Praga is not exactly a household name, but you might have heard about the Czech company’s recently revealed 700hp Bohema luxury car.
Or, if you are into your classic motorbikes, you might be aware of the BD 500 from 1928-1935. The bike was powered by a 499cc ‘double-knocker’ twin-overhead-camshaft, unit-construction four-stroke single-cylinder engine, designed by J. F. Koch. In 1929 Praga took over the BD motorcycle works, and continued the production of the re-named Praga BD.
What we have here today is a new limited-edition motorcycle from Praga, the ZS 800, paying homage to the BD 500.
The new bike is not by any means a replica of the original. This is more of a homage than a reproduction. Back in the day the BD featured a 500cc DOHC single, while the ZS now boasts an 800cc SOHC twin based on the Kawasaki W800’s powerplant, with power figures of 50hp and 65Nm.
What’s most remarkable about the ZS is the innovative and exclusive chassis development and components. The bike’s chrome molybdenum steel frame, titanium nuts, bolts and parts (including a full titanium exhaust system weighing just 4.8kg), and woven 18” carbon wheels combine to keep the wet weight at 158kg. The ZS 800’s hydraulic drum brake system, the sculpted front fork with a fully adjustable Öhlins suspension setup, and the under-seat rear suspension are just some of the bike’s beautiful and unusual features.
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 price tag of £75,550 (plus tax) is pennies compared to Praga’s £1.1m Bohema hypercar, but it’s safe to say that when the deliveries of the 28 limited-edition bikes start in mid-2023 they will likely go to collectors instead of commuters.
For further information about the Praga ZS 800, visit: pragaglobal.com
