2016 Kawasaki Z800 ABS First Ride Review - MotoUSA

Muscular styling, a natural around town riding position, and a punchy, yet smooth plus-sized middleweight engine-that’s what Kawasaki’s Z800 ABS is all about. Find out more in this First Ride Review: www.motorcycle-usa.com/2013/12...
Subscribe: kzbin.info_...
Website: www.motorcycle-usa.com

[@NuclearNasa]

​Hi, I recently bought a Z800 and I want to share my experience.First all of to introduce my self, my name is Konstantinos, I'm 32 years old, Greek and I'm leaving in Cyprus. From 2008 Since March of 2016 I had a Suzuki V-Strom DL650 2007 model and made 72.000 kilometers with it. So I decided to complete change style. From January I started my research on many brands and models, narrowing my choices to MT07, CB650F, GSR750 and Z800. From close I saw only the MT07 and the CB650F. The problem in Cyprus is that you have to imagine the bike you want to buy because the dealers don't have stock and if you want a bike is with order only and deposit. Also if you found a bike they don't do test drives. So I relied basically on web reviews and KZbin.The MT07 felt on me very light and small comparing to the huge V-Strom. The CB650F had very poor quality materials. The GRS750 was about the same price with Z800 and it was nowhere near on what Z800 was offering.So after all the reviews I read and watched and the specs I decided that the Z800 was the most complete and well build middle range naked bike. My only concern was the weight as I was reading that it is a heavy bike. Anyway I finalized my decision and ordered it with closed eyes.Now time for my review. And what a bike... First to clear about the weight. NO problem at all. Actually is way lighter from what I had used to with the V-Strom. It has exactly the perfect weight I like to fill at the stop, at the road, at the mountains. The handling is amazing. I never felt the same confidence on a turn before. It fills like is on rails. The stopping power is excellent and the rear break is exactly what is needed to control the bike on breaking. The engine has a great amount of power. You can even go really slow with 6th gear on country side and speed up without down shifting. The stock exhaust is a sweet melody. The build quality fills that you get much more than you paid. I'm very pleased with my Z800 and I'm glad that I didn't choose any other bike. I definitely recommend this bike to everyone that wants a middle range naked. Just I would recommend to put the Kawasaki engine guards on as the engine is a little big and in case of drop would be damaged.Conclusion... Well done Kawasaki.

[@Ijai777777]

+Konstantinos Stathopoulos Thanks bro...your review help me to decide... Z800 have the look and sound that i really like... plus the price is within my budget ...just change the stock exhaust to SC project CRT then it will lighter by 5kg and have a eargasm sound heheh

[@NuclearNasa]

+Hafrizal Ibrahim Nice that I helped you. You will really enjoy your bike. I'm thinking also to change the exhaust with akrapovic but not now. Ride safe.

[@an0nym0us1]

Is it good for first bike ?

[@NuclearNasa]

@@an0nym0us1 Definitely not. To much power for someone that has no experience. If you want to stay alive you should start with a lower CC like 300 then 650... and build your way up.

[@pahwasaki9389]

did he just said LIGHTWEIGHT ??? at 230 kgs it is anything but LIGHTWEIGHT

[@balsara675]

lol

[@floyd_mph]

This is actually my first bike. I don’t regret it. I love it. The throttle is not twitchy (cable). It’s heavy, though.

[@blacksunlori]

I'm planning to buy this bike, old dream. Very heavy? Hard to handle when stopped?

[@floyd_mph]

It’s 230kgs wet. It’s the only bike I’ve been on. So I can’t really compare. It’s not that bad, though. I’ve never dropped it yet. And I’ve been doing slow manoeuvres on it. You will feel it. But it’s manageable. Go for it. You won’t regret it. It’s a really fun bike.

[@waddy707]

I've done 10k on mine, commute 100km return trip every work day, comfortably and have tried the street triple and mt09, couldn't be more happier with my choice. mt09 is limited to 180kmh which is bullshit, z800 is at least as smooth as street triple the clutch is the smoothest of all three, the weight keeps it stable in cornering with its low centre of gravity, front end felt way more grounded than the mt09, it has top speed of 250+ (I've got an aftermarket windshield). You may wanna watch the Spanish z800 cup clips on KZbin, which is a qualifier class for 'motogp' before you right this bike off on ignorant assumptions about it's weight.

[@blacksunlori]

Thanks a lot for the info, this will be my next bike. Always loved the looks....and I hear good things about the bike. I was a little concerned about the weight though.....being used to a sub 200 kilo Gixxer 600.

