Kawasaki Z800 Quick First Ride Review

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I have to travel for work again soon but hopefully I'll be back riding many bikes soon :) If you ever see a bike in stock in Freeman's you'd really like to see ridden, let me know :) Did you think I'd ever fit on a Z800? :D

[@lunar-firefly]

Ah! 2014 Z800! Very nice! The z series as a whole have been pretty impressive through the years. I'm 5'6, 28 inch inseam and test road the 2019 Z900 last year I think? Fantastic bike. Nearly picked it up. Luggage options are there, but very limited. It's so incredibly agile, and you're spot on with acceleration being just butter smooth. They made a blue and silver version that I was oggling so hard. If I abandon the bimmer, I may look at picking one up in a couple years. Only issue I ran into was, like you, the ergonomics for the hands were a bit rough on the wrists. I think that played more into needing them adjusted for my height rather than there being anything wrong with it. Likely the same for you as well. Thankfully they're easy to adjust. And Kawasaki I've found, is very straight forward when it comes to maintenance, and repairs. They're designed very well. The look hasn't changed much. Love the style so much. And you're right, the added bits really bring out that more aggressive feel to it. They had a cafe' style for the z900 as well which is gorgeous. Not the one with that curved cowling, but the one with just the single headlight on the front without the cover. Seems impossible to find them though. Not sure if they didn't make a lot of them, or they just sold out. Maybe once things settle down a bit, they'll become more available.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I was delighted to get out for a spin :) Yeah every time I ride another one it just shows to me that Kawasaki did a great job, none of them have been over complicated, just fun and sharp to ride :) I was at the track with a fella who had a Z900, he was on the shorter side too but fit that bike perfect and was QUICK :) Yeah the engine/gearbox was madly impressive. I had to google that colour scheme, that looks very tasty :D Ah now, just add more bikes to the collection :D (I joke, I do not advise my methods of hoarding as maintenance gets very time consuming! ) Oh really? I wonder is it the overall rider triangle then rather than our heights, maybe it's just not an ideal position all round that gives rise to the wrists ouchies. Hmmmm. Agreed, Kawasaki still make solid bikes that are designed to be used a lot. I have a buddy with nearly 80,000km on a ZX6R that's just trucking away. Yeah Kawasaki are interesting in that they are really different in their design style to everyone else, whereas others have started to kind of borrow from each other. I like it, keeps everything interesting :D Ah that Z900RS honestly never leaves my brain, it's absolutely beautiful :) They' were released fairly limitedly I believe, so maybe they'll turn up more...but I think the RS is something that will stay pricey enough, especially as every year they switch up the colours.

[@TheVenom46]

Nice review mate. Woefully few reviews on these. I like mine and have had it since last August. Can't wait to get a full summer of riding her.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Thanks! It's gas how many people messaged me after releasing it saying they didn't even know it existed!! Ah yeah you'll really get to enjoy it now once we get good weather and higher road temps :) Enjoy it!!

[@stephencartwright5046]

The surprise was you commenting on the reach to the bars! Yes looks a good machine, just wish the front didn't drop away like that. Not a model I was aware of until this ride. I really do like these random ride reviews. I get bored with the newest latest glitziest reviews. It all gets very repetitive. Another good one !

[@TheGorillaBiker]

It's an odd one, after 10 mins I barely noticed it that said, just weird that it was so....not there. That's a streetfighter for you though!! Thanks, I like doing them too to be honest, a hell of a lot easier to film and edit too :D Ah if I could get my hands on more older bikes I'd do them as fast as newer ones, I just like bike :) I'll just have to start buying bike to review then selling them :D Thanks Stephen!

[@stephencartwright5046]

@@TheGorillaBiker That is a good idea!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@@stephencartwright5046 Toaster might kill me 😂

[@stephencartwright5046]

@@TheGorillaBiker But as long as you do sell them again . . . You could add value with a little service/maintenance ?

