2016 Kawasaki Z800 ABS Preview | Midweight Streetfighter for $8,400

2016 Kawasaki Z800 ABS

At the turn of the Century, the Streetfighter niche was garnering more and more traction – especially here in the states. The idea was simple – take an already high-horsepower sportbike, add some upright comfort through higher clip ons or mx-style bars, ditch the full fairings, and – for most – replace the factory headlights with something different.

OEMs noticed, and soon the showrooms were crowded with many naked liter bikes directly from the factory, from the Aprilia Tuono to the Ducati Streetfighter to the Yamaha FZ1. Kawasaki joined the liter-bike streetfighter game in 2003 with the release of the Z1000, which was marketed as the successor to the Z1 and Z900 motorcycles of the early 1970s.

The Z1000 was revamped in 2010, and then again in 2014. The Z1000 now produces 142 horsepower, and carries an MSRP of around $12,000.

High horsepower is fun, but nowadays America’s streetfighter trend is going back towards the smaller – and less expensive – midweights. Examples of this include the Ducati Streetfighter 848, the Yamaha FZ-09, and Suzuki’s GSX-S750.

And now, Kawasaki has entered America’s midweight-streetfighter game with its new Z800 ABS. The Z800 was introduced to Europeans in spring 2013, and is finally confirmed for North America.

Weighing in at 506 lbs. wet, the 2016 Kawasaki Z800 ABS features the same aggressive styling as its older brother – the Z1000 – but arrives with a tamer 806cc inline-four that should produce around 112 horsepower (not official).

For ease of use in urban situations, the Z800’s 806cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 16-valve engine is tuned for optimal mid-range horsepower, but arrives with a high-rpm boost in power for sportier performance. Kawasaki says the engine utilizes two-different length intake funnels for optimized airflow, which provides great throttle response regardless of speed. The exhaust is tuned to further optimize engine response across the rpm range, and the engine is hooked to a six-speed transmission with a tall sixth gear for highway riding.

The Z800 arrives with a high-tensile steel tubular backbone frame for rigidity, a steel swingarm and lightweight cast aluminum engine subframe. Kawasaki says the motorcycle’s stance is “forward leaning, with the rear raised slightly to further contribute to the aggressive posture of this muscular streetfighter.”

Suspension duties are handled by an inverted 41mm KYB fork up front, and a Kawasaki Uni-Trak suspension system out back. Stopping the Z800 are dual-277mm petal-type front rotors and a single 216mm out back with the addition of a lightweight Nissin ABS unit. The six-spoke wheels – wrapped in Dunlop Sportmax D214 rubber – offer supersport styling

Speaking of the 2016 Z800 ABS, Kawasaki says its designers “went to great lengths to create elements that would reinforce the streetfighter theme of the 2016 Kawasaki Z800 ABS. These include the characteristic naked engine, which has black engine covers that are a key visual element. Furthermore, the attractive bends in the exhaust header pipes
add to the appeal of a “naked” motorcycle, especially with their “buffed” finish that bring added visual interest.

“Other streetfighter elements include the handlebar, which has a flatter bend than a sportbike handlebar, and the risers ensure the grip position is wider, giving the rider more leverage and allowing an upright yet sporty riding position.

“Details such as the inner rear fender are another clue to this motorcycle’s purpose, helping to keep the under-tail and rear suspension less cluttered, more pared down, as a streetfighter should be. It all adds up to the perfect style and ergonomics for maximum agility without sacrificing comfort.”

The 2016 Kawasaki Z800 ABS will be offered in America for $8,399, and will be available in only one color option –  Metallic Spark Black / Flat Ebony. Unfortunately, the bike will not be available in California because it is not certified for the state.

Following are the features and specs.

2016 Kawasaki Z800 ABS Features

Key Features

• Aggressive, stripped down streetfighter styling
• Reliable and torquey 806cc four-cylinder water-cooled engine
• Smooth power delivery with strong performance at high RPM
• Legendary Kawasaki reliability, durability and build quality
• Light, sporty steering thanks to responsive suspension and brakes
• Upright “streetfighter” riding position provides excellent leverage on the controls for maximum maneuverability, coupled with a commanding view for back-road fun or city commuting
• Adjustable KYB front and rear suspension allows the rider to tailor the handling
• Supersport-style lightweight aluminum six-spoke wheels contribute to the Z800’s sporty image while reducing rotating inertia
• Short final-drive gearing provides quick response and enhanced riding excitement, while a tall sixth gear helps maintain highway comfort
• Modern instrumentation provides plenty of information with stylish design
• Electronic immobilizer built into standard ignition key. Key operates conventionally, but the engine won’t start without the correct key being used. The system is fully integrated and requires no additional action from the rider