[@IDF]

i love the bike. i got my Z800 8 months ago. but the weight... it took me some time to get use to it in the city traffic, you really feel the weight of the bike in low speeds. but on the open road you don't feet it at all and the bike feels solid on the road as well.

[@robgudat7262]

can't wait to buy mine

[@llwellyn1]

This was a well produced video. The subjective point of view , in addition to the technical evaluation, has added substantial quality to the transfer of information. It has created a solid launching point for a potential buyer to start their own approach toward ownership. Crunching only performance numbers and price, with flashy video, is a shallow consideration. I appreciate Adam's tone, choice of words and riding scenarios to paint a clear picture. I've been watching these MotoUSA videos for many years and I see ( and appreciate ) this step forward in journalistic endeavor. Keep up the good work guys !

[@AdamWaheed]

+Touleau Tourrain Thanks for the feedback and for paying attention!

[@vaajchang]

great review!

[@kiliksang630]

This bike is simply amazing.

[@mateoalzate1738]

Its a piece of Art !! 💯📸

[@greggotaway2332]

If I could own every bike I want I'd need Jay Leno's garage to house them all... Enjoyed the review!

[@laughingstalk1343]

Is that what it sounds like with the STANDARD EXHAUST? Love the styling. I like the "Z" styling theme, even in the whole profile of the bike. If it rides anything like the Yamaha FZ8, it is worth a look at the PIMS. The weight is a concern on paper, but from my limited riding experience, a heavier bike seems to make for a smoother ride.

[@180slayer]

I rode my mates this year, it was an OK bike but I wouldn't swop my 04 Tuono for one. It was very heavy and needed a lot of effort to get it through the bends, nice spread of power though

[@omar63945]

What is the comparison between Z800 and MT-09 ? I mean like what better in its way.

[@MrDarshan84]

Er, small and light weight? This thing weighs 231 Kgs wet and is as big as Z1000. If you are to compare, Street Triple weighs 183 Kgs wet and MT-09 (FZ-09 in the US) weighs 188 Kgs wet.

[@CycleCruza]

I want a Motorcycle that does it all brother!

[@hernanavila3626]

Which bike do you think that might be?

[@williamdeimos2354]

that bike doesn't exist

[@psychosis7au]

ZX-14R! Fast, comfortable, good enough handling for the road, good for two up. I love mine

[@mopedblade]

get a Chinese scooter brother

[@CycleCruza]

Hernan Avila KTM 690 Enduro R. I just asked japan to build one. lol If Japan builds one I will buy one.

[@kelaanielmehdi8365]

Hi iwant to ask you . How much for the z800 in usa and also the z1000

[@NorCalSaint]

By itself? What about the FZ-07 or 09?

[@arch417powersports]

I'd love to ride one. Kawasaki, send one my way ;)

[@o2tank046]

This review paid for by Kawasaki.

[@radrider8759]

Guys pls test ride the bike before pitching your comments about it. it is heavy for sure but not while on the move, Mass centralization and weight has been distributed really well. it's a hoot to drive this bike. also it's smooth as hell, a little vibes only after 6k. imo fz9 design is like they were confused as to if they wanted to build a moto or a street bike. have heard the engine response is also snatchy although havent ridden it. z 800 is a beautiful bike and better than Competition

[@Sam-ht1xw]

Is it a good idea to buy a 2017 z800 with 30000 kms?

[@marlondavis1230]

Would this make a good starter bike despite the heaviness? Just curious.

[@AdamWaheed]

+Marlon Davis (Chrome Federation) I believe it would be a good starter bike. Wear all the proper gear from head to toe and take it slowly. You'll be just fine.

[@jeebangurung6683]

What music is the entry music??? plz anyone..

[@reginmundweibhaupt3958]

i love your sneakers what trademark is?

[@AdamWaheed]

These are TCX X-Rap Shoes.

[@Ciph4n]

I wonder if a simple sprocket change could improve this bike for the freeway and maybe the lacking performance people seem to complain about.

[@MightyFreakRider]

Ive owned gixxer 600 k10 very light and fast, ive had zx6r 1997 was fun but nothing like gixxer than I had the er6f easy to ride can get a blast here and there again it was a goo commuter now I got the z800 you can feel the weight a little when you ride slow at traffic etc but when you moving around town or highway feels great the weight is not even there. gixxer was super light but very uncomfotable. lower back problem etc for me its the most suited bike for daily commute and a blast of fun on the street. but for track riding it may fall a bit short. but guess what? its a naked street bike and it does everything on the tin.

[@TonyJDH]

I like your trouser man !! where did u get it ?

