Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi are some of the manufacturers that offer massive powered two-wheeler beasts in India. Followed by these are Kawasaki, Hyosung and KTM. The sub 1000cc segment is conquered by Kawasaki with its Ninja 650R and Ninja 300. Just a couple of days ago the company barged further into the 1000cc segment with the master Ninja 1000 and its counterpart Z1000 both carrying a price-tag of Rs. 12.5 lakhs (ex-showroom). Till date the Ninja ZX-14R, Ninja ZX-10R, Ninja 650R and Ninja 300 were officially on sale in India. The latest launch has added the Z1000 and Ninja 1000 to the portfolio.
The company still wants to regain its dominated sub 1000cc market and that’s the reason it is betting big on the sub-continent customers. To withhold its market the Japanese maker is all set to launch another sub 1000cc bike. It’s the younger brother of the Z1000, the Z800. We would warn the enthusiasts to brace themselves for the New Year bang as the Kawasaki Z800 will be officially launched next month.
The Kawasaki Z800 looks much like its older brother and would be carrying a heart with 4 lobes in-line. The 806cc engine produces 113 PS of power at 10,200 RPM and a jaw crushing torque of 83 Nm at 8000 RPM. This beauty is coupled with a 6-speed gearbox with a backbone frame structure. The front wheel is equipped with a 310 mm twin disc while the rear disc is a 250 mm solo. The front suspension consists of a 41 mm inverted fork and just like any other bike, the rear is a gas charged mono shock. The ABS version weighs 231 kgs which is certainly a point of concern.
The Kawasaki Z800 would be competing with the Ducati Monster 796 and we expect the bike to be priced around Rs. 8.5 lakhs. Kawasaki is aiming for 20% market share by the end of next year and it looks like the company is doing all it can to stand on its word. If Kawasaki continues this launch marathon for a little more time then certainly it has got all chances to achieve its target. Kawasaki has put all its efforts to launch these new vehicles and all it has to do is watch the charts climb high.