[@TheGorillaBiker]

That's very true but it's still a risk....as is me deciding I want to keep one! 😂

[@AQHackAQ]

I've heard this bike has a serious issue with the valve (specifically the exhaust valve) for the non-ABS versions. There are numerous cases of valves being snapped or bent causing catastrophic engine damage, at least here in Malaysia. To mitigate it is to swap the exhaust valves with either the Z800 ABS version (Kawasaki did make this change) or Z750. Weirdly I've never heard or read anyone else outside Southeast Asia even discussing this. So it makes me wonder if it's a climate thing... i.e. hotter vs colder climates.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Interesting, I've never heard of that affecting them here and I've spoken to quite a few people who own them locally since releasing this video, I'd wonder are they made in different factories depending on the region, maybe the parts were just a bad batch etc for that locale. An odd one! It's be interesting to see is the cooling in the head just not up to scratch, that might cause them to overheat big time in much warmer climates!

[@harrygibbs2571]

Ive just bought this bike i was torn between this and a z900 but a 2016 abs very low mileage z800 came up and i did prefer the looks and this video had me sold its my first big bike and i got to say it did scare me the first time i opened her up but i am only 5foot 9 and 76kilo 😂 great review mate 👍

[@TheGorillaBiker]

First of all congrats!! :) Haha yeah if you jumped up from something of a lower displacement it can fairly move :) I'm jealous of your weight advantage for speed we'll say :P Thanks :)

[@dannynaylor5485]

This is literly the commet I could have written, I've just brought a z800 abs, about 3 weeks ago, I'm 5'9 m, and about the same weight, 😂.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@dannynaylor5485 congrats!!!

[@deeweeuavp]

Like a mini moto - You'd be hanging on for dear life at speed, 2005 Kawasaki Z1000. With a 6'8" giant on it! Nice bike which had twin scorpion race exhausts.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I disagree tbh, you must think I'm a lot bigger than I am in reality :D I'm big on the bikes but not that big that I make them look like mini motos :P I've ridden a 2014 Z1000SX and it was lovely!

[@eddmelter1012]

I really like the look of the z900. Never heard of this one!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I like the Z900RS, the Z900 wouldn't be for me over it! The Z900 is still a very cool bike tho! Judging by comments and messages it seems to have flown under the radar for a lot of people :)

[@adrianhogan9497]

Solid review as per usual GB no bullshit just honest which is awesome , just wondering if you could do a video on riding safely on irish country roads .....like i live amongst farmers for my sins and the roads are in crap with muck from tractors ... i get nervous tbh when seeing muck streaks as I call them on back roads so what advice would you give ... I trust my tyres but am terrified of coming off as I've had a few wobbles .... most people say steady throttle and don't panic ..do you agree i wonder .... an instructional video if you had time would be great .... I never had a fear when I was younger btw but know im a little older I've to mind myself while still loving being on my bike ( Triumph Explorer btw ) thanks dude as always super videos

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Thanks Adrian, I honestly just go out and talk :D I have added it to my list and can do something anyway! I'm no expert tho! :) Ah same, the road near the house at home is actually an absolute disgrace, even if a car had to brake on it hard they'd be in the ditch. Steady throttle, don't panic, back brake, all good advice! I will do my best to make one soon anyway :) As someone who ahs hopped off the road a few times, it's something I'd really recommend avoiding :D Thanks Adrian!

[@DeiseRebel]

A really cool looking bike in the flesh and it was great to see it on the road. With your height etc I didn't think you would be comfy on the bike but you only know when you ride it eh

[@TheGorillaBiker]

It's a lovely bike in fairness, typical Kawasaki differentness but it suits it! That's it really!

[@flexfreedom1969]

Floating along on a nimble carpet! HA. eejit! I do have a soft spot for these bikes. Must get a test ride sorted myself. That brake pedal is a poor enough design is the only flaw. Great video! - John

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Haha I have never said I'm not an eejit, but I'm an idiotic wordsmith :P Me too, fun little bikes!! Yeah it's just weird man, but everything seems to have one thing and that's not a bad one! Thanks :)

[@l8ton803]

I've been doing my mod 1 & 2 training on a er6n I loved the bike but a tad bit too small & I'm only 6ft 5 so a few inches shorter than you, but I've have purchased a z1000sx which feels a bit bigger I just can't wait to hopefully pass my mod 2 in 9 days time not that I've been counting down the weeks 🤔 more like the minutes 🤣

