First Ride: Kawasaki Z800

Senior Road Tester, Michael Neeves, has just ridden the new £7499 Kawasaki Z800 at its launch in the south of France. Here are his initial thoughts -- check out MCN on Wednesday 5/12 for the full review!

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[mickydamickrkc]

I don't see what the big deal is about the weight. For me, it feels fine. This bike is actually more comfortable than the cruiser I had. Totally in love with this thing. It looks beautiful and had a lot of sexy ass lines. And dude, torque for days! This baby has a lot of pull. I couldn't be happier.

[alf]

i got one and its fine only heavy when standing still.. ride it you dont feel the weight great ride

[TheExopolitics]

Love the production and detail that went into this video.

[clarkey]

Yay finally a video with good sound! Nice work keep it up!

[Triplblue]

Someone has already said but have to say a very good review video for a change for MCN

[Alt]

Great review guys finally getting the sound right

[oscarmontanez]

It is heavy because the frame is made of steel. The fz8's frame and the z1000 are aluminium for example. But because the center of gravity is very low, the bike doesn't feel so heavy. Actually it feels very solid and agile while riding.

[homersimpson]

Weight can work for a bike too, if it's in the correct position.
It can enhance stability, smooth out bumps in the road and help the bike to turn.

[bennymangina]

Your the best Mike, keep on rocking and rolking!!

Hope your hands thawed out!!

[Terraceview]

WOW a good vid by MCN? It's been a few decades but I vote up :)

[bikezonly]

Have tested this bike here in Malaysia. Being only 5'6", I was really intimidated initially, but once it started rolling, it feels like riding a 250cc! Heavyweight? Forgotten.

Corners? So easy to turn in, it's almost telepathic. Smooth buttery gearbox that clicks instead of clacking like on other Kawas.

[wheelsbetterthan]

I love that they brought the headlights back to something more in line with the 1st gen Z1000/Z750. Don't get me wrong, I think the current Z1000 is gorgeous but the 1st gen will always be my favorite.

[CybaRJ]

Great video. Let this be the template for all "first ride" videos.

[ToreB]

just tried this bike out. It feels light, actually, and its very agile. Fun bike to ride :)

[BlueHokage]

The weight is disappointing, but I still wish they released this here in the States. I would love to have this as a backup/daily bike. I think the styling aces the Z1000, and I love the girth of information on the new gauges!

[hamishk]

Wow a review of this bike already... I'm sure it's the first up! God I want to work with you guys!

[CamMead]

awesome video, really appreciate the improvements. you mentioned the weight as a negative but you didnt say whether it has affected the performance. Some heavy bikes can still work well depending on the overall package

[DragonKing]

the Z800 is the most popular bike here in Malaysia

[svendura]

Well done Video. Thank you for the good work.

[BumbleBeat]

I like both. Tach for the revs, digital for the speedo.