Re: Test drive Kawasaki Z800

Z800 is 47KG heavier when compared to street triple. I don't think this weight is just because of a steel frame. I expect a modern day bike to have a light frame but you should also factor that Z800 is a big bike.

I agree that Z800 looks much better than Street Triple.

Agree. Triumph is growing rapidly when compared to Kawasaki.

All reputed magazines and website have reviewed Z800 and have praised its abilities. I was waiting for Triumph Street triple since their 2012 announcement in Auto expo. I was also in touch with their hinckley team. I had to move to Ireland and hence could not buy ST when it was launched. I might have watched ST's video's a million times but now i am inclined towards Z800 for the reasons i have posted earlier. I know i will save 70000 initially and then some fuel if i buy ST but still my heart want's Z800.
Street triple is a wonderful bike and i am sure it brings smile every time a rider rides it.

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

I guess 95RON fuel is not available in India. 97RON is only available in big cities and that too in one or two pumps. Can't we use regular Shell fuel or BP super? What happens if we use regular fuel. Also can we mix 97RON and 91RON for better performance compared to just 91RON?

Re: Test drive Kawasaki Z800

Guys, Finally i booked a Z800. Will be getting it delivered by next week

Re: Test drive Kawasaki Z800

Congratulations in advance, hope to see you on one of the rides soon

Re: Test drive Kawasaki Z800

Congratulations.

Where did you book the bike ? What was the out come of your discussion with Pune Kawasaki Dealer ?

Re: Test drive Kawasaki Z800

Thanks Sharath. Sure will join you for weekend ride

Thanks Shreeni. I booked with Bangalore dealership. I had word with Pune guys. Ex-showroom is 7.9L but i had to get a temp reg, ride alone to Bangalore+get registration done here later. After including expenses towards logistics, i could have saved around 30K if i buy it from Pune.
I wanted to do a PDI before getting bike registered and also avoid hassle of riding to Bangalore, i choose to buy from Bangalore dealership. Mostly will go for PDI this weekend. Will keep this thread posted.

I have posted a query on Kawasaki India website for fuel requirement (91RON) for Z800. Yet to get a response. They appear to be lazy in responding to queries.

Re: Test drive Kawasaki Z800

Just to put your mind at ease, I can tell you that you need not be worried about the fuel octane rating. I have sufficient evidence that proves that the engines are indeed designed to run on 91RON fuel, albeit with a slight reduction in performance. No harm is caused to the engine.

Re: Test drive Kawasaki Z800

Thanks Sharath for clearing my doubt. Have thought of using 91RON Shell Normal fuel initially for few days and later switch to 97RON for a couple of full tanks just to see the difference in engine charateristic and performance. C

ould you please suggest where do i buy gloves in Bangalore and which brand is a good one.

I have KBC VR Laguna helmet, AGV Sport Breeze full leather jacket (perforated) and Cortech Latigo Air boots. Anything else you guys suggest apart from gloves? Last i rode was a HH CBZ back in 2008. Now directly upgrading to Z800

Re: Test drive Kawasaki Z800

I would suggest the DSG revive gloves, if you're looking at touring gloves. For the full gauntlet, or touring type, you could try Track Breed, available at Let's Gear Up!, HSR Layout. I've heard good reviews about the above gloves. You could also try out Astars, or Rjays, available in a lot of stores in Bangalore ( Xtorque, Biking Spirit, RidingDNA ), take your pick.
I would suggest riding pants to go along with the rest of the gear, as otherwise you will have to wear external knee pads, which I feel look ugly, and also end up scratching the tank. Your call on the riding pant ( riding jeans, textile mesh or leather ) Personally, I'm using the riding jeans as you don't get too heated, as with leather pants.

P.S I'm currently using a HJC CL16 helmet, Cramster gloves, Tourmaster Coaster II leather jacket, Spartan riding jeans and Astars shoes

Re: Test drive Kawasaki Z800

My Z800 has reached bangalore. Had been to Kawasaki showroom today for a PDI and everything was ok. Was very happy to see her. It had 3 KM on Odo and upon switching on the bike, exhaust note was like a beautiful song
Have decided to take delivery of my Zee tomorrow. Had to advance delivery date because of Paksha Maas beginning tuesday. Making final payment tonight and getting bike on a temp regn. Dealership will take care of permanent registration it some time later. Feeling very happy & nervous. Have to ride her in crazy bangalore traffic tomorrow evening

Re: Test drive Kawasaki Z800

Congrats. Do post some pics when you get it

Re: Test drive Kawasaki Z800

Got my Z800 delivered yesterday from Kawasaki Bangalore showroom. I have to say that she is AWESOME. Loving every second of the ride. It is easy to ride in tight traffic.
Have already covered 50KM. Going for a ride after dinner tonight

I am not good at writing but will try to pen down my story later.