DOHC, 16-valve, 806cc Engine

• 806cc liquid-cooled inline-four offers excellent power from idle to redline
• Intake cams provide abundant low-to-midrange torque for instant thrust and maximum rider satisfaction
• Aggressive ECU settings provide sharp throttle response
• 34mm Keihin throttle bodies feed the air/fuel mixture directly into combustion chamber
• For durability, the engine uses wide radius crankshaft journals
• Large 1.2mm piston-cooling oil jets increase engine durability and reliability
• Low-friction camshaft chain reduces operating friction
• Smooth shifting six-speed transmission provides gear ratios for a range of riding situations
• Short gearing provides quick acceleration and riding excitement, while a tall sixth gear maintains highway comfort

Electronic Ignition

• Individual spark plug-mounted ignition coils fire each of the four spark plugs independently to achieve the optimum timing for that cylinder
• ECU includes an idle speed control system for easier starting and warm-up

Exhaust System

• Large radius curved header pipes allow the pipes to be as long as possible, increasing exhaust extraction and improving low-to-mid RPM engine response
• Equalizer tubes connect header pipes 1 and 4 as well as 2 and 3 to again improve low-to-mid RPM response
• Exhaust valve is positioned upstream of the muffler entrance to help “tune” the back-pressure waves for enhanced response in the same low-mid range
• A short-style exhaust system eliminates the center pipe and uses a short muffler to aid mass centralization and give a strong streetfighter image
• The muffler is angled to ensure good lean angles while meeting noise regulations
• The exhaust has been tuned to give a more aggressive sound to suit the motorcycle’s character
• Brushed-metal finish on the silencer end cap provides enhanced visual appeal

Larger Fuel Tank

• 4.5 gallon (17L) fuel tank offers generous range
• Radical shape complements the Z800’s streetfighter styling
• Slim-type fuel pump features an integral fuel level sensor for enhanced accuracy

ABS Brakes with Petal-type Rotors

• Dual opposed four-piston calipers provide excellent feel and progressive braking response
• Petal-type 277mm front brake rotors are typically sportbike hardware
• Pad compound has a high coefficient of friction that contributes to the front brake power and sensitivity
• A single-piston rear caliper grips a 216 petal-type disc. The compact caliper is mounted below the swingarm and located by a torque rod
• Nissin ABS pump features a fluid pressure sensor that allows precise control of line pressures
• A low-battery mode helps preserve ABS effectiveness when the battery charge is low (although riders may notice that ABS operation is not as smooth as in normal mode)

High-tensile Steel Backbone Frame

• High-tensile steel backbone frame helps make the bike narrow and easy to grip with the knees for maximum rider comfort and control
• The frame is lightweight and highly rigid, and uses the engine as a stressed member for solid handling and optimum stability
• A steel swingarm provides additional stiffness and rigidity
• Lightweight cast aluminum engine subframe allows the front engine mounts to be positioned behind the cylinders to help reduce engine vibration
• A brace connects the front of the engine left and right
subframes, providing added frame torsional rigidity for increased handling stability.
• A combination of rigid and rubber mounts deliver a high level of feedback for added control

Suspension

• 41mm inverted KYB fork has adjustable rebound damping and spring preload, allowing fine-tuning to suit the rider’s preference
• Kawasaki Uni-Trak® rear suspension system includes a KYB shock with a piggyback reservoir, stepless rebound damping adjustment and spring preload adjustment to compensate for a passenger, luggage or preference

Instrumentation

• Futuristic instrument panel features three LCD screens
• Central LCD display contains a altimeter-style tachometer with three selectable tachometer displays available allowing the rider to customize the appearance
• Instrument display also includes speedometer, odometer, clock, dual trip meters, engine temperature, fuel gauge, remaining range and Economical Riding Indicator
• Electronic immobilizer built into standard ignition key. Key operates conventionally, but the engine won’t start without the correct key being used. The system is fully integrated and requires no additional action from the rider

2016 Kawasaki Z800 ABS Specs:

• Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
• Displacement: 806cc
• Bore x stroke: 71 x 50.9mm
• Compression ratio: 11.9:1
• Fuel injection: DFI® with Keihin 34mm throttle bodies
• Ignition: TCBI with electronic advance
• Transmission: Six-speed
• Final drive: Sealed chain
• Rake / trail: 24 degrees / 3.9”
• Frame type: High-tensile steel backbone
• Front tire: 120/70 ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax D214
• Rear tire: 180/55 ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax D214
• Wheelbase: 56.9”
• Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability / 4.7”
• Rear suspension / wheel travel: Bottom-link Uni-Trak® horizontal monoshock with piggyback reservoir, stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 5.4”
• Front brakes: Dual 277mm petal-type rotors with four-piston calipers, ABS
• Rear brake: Single 216mm petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper, ABS
• Overall length: 82.7”
• Overall width: 31.5”
• Overall height: 41.3”
• Seat height: 32.8”
• Curb weight: 509.4 lb
• Fuel capacity: 4.5 gallons
• Color choices: Metallic Spark Black / Flat Ebony
• MSRP: $8,399
• Warranty: 12 Months
• Kawasaki Protection Plan (optional): 12, 24, 36, and 48 month plans are available

2016 Kawasaki Z800 ABS Photo Gallery: