2016 Kawasaki Z 800 vs 2017 Triumph Street Twin

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
2017 Triumph Street Twin 2017 Triumph Street Twin

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, 270° Crank angle parallel twin, SOHC, 8 valves
Power
40.5 kW / 55 hp @ 5900 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
198 kg / 437 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2015 - 162016 - 17
ColoursGreen/Black, Black/grey, White/grayJet black, Crnberry red, Matt black, Phantom black, Aluminium silver
Make ModelKawasaki Z 800Triumph Street Twin
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)150 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.9 inches-
Seat Height834 mm / 32.8 in750 mm / 29.5 in
Wheelbase1445 mm / 56.8 in1415 mm / 55.7 in
Ground Clearance150 mm / 5.9 in-
Height1050 mm / 41.3 ib1114 mm / 43.9 in (without mirrors)
Length2100 mm / 82.6-
Width800 mm / 31.4 in785 mm / 30.9 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-198 kg / 437 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.5 US gal12 L / 3.2 US gal / 2.7 Imp gal
Wet Weight229 kg / 504.8 lbs ABS 231 kg / 509.2 lbs-
Performance
Max Power83.0 kW / 113 hp @ 10200 rpm40.5 kW / 55 hp @ 5900 rpm
Max Torque83.0 Nm / 8.5 kg-fm @ 8000 rpm80 Nm / 8.16 kgf-m / 59 ft-lb @ 3230 rpm
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
Displacement806 cc / 49.1 cu-in900 cc / 54.9 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinderFour stroke, 270° Crank angle parallel twin, SOHC, 8 valves
Fuel SystemInjection. 34 mm x 4 (Mikuni), with dual throttle valves-
Bore x Stroke71 x 50.9 mm84.6 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio11.9:110.55:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump-
Exhaust-Brushed stainless steel, 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin silencers
Fuel Consumption-3.87 L/100 km / 25.8 km/l / 60.8 US mpg / 73.0 Imp mpg
Fuel InductionFuel injection: 34 mm x 4 (Mikuni), with dual throttle valvesMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
IgnitionDigital Digital
LubricationForced lubrication, wet sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet, multi-plate, slip-assist
Final DriveChainChain, X-ring
Final Drive Ratio3.000 (45/15)-
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)-
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Primary Drive Ratios1.714 (84/49)-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 5-Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular backbone (with engine sub-frame), high-tensile steelTubular steel cradle, twin-sided tubular steel swing-arm
Suspension - Front41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability,Kayaba 41 mm fork
Suspension - RearBottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir and stepless rebound damping and preload adjustability,Kayaba twin shocks with adjustable preload
Rake31.0°25.1°
Steering Angle31° / 31°-
Trail-102.4 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear137 mm / 5.3 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.2 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)310 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Front2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipersSingle 310mm disc, Nissin 2 piston floating caliper, ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 255mm disc, Nissin 2 piston floating caliper, ABS
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17100/90-R18
Tyres - Rear180/55ZR17150/70-R17
Wheels - Front-2.75 x 18, Cast aluminium alloy, multi-spoke
Wheels - Rear-4.25 x 17, Cast aluminium alloy, multi-spoke

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 Triumph Street Twin

The 2017 Triumph Street Twin edges out the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 Kawasaki Z 800 - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • More rear wheel travel: 137 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2017 Triumph Street Twin - Advantages

  • Lighter: 198 kg vs 229 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 750 mm vs 834 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Larger displacement: 900 cc vs 806 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2016 Kawasaki Z 800 vs 2017 Triumph Street Twin - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 and 2017 Triumph Street Twin?
The 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2017 Triumph Street Twin is powered by Four stroke, 270° Crank angle parallel twin, SOHC, 8 valves.
Which is lighter, the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 or the 2017 Triumph Street Twin?
The 2017 Triumph Street Twin is lighter at 198 kg compared to 229 kg for the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 - a difference of 31 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 2017 Triumph Street Twin?
The 2017 Triumph Street Twin has the lower seat at 750 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 sits higher at 834 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 or the 2017 Triumph Street Twin?
The 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 has the larger tank at approximately 17 litres vs 12 litres for the 2017 Triumph Street Twin. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 283-340 km vs 200-240 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 or the 2017 Triumph Street Twin?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 has the edge in larger fuel tank and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2017 Triumph Street Twin stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.