For now enjoy pics of my Zee. Will upload more pics later.

Re: Test drive Kawasaki Z800

Congrats on the new ride buddy. Can you elaborate on which fuel you are using. If you are using normal fuel, do you notice any knocking or heating up?

Re: Test drive Kawasaki Z800

Congrats Djay99, wishing you many happy miles with the beast!! Let me know if we can meet up sometime and go for a ride

Re: Test drive Kawasaki Z800

Thank you. Dealership has filled up full tank of BP Speed. Spped petrol is 91 Octane with some additives. Engine is butter smooth and i never noticed any knocking. I have ridden close to 70KM and heating is not et all a problem. In fact on delivery day, i rode it for 15KM in city traffic and never felt that it was getting hot even though temp reached 103 Degrees.

Thanks you very much Sharath. Sure would like to meet you. How about next weekend?

Re: Test drive Kawasaki Z800

you wont feel the heating much as the foot peg is placed a bit behind... that is one good factor on this bike.. my legs used to get baked in the 650 but like you said.. the heating is a not an issue.. since you did mention about the fuel... as Sharath mentioned.. don break your head on what kind of petrol to use.. i rode the Z for 500 with normal Shell/BP and then used Shell super for another 500... i didnt see any difference as such..

Completed 1000KM on the Z .. Avg KM/L - 17 in City and 21 on highway which is decent...

Kastruba SC is the only place where the Z will be serviced as of now.. bill came up to 7500/- and no much issues with the bike for now...

here is my bit of experience of the Z

30 days - 1000KM

500KM completed on the Z thanks to the 200 KM ride on sunday....a short review on the bike so far...

highway riding is a bliss as i didnt face any issues with comfort apart from the seats.. the rider and pillion seats are not the best and regular butt breaks will be a sure thing on the Z... comparing the seats to 650 will be sin as the 650 seats were so comfortable that you wont feel any pain even if ridden for 2-3 hours continuously.. already hunting to get the seat modified to add some comfort....

no heating issues.. though i can feel the heat to some extent, it doesnt warm up your legs.. as i mentioned in the first review, since the foot pegs are placed a bit behind, there is no direct heat to the legs..

off roadin.. this will be interesting.. did a bit of off-roading when i went for the photoshoot and then on sunday... not an easy monster to control.. since the height is appropriate for a person who is 5'9" and above, for someone of my height (5'7"), the uneven surfaces can be a challenge.. and if you dont get a good grip on the ground, the chances are you will drop the bike...

the turning radius is not the best in the class so need to be careful and get used to it.. i did struggle with the 650 initially but a month later it was easy and i believe it would be the same with Z...

Managed to open the throttle to 5K-6K RPM seeing the dead straights and it was as smooth as it can be... no vibrations so happy

Words from the Mrs... no back pain and thats a huge relief.. though the trip was a small one, it was a concern that she may get back pains because of the seating position.. she has some leg pain and the seat comfort as the main concerns.. with the 3 day weekend coming up, more to see how it would be...

The sides of the tank took a toll with some fade marks.. so got some traction dots and Tank pad done ...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

did a good 400KM ride over the weekend of Ganesha Festival... ride to Coorg and from there to Mysore and back... the good news.. the better half had no complains of backpain or anything for a decent 100KM ride non stop.. it was the only fear i had but now i feel the pillion comfort aint that bad.... the shocks are not too soft but can be a bit softer.. i will be getting it done during the first service... the economy i got was 21KM/L which was good... no concerns as of now from the ride .. the brakes are neat, tires aint bad but never got a chance to test them yet,

the other aspect is the lights... now, given the headlights are positioned a bit low compared to other bikes, the area of light covered is pretty good. i did ride in some dark roads and the low been and high beam seemed effective..