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Z500

Light, Fun, Easy: The New Everyday Z Is Here

Our Official Bike Review

Kawasaki Z500 – Supernaked Intensity in a Lightweight Package

The Z500 arrives as Kawasaki’s latest addition to the iconic Z family, bringing the aggressive Sugomi styling of its larger Supernaked siblings into a more accessible, everyday-friendly package. Developed alongside the new Ninja 500, the Z500 is built for riders who want head-turning street presence without sacrificing practicality. It’s a bike that catches eyes when you’re out on the town—and has the performance to back up its bold looks.

Performance with Purpose

At the heart of the Z500 is a newly designed 451cc parallel-twin engine that delivers 33.4 kW at 9,000 rpm and 42.6 N·m of torque at 6,000 rpm. This isn’t just about peak numbers—it’s about usable power everywhere you need it. The engine’s broad power delivery means smooth, confident acceleration whether you’re threading through city traffic or opening it up on the highway. Thanks to its compact size and lightweight design, the Z500 feels brisk and responsive, making it well-suited to a wide variety of riding situations. The Assist & Slipper Clutch delivers a light clutch pull for relaxed everyday riding and reduces rear-wheel chatter during aggressive downshifts.

Rider-Focused Tech

The Z500 comes equipped with modern rider-friendly features that enhance both safety and convenience. A full LCD instrument panel with smartphone connectivity keeps you connected on the go, offering display notifications, riding logs, and community features. ABS provides added confidence in varied braking conditions, while LED lighting ensures you’re seen day or night. The triple LED headlight design doesn’t just look striking—it’s functional, providing excellent visibility while cementing the Z500’s unmistakable front-end identity.

Design: Aggression Meets Elegance

The Z500’s styling draws directly from Kawasaki’s larger Z Supernaked models, featuring sharp, aggressive lines and a muscular, athletic stance. The bike’s sugomi design language—a crouching posture, low-positioned head, and upswept tail—creates an instantly recognizable silhouette. Its lightweight trellis frame, similar in design to the Ninja H2, is both a structural component and a visual statement, highlighting the bike’s race-inspired engineering. Despite its aggressive looks, the Z500’s slim seat design and narrow engine profile offer an accommodating reach to the ground at its 785mm seat height, inspiring confidence for a wide range of riders.

Is It for You?

At just 167kg, the Z500 is light, nimble, and easy to manage—whether you’re carving corners or maneuvering through tight parking spots. The relaxed, upright riding position with wide handlebars puts you in control without sacrificing comfort, making it ideal for both spirited rides and daily commutes. If you’re looking for a bike with genuine street presence, accessible performance, and Kawasaki’s legendary Z character, the Z500 delivers an exciting, confidence-inspiring ride for riders of all experience levels.

Maximum Power 33.4 kW {45 PS} / 9,000 rpm Maximum Torque 42.6 Nm {4.3 kgfm} / 6,000 rpm
Engine 4-stroke Parallel Twin Displacement 451 cc
Bore x Stroke 70.0 x 58.6 mm Compression Ratio 11.3:1
Valve System DOHC, 8 valves Fuel System Fuel injection: ø32 mm x 2
Ignition Digital Starting Electric
Cooling Liquid-cooled Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump
Transmission 6-speed, return Primary Reduction Ratio 2.029 (69/34)
Gear Ratio: 1st 2.929 (41/14) Gear Ratio: 2nd 2.056 (37/18)
Gear Ratio: 3rd 1.619 (34/21) Gear Ratio: 4th 1.333 (32/24)
Gear Ratio: 5th 1.154 (30/26) Gear Ratio: 6th 1.037 (28/27)
Final Reduction Ratio 3.071 (43/14) Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive Chain
Frame Trellis, high-tensile steel Front Suspension ø41 mm telescopic fork
Rear Suspension Bottom-link Uni Trak, gas-charged shock with adjustable spring preload Front Wheel Travel 120 mm
Rear Wheel Travel 130 mm Rake 24.3°
Trail 92 mm Steering Angle (L/R) 35° / 35°
Front Tyre 110/70R17M/C 54H Rear Tyre 150/60R17M/C 66H
Front Brake/s Semi-floating ø310 mm disc Front Caliper/s Balanced actuation dual-piston
Rear Brake ø220 mm disc Rear Caliper Dual-piston
Dimensions (LxWxH) 1,995 x 800 x 1,055 mm Wheelbase 1,375 mm
Road Clearance 145 mm Seat Height 785 mm
Curb Weight* 167 kg Estimated Dry Weight** 153 kg
Fuel Capacity 14 litres

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