VOL. 52 ISSUE 44 NOVEMBER 3, 2015 P55
Our test ride for this latest member of the
Z dynasty was, with a touch of irony, at Palm
Springs in California. The desert location,
renowned for golf courses whose lush green
fairways are completely at odds with the
sparseness that surrounds them, is neverthe-
less is the gateway to some brilliant canyon
roads that take you way up into the mountains
and away to a simpler time.
On first appearances the Z800 certainly
appears larger than many of the bikes it's up
against in the midsize naked sector. Looks are
not deceiving. It's actually 22 pounds heaver
with an inch taller seat than the Z1000 and
you feel this just at standstill.
The taller seat means riders over six feet
shouldn't have too many issues fitting on the
800 (the 1000 can be a bit cramped for me at
Dramatic, menacing
sky meets responsible,
green wind farm.
