MotoSpecs

2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 vs 2016 Kawasaki Z 800

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
Full Specifications
General
Year2014 - 152015 - 16
Colours-Green/Black, Black/grey, White/gray
Make ModelMV Agusta Rivale 800Kawasaki Z 800
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-150 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.9 inches
Seat Height881 mm / 34.6 in834 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase1410 mm / 55,5 in1445 mm / 56.8 in
Ground Clearance142 mm / 5.5 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Height-1050 mm / 41.3 ib
Length2070 mm / 81.5 in2100 mm / 82.6
Width885 mm / 34,8 in800 mm / 31.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight178 kg / 392.4 lbs-
Fuel Capacity16.6 Litres / 4.3 US gal17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight-229 kg / 504.8 lbs ABS 231 kg / 509.2 lbs
Performance
Max Power92 kW / 125 hp @ 11600 rpm83.0 kW / 113 hp @ 10200 rpm
Max Torque81 Nm / 8.25 kgf-m @ 9600 rpm.83.0 Nm / 8.5 kg-fm @ 8000 rpm
Engine
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Displacement798 cc / 48.7 cu-in806 cc / 49.1 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse three cylinder. DOHC, 4 Valve per cylinder,Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. 34 mm x 4 (Mikuni), with dual throttle valves
Bore x Stroke79 x 54.3 mm71 x 50.9 mm
Compression Ratio13.3:111.9:1
Cooling SystemLiquid CooledLiquid cooled
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
Fuel InductionIntegrated 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 interventionFuel injection: 34 mm x 4 (Mikuni), with dual throttle valves
IgnitionMultipoint electronic injection Digital
Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-disc with mechanical drive Cassette styleWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChainChain
Final Drive Ratio16/413.000 (45/15)
Gear Ratios1st: 13/37 2nd 16/34 3rd 18/32 4th 19/30 5th 21/30 6th 22/291st 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)
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Primary Drive Ratios-1.714 (84/49)
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeALS Steel tubular trellis Aluminium alloyTubular backbone (with engine sub-frame), high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front43mm Marzocchi "UPSIDE DOWN" telescopic hydraulic fork with rebound-compression damping and spring preload external and separate adjustment41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability,
Suspension - RearProgressive Sachs, single shock absorber with rebound and compression damping and spring preload adjustment Single sided swing arm material Aluminium alloyBottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir and stepless rebound damping and preload adjustability,
Rake-31.0°
Steering Angle-31° / 31°
Trail104,5 mm / 4.1 in-
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.91in120 mm 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in137 mm / 5.3 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator350 Wat 5000 r.p.m. 12V-8.6Ah-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - Front2x 320mm floating discs, Brembo radial-type, with 4 pistons calipers2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm floating disc Brembo with 2 pistons calipersSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70 - ZR 17 M/C (58 W)120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 - ZR 17 M/C (73 W)180/55ZR17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 and the 2016 Kawasaki Z 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

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 - 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 vs 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 and 2016 Kawasaki Z 800?
The 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 uses Four stroke, transverse three cylinder. DOHC, 4 Valve per cylinder,, while the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 or the 2016 Kawasaki Z 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 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 or the 2016 Kawasaki Z 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 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 or the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 MV Agusta Rivale 800 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and higher front wheel travel, while the 2016 Kawasaki Z 800 stands out for lower seat height and greater ground clearance. 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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