[@AdamWaheed]

+Amit Philip These things are Campo jeans by Rev'it. I've taken a digger in them, had them patched, and am still rocking them. Check em' out at Motorcycle-Superstore. Adam

[@TonyJDH]

+Adam Waheed Thanks And God Bless You

[@AdamWaheed]

+Amit Philip Thank you for the well wishes... and remember watch our authentic Motorcycle KZbin domain. We got the real answers, not the fake fluff you see elsewhere.

[@mavricxx]

Super sexy naked bike! I wish they made a Ninja 650R version with this engine aka more power (Ninja 800R). Waheed, you make this bike look even cooler man, like the way you ride bro!

[@hernanavila3626]

Would you recommend this bike over a a GXS1000 ? 70%Commuting and 30%Highway.

[@oshkoshbjosh986]

GSX-S1000 is sweet! For a little over $1000 more I would get the 'gixxus.' I rode one at IMS on Saturday and was really impressed coming from my FZ-09. I just didn't like the looks

[@AdamWaheed]

+Hernan Avila The GSX-S1000 is a great bike but requires a couple tweaks to make it really well. I'd be happier with a Z800, even though it isn't as quick.

[@ZKawasaki-ny9ju]

I would like to see a shoot out with z800, fz07 and fz09.

+John Ayotte plus BMW F800R, Triumph Street Triple R I have ridden them all and StreetTriple R wins every day! Although FZ09 do have quite a nice engine.

[@ZKawasaki-ny9ju]

+Miika Venäläinen agreed on the street triple. I am a triumph tech in upstate NY and that bike is just a load of fun.

[@AdamWaheed]

+John Ayotte Z800 vs. FZ09 would be a good one for sure. I have no plans to tackle that at this time however.

[@ZKawasaki-ny9ju]

That fz 09 is a ton of fun when you want to be a hooligan but kinda scary on the twists. Would be a good comparison for sure.

[@TheSenna76]

Low seat height? Light weight??? Compared to which bike in its class, exactly?? 😃

[@classikz]

+TheSenna76 For him it's low because he's a giant stick figure.

[@TheSenna76]

+shin888 This bike has been around in Europe for a couple of years. I have a MT-07 and the Z is tempting for the price. I dig the styling, too.. However, the 231kg wet weight concerns me... Need to take it for a test ride sometime...

[@AdamWaheed]

+shin888 Guilty.

[@The3dsGeek]

+shin888 LOL... two thumbs up dude

[@akasakakv9523]

fz-09 is way more lightweight and has a low seat height

[@williamdeimos2354]

i don't get the Japanese manufactures. the z1000, fz07, and fz09 are all great bikes for example. but whats wrong with taking bikes like the R6, R1, ZX6R, and so on and making an upright naked version? rework the engines and ecu for low and mid range power, strip off everything that doesnt matter and sell it for a couple grand cheaper than there supersport brothers. i would take a Z636 over a Z800 anyday

[@SineOccasu]

+Outlaw Rides FZ6 = R6, FZ1 = R1. There are many more examples, but I think you mean a bike more like the Street Triple is to the Daytona?

[@williamdeimos2354]

yes street triple to daytona is what i was getting at :) and as far as i know the FZ6 and FZ1 only have engine displacement in common with the R6 and R1. not the same chassis, suspension and what not. but i could be wrong. either way they are a little softer than what i had in mind.

[@SineOccasu]

Outlaw Rides I agree completely. With the success of bikes like the Street Triple, S1000R, and even the Duke 690, I hope we will continue to see more bikes along the same line :)

[@michaelkennedy2901]

+Outlaw Rides Because these bikes are shooting for an affordable price, you start wanting supersport engines in them, the price starts going up.

[@akasakakv9523]

Get FZ-10 is a striped down R1 and ecu to give mid ranged torque

[@rahuldamala7021]

ever heard of mt09?

[@awanbiru-ride]

z800 is heavy but stable at highway speed

[@Zoharargov]

Lightweight? Nimble? This is the heaviest naked in it's class (it's even heavier than the Z1000!)... It's very clumsy in low speed city riding and hard to get around traffic. The FZ-09 runs circles around it in weight and nimbleness. You guys need to do your homework before putting this stuff out, It's embarrassing.

[@hfr8343]

do you have one?

[@Zoharargov]

Ogre Doug I actually have an FZ-09, but I have also ridden the Z800 quite a lot too.

[@hfr8343]

***** ok gotcha, I like the styling of the kawi better but if the performance isn't there, I also thought it was odd it's heavier than the 1000

[@Zoharargov]

Ogre Doug I would suggest riding them both before deciding. They both have positives and negatives. For me, the Kwai's weight was the deciding factor. It's just too sluggish for me. The FZ on the other hand is light nimble and feels more powerful too.

[@alf786]

It took me a while to get used to the bike then I could ride it with ease through traffic I have or had one for a year tested the mt09 preferred the z800 slightly better quality but by small amount !! When you ride this it feels lighter then my previous bikes which were lighter. The tank is larger feels better planted on the road not going to thrown by the wind as much too :) for the money it's bloody great value. Personal choices though all to their own

[@PiperFishing]

seems like a competitor to the fz-09

+Bryce Piper Ride both and you'll know. They are completely different machines. Z800 is more dull and old-fashioned. That Yamaha is also a lot! lighter.

[@Jmacfann]

+Miika Venäläinen it is lighter..the suspension sucks though.

[@alf786]

+Miika Venäläinen mate z800 is not dull, dull is what mt09 felt when I tested after having mine fitted with akra z800 better then fz09 -mt 09 but again it's personal choice !!! Check my vids got this baby on track too

[@edgardoamado7008]

What would be the Honda equivalent to this ?

[@AdamWaheed]

+Edgardo Amado CB1000R most probably.

[@motomaryland4734]

I'm just impressed Kawasaki was able to outweight its rivals by 95 pounds. Good Job!

[@classikz]

+MotoMaryland I have the FJ-09... still weighs less lol

[@rockafella1690]

hahaha

+shin888 I think that he meant that Kawasaki weighs 100 pounds more :P

[@TheSteinbitt]

Low seat height? Low weight? I'm not sure. Love the bike though:)

[@abymathew295]

The real bad side is .it is heavier than a litter bike about 240 kg......230 mm seat hight...best suited for 6 ft guys...

[@alf786]

He is right on the money but this does takes bumps well compared to others and it ain't light but once you go it feels lighter then it is :) my channel based on this bike but it's been totalled as some dude pulled out in front with his car:(

[@andreasschubert9756]

Can tall people drive with that too

[@Coupydog]

Yes, plenty of headroom to suit anyone!

[@Jmacfann]

Don't know how this is in its own niche. It has direct competition with the FZ and the GSX-s.

[@deinvatah9668]

how tall is the rider?

[@AdamWaheed]

+dein vatah 72 inches tall.

[@sabbott5834]

This bike has great seat height. I can't take short bikes like the 250/300. They cramp my hips.

[@josephhenry149]

Harley Davidson

[@motodankz4838]

I have this bike, and trust me. Its really heavy man. Its my first bike too and i am 18 years old. Always careful, i am not stupid, and courage is a bad thing. Overall, it is a beautiful bike, love it and the only problem i see, is backing up the bike in a incline parking spot and doing tight curves. But that is just because im getting used to heavy bikes.

[@Smoove233]

You should've got a fz07 instead

[@motodankz4838]

+Caleb Whitted nah, i am now used to this bike and i freaking love it!!!

[@Smoove233]

+MotoDanKZ Cool, it's all personal preference. As long as you like it

[@KingofSe7en]

bruh, how are the vibrations? that's pretty much the deciding factor for me... if it has potential to become excessive or even noticeable Everytime you ride I'll look else where

[@Smoove233]

+Jared P fz09 is your better choice

[@JoeGo101]

Sad Face for Buzzy... :( Not a fan of Buzzy...

[@HemantSomnathe]

JOEEEEE YOU ROCK BRO!

[@rockafella1690]

"lightweight"?? By what standard is this bike lightweight?

+rockafella1690 Luckily it has quite sharp steering and well sorted suspension, which make it feel lighter while riding it... I have no idea :D I went to test ride it side by side with FZ08 and The Kawi was quite a lot nicer to ride. Better steering, more power... in general more involving and racier.

+Miika Venäläinen I also rode a MT09 and it really rides circles around the old competition :)

[@rockafella1690]

+Miika Venäläinen Yeah, it does seem like a really nice bike, just not light.

[@akasakakv9523]

My motorcycle way more lighter than that, is 366lbs

[@electricsnut]

Light weight? This thing is heavier than the Z1000 isn't it?

[@unorthdox77]

+electricsnut yes it is

[@robgudat7262]

I almost died on my first bike when I was 18 but I'm 23 now and rdy to ride again!

[@Kaspurr84]

dat swingarm doe

[@dearlti]

My brother owns one

[@balsara675]

mr.weed hate Ya boots

[@mimomimo-ll6oq]

coooooooooooooooooL

[@blouman176]

I heard 8400 $ ??? In France it costs 8400 euros (9153 dollars) without ABS!!!! What a swindle...

[@elithegreat6463]

Nice looking Bike, but when he says "Lightweight" being a bit heavier than the Z1000...Did sticking his finger in a light socket make Adam think like this ??,,,I say light socket just cause of his White man Fro...

