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2017 Kawasaki Z 800 Overview
The 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 is a naked bike motorcycle built around 806 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits an In-line four, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.9:1. The bore and stroke measures 71 x 50.9 mm. 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 delivers 83 Nm @ 8500 Revolutions of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2017 Z 800 tips the scales at 227 kg, carries a 17-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 834 mm and spans a 1,445 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2017 Z 800 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: The 834 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Valve clearance checks
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
Z 800 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2017 Kawasaki Z 800, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Z 800 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any Z 800. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The Z 800's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used Z 800. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.
2017 Kawasaki Z 800 - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 have?
The 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 uses an In-line four, four-stroke engine with 806 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 weigh?
The 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 weighs 227 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 make?
The 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 produces 83 Nm @ 8500 Revolutions of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800?
The 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 has a 17-litre fuel tank.
Is the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 suitable for shorter riders?
The 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 has a seat height of 834 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 have?
The 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 uses Double disc. Floating discs. at the front and Single disc. Single-piston caliper. at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 use?
The 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 runs 120/70-ZR17 front and 180/55-ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
Kawasaki Z 800 Spec Evolution
The Kawasaki Z 800 was produced across 4 model years (2013-2017). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2013 |
2014 |
2016 |
2017 |
| Wet Weight |
229 kg / 504.8 lbs ABS 231 kg / 509.2 lbs |
229 kg / 504.8 lbs ABS 231 kg / 509.2 lbs |
229 kg / 504.8 lbs ABS 231 kg / 509.2 lbs |
227.0 kg / 500.4 lbs |
| Engine Type |
V2, four-stroke |
V2, four-stroke |
V2, four-stroke |
In-line four, four-stroke |
| Seat Height |
834 mm / 32.8 in |
834 mm / 32.8 in |
834 mm / 32.8 in |
834 mm / 32.8 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
17 Litres / 4.5 US gal |
17 Litres / 4.5 US gal |
17 Litres / 4.5 US gal |
17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons |
| Fuel Control |
OHV |
DOHC |
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
| Brakes - Front |
2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipers |
2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipers |
2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipers |
Double disc. Floating discs. |
| Wheelbase |
1445 mm / 56.8 in |
1445 mm / 56.8 in |
1445 mm / 56.8 in |
1,445 mm / 56.9 in. |
| Brakes - Rear |
Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper |
Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper |
Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper |
Single disc. Single-piston caliper. |
Key Specifications
Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Torque
83.00 Nm (8.5 kgf-m or 61.2 ft.lbs) @ 8500 Revolutions
Weight
227.0 kg / 500.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity
17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons
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Full 2017 Kawasaki Z 800 Specifications
Colours
Metallic Spark Black/Flat Ebony, Metallic Spark Black/Pearl Stardust White
Ground Clearance (in.)
5.9 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)
150 mm
Seat Height
834 mm / 32.8 in.
Wheelbase
1,445 mm / 56.9 in.
Height
1,050 mm / 41.3 in.
Length
2,100 mm / 82.7 in.
Width
800 mm / 31.5 in.
Fuel Capacity
17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons
Wet Weight
227.0 kg / 500.4 lbs
Bore x Stroke (in,)
2.8 x 2.0 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
71.0 x 50.9 mm
Displacement (cc)
806.00 cc
Displacement (ci)
49.18 cubic inches
Engine Type
In-line four, four-stroke
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Fuel System
Injection. 34 mm x 4 Mikuni with dual throttle valves
Compression Ratio
11.9:1
Engine Lubrication
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Ignition
Digital
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive
Chain
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive
Sealed chain
Frame Type
Tubular backbone (with engine sub-frame), high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front
41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - Rear
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir and stepless rebound damping and preload adjustability
Rake
31.0°
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 - Front
Double disc. Floating discs.
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. Single-piston caliper.
Rims
Dunlop Sportmax tires
Tyres - Front
120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear
180/55-ZR17
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