Faults:

Nothing, only normal service.

General Comments:

The W650 is one of the best bikes I have ever owned. You can have fun on this bike at normal (legal) speeds. It is powerful enough to go long distance on motorways and is even better in town.

I have changed a few things on mine. Better seat and a lower handlebar. I have also fitted a front fork brace and better rear dampers.

The engine on this bike is so sweet, with good low down power. Roundabouts in third gear, even two up, no problem. Despite the parallel twin-engine layout, vibrations are not a problem and the gearbox is the best on any bike I have tested.

I sold the first one I owned and missed it, so I bought this one again after a few years with a real Triumph.

Faults:

Just one starter relay and one brake light switch.

General Comments:

This motorcycle is the most reliable I have ever owned. It has never broken down. I have had 3 batteries over the years, but even then the kickstart will get you going if the failing battery has even 10V to power up the coils.

The handling is light and quite precise now I have fitted Hagon rear shock absorbers. Above 70 mph the upright bars are far from ideal and the front wheel goes a bit light. Below this it is sweet handling and just the thing for tarmac lanes pottering along on top gear, if you like at 1700 RPM. It is this type of riding I prefer and the fuel consumption is quite impressive if you use the magnificent torque rather than revs: 70-80 MPG.

I have modified the poor original seat for a slightly narrower stepped dual seat. This stops pillion passengers sliding into the rider by degrees.

I am on my second set of chain and sprockets, but have used 4 drive sprockets over the years as these are small in diameter and make a whining noise when worn. Regular maintenance is easily carried out - no need for dealers.

Faults:

Incorrect main jet size in right carb caused fouling until corrected. Kickstand safety switch went out and had to be bypassed.

General Comments:

Having owned an 80's 600 single beforehand, even though it was a "retro" bike, the leap in sophistication was phenomenal. It was absolutely bulletproof reliable while I owned it, capable of 110mph, could cruise all day on the highway, and yet was fun to fool around on in town or country roads.

It had excellent acceleration, although gearing was slightly annoying (2nd too low, 3rd too high). The seat was extremely uncomfortable (fixed in the 2001 model year) and the stock handlebars were "buckhorn" making long distance high speed travel extremely uncomfortable. That said the bike performed excellent averaging speeds of 90-100 mph on I-40 from Oklahoma to California without a hiccup. It was always fun to see the look on the Goldwing/Harley dresser rider's faces when I passed them on a small old looking bike.

I did not baby this bike, I rode it in Oklahoma ice storms, LA traffic, on gravel roads, dirt roads, offroad (mud, pastures, etc) and it always started first press of the button or first kick (yeah, it actually had a kick starter, great for a dead battery) and it was always ready for more. I also stored it uncovered outside year round through four brutal years of Oklahoma weather, and the finish remained remarkably beautiful. It was a tough machine, and with a 2001 model or aftermarket seat and low bars, it's hard to think of a better overall motorcycle, as it can honestly be used for any purpose except motocross.

If you are lucky enough to own one, don't sell it. It has much more charm and versatility than the new Triumphs. I sold mine because I needed the money and I certainly regret it. If you want a "standard" motorcycle that can do it all (motorcycling has degenerated into genres) with great classic looks and cross-country dependability, get one if you can find one, they were only imported for two or three years.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The Japanese copy of a 1960s Triumph Bonneville.

Looks good, rides good.

Economical, 70 MPG.

Handled better when I fitted Hagon Shocks.

Braked better when I fitted stainless steel lines and Double-H sintered pads.