New Kawasaki Z800 review, test ride

Kawasaki bikes enjoy a loyal fan following. Most Kawasaki owners won’t switch bikes easily, and this is with good reason. These Japanese motorcycles have always been built with unique identity, DNA if you may, with a special something that’s experienced in the feel riders take home from every ride. Much of the soul behind Kawasaki’s lineage comes from their Z series bikes, starting 40 years ago in 1972 with the Z1, a motorcycle ahead of its time, armed with an 82bhp, 900cc in-line, four-cylinder engine that was good for over 200kph and ushered in the superbike era, along with Honda’s equally famous CB750.

History done with, let’s focus the spotlight on the modern day Z800, a mean, macho and brawny street-naked that Kawasaki has just introduced in India.    

The new Zed is a muscular motorcycle, that looks a million bucks even standing still, just like bigger brother the Z1000. Similarly well proportioned, the 800 lacks the outstanding looking front headlight snout that comes with the far more pricey 1000, although that isn’t to say the Z800 doesn’t have a handsome face, for its still a big head-turner in its own right. The headlight shines bright at night, with a nice spread of light, and you can’t miss this motorcycles funky, tri-pod LCD instruments cluster. A cascading tachometer takes up pride of place, with information including a speedometer, odometer with dual trips, fuel-gauge, clock, engine temperature and an economy indicator all present.

The Z800 comes nice mirrors, snug palm grips, and easily mastered switchgear, with all the essentials in place. It’s a pity Kawasaki hasn’t equipped the Z800 with a reach adjustable clutch lever, as available with the front brake. Both levers look smart in buffed alloy.