Czech Republic Motorcycles Live On, Thanks to Praga

• Czech manufacturer Praga is back to manufacturing motorcycles, with its new ZS 800 (pictured left, above) designed after the iconic 1928 Praga BD 500 (pictured right).

• With a bespoke hardtail frame, premium components from Öhlins, and an air-cooled 773cc four-stroke parallel twin, the ZS 800 blends modern components with vintage mechanics.

• Only 28 units will go on sale at the price of $92,226, as a result of the bespoke and potentially collectible nature of the model, with deliveries slated for mid-2023.

Praga isn't exactly your traditional motorcycle manufacturer. Born in 1907 in then Czechoslovakia, Praga has been a cornerstone of the nation's industrial manufacturing throughout its tumultuous history, building everything from off-road, military-grade transport trucks and tanks to motorcycles and early airplanes. Of the sprawling fleet of vehicles that Praga made, one, in particular, remains well-regarded amongst classic motorcycle enthusiasts thanks to its high-performance engine and timeless design: the 1928 Praga BD 500.

However, the company's operations in the 21st century have been rather limited, producing agricultural light and medium-duty vehicles, some race-ready but street-legal hypercars, as well as a brief run of enduro motorcycles. That's all about to change though, as Praga launches its first road-going motorcycle since 2003, known as the Praga ZS 800.

Built on a hardtail steel frame, the new ZS 800 was engineered by the same folks who created the Praga Bohema hypercar, which means it's set to be performance oriented with nostalgia baked into the design. Powered by an air-cooled, 773cc four-stroke parallel twin engine from the Kawasaki W800, the model should be punchy and relatively quick by modern motorcycle standards, making 65 hp and 37 lb-ft of torque. Not only does the parallel twin construction mimic its namesake model, but the engine uses a bevel-gear cam drive system reminiscent of those found in 20th-century classics.

Forged 18-inch carbon wheels with carbon-tensioned spokes aren't exactly old school, but the accompanying front and rear drum brakes certainly are outdated technology. Praga acknowledged this peculiar choice by saying the decision was made to complement the motorcycle's vintage style. While drum brakes will be perfectly capable of slowing this 348-pound bike, the addition of disc brakes and ABS modules (not offered on the new Praga) has undoubtedly made motorcycling safer.