Praga ZS 800 (2024 – ) review

Design can sometimes be a subjective thing and the Praga is a classic example. In cold dynamic or practical terms the ZS 800 is effectively a ‘rebodied’ Kawasaki W800, a now obsolete retro-roadster which was not exactly thrilling or versatile in the first place. On the other hand, however, as a piece of two-wheeled art inspired by bikes of old but using the very latest engineering practices and materials, the Praga has no equal. The carbon-fibre wheels with built-in drum brakes are a brilliant example of its obsessive design and engineering, for example, and are exquisite in both execution and quality. But do they work any better than a regular conventional design with modern discs? Nope, they don’t. In fact, they’re worse. We’ll still generously give it the benefit of the doubt, however. The ZS 800 IS a fabulous piece of design…

No great ‘shocks’ here (sorry), despite initial doubts about its rigid rear end… Let’s explain! As a homage to Praga’s historic 1928 BD500, the ZS 800 has a vintage style chassis with girder ‘forks’ and an unsuspended ‘hardtail’ rear end, which usually means minimal bump absorption and all the consequences that brings for ride comfort. In terms of riding position, however, it’s fairly conventional, being slim and acceptably low with a solo seat, upright roadster attitude and flat bars. There’s no weather protection, of course, but at the speeds the ZS 800 is capable of that’s no hardship and, although there’s no rear suspension, the seat pivots backwards and is controlled by a single damper unit so there’s some give. Admittedly, it’s all a bit weird, especially when the seat moves for the first time, you think something’s broken and you’re going to slide off the back of it but you quickly get used to it and the comfort’s not bad.

Not an area the Praga ZS 800 is too bothered about, to be honest, being such a prestige, premium collectors’ machine. With only a single seat, no weather protection or niceties such as luggage, this isn’t designed to be practical transport. Nor, at 98,000 euros as tested (which is to say, over £80,000) is this a machine you’d want to use and abuse. That said, it’s easy enough to ride and has enough performance and capability for a pleasant trundle into town or gentle ‘short-hop’ ride on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Not sure you’d want to park and leave it anywhere, though…

Although the Praga ZS 800 is new and unfamiliar, it’s powered by Kawasaki’s long-established, air-cooled, bevel drive parallel twin from the W800 retro roadster. That bike debuted as the 675cc W650 in 1999, this being a cute, beautifully crafted retro-style roadster that predated even Triumph’s reborn Bonneville before growing into the enlarged 773cc W800 in 2011. Sales ended in Europe in 2021 due to Euro5 regs but the bike is still sold in Japan and the engine adopted by Praga and upgraded with its own intake and exhaust for a claimed 50 horsepower. As a result, performance isn’t exactly exciting but it’s characterful, easy and sufficient for this kind of bike and accompanied by an appropriately fruity soundtrack. As for braking, Praga has boldly put a modern twist on trad drum brakes integrated into hand-laid carbon fibre wheels mimicking the style of classic wires. In truth their performance doesn’t match the effort and craft that’s gone into them given they are a little underpowered and lack initial bite. But you quickly attune to use the rear at the same time and it’s not a big worry for a bike with the limited performance the Praga has.

With the Praga’s limited front suspension, hardtail rear and classic style blocky tyres you’d be forgiven for being wary but in reality it’s not bad at all, more than sufficient for the performance of the machine and actually appropriate to the ZS 800’s style. The hardtail rear is mostly compensated for by the damped saddle while the linkage ‘girder’ fork is controlled by a quality Öhlins shock, which gives a fairly cultured ride even if the limited travel means you have to be cautious around speed humps and potholes. Overall the whole bike is so light (just 158kg fuelled and ready to go), small and nimble it’s easy and unintimidating to get on with, at least at normal, pedestrian speeds. Performance, as stated, isn’t incredible but there’s no real need for it to be and the Praga trundles around happily and entertainingly, at least within expectations.

Considering the stratospheric asking price of the ZS 800, the style of bike it is and the likely target audience day-to-day running costs are unlikely to be any serious concern. But in the real world – once you’ve paid for it - costs shouldn’t be that bad. Modest power means it’s both reasonable on fuel and undemanding on cycle parts, while its hunger for consumables such as tyres, chain and brake pads will be nothing to write home about either.

Again, impossible to be certain as the Praga is both so new and it’s a premium, hand-built ‘special’ by a company ostensibly new to motorcycle production. That considered you should also remember the W800 engine is both proven and understressed, the quality of the cycle parts and components used throughout is first rate and the general workmanship and quality of construction is the very best, too.

At the time of writing the ZS 800 is so new official warranty and service information had not been published – the first bike deliveries to customers are expected to take 12 months from time of order. That said, the W800 powerplant is a known entity with services due every 7,500 miles/annually even if it’s unlikely any ZS 800 will ever cover that distance on a given year. We’d also expect a minimum warranty of 12 months with unlimited mileage and UK sales and distribution is being handled in coordination with supercar specialist Premier GT in West Sussex, which will be handling all sales and servicing enquiries.

You wouldn’t expect much by way of modern equipment of luxuries on such a vintage-inspired machine even at this price, so this will be brief. There are no modern electronic rider assists or modes, no luxury comfort beyond the single seat damper, no weather protection, no luggage and no Bluetooth connectivity. But would you want them? On the other hand, front suspension is by Öhlins, the seat is hand-stitched leather in a choice of finishes, carbon fibre is everywhere, the minimal digital dash displays neutral, high beam, speedo and more even if you can barely read it and even the switchgear is in bespoke carbon fibre.

If you’re won over by the exquisite craftsmanship of the ZS 800, fancy a vintage-style homage like nothing else, maybe are on the waiting list for the Praga supercar and fancy a two-wheeled stablemate AND have the best part of £100,000 readily available we can see the appeal. And, with only 28 being built, maybe that’s all that matters. For everyone else it’s an extreme oddity we’ll never get near to but are glad it exists.