Motorbike weight

Help & Advice
1

Hi,

I’m looking to purchase Kawasaki z800. Just concerned a bit about it’s weight which is - 229 kg (505 lb) (wet) compared to Yamaha MT 09 - 188 kg (414 lb) (wet). Is is a big concern considering I’m not a ‘big’ biker: 173 cm heigh, 65 kg weight ? I was watching reviews which claim you do not really feel bigger weight on the road. But as it’s going to be my first big bike just wanted to hear your opinions how does it feel in real to manage 40 KG heavier bike on a daily basis. If there is any difference at all ? Thank you for your answers.

2

wouldn’t worry to much the z carries its weight low down

id be surprized if you did notice the real weight difference

3

You’ll notice it if you drop it :stuck_out_tongue: but there are techniques to lift heavier bikes if you’re not built or vertically challenged…

4

How many lifting techniques have you practiced now?:slight_smile:

5

I don’t know either of those bikes so I’d personally suggest checking them out at a shop before you buy.
My CBR is 200 wet and I can handle it fine. Tried a VFR800 and it still didn’t feel very heavy (240kg), yet a crossrunner 800 (same weight as VFR) felt super heavy because of weight distribution.
As Wise said, the Z and MT looks very similar in style though so you might not see much difference.

6

How many lifting techniques have you practiced now?:slight_smile:

7

Erm, theres the ‘wait for a stranger’ technique, the ‘ask Sam’ technique (this also goes with manual handling), the ‘Wise, please hold it upright cos I can’t touch the ground’ technique… :Wow:

8

You’ll most likely only notice the extra weight when trying to manoeuvre it in a tight circle or, as Slan says, when you drop it :w00t:

Test ride and get the feel of the bigger bike first hand.

9

its all in her hand positioning & movement :hehe:

10

First big bike perhaps look at the ER6-n. That would probably be a better starting point, especially with insurance.

11

Yes lardy bikes feel fine once you’re on the move.

Personally I can’t be bothered if it’s over 200kg
these days and stick with nimble lighter bikes
like my R6 or previously a ZX6R.

I haven’t tried the MT09 yet, that could be my next
commuter when my SV650 wears out.

In the past I’ve had an XJ900F, FZ1* and GS850G, to
name a few sheds, but doubt I’ll go back to lardy
bikes now that the other half rides her own.

*To be fair the FZ1 was a bit too good to really fit
in the shed class

** 5 Kg less than standard as it lost some
weight on the Akrapovic diet :cool:

12

Or have a look at the MT07.

13

Get a KTM 690 SMC R, it only weighs 140kg #brapppp

14

I had MT-09 before and I’d say it’s heavy enough for a first bike. 230 won’t be a big issue once you’re used to the physics but before that, trust me, you’ll feel so much more comfortable with a light bike. Obviously just my POV but I definitely wouldn’t have wanted anything heavier than 190-200 when I got my first big bike.

15

Reminds me of a Stewart Francis joke: “I used to be a motorcycle courier. Man, those things are HEAVY”…

16

Your only an inch smaller than me but about a stone and a half lighter I started on a gsx650f (2010 model) which is 230kg wet which carries its weight up high and as others have said you do only notice the weight when trying to turn in tight spaces or when picking it up, I didn’t find the weight a problem but I have always done manual handling jobs so if you don’t have a lot of strength go for the lighter bike as you will always be distracted by the thought of “what if I drop it”

17

I’m very similar height/weight. My first bike was gsf650 240kg wet. As others have mentioned, you normally don’t notice the weight. You should check, though, if you can at least reach the ground with your feet when you’re on it fully upright. Weight alone is rarely a problem, but if you can barely tip toe, then things like standing at the lights on windy days and really tight/slow filtering might be a bit of an issue.