Latest News - 2013 Kawasaki Z800 First Look

Kawasaki unveiled its latest middleweight normal, the 2013 Z800, to the general public on the INTERMOT present in Cologne, Germany today. It's the observe-up machine to the outgoing Z750 - a solid performer in a preferred segment. With an all- new look and larger engine displacement, it is apparent this new Z has the 2013 Yamaha FZ8 squarely in its sights.



An 806cc liquid-cooled, Inline Four powers the new standard bike and is based off the current Z750 engine. A 1.6mm-larger bore and a slightly higher compression ratio (11.9:1 vs. 11.6:1) are touted as giving the Z800 more performance at every rpm, but claims power gains are most noticeable in the low-and mid-ranges. The throttle body diameter has also been increased from 32mm to 34mm to feed the 58cc larger mill. Final gearing has been shortened via a two-tooth larger rear sprocket to emphasize acceleration.

Refinement and changes to the chassis include a new connecting pipe on the tubular backbone chassis for revised rigidity that offers better feedback to the rider. Up front a 41mm KYB inverted fork has been optimized for the increased engine performance and frame tweaks.

2013 Kawasaki Z800 Techincal Specs

Engine: Liquid-cooled 806cc In-line Four, DOHC,16-valve
Bore and Stroke: 71.0 x 50.9mm
Compression Ratio: 11.9:1
Fuel Delivery: Fuel Injection
Clutch: Wet multi-disc
Transmission: Six-speed
Final Drive: Chain
Frame: Tubular backbone with engine sub-frame
Front Suspension: 41mm KYB fork; two-way adjustable for spring preload and rebound; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Bottom-Link uni-Trak, gas-charged piggyback KYB shock absorber; two-way adjustable for spring preload and rebound; 5.4 in. travel
Front Brakes: 310mm petal discs with four piston calipers, ABS optional.
Rear Brake: 250mm petal disc with single-piston caliper, ABS Optional.
Tires: 120/70ZR17, 180/55ZR17
Wheelbase: 56.9 in.
Seat Height: 32.8 in.
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal.
MSRP: TBA
Color: Candy Flat Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black, Pearl Stardust White/Metallic Spark Black, Flat Ebony/Metallic Spark Black

Adjustments are for rebound and preload only. The rear KYB piggyback shock gets scooted 20mm to the left of the chassis for better balance from left to right. Like the front fork, preload and rebound are adjustable.

An all-new aggressive styling comes along with the changes to the chassis and engine. A new front cowl has a multi-faceted design for a more aggressive look but is still unmistakably from the Z family. At the rear, a Z-patterned taillight has been integrated into the cowl. A color matched belly cowl hugs the underside of the engine. A new fully digital instrument cluster features a vertical bar-style tachometer, a fuel gauge, remaining range, clock and engine temp information.

Braking duties have been updated with new opposed, 4-piston calipers mated to larger 310mm petal discs. ABS is available and built by Nissin.

For now it looks like this cool new Z is for overseas markets only as middleweight standards continue to struggle to get a foothold here in the States (the Z750 hasn’t been included in the US lineup since the 2006 model year). Pricing has not been announced.