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Yeah the er6n is very narrow, I found that too when I rode one, it just felt so small. Haha 6'5 is basically the same :P You'll be squishing on to bikes forever same as me :D Ah very nice, I did a review on one of those, lovely bikes and you'll fit very nicely :) Hahaha definitely don't have counters running everywhere :D

[@l8ton803]

@@TheGorillaBiker yes plus as there a naked bike I felt like I was wearing a parachute whenever there was the slightest bit of wind 😂. Sadly I know that feeling & I was a bit gutted when I sold my '94 CBR900 but realistically it wasn't the right bike for me. Yes I seen your video on the z1000sx very nice bike but mine is a '63 black edition & sadly didn't come with the driver modes like that 1 but if I enjoy it I might upgrade to a newer one in the future I just need to pass my mod 2 first 🤞🏼😂

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Hahaha yeah I know that feeling :D Ah yeah some bikes just won't suit the larger humans, that's alright tho still loads out there for us :) Ah very good, tbh you're just as well off with the one full power mode, it's all you'd use really :P

[@l8ton803]

@@TheGorillaBiker larger humans don't you mean us normal size humans 😂. Great channel btw definitely helped give me that extra push into doing my bike tests as I've always dwarfed most bikes but to see someone taller than me throwing a bike around easily gave me that extra encouragement to get on & do it 👍🏼

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Oh sorry yes, us run of the mill standard humans :P Thanks man, and great to hear it tbh! Part of why I started doing the videos, yeah we might be less comfortable on some things but sure look we can still mix it with the small people eh :P

[@thetwowheeledintrovert3367]

I identify with your comment regarding ‘furniture in front’, riding fully faired race replica’s, I find standard or naked bikes a bit off putting to ride due to that lack of furniture.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Haha yeah I ride faired bikes most of the time and even when I don't with the likes of the Magna, there's still stuff in front of you, you sit in it rather than on it.

[@theponkster]

That is a nice looking bike with a great howl when you opened it up a bit.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

It's a lovely bike in fairness, the scorpion makes it sing but it's nowhere being overly loud. :)

[@TheVenom46]

@@TheGorillaBiker try one with a full Yoshi system. Mine sounds like a demon!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@@TheVenom46 Haha I'd even like to ship the db killer out of this one and give it a go :P

[@garryburns2061]

Z750 was my 1st bike .I loved riding it but found it a tad small at 6 ft 3 n 18 stone m8

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I've never ridden the z750 so couldn't compare! I doubt I'd be comfortable on a tour around Scotland on this, but definitely a few hours would be no hassle. That said I do ride a GSXR 750 SRAD for fun so maybe I enjoy pain :D

[@AuldhannRua]

The great thing about naked style bikes is the built in speed limiter in your neck muscles 😅As for a test ride, if Freeman still have the Africa Twin 1100 i'd love to get your view on it on our lovely Irish roads.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Hahaha very true :D It's why the screen is on the Magna in winter as that limit is reduced to about 90kmh :D The Adventure one? They do indeed and I shall see what I can do :)

[@AuldhannRua]

@@TheGorillaBiker Cool beans man, and a nice review on the Z btw. On another note, what camera would you recommend for someone who just wants to record their trips with no intention of putting it on the interwebs.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@@AuldhannRua thanks! Honestly a 360 cam if it's just for that as youll have a nice all round view you can mess about with afterwards and they're so easy to mount because of it. I actually have a video that talks about that sort of on Friday :)

[@HippoDrones]

It is funny the struggle you have being a big guy, as it is so alien to me being the opposite! :D

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Haha and both of us just shaking our fists at all those happy people in the middle of the bell curve :P

[@HippoDrones]

@@TheGorillaBiker :D indeed, why can't we get a shrink ray / grow ray to make bikes fit us properly! :D hahaha.... TBH, I'd use a grow ray on me rather than the shrink ray on the bike! :D

