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Kawasaki Z800 Test Ride Review

By Ren Withnell

According to Kawasaki's website the Z800 is the ideal machine for someone moving up to their first middleweight bike. This makes me think of nice comfortable seats, strong but manageable power delivery and a user friendly bike that will allow the novice rider to get accustomed to larger bikes with high powered engines. 

It's a mighty fine looking bike. Big, muscular, aggressive and sharp lines make it look "well 'ard". Everything is as you'd expect, twin front disc, single rear, massive tyres, upside down forks, digital clocks and LED tail light. It has all the things you'd expect from a modern bike. If It doesn't have these things then it's obviously underspecified and outdated...apparently. All boxes appear ticked.

kawasaki z800 seen from rear right. sharp angles and big build give it a mean tough look
So 'ard, it 'as to be made to face the wall 'cos it might scare folks...

I rode to the test on my Fazer 600. My bike is 95bhp, the Kwak is similar. My bike is over 200 kilos, the Kwak is similar. I know the Z800 is brand new so I expect the brakes to be a bit better and the handling to be crisper but overall there really should not be too much difference. The only thing I can't work out is why the Z800 is only 95 PS (which is pretty much 95bhp). I mean my bike is 12 years old and 600cc, so why can Kawasaki only get the same power out of an 800 engine and 12 years of development? Perhaps it's to make it more gentle for the less experienced rider?

the kawasaki z800 motor in the bike, clean and smart and tidy
It's a very smart design with no clutter. All the gubbins must be tucked away under the tank. Shapely exhaust too.

So after a brief introduction from Martyn at Preston Superbike I climb on. At 5 feet 8 inches I can get both feet flat on the floor but I notice it is a little taller than I expected. It's bulky too. Wide and solid, I feel like I'm piggy back on a body builder not a lithe athlete but that's the way Kawasaki like to make their bikes. That same sensation continues with the firm suspension. It looks brutal and stepping on board it feels brutal. Should I be scared?

After the rattly and unevenly carburetted Fazer it's a pleasure to feel the 4 cylinder motor running perfectly. I recall the old adage from years gone by that if a Kwak four didn't rumble at the bottom end on tickover there was something wrong. Those days are gone with fuel injection and precision engineering. It also helps when the bike only has 300 miles on the clock. A blip of the throttle spins the motor aggressively. Should I be scared?

Everything comes to hand just as it should. Like many modern bikes the rider is pushed forward but only slightly here. The bars are half way between sit up and beg and sports bike head down arse up low. There's some weight on my wrists but it's not uncomfortable around town, it's a fair compromise. I don't notice the footpeg position at all which means it must be just fine. As with many things in life it's the things that we don't notice that work the best. 

the speedo and digital clocks behind the tank on the kwak z800
This is what you'll mostly be seeing...hopefully without the wall. Simple and effective and fully LCD digitalised.

The motor around town is like a body builder too, rock solid. From the very bottom of the revs there's bags of torque and precision fuelling that really impresses me. It's clean and crisp, sharp and accurate. It also needs to be treated with a lot of respect. It's not hard to ride if you're delicate on the twist grip but I can sense any tom foolery will end in tears. Around town the suspension is firm. It feels much more like a sports bike here rather than a gentle introduction to large bikes. 

I manage to get it out of town. My first port of call is a set of roundabouts. It's here I find the downside of the firm suspension. On a smooth surface the bike tracks perfectly and feels confident beneath me but on a rough patch of old road I can sense some slippage. It just doesn't want to bite into the ground fully or take in the bumps. It doesn't scare me or try to spit me off but it has me thinking I'm close to the limit. 

the front forks and front wheel on the z800 kawasaki
Again it's all very trick with upside down and wibbly discs. Firm too.

I then hit some dual carriageway. I learn what Kwak has done with the motor that makes it only 95PS. Rather than dollop all the power at the top end they've spread it out across the range. I now feel like that body builder has just kicked me into next week! If this is meant to be a step up for the novice rider then he or a tall she is in for a shock. Getting aggressive at any revs rewards (or intimidates) you with the crispest, sharpest and cleanest change in speed I've ever experienced. 

The motor is an absolute peach. Rather than leaving it at 600cc which is the normal for a middleweight, by making it 800cc Kawasaki have been able to match the top end power easily but also eliminate the wheezy and feckless low and midrange of a 600 four. This in fact is a double edged sword. The soft low and midrange of a 600 means a new rider can keep the revs low and remain in control, only accessing the real power up high when he or she wants to. The 800 is viscous even low down.

