Re: Kawasaki Z800 - Dream Comes True

I use my 600 for commuting everyday to work. I have a very secluded office parking and big enough slots , so I park it there and I know no one would come that far to fiddle it. I never ever take it to any public places other than morning rides and If at all I have to stop for breakfast, I make sure I park it where I can see it. Like what @teezam quoted, It keep constantly bothering you while you are inside and the bike is outside. This is common for all high end bikes. Heat is another thing, mine heats up like a hot pan under B2B traffic, I have seen temp soaring upto 102, I find an empty space, park it for 5 mins , switch it off completely using the key and drive. I once stopped the bike and it didnt start in that heat (not sure why). May be the starting coil can take temp only to an extent or my radiator fins are bent badly.

OT: While I was at a restaurant having breakfast, I was constantly keeping an eye on my bike and I ended up having a fight with my wife as I didnt talk much during that time inside the restaurant for not looking and talking at her.

Lesson learnt - Never take your wife in your SBK to any public places

Re: Kawasaki Z800 - Dream Comes True

[MENTION=80812]teezam[/MENTION] [MENTION=18565]brad_desouza[/MENTION] [MENTION=76332]Odeen12[/MENTION] [MENTION=64547]TheArcher84[/MENTION]
I'm selling off my current Thunderbird500 (with a heavy heart but costs and time won't allow me to maintain two bikes) and would not have a second bike to use in the city. I do have a 15 year old Kawasaki Eliminator but that will require some resurrection.
So I'd prefer if I can use the bike somewhat in the city too.
I feel the ST3 is better in this aspect than the Z800, any comments?

Re: Kawasaki Z800 - Dream Comes True

I am 5.8.I have ridden both bikes in traffic. My friend's Striple was with me for few days. And yes it is much more flickable in traffic. But both bikes heat up in the same manner. Both will blow hot air on your legs in traffic. I do take my Z to office for few days in a week. People will always try to wring the throttle,try the brakes,hit the seat Going in the morning is an awesome experience. Returning in evening rush is maddening. I usually return after 8.30 pm when I take the Z to office. Traffic reduces.

Z is little bit difficult to flick in traffic. But it was not meant to be ridden only in our traffic. Indian traffic is unique in the whole world. Our average speeds are insanely low. My French boss rides an old Enfield in India. He said he has never experienced such traffic in his life.[back home rides a Fazer 600]

The difference between Z and Striple is felt on highways. Z has huge dollops of torque. Striple felt at home doing fast cornering and racing. A racing role would perfectly fit the Daytona derivative. You can't keep Striple in a smooth delivery mood. It always wants to push you for a faster ride. Very peaky power delivery. Also it is not as refined as the Kawa.

The smooth Kawasaki fulfills my inline-four fantasy. Yes it could have been more flickable,yes it could have been more lighter. But that would have come at cost. And I am happy with the bike after almost two years. It has enough horsepower to keep me excited. And there is really not any negative point which upsets me. That typical Japanese four cylinder is what brings smile to you on a dull day. Makes me feel like in a western country. :P

Finally its your choice. Buy what will keep you happy for a long time. All the best!

Re: Kawasaki Z800 - Dream Comes True

Driving in the city, I have a on call part time driver whom i use almost always... Frankly I hate driving in B2B traffic (that's just me), as I had mentioned earlier haven't ridden a motorcycle in close to 10 years. Do have a 5 year old activa which has barely done 1k that is used occasionally for buying groceries, chips or nearby runs

For work, am usually travelling or when am in Chennai I WFH, so no office commute..

With the riding gear on it gets a bit hot, the thing is my TNT doesn't heat up but the gear makes it unpleasent. And using the bike in B2B traffic is a strain.

Apart from that its not practical to have a SBK as a daily driver, for nothing but unwanted attention and other unpleasentries...
I can only list a handful of places where u can take the bike than where it can't be taken.... U basically can't afford to park in an unsecure location or public parkings. So no malls- cinemas- restaurants and the list only grows longer. Essentially if the bike isn't in your site or locked storage or with a guard sitting right next to it- Its not safe to park.
Not sure about other cities, but this is the case in Chennai.


If you are someone who uses a bilke as daily driver, suggest having a second bike.

Re: Kawasaki Z800 - Dream Comes True

Ok so here's another one to add to the entire mix.

