Japanese bike maker Kawasaki has just launched its Ninja Z800 superbike in India. This bike will be brought in as CBUs here and the Delhi outlet has already received 14 bookings.
A glimpse at the compact Z800 reminds us of a brutal boxer waiting to unleash his blows in the ring. The Z800 looks savage with aerodynamic looking sharp and aggressive lines flowing along the body.
Closer observation also reveals a Z embedded in the design cues of the bike, enhancing its street-fighter aesthetics. The compact headlamp cowl uses a multi dimensional design, with a three-part LCD cluster comprising a cascading tachometer displayed in the middle, along with other information like speedometer, odometer, clock, fuel gauge, an eco-meter, dual trip-meter and engine temperature, available for the rider. The front headlight provides good visibility, posing a mean expression.
The Z800’s four-stroke, 806cc, liquid-cooled and fuel-injected engine feels sinister, with 111bhp on tap, made at 10,200rpm, and a hefty torque output of 8.5kgm available at 8000rpm, which feels abrupt yet manageable. Refined and linear power delivery on the Z800 is easy to get acquainted with. Six-speed gearbox feels precise, while delivering the Z's raw power to the rear wheel through an exposed drive-chain. The Z800 is an adrenaline pumping motorcycle, with strong performance figures, yet feels very manageable in city riding conditions. Thanks to mass centralisation on this motorcycle, the kerb weight of 231kg is manoeuvrable in city traffic.
The seating position feels comfortable with a passably upright riding posture, and a slight lean towards the short and flat handlebars. The new Z800 feels really light and agile with confidence inspiring cornering capabilities. Brakes are sharp and responsive, providing a good bite, as soon as the brake levers are engaged. Overall, Kawasaki has a cracking street-fighter in the Z800, the big naked Z1000’s sibling feels planted at all times, providing rider confidence in abundance.
Price
Rs 8.05 lakh
(ex-showroom,
Pune)
Fuel Petrol
Engine Type 806cc,
In-line four, liquid cooled, four-stroke
Power 111bhp at 10,200rpm
Torque 8.5kgm at 8000rpm
Power to weight
481bhp per tonne
Transmission
Gearbox 6-speed, 1-down, 5-up
Dimensions
Length 2100mm
Width 800mm
Height 1050mm
Wheel base 1445mm
Chassis & Body
Wheels 6-spoke alloy
Tyres 120/70 x 17-
180/55 x 17
inches
Suspension
Front USD telescopic forks
Rear Linked monoshock steel swingarm
Brakes
Front 310mm petal discs (ABS)
Rear 250mm petal discs (ABS)
Economy
Tank size 17 litres
