MotoSpecs

2016 Kawasaki Z 800 vs 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 Kawasaki Z 800 2016 Kawasaki Z 800

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
83.0 kW / 113 hp @ 10200 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
504.9 pounds
2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, transverse three cylinder. DOHC, 4 Valve per cylinder,
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 11600 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
178 kg / 392.4 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2015 - 162014 - 15
ColoursGreen/Black, Black/grey, White/gray-
Make ModelKawasaki Z 800MV Agusta Rivale 800
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)150 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.9 inches-
Seat Height834 mm / 32.8 in881 mm / 34.6 in
Wheelbase1445 mm / 56.8 in1410 mm / 55,5 in
Ground Clearance150 mm / 5.9 in142 mm / 5.5 in
Height1050 mm / 41.3 ib-
Length2100 mm / 82.62070 mm / 81.5 in
Width800 mm / 31.4 in885 mm / 34,8 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-178 kg / 392.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.5 US gal16.6 Litres / 4.3 US gal
Wet Weight229 kg / 504.8 lbs ABS 231 kg / 509.2 lbs-
Performance
Max Power83.0 kW / 113 hp @ 10200 rpm92 kW / 125 hp @ 11600 rpm
Max Torque83.0 Nm / 8.5 kg-fm @ 8000 rpm81 Nm / 8.25 kgf-m @ 9600 rpm.
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
Displacement806 cc / 49.1 cu-in798 cc / 48.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinderFour stroke, transverse three cylinder. DOHC, 4 Valve per cylinder,
Fuel SystemInjection. 34 mm x 4 (Mikuni), with dual throttle valves-
Bore x Stroke71 x 50.9 mm79 x 54.3 mm
Compression Ratio11.9:113.3:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid Cooled
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump-
Fuel InductionFuel injection: 34 mm x 4 (Mikuni), with dual throttle valvesIntegrated ignition - injection system MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) with three injectors Engine control unit Eldor EM2.0, throttle body full drive by wire Mikuni, pencil-coil with ion-sensing technology, control of detonation and misfire Torque control with four maps, Traction Control with eight levels of intervention
IgnitionDigital Multipoint electronic injection
LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet, multi-disc with mechanical drive Cassette style
Final DriveChainChain
Final Drive Ratio3.000 (45/15)16/41
Gear Ratios1st 2.571 (36/14) 2nd 1.941 (33/17) 3rd 1.556 (28/18) 4th 1.333 (28/21) 5th 1.200 (24/20) 6th 1.095 (23/21)1st: 13/37 2nd 16/34 3rd 18/32 4th 19/30 5th 21/30 6th 22/29
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Primary Drive Ratios1.714 (84/49)-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular backbone (with engine sub-frame), high-tensile steelALS Steel tubular trellis Aluminium alloy
Suspension - Front41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability,43mm Marzocchi "UPSIDE DOWN" telescopic hydraulic fork with rebound-compression damping and spring preload external and separate adjustment
Suspension - RearBottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir and stepless rebound damping and preload adjustability,Progressive Sachs, single shock absorber with rebound and compression damping and spring preload adjustment Single sided swing arm material Aluminium alloy
Rake31.0°-
Steering Angle31° / 31°-
Trail-104,5 mm / 4.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm 4.7 in150 mm / 5.91in
Wheel Travel - Rear137 mm / 5.3 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-350 Wat 5000 r.p.m. 12V-8.6Ah
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.2 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)310 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - Front2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipers2x 320mm floating discs, Brembo radial-type, with 4 pistons calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 220mm floating disc Brembo with 2 pistons calipers
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 - ZR 17 M/C (58 W)
Tyres - Rear180/55ZR17180/55 - ZR 17 M/C (73 W)

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 and the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2016 Kawasaki Z 800 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 834 mm vs 881 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • More ground clearance: 150 mm vs 142 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 137 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 178 kg vs 229 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 120 mm 4.7 in - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2016 Kawasaki Z 800 vs 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 and 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800?
The 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 is powered by Four stroke, transverse three cylinder. DOHC, 4 Valve per cylinder,.
Which is lighter, the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 or the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800?
The 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 is lighter at 178 kg compared to 229 kg for the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 - a difference of 51 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 or the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800?
The 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 has the lower seat at 834 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 sits higher at 881 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 or the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 has the edge in lower seat height and greater ground clearance, while the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 stands out for lighter kerb weight and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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