I took a very brief spin on my friend's Kawasaki Z800 a few months ago, but earlier this week we swapped bikes for the entire return leg of our ride - about an hour through the countryside.
150cc bigger and only about 15 extra hp, I wasn't expecting a dramatic difference but a few random impressions.
1) That extra 15 hp is pretty facking evident. 10,000 rpm in second gear is a very happy place on my bike, but on his it is pulling noticeably harder.
2) The extra torque from the larger displacement is the real difference - noticeably meatier midrange.
3) I'd say the Kawi has the slightly smoother motor - though both are pretty damned smooth.
4) His bike is heavier, and that's something I felt in tight, slow speed corners. Otherwise not noticeable at all.
5) I'd give the clutch and shifter feel to the Honda. They are known for it for a reason. Again, not the difference between good and bad, but between good and better. Also, no slip/assist on the Kawi clutch, so you have to be precise in matching revs on downshifts or the bike will wag its tail.
6) Suspension I'd really give the decisive win to the Honda. Might not be fair, as his bike is many years (2018) and many miles older and I have no idea when or if any suspension components have been replaced or what their state of wear might have been. But the CB felt perfectly composed, well-damped and utterly unflappable, while the Kawi felt somewhat "loose" in comparison.
7) comfort / riding position - the bikes could be clones in terms of rider triangle. A bit more padding on his seat, I'd say, but not a noticeable difference over the course of an hour.
Overall it was really neat getting to experience a different bike on familiar roads. Definitely need to try out Rob's Tiger sometime next season.