[@AdamWaheed]

+BeaglePower It's lightweight, as in its skinny, agile and happy to change direction. True it weighs 509 pounds but it doesn't feel that heavy.

[@elithegreat6463]

Adam Waheed Don't get me wrong, it's a very capable, fun looking bike. It's also been in EU so long, that there are plenty of aftermarket parts for this bike as well to customize and make it look amazing. I guess what makes it heavier is the steel frame as opposed to the Z-1000 aluminum. ?? I'm sure heavier will make it feel more planted on the turns, overall Good review as always.

[@AdamWaheed]

+BeaglePower G It's just older architecture. If you remember the ZX-9R was a heavy bike and the engine in the Z800 is based off of that...

[@elithegreat6463]

Adam Waheed I also think it's assembled in Thailand, so people have to consider that if they get creeped out by guys making .75 cents an hour putting their bikes together.

[@A_Man_Of_Culture_]

Why cant the big four just make a proper v-twin streetbike.

[@onoff314]

+mrsuperbuckets line 4 is da boss dog diggity

[@A_Man_Of_Culture_]

+Onoff314 how so

[@onoff314]

mrsuperbuckets cause i own one :D and smoothness of the engine is great

[@A_Man_Of_Culture_]

Onoff314 V-twins can be just as smooth, it's just these big cruisers engines that shake, not properly designed, performance motors.

[@onoff314]

mrsuperbuckets in what bike would one find a smooth v-twin compared to an inline?

[@OnPointFirearms]

Lightweight? This thing is no match for the Yamaha FZ-09

[@truantray]

Sad about the weight, also the design is really dated, the headlight is off the old z1000s from a decade ago. Street triple is still the way to go until Yamaha fixes the cheapass Fz09.

[@neilrr1000]

Sooo basic though :( would be nice to see perks like whats on most naked 1000's

[@MadnessOfMarmots]

+Neil Rawlins First off, it's not a 1000 obviously. Second off, you know what comes with all those knickknacks? A high price tag. Sometimes plain and simple has its advantages.

[@neilrr1000]

thinkpol True, but I think if they gave the option to have them people may add them on. Better to have the option. Triumph make a lot of money through their extras the offer with the street triple.

[@RealAutoReviews]

A classic example of how even legends sometimes don't know the f they're talking about. Light, small, and low seat height? None of that is true, sir. 🤦

[@joshuadavis2470]

Light Weight!? It weighs 500 lbs!

[@nomyourface96]

500 pounds....my 10 year old sv1000s is less than 460 wet

[@CERVEZAslam]

waheeds comments from bike to bike are unreal, no consistency whatsoever

[@AdamWaheed]

+CERVEZAslam A lot of motorcycles are different, therefore comments and experiences will match.

[@robertsleeuw2882]

This review is total BS !

[@awdeveau]

For the type of bike it is there is nothing "lightweight" about it.

[@AdamWaheed]

+awdeveau It may weight a lot on paper, but in motion it feels very athletic. Part of the reason why it feels so light is due to how skinny it is through the mid-section. It is also relatively short front-to-back.

[@awdeveau]

+Adam Waheed I could see that. Paper stats definitely aren't everything. I probably should take one for a test ride before I get 2 judgemental.

[@awdeveau]

+Adam Waheed I'm looking for a second bike for my fiance. Something that she could ride with me when I'm on my Tuono. How was it with slow speed maneuvers?

[@AdamWaheed]

+awdeveau Yeah, it was weird. I didn't even recognize that it weighed 500-plus pounds until I read the spec chart. It certainly didn't feel that heavy on the road.

[@AdamWaheed]

+awdeveau I think it would do well at that. I thought it was maneuverable at slower speeds. The only problem she might have is with the seat height. But, like I said before, the seating position is so narrow that you have a straighter route to the ground with your legs...

[@fastflyer666]

Lightweight ……. It’s 231kg wet 😂

[@pkanat9358]

ugly exhaust change it offs

[@abbaby555]

so much plastic.... yuck

[@IM-ce7zc]

Chip peace of crap! Heavy, mechanically outdated, leaking personality, simply the worst. Those side frame bars for "reinforcement" purposes will make any service required a total pain in the ass, and shouldn't you forget the leaking engines of Kawafucky, especially when talking about budget models like this disaster. If the money matter, I'd prefer Yamaha's MT09, which is a way much better and fun to ride!

[@SuperDongtimo]

Igal Milchakov I don't think you're right. It's people opinion and you can't said Kawasaki suck just because you didnt like it. This is more like bias.