Kawasaki Z 800 e Performance 2016 — Specifications

This is a story of compromise, that of an engine restrained to meet administrative requirements, but not to the point of stifling its character. In 2016, Kawasaki released this Z 800 E Performance, an A2 restrictable version designed for young riders, but which refuses to play the part of a goody-two-shoes. With its 95 horsepower at the crankshaft, it clearly positions itself in the class of accessible large-displacement bikes, offering a less intimidating entry point than the full-power version, but much more substantial than a simple 600. The price at the time, €8,399, already sounded like a sledgehammer argument against competitors who were sometimes more expensive and less generous in displacement.

Under the body-colored seat cover, the 806 cm3 inline four-cylinder retains all its verve. It certainly needs to be revved to 8000 rpm to unleash the 75.5 Nm of torque, but the engine remains supple and incredibly smooth. That's where Kawasaki's art lies: offering an A2 restrictable engine that doesn't feel like you're riding with the handbrake on. The power is there, linear, and the top speed flirts with 220 km/h, enough to never feel limited, even on the highway. The steel trellis frame and the 41 mm inverted fork ensure robust handling, without frills, perfectly suited to sporty use in the city or on winding roads.

But this is where the Z 800 E Performance really takes flight, with its specific equipment. The carbon Akrapovic exhaust is not just a fairground accessory. It certainly lightens the whole, but above all, it gives a voice to this engine that deserved one. The sound is deeper, more present, transforming each acceleration into a small symphony. Coupled with the tinted screen that protects against aerodynamic vagaries and the gel tank protector, the package transforms the motorcycle from a simple means of transport into a true object of desire. We are far from the basic version, here we touch on intelligent personalization, the kind that flatters the senses before the technical specifications.

Who rides this machine? Clearly for the demanding young rider, the one who wants the feel of a big roadster without breaking the bank or breaking the law. The weight of 221 kg fully fueled doesn't make it a feather, but the mass is well distributed, making the motorcycle maneuverable in the city. Faced with a Yamaha MT-07 or a Suzuki SV 650, it plays the card of displacement and high-end performance, with a double petal disc braking system of 310 mm at the front which, even if it is not the most biting in the segment, honestly does the job. It is a complete motorcycle, which does not hide its popular origins but which dresses with taste to seduce touring riders in search of character.

Today, you can find this Z 800 E Performance used at very attractive prices, often around €4,990. At that price, the deal becomes downright tempting. It represents a credible and spirited alternative to new products on the market, proving that a good engine, a balanced frame and a touch of style forge a durable motorcycle. A reasonable choice without being dogmatic, for those who think that the A2 license is not an end, but the beginning of the adventure.