New Kawasaki Z800 review, test ride

The Z800 isn’t a light bike, weighing in at a portly 231kg, but once off the blocks and on the move this new Kawasaki feels quite maneuverable, no, not the most agile bike for city traffic, but nice and stable at high speeds on a highway. The seating position is comfortable enough, with a passably upright riding posture, and a slight lean towards the flat set, narrow feeling handlebars. The frame doesn’t feel as rigid as available on the faster Z1000, and at rear you have a steel fabricated box section swingarm. Suspension is adjustable at both ends, the rear sitting off center to accommodate the exhaust canister, and the Z800 feels a more comfortably sprung motorcycle compared to the Z1000, with its nice ride quality. The 800 also comes with sure footed, confidence inspiring cornering capabilities. Likewise, the brakes offer powerful bite, and stop the big bike well. Four pot calipers chomp on twin 310mm petal discs in front, and ABS is standard on the Indian bike, working flawlessly at all times.

Overall, the Z800 comes together as a powerful, hard to beat naked streetfighter package from Kawasaki, at a relatively sensible price point of Rs 8.05 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune), thanks to being imported into India from Thailand. The latest Zed does its legendary lineage proud, for think in-line four naked bikes in India, and the Z800 it is today that perches a winner right at the top of our list.

Rishad Cooper