What I do like a lot is how clean the injection is. It makes me think of satellite technicians in white coats and hair nets, engineers who work to millionths of a millimetre and particle free microchip manufacture rooms. Some might say characterless, I'd say precise. My right wrist is connected to a computer that knows exactly what to do thousands of times a second. 

In a set of country lanes I learn what this can mean. I turn into one bend and try to judge what the firm suspension is telling me. As the bike straightens up I open the throttle and the engine responds from low down with a tsunami of power and torque that I imagine I understand. No stutter, no jolts, no flat spots just a smooth accurate input of acceleration. This is deceptive because it's so well controlled. It's so perfect I don't realise the next bend is approaching as quickly as it is! I have a moment and brake hard. There's no danger and I've got it under control but the delivery of movement is so clean it's almost unnoticeable. 

the z800 exhaust and bottom of the engine
It's all very clean, precise and powerful. 

So what have Kawasaki created here? In my humble opinion what they have NOT done is created a gentle step from 125cc to a larger machine. They have bridged the gap between middleweight bikes and 1000cc superbikes. I mean...is 800cc not half way between 600 and 1000? It has the grunt of a thou without the top end 200bhp nonsense. 

This bike is not an everyday workhorse either. It can be used as such, it will do 30 in a 30 zone but it's too taught, too aggressive and too powerful. This thing will bite if a tired commuter gets throttle happy. If the on board computer is to be believed then compared to modern eco machines like the Honda NC 700 it's thirsty. This is a toy, a plaything, a Sunday road ripper. I imagine it would be good on a trackday too. It will appeal to those wanting something more sporty but not head down arse up.

z800 headlight and screen up close
Another headlight that's scowling and all "Transformers". I'm getting old...

It's a hell of a machine.

Reader's Comments

Aspiring z8 rider said :-
Hey man, I really liked and enjoyed reading your reviews and opinions. I'm looking to upgrade to a z8 in a couple of months. I'm just afraid about the seat height of this beast. I don't wanna be dangling off or tip toe-ing to move the bike around like parking. I see that you have said that you are about 172 cm tall? Also, is the power delivery dangerous in like traffic jams? Anddd, where do you feel most of the weight of the bike? Like between your knees or the back or elsewhere.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
When it comes to seat height the only way to tell is to sit on the machine. You might have longer legs than me, you might be stronger or heavier than me. You just gotta try!

The weight is there, it's a big bike. That said it'll be a tad more manageable than a 1000cc and the performance difference on the public roads will be negligible, you're mates won't be leaving ya behind! Again though, just sitting on it in the showroom is the best way to check.

As for the power. If you're moving up from a much smaller bike like a 125 then you're going to have to show that throttle a LOT of respect. 600 machines require a fair few revs before the power kicks in so if you keep the revs low they're fairly tame. The surprise to me on this bike is the sheer grunt at the bottom end, it's awesome!. But it could catch you out.

It's NOT dangerous as long as you are gentle. A bike is only as quick as the idiot twisting the throttle. It will manage traffic just fine but it won't be as forgiving as a small machine.

I'd be interested to hear what you decide!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Stan Tollerton said :-
Just wondering if the suspension can be adjusted to give more grip on our rubbish roads?
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
zed800 said :-
im thinking about the bike...
is the z800 easy in traffic'? im not talking about the power, the weight and height is what im worried about, i do a lot of traffic commuting and theres alot of leg down work to be done on our streets, constant stopping and u turns and going over potholes, im 5'6 and quite skinny, but im pretty responsible when it comes to bikes, but this will be my first big heavy bike. i currently ride a ktm 390 and before that a tiny 150cc...
what do you think?
does it get easier to ride after a month or so, considering the weight?
is it easy to maneuver at super slow speeds or while filtering through traffic?
thanks
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Hello zed800.

I have to declare a HUGE bias towards smaller motorcycles. As such my opinions are tainted. Like any large motorcycle the Z800 will manage in traffic, of course it will. But, there's no doubt in my mind that your KTM 390 would be a lot lot easier in the kind of heavy traffic you're talking about.

If you're lucky enough to have both the space and the finances then keep the 390 for commuting and the 800 for weekend playtime.


01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
zed800 said :-
thanks Ren - The Ed, but both isnt an option
just wanted to know if the weight and height is a long term problem, or will i get used to it within a few weeks...
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
zed800, tough call. I don't know you or your strength or your abilities on bikes etc. Typically most people will get accustomed to their bike. You learn the techniques, how it balances and so on. You also get riding fit, the muscles you use get stronger and so on.