Wait.

And absolutely please please consider the Yamaha MT09 for sure. Crossplane 3 cylinder torque monster. Has the electronic goodies. Is a lively bike. And yes, it's damn light. If you ask me, it's better value than the Z800 and the Street Triple. If the rumour mills are right. The street triple is up for a overhaul. It might be getting a 800cc engine.

Watch the videos and you'd know how light the front tire is. And how wonderfully practical that bike is.

Re: Kawasaki Z800 - Dream Comes True

Paradoxx, you now have all the information to pick up a bike of your liking. Let your next post be I Booked XYZ and Delivery is schedule for XXX
Or swear to god, we will ride all the way down to pune, grab you and your check book and book one of our liking. And that way instead of one you would wind up with multiple bikes...

Re: Kawasaki Z800 - Dream Comes True

Lol, you can come down to Pune and we can go for a ride[emoji14]I'll be finalizing the bike in this week. Scheduled a longish test ride from Kawasaki by constant pestering. That will decide everything

Re: Kawasaki Z800 - Dream Comes True

Mt 09 upward of 11 lakhs on road with its abrupt and querky fueling issues mentioned in all review , what bad is monster 821 then , it a pure exotic , great great looker than compared to all the bikes mentioned here . Ive seen all in person and the monster 821 is a pure standout in terms of shear size and product quality , fit and finish and with the heaviest grunt of L twin on stock and comes with 3 riding mode , guess 8 level traction control , 3 level abs , ride by wire , great broad seats , brembo stuff upfront , lighter and much more meatier than z800 and its a exclusive machine , u wont spot many of them even in a sbk group . Here in thane on road dark is something around 10.20lakhs and the red one is 10.70 on road . Only let down is that its an exotic so u wont find the service station everywhere in india , i mean only 3 places in india is where u can service them . Just like triumph the service intervals are long , 10000kms or 1 year excpt for the first service on 1k km on new bike .

Re: Kawasaki Z800 - Dream Comes True

Both 821 & MT09 are way out of my budget with a difference of over 2 lacs.

Re: Kawasaki Z800 - Dream Comes True

Actually not. The fuelling issues have been sorted out quite some time ago. And the bike is just fine.

I'd never touch a Ducati knowing its unreliability.

Re: Kawasaki Z800 - Dream Comes True


Its not exactly fuelling issue. All these big bikes are tuned to run lean below certain rpm (3000 in most cases). This is to meet stringent emission norms. The abrupt feeling that you have at low rpms when you hold a steady throttle is mostly because of that. But its not a deal breaker and not as bad as it is made to sound. Once you start riding and get used to it, you eventually figure out a way to that. Most of the times it is also because of the ultra smooth throttle and clutch. Once you get a hang of these two, the quirkiness reduces by a huge amount.

Re: Kawasaki Z800 - Dream Comes True

MT09 is an excellent option. I wish it had been on the cards when I was looking. As it stands its a powerful lightweight bike with the wonderful triple note to go along with it.
It does have handling issues and, honestly looks, very plain jane (subjective). Also, I believe its rather overpriced, unfortunately.

Re: Kawasaki Z800 - Dream Comes True

Guys this bike fit all my requirements. Only thing I am worried is pillion comfort. I know its not very good, but is it abysmal ? My wife has small frame. Will daily 30km office commute through Pune traffic be manageable ? And how about pillion comfort for occasional weekend rides of 150-200km to say Lavasa ? Is there any after market seat and grab rail available to enhance the pillion comfort ?

Re: Kawasaki Z800 - Dream Comes True

Hey Sam,

• Pillion comfort is not bad but isnt the most comfortable seat either, certainly more comfortable than duke and R15. Should not be a problem on small rides.
• daily 30km office commute through Pune traffic be manageable ? - Bad idea. Bike heats up quite a lot in traffic , not practical for daily commute through traffic
• Is there any after market seat and grab rail available to enhance the pillion comfort - Its not the seat but the position and size of the pillion seat is a problem her

Re: Kawasaki Z800 - Dream Comes True

Thanks for reply As you have mentioned size of pillion seat as one of problem, can after market seats solve this issue to some extend (say slightly bigger seat) ? Would try to get test ride with pillion for final assessment. If my better half gives green signal, Z will be mine