Re: Mean Green, Kawasaki Z800 2015

Will check and let you know. But you could also follow the excellent advice below

Re: Mean Green, Kawasaki Z800 2015

Thanks. Puig windscreen is available for 7000. Satya has it on his Z800.

Re: Mean Green, Kawasaki Z800 2015

Hey Ashu, congrats for the bike! didn't know you gonna buy this green monster.. i thought you fell for the RC !
but i knew something else is coming !

Re: Mean Green, Kawasaki Z800 2015

[MENTION=11341]Hyperion[/MENTION]: Was it you this morning near chandni chowk? We passed each other. Maybe you saw me?

Sent from a mobile phone

Re: Mean Green, Kawasaki Z800 2015

Yup. I saw you. Black Z800 with windscreen. Where were you headed? Or coming back from? :-)

Re: Mean Green, Kawasaki Z800 2015

ODO : 2200 km.

Have had a chance to take the bike to all sorts of places. Here are the updated observations :

1. I think there is much ado about nothing concerning Z800's weight. The only time you feel the weight is when you have to physically move it. At all other times its as effortless as anything. The bike is very agile and an absolute joy in the corners. I have no trouble with U-turns or sharp hairpins or switchbacks. Infact, I have dont have much trouble switching between my D200 and Z800. The only difference I feel is the lack of power and refinement when astride the Duke.

2. The suspension is absolute magic. Over bumpy roads, I am more comfortable on the Z than my D200.

3. Windblast can be really bad if you are riding upwind and but somewhat manageable in less windy conditions. Still better to have a windscreen for long distance touring.

4. Currently only using normal unleaded fuel or Shell Super if available. Dont feel any difference between the two when riding.

5. The bike has become more refined only slight vibes around 6K RPM but they disappear soon.

6. Bumpy corners can be tricky as the rear tends to bounce around a bit. I guess this is a tradeoff with the better ride quality. I think increasing the preload should help things a bit.

7. Still havent had a chance to ride in the night to check out the illumination. Should happen soon.

8. I have gotten used to the brakes. They have a strong albeit sudden bite.

On a lighter note, it seems a neighbourhood cat has made the Z800's seat its bed for the cold nights. I got the shock of my life (as did the cat) after I removed the covers when leaving for a ride on a morning. Although, there was no damage. I am concerned the cat may damage the tank paint or the seat. For now, I wind the cover really tightly about the bike to prevent it from getting up there.

Re: Mean Green, Kawasaki Z800 2015

I received warranty and service interval is 6000KM or 6Months which ever is earlier. This 6 months stuff was not communicated to me during purchase.
This is applicable to all Kawasaki CBU bikes and warranty would be void if bike is not serviced as per these intervals. So servicing kawasaki cbu bike is more expensive now.

Re: Mean Green, Kawasaki Z800 2015

I did the same thing - tried to prevent the cat from climbing onto the seat of my ex-CBR250.... you know what? the cat tried harder too, even clawing / pawing its way onto the seat....leaving scratch marks on the seat and tank! if only PETA rules/animal cruelty rules were repealed for one day.....! hmm, I let a dog lay below my bike and scent mark my tyres....

Re: Mean Green, Kawasaki Z800 2015

Thankfully the cat in my neighborhood got the message and left for good

Re: Mean Green, Kawasaki Z800 2015

Dear All,

I am located in Pune.
I have been considering buying a 650-800 cc bike and have thought about few options. I have thought about following options.
1) Kawasaki Z800
2) Triumph Street Triple
3) DSK Benelli TNT 600
4) Ducati Scrambler
5) Honda CBR 650 F

I really liked the Triumph ST due to its performance (I did take a test ride) and the fact that it is very light weight and felt very natural with which I can adjust in relatively shorter time.
It felt kind of comfortable also. But recent scandal about Triumph bikes being much less on power than their Euro counterparts has sown the seeds of doubt in my mind.

Ducati and Benelli are beautiful bikes but their A.S.S. is somewhat doubtful.

That leaves out Kawasaki Z800. Kawasaki is kind of trusted brand. I have ridden Z750 in Germany but haven't tried in India.

I want to understand overall ownership experience as well as servicing costs of Triumph versus Kawasaki. From my memory of Z750, I felt Triumph an easier and more comfortable ride. Their showroom is not far from my place and they said after first 1-2 services, later services will mostly be only once in one year.

Another worrying factor about Triumph ST is that it has coolant tank of fiber material at the bottom and sharp speed breakers might cause damage to it especially if there is pillion rider.

But am very confused!! I am ready to wait few months or even till next year as this will be once in a lifetime purchase for me and I don't want to regret later!! Share your views please!

Re: Mean Green, Kawasaki Z800 2015

[MENTION=24060]jeevan[/MENTION]- I own a z800 and have also ridden street triple few times. Both are wonderful bikes. Since you are from Pune, you can take advantage of low pricing kawa is offering. I guess OTR for z800 in pune is now 8L (Outside PMC area).

I would suggest street triple if you are riding mostly in city as light weight helps you to ride it easily. Though Z800 hides its weight well, its quite heavy when compared to street triple.
Street triple has bit more FE because of lower power figures than Z800 but do you have many pumps in Pune which sell 97RON?

Servicing and parts availability should not be a problem with either of them but you have to shell out more money on z800 since service interval is now 6 months.

Take Test ride of both bikes and decide. You should get a feel of the bike. That's more important than existing owners suggestion as it could be biased.

Re: Mean Green, Kawasaki Z800 2015

Thank you so much for your comments! I'll keep this in mind for sure.

Re: Mean Green, Kawasaki Z800 2015

How is the riding condition in traffic? I own a duke 390 and it heats up a lot in traffic so considering that z800 is a bike with larger displacement and having more Bhp, does it face the same problem as both the bikes are naked?
And many many hearty congratulation on your purchase. The bike looks stunning!!!

Re: Mean Green, Kawasaki Z800 2015

Thanks. I am yet to ride it in Summer traffic but I havent had an issue with the heat at all. The bike does very to direct whatever heat is generated away from the riders legs.

Re: Mean Green, Kawasaki Z800 2015

Got the Kawasaki OEM Engine Guards installed. They look absolutely fabulous on the bike and are really well made. I got them from WeBike Japan (thanks v12 for the tip) for a decent price.
They cost me Rs. 7348 (including shipping). I had to pay Rs.930 as custom duty.
The bike is doing great and the Odo is currently at 6800. After my wonderful Goa trip, itching to go on a long ride again but will probably have to wait for the rains to pass to do that now.