2013 Kawasakis: Z800 and ZX-10R
Both are now on sale in Australia, with a big capacity increase for the aggressive-looking naked bike and a new steering damper for the one-litre sports bikeThe 2013 model Z800 ABS and ZX-10R ABS are now available in Australia, for $12,999 and $19,999 respectively.
Official details of the Z800 first came to light at the Cologne motorcycle show in October, which revealed a capacity increase from 748cc to 8066 compared to the superseded Z750. As a result, power has been boosted from 104hp at 10,500rpm for the Z750 to 11hp at 10,200rpm for the Z800.
The company is claiming a ‘ferocious’ design, with the new front cowl design a key element of the Z800’s more aggressive styling. There's a new instrumentation panel which features multi-function LCD screens and a level-meter-style tachometer, an LED tail light and 17-litre tank. Weight is 231kg. Colours are metallic flat green/metallic spark black or pearl stardust white/metallic spark black.
Rivals for the Z800 – from twin to four-cylinder -- include the Yamaha FZ8, Triumph Street Triple, MV Agusta Brutale 675, Ducati Streetfighter 848 and BMW F 800 R. And even the single-cylinder KTM 690 Duke has some legitimate claims to belong in the group with its ball-tearing looks and performance.
As for the ZX-10R, the major change is the adoption of an electronic steering damper. Colours are lime green/metallic spark black or pearl flat white/metallic spark black.
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