Thought : Kawasaki Z800 @ RM48k!

Cars Bikes and Trucks, NST

Kawasaki Malaysia have just launched of the all new Z800, a replacement to the Z750 and the 2013 Ninja 250R.

Both bikes were launched by Malaysian Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, along with Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Motorcycle and Engine Company President Hiroshi Takata and Kawasaki Motors Malaysia executive chairman, Yang Mulia Raja datuk Hanippudin Raja Datuk Nong Chick.

The Z800 is priced at RM47,989.00 and the 2013 Ninja 250R is priced at RM22,590.00

My thought :

Kawasaki Malaysia has been really aggressive and is putting its best foot forward to retain its top spot in today's competitive superbike market. Thanks to its CKD programme with the ER6, Malaysians were able to purchase the 650cc bikes at a very affordable pricing of sub-RM36k. Prior to the CKD programme, the CBU Japan ER6 were selling at a premium of about RM10k more.

The CBU Japan Z750 was selling at RM58k. Now the CKD Z800 with an extra 50cc displacement is selling at an affordable pricing of RM48k, a reduction of app RM10k again.

I dare say that many riders were nicely surprised by the affordable pricing; although there were also a number of criticisms from current Z750 owners whom were suddenly hit by massive depreciation from the low Z800 price. However, I think that they should realize that their machines were CBU Japan machines, hence the higher price. If they could afford it (which they had), no harm paying some extras for a real pocket rocket from Japan.


But the fact that the Z800 is selling at RM48k makes a really lovely proposition. Should I make the upgrade then? The thought has been creeping in; but so far, I have been able to keep it at bay. Although it's a really near bay though.

A neighbour offered me RM37k for my Ninja 650R. Top-up an extra RM11k and I would have a Z800 in stock form; but of course, thereafter more monies would be spent on accessories thereon.

Would you go for the Z800 if you were in my shoes then?