some folks like to do that stuff. I don't.

Kawasaki could build a scrambler version of the W800 and have one of the most appealing, neat and tidy neo-retro trios going. A W800 Scrambler--as well-done as the other two--is what I'd like to see. Which is what this thread is about.

JET

I've been wanting a Thruxton R every day since they were introduced in 2016. I finally got one!

Beautiful bike there, jas67.
You've gone through quite a range of bikes ... how's the Thruxton holding up in that company?

Just consider it information for those who may not have your years experience, besides when I found the picture of those pipes, I had to put it up there, they're far cooler than anything Kawasaki would do. Buy a set and start the bike you want today.

You've already taken the biggest step - owning a W800. I did kind of make an assumption that, maybe like me, you don't quite know or remember everything and throwing a couple hints in there might give you a nudge to make what you want and post the picture here showing you got what you want today. I guess not though... bummer.

That's what I did two years ago when I was 66. This summer I will be 68 and closing in on exactly what I want after a variety of changes, since it appears Yamaha and others don't and won't make what I want every day. Nice part will be that no one else will have quite what I have, considering the fabricated bits.

My apologies if I insulted you somehow.

I was in Philly for the day, Sat., and saw more R.E. 650s in one day than I have total before today. Even went by the dealer. Nice looking bikes.

Quite well. It is my new favorite bike!
The V7 Racer is now up for sale (see the flea market, will be adding more pics tonight).
I love the Monster, but, the Thruxton is equally fun to ride.

The torque is intoxicating. It makes as much torque as the R1200RS, just hits redline sooner.

And, of course, it is just plain beautiful to look at!



I've lusted for one of these since they were introduced in 2016. A friend was selling a low-miles 2017, so, I grabbed it.
It has Speed Twin cast alloy wheels, which are lighter and tubless!
The wire wheels came with it too, as did the Racer fairing, and Vance & Hinds exhaust that were part of a promotion when he bought it.
The exhaust will be put up for sale, the stock exhaust sounds great to me.