Kawasaki Z800 Review – To Race with Triumph Street Triple R

Flicking from the Z750 to the Z800, Kawasaki had to take care a lot, especially in a world that is owned by multiple superbike makers. Challengers are many, but bikes that grab the most attention are less. Kawi always wants to give the best to its most valuable followers. The Z800 is, of course, a long way from the original Z750 that risen up in 2004.



Branding an all new name under the Z garage, the Z800 becomes a complete new model. The bike has gone for many alterations including that of the heart. Still, would you dare to call it a new piece? It's a real hard question to reply. Let's examine the machine and go for the answer.



Looks
You just can hardly beat Kawi designers when it comes in to the case of designing. Even its true challenger, the Triumph Street Triple, has to take a stand long backward here. This naked powerhouse gets you the feel of Transformers, yes I'm talking about the Hollywood flick only. It's way aggressive and refreshing. The headlight looks menacing along with stunning headlamp cowl using a multi-facet design. Its newly designed LED tail lamp in “Z” pattern ensures more sportiness to the bike. The buffed header pipes in elegant curves sketches out a street-fighter appeal while the machine is on road.

Engine, and Performance
Here is where you get a new picture. The Z800 wraps off a new identity being a true Kawi. The Z800 is witnessed with a bigger 806cc, Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four, DOHC, 16 valves, that's exactly 58cc up from its predecessor, the Z750R. The tweak is not just over with that. The power has been updated to 113 PS at 10,200 rpm from 106 PS at 10,500 rpm. Meanwhile, the torque department got a nice jump from 78.0 Nm at 8,300 rpm to 83.0 Nm at 8,000 rpm. It has retained the 6-speed, return gear transmission.



Riding the machine, one can definitely know the difference. Of course, it has gone a long way from the first generation Z750. Now the engine is smoother having placed with rubber mounted into the frame. This gives lesser vibration than ever. The bike has got promotion with its mass from 224 kg to 229 kg for a non ABS version. Well, it's from 227 kg to 231 kg with the case of ABS variant. Though with slightly pumped up weight, the bike is not at all pulled back as it has enough power generated from the bigger power department.

The Z800 takes you up to 112 kph in the first gear! Wow! That's something majestic. It's comfy till you clock 137 kph with the machine. After then the bike is stable only, but the wind plays a hectic villain role making us felt our head is being pocked and pulled backward. The top speed is 210 kph.



Ergonomics Handling, and Riding Comfy
Kawi machines are uncompromisable when it comes with the handling. Offering the best relationship with foot pegs, seat and handlebars to a rider, the Japanese maker provides the best riding exposure. You have plenty of switches mounted on the handlebar, and a fully digital meter console just before your eyes to take the ergonomics to the very next level.

The Z750R is cursed for its heavy mass. Its successor, the Z800 is no different. It is even more massive and affects in quick direction changes. You have to provide an extra care here since it weighs more. Still, you need not to worry. Assembled with 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) front and 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) rear tires, things are fine here. On the other side, the mass is helpful, when you twist the throttle to high speed. There you go with the machine. It's stable and you have the full control on it. Moreover, there is optional ABS as well.



Features
The Z800 is loaded with tons of existing features. The triple LCD screen is the major in the list, that gives the complete info about the machine at a glance, which includes tachometer, fuel gauge, remaining range and the Economical Riding Indicator. ABS technology is the next to be highlighted. It is a compact and lightweight Nissin motorcycle ABS unit located under the rider's seat. It is optional.

Price
The Z800 is priced at Rs. 7.9 lakhs ex-showroom Pune. Kawasaki launches the bike via CBU (Completely Built Units), which attracts whooping 75% import duty. Kawasaki is pulling out the same error. They did the same with the Ninja 1000 to make it more expensive and unaffordable to many. They should have come up with CKD (Complete Knocked Down) units which requires only 10% of tax.



Mileage
Be it an average man or a millionaire, mileage is what the first thing we all want to know when a new machine is launched. The Z800 is supposed to give back 18 kmpl under standard conditions.

Verdict
The bike is, of course, one of the class leading ones. There is power, comfort, maneuverability, tremendous design, features, built quality, and even more. The only thing you hate with the Z800 is its mass. Kawi should have brought down the weight. Still, it's cool to drive with a bit more care in quick turns. Moreover, taking India via CBU route will be another problem for the company as it gets priced more on road than expected.