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Tbh I'd grow ray everything to make the world fit me :D That said it'd be boring if we were all the same :) I'd definitely take more leg room on planes/trains and buses tho :D And cars actually, and higher dinner tables......and chairs that fit me.....yeah I need a grow ray :D

[@HippoDrones]

@@TheGorillaBiker What do we want? GROW RAYS... When do we want them? NOW :D

[@TheGorillaBiker]

We need to start one of those petitions and get it in front of the WHO :D

[@articfps9776]

how tall are you? i am considering this bike

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Pretty certain I said it in the video, sorry if I forgot to. 6'7/200cm

[@paokaraomadara258]

good evening brother I am 1.75cm tall. didn't step on my feet right? it's perfect.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I don't get the step on your feet right sorry! Glad it's perfect for you tho :)

[@hachewie]

I love Kawasaki. I've heard power to weight makes the 800 faster than the 900, or was it the 900 is faster than the 1000. Either way, it's faster because I believed so at least for a minute.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I'm liking them more and more with each one I ride!! I think that may be the 900, and I've seen a 900 at the track and they can really move. Even the 800 though, whatever about power/weight, it felt more nimble than the 1000 which would make a huge difference on track. Hahaha Chewie brain facts.

[@hachewie]

@@TheGorillaBiker My brain facts are accurate when I argue with myself.

[@krissyhardwidge5880]

Torn between a Z800/Z900 an a 765 speed triple rs

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I've also ridden and reviewed the 765 street triple rs :) I assume you meant the street not the speed? I'd personally go for the Triumph, but I'd pick the Z900RS over all of those listed. Love that bike.

[@krissyhardwidge5880]

@@TheGorillaBiker Oh thanks ill check that vid out too :-) Yes street is what meant lol Yea think I will, plus the triumph is a lot lighter than the z800 so that's a plus. Want rid of my sport bikes now to get something more comfortable. Sport bikes look great, go great but not great when your wrists and back hurt unless I speed everywhere then I don't hurt! lol Sport bikes and long spins don't mix too well as you probably already know :-( Thank you for the reply & opinion much appreciated :-D

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Thanks :) Sports bikes are amazing unless you want comfort :D Agreed! You'd likely love the triumph as it still performs amazing well! Not at all!

[@davidborga]

1,88 meters too big for this bike?

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I don't think so. I wasn't too cramped on it and you're 12cm shorter than me so you might even be very comfortable on it. Definitely sit on one tho.

[@colmh9699]

Or a 🐻 bear! 😀

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I've always thought bears were really cool animals, even though they'd likely eat my face if I tried to make friends with them :D

[@hachewie]

I very much like the Kawasaki z bikes. I’m surprised you were comfortable tree beard.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I am enjoying every single one I put my large self on. I was too!! Leaving the gate I was worried about my hip, but I was perfectly comfy :)

[@crumblymal8479]

Mmm did not know this one existed it is a nice bike to look at but I have to be honest for it would be the 900rs every time I would like a go on one cos I am sure ya could have fun on it . I am guessing it would bee a lot cheaper than the Z900rs and in green I think it actually looks good to me having check 2015 at around 4,000 quid not to bad maybe I would have one : D .

[@TheGorillaBiker]

The 900rs would be my choice at any price over this but only because I absolutely love the looks of it, this as a bike is every bit as capable on the road from a quick spin, I also had a lot more time on the 900rs :) Hahaha the eyes lit up when you saw the cost eh :D A bloody good bike at that price!

[@lightitup550]

I've put I've 30k in miles on my 2016 z800.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

That's good! Doesn't surprise me with a Kawasaki!

[@hachewie]

Pretty Large. There are smaller Full Grown Male Grizzly Bears.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

*Laughs through the tears of envy at every 6'2 R1 rider ever*

[@hachewie]

@@TheGorillaBiker I fell part of your pain.

[@petervautmans199]

problem is with gear. All biker gear is smaller in sizing to traditional clothes, I'm 190 cm and 115 kg and need 4xl to 5xl in biker gear.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Gear and bike sizing! By the way Peter I got a notification that you'd commented again on my trip video but I think KZbin is deleting them, send me a message on Instagram if it doesn't work :)