Kawasaki has launched the Z800 Performance Edition in Europe with the naked sports bike getting special upgrades as part of the package, which are otherwise offered as part of the options list or as aftermarket upgrades. The Z800 Performance Edition gets new bubble scratch resistant screen to reduce wind pressure and improve aerodynamics. The tank gets gel-resin self-adhesive tank protector with the model’s name and semi-transparent make allowing the bike’s colour to show through.
Kawasaki has added a special seat cover, which improves the visual styling of the 2014 Z800 Performance Edition. However, the new seat is not compatible with a top case bracket and replaces the passenger seat. The Performance Edition also gets a slip-on Akrapovic exhaust system. While the stock exhaust does look sporty, the Akrapovic unit just increases the sporty appeal of the Z800. Kawasaki has made the Performance Edition available in three colours namely Candy Flat Blazed Green, Metallic Spark Black, Candy Burnt Orange with Metallic Flat Spark Black and the upgrades come with a manufacturer warranty of two years.
Both the stock and the performance edition of the Z800 are powered by an 806cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke in-line, 4-cylinder engine that produces 113 PS of power at 10,200 RPM and 83 Nm of torque at 8000 RPM, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. While the prices for the Z800 Performance Edition have not been announced, the special package is expected to cost a premium of $1370 (Rs. 80,300/-) over the standard version, which is priced at 8996 Euros (Rs. 7.22 lakhs). Whether Kawasaki is planning to offer this edition in India, is not known.
We reviewed the Kawasaki Z800 in India a few months back and were extremely impressed with the motorcycle. The Z800 is the cheapest 4-cylinder bike in India (till the Honda CBR650F gets launched). The Z800 offers stonking performance but you really need to read our comprehensive review (HERE) to get the complete dope on this middle-weight motorcycle.