There's little doubt in my mind that the 800 will be more of a handful than the 390. Whether or not you think it's worth the extra effort is up to you. You really ought to organise a test ride, that will help a lot in your decision.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
zed800 said :-
great, thanks for the advice... will do so
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Stillterton said :-
hi Ren

Great review

i'm currently torn between the Z800 and the New Versys 650

I have my Ninja 300 to commute around town and to play around the track

What I do want is a bike to have a weekend getaway somewhere

Will the Z800 be a good companion for longer trips?
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Hi Stillterton. Choice is a personal thing and it's up to you. But for my tuppence worth...

The Versys is definitely the "touring" bike and for me the Z800 is the plaything. Finding luggage option for the Versys will be easier and it will be a more relaxing ride.

You will find the 800 a little more exciting and there is probably luggage out there for it. If however you want both thrills, performance, luggage and comfort what about the Versys 1000?
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Will said :-
It's worth pointing out that you rode the Z800e, which produces 95PS for compliance with the A2 licence rules when restricted.

The full-fat Z800 prduces 113PS, and more torque too (83Nm vs 76Nm). The full-fat Z800 also Has slightly fancier bodywork and graphics, and better rear suspension. I've had this one for over a year and agree with everything you say about the e version.

Of all the bike!s I've had, (including a ZRX1200, a Z1000 and an R6) the power delivery on the Z800 is brilliant - smooth and strong across the range. Unlike many big fours it's easy to ride on a light throttle in town too, none of the fuel injection grumbles or snatchiness that blight a lot of bikes.

Throughly recommended as a road plaything.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Thanks Will. It seems a few folks have been asking about how the bike will handle other aspects of riding, ie town work and touring. Do you have any insights and thoughts on the bike as a commuter or tourer?
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
said :-

22/01/2016 13:32:13 UTC
Kostas said :-
Hi, I want to change from the V-Strom 650 to Z800. Is the weight similar?
25/01/2016 04:44:03 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
According to Kawasaki's website the current Z800 weighs in at 229kg "Curb Mass" ie wet weight ready to ride. The current V-Strom 650 has a "Kerb Mass" of 214kg.

Having ridden earlier versions of both bikes I'd say the following. If you can ride the V-Strom then you'll have no problems with physically managing the Z800. While the Strom is a tad lighter the Z800 is lower and carries its weight lower.

The biggest difference will be how it rides!
25/01/2016 11:47:23 UTC
Stillterton said :-
Ren, thanks for advising me to go with the Zed mate

The bike just came last Friday and it was every good as you said it was

The Versys is also a great bike

But it suits probably older rider best who prefer to enjoy the scenery instead of trying to ride as fast as possible

Thanks for your review mate ????
03/04/2016 14:35:46 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Cheers Stillterton. I'm not sure I advised you but I'm gald you're enjoying the bike. I'd love to hear how you get along as time goes by, that's what really interests me. I want to know how long things last, what it costs to run and if anything falls off. I also want to know what keeps you loving the bike and what drives you spare! Long term ownership is the real proof of any model.

Go easy on that throttle, it's a beast that motor :)
04/04/2016 07:18:32 UTC
Tdmalcolm said :-
I own a "full fat" Z800 and agree with all comments however I use mine for touring two up and with designed luggage fitted ..I find it's an excellent touring machine, however it is a little more thirsty than the650 versys I had before but ride it well and it will reward you reasonable economy and thrills in abundance ...love it
01/03/2017 23:56:36 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Glad you're liking the Zed Tdmalcolm. There's plenty of grunt in that motor for pulling a big luggage weight and a pillion too. How do you find the suspension on longer runs? I'm guessing a)the suspension has softened a little with usage and b)the extra luggage mass improves the sprung/unsprung weight ratio.
02/03/2017 14:23:23 UTC
NINGFAI said :-
It's worth pointing out that you rode the Z800e, which produces 95PS for compliance with the A2 licence rules when restricted.

The full-fat Z800 prduces 113PS, and more torque too (83Nm vs 76Nm). The full-fat Z800 also Has slightly fancier bodywork and graphics, and better rear suspension. I've had this one for over a year and agree with everything you say about the e version.

Of all the bike!s I've had, (including a ZRX1200, a Z1000 and an R6) the power delivery on the Z800 is brilliant - smooth and strong across the range. Unlike many big fours it's easy to ride on a light throttle in town too, none of the fuel injection grumbles or snatchiness that blight a lot of bikes.

Throughly recommended as a road plaything.
22/11/2019 15:29:42 UTC

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