FIRST LOOK: Kawasaki Z800
| October 29, 2015
Kawasaki’s mid-sized nakedbike, the Z800, has been a solid performer in Europe and Australasia for the past three years but we’ve never had the chance to sample this rather elusive machine here in the States.
Until now. Kawasaki has finally deemed the Z800 fit enough to enter the U.S. market, however, you won’t be able to register one in California until 2017. This is due to the fact machine is yet to pass the stringent Californian emissions tests, however Kawasaki has assured Cycle News this will be rectified for the 2017 model year.
But, if you live anywhere else in the U.S., that doesn’t matter! This bike will be available to you and we’ve just completed a full test on the new 806cc inline four-cylinder machine that you can read in the upcoming edition of Cycle News on November 3.
For the meantime, we can let you know Kawasaki’s entry into the mid-size nakedbike sector is a very nice machine, with the same personality and DNA you’ll find in its larger brother, the Z1000. The engine is strong, chassis is for the most part compliant and comfortable and the looks are definitely a case of genetic modification from the Z1000.
For the full test, make sure you download the next issue of Cycle News on November 3!
Rennie Scaysbrook | Road Test Editor
Our newest member of staff is our Road Test Editor Rennie Scaysbrook. A lifetime rider, the Aussie made the trek across the Pacific to live the dream in the U.S. of A.
