Want a classic Bonneville that doesn’t leak? Check out this Kawasaki W650.
Well, actually you can buy a NEW Bonneville that looks just like a Classic Bonneville and it will have adequate power, adjustable suspension and modern brakes, and it won’t leak! But, back at the end of the last century your only option for a classic Triumph was a Kawasaki. Kawasaki blatantly copied the architecture of the Bonneville to create the W650.
The Kawasaki W650 was made from 1999-2001 and put out approximately 50HP, which was similar to the late-model T140 Bonneville. It had electric start, front disc and rear drum brakes. One big difference was the bevel-drive cam setup, similar to earlier Ducati singles and twins. The result was a bike that fit Peter Egan’s description of a proper bike as “One you can see through” (or something similar)
Original paint schemes for the W650 were two-tone, and they sported the contrasting piping on the seats and fork gaitors a la early Triumphs. This W650 has been repainted, but the owner has all the original trim if you would like to return it to stock.
You can find this two-owner W650 in Greenville, South Carolina for $4,300 here on Craigslist.