Enjoying simple customization with a strong and gentle Kawasaki W650

Don't try to be cool, don't make it difficult. A Kawasaki W650 that enjoys simple customization. It is a strong and gentle partner that can even handle long-distance touring of over 1,000 km a day.

This time, we introduce Natsuki, a riding photo photographer living in Tokushima, and his beloved motorcycle.

2005 KAWASAKI W650

I bought the W650 because it was cheap

"Because it was cheap (laughs)."

Natsuki's reason for purchasing the W650 was quite simple.

He actually wanted to customize a Kawasaki W1, but the W650 was the realistic choice he ended up with.

While still harboring a longing for the W1, he finished the W650 in his own style, and it has now become a precious partner that he takes on long-distance tours.

Instagram "Natsuki"
https://www.instagram.com/natsuki4975

Owner Natsuki and his beloved W650 (W-roku)

Don't try to be cool, don't make it difficult

When asked about the theme of his customization, the answer was clear.

"Don't try to be cool, don't make it difficult. Simple customization."

Rather than over-modifying it, he has made changes only where necessary while taking advantage of the classical atmosphere that the W650 possesses.

It is a finish that values overall balance rather than flashiness or complexity.

A rugged and wild W650 captured from the front

Rear view where the block tires stand out

Left side view of the W650, featuring an impressive dual exhaust

The right side shows a simple, motorcycle-like design with an exquisite balance

Parts used

The current main custom parts are as follows:

・Exhaust: K-FACTORY
・Tank: MOTOR ROCK
・Seat: Yahoo Auctions
・Light: Mercari
・Handlebar: FONK MOTORCYCLE

He has made other modifications, but he says, "I've kind of forgotten the rest (laughs)," showing that he isn't too obsessed with the fine specifications.

He doesn't limit his sources for parts to specialized shops, but makes good use of auctions and flea market apps.

The left dual exhaust is made by K-FACTORY

The beautifully shaped tank is a Bonneville tank by MOTOR ROCK

A wide handlebar by FONK MOTORCYCLE achieves a wild style

Utilizing not only famous shop parts but also cost-effective items from Yahoo Auctions and Mercari (the seat is a non-branded item purchased on Yahoo Auctions)

If it breaks, fix it. That's just about right

Natsuki's personality also shows in his approach to maintenance and how he treats the vehicle.

"I just fix it if it breaks. It doesn't really break that often (laughs)."

He doesn't get overly nervous, but keeps company with it while checking its condition.

Perhaps one of the charms of this bike is that you can keep riding it without feeling pressured, thanks to the W650's ease of handling and reliability.

"It doesn't really break." The W650's air-cooled vertical twin engine, whose casual nature is also a charm.

You can feel the good sense in the contrast between black and white

To keep the color scheme unified, he also chose white for the suspension

A partner that runs over 1,000 km a day

Although the W650 has simple customizations, it is not a bike to be enjoyed only for its looks.

Natsuki says he easily rides over 1,000 km a day on this W650.

"A strong and gentle partner that easily runs over 1,000 km a day at my unreasonable request."

While having a classical style, the W650 also responds to long-distance touring.

The approachability that makes it easy to get along with, and the reliability to run far away. Perhaps it is because it possesses both that it has become a special machine for Natsuki.

弾丸ツーリングで東京を訪れた際に撮影されたW650の走行写真
Photo by Satoshi Yano

The world's smallest photo exhibition "Black or White"

Natsuki will hold a photo exhibition for two days on Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, 2026.

The title this time is "The world's smallest photo exhibition: Black or White."

He will contrast photos taken during the day with photos taken at night, exhibiting them under the theme of whether the background is black or white, or day or night.

It is a photo exhibition where you can enjoy different times of day and expressions of light while capturing the image of a motorcycle racing through the streets.

"You are always wonderful when you are racing through the streets on your bike!"

It is an exhibition that conveys simple coolness along with that message.

《Event Overview》
・Event Name: The world's smallest photo exhibition: Black or White
・Dates: October 3 (Sat) - 4 (Sun), 2026
・Time: 10:00 - 17:00
・Venue: 999-2 Hikai, Kokufu-cho, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture

Photo exhibition flyer: Announcement of "The world's smallest photo exhibition: Black or White"

Following the daytime work, this is an event announcement based on the nighttime work

Enjoying motorcycles and photography in your own way

Whether it's enjoying motorcycles or conveying someone's coolness through photography, for Natsuki, these are not special things, but part of his daily life.

Unpretentious, simple, and in his own way. That stance is also reflected in the presence of this W-roku.

Instagram "Minna no Tankito"
https://www.instagram.com/minnano_tankito

You can ride without pressure, and your usual roads become a little more fun! The W650 is that kind of bike!
Photo by Natsuki