Praga has launched the Praga ZS 800 motorcycle – a modern reimagining of the iconic 1928 Praga BD 500.
The Czech Republic based manufacturing and engineering company will produce just 28 of the ZS 800, which were created by the same engineering team behind the Praga Bohema hypercar.
With a chrome molybdenum steel frame and titanium exhaust system, as well as unique woven carbon wheels, the ZS 800 weighs just 142kg dry (158kg wet) and with its air-cooled, 773cc four stroke parallel twin engine, the ZS 800 combines modern manufacturing and materials with classic design elements.
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The first Praga BD 500 was designed by aviation designer Jaroslav František Koch and featured one of the first ever four stroke DOHC. Koch himself set a new endurance record when he rode the bike from Rome to Prague, covering a distance of 1,480 kilometers in 35 hours and 40 minutes.
The new ZS 800 began as a passion project of engineer Jan Žuži, who wanted to create a BD 500 remake.
Alongside fellow engineer Radek Šebesta, Jan developed the concept, combining engineering expertise and dedication with Praga’s production capabilities and racing technology. And, so, the Praga ZS 800 was born.
The ZS 800’s Chief Designer, Jan Žuži, said: “Strong and extremely lightweight materials – such as carbon, titanium, chrome molybdenum steel and aviation duralumin – enabled us to reimagine the rigid rear wheel suspension, the front swingarm fork, and the hydraulic drum brakes.
“These futuristic materials and Praga sports division’s latest production facilities have enabled us to transfer those elegant historical design elements to the present day, and to build a motorcycle with contemporary driving characteristics and a unique feel.”
The ZS 800’s unique forged carbon wheels work in harmony with its hydraulic drum brake system – a system chosen to complement both the motorcycle’s style and performance. The hand-woven carbon rims are a complex artistic pattern of overlapping carbon fibre with intricate carbon tensioned spokes to emulate the look of the BD 500.
A sculpted front fork sits at the fore of the motorcycle; a structure made possible through five-axis machining and chrome molybdenum steel. Within the fork is fully adjustable Öhlins suspension with a titanium spring.
The ZS 800s are now available to order with a premium price point of £75,550 excluding tax.
To find out more about the Praga ZS 800, go to: http://www.pragaglobal.com
Full specification
ENGINE
- Engine type: Four stroke parallel twin cylinder, SOHC, four valves per cylinder
- Bore & stroke: 77 mm x 83 mm
- Capacity: 773cc
- Compression ratio: 8.4:1
- Exhaust: Titanium alloy
TRANSMISSION
- Gearbox: 5-speed
- Clutch: Multi-plate wet, Manual
PERFORMANCE
- Power: 50hp
- Torque: 65Nm
BODYWORK
- Seat: Single seater with Öhlins fully adjustable suspension unit
- Fuel tank: 11.5 litre
- Mudguard: Forged carbon
CHASSIS
- Frame: Chrome molybdenum steel frame – Swedish steel called DOCOL 15CDV6
- Handlebars width: 800 mm
- Handlebar circumference: 28.6 mm
- Wheelbase: 1,435 mm
- Rake: 27º
- Trail: 100 mm
- Seat height: 795 mm
BRAKES
- Front brakes: Hydraulic double simplex drum 200 mm
- Rear brakes: Hydraulic simplex drum 200 mm
SUSPENSION
- Front suspension: Girder front fork with Öhlins suspension TTX22
- Rear suspension: Hard tail rear with Öhlins TTX air under seat suspension
WHEELS
- Front wheel: r18” x 2.5” forged carbon wheel with carbon tensioned spokes
- Rear wheel: r18” x 3.5” forged carbon wheel with carbon tensioned spokes
- Front tyre: Dunlop Roadmaster TT100 GP 100/90-18 56H F T TL
- Rear tyre: Dunlop Roadmaster TT110 GP 130/80-18 66H R TT
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