A new addition to the Z series is the new lightweight Z500, which was developed alongside the new Ninja 500. Riders will appreciate the super stylish Z looks when it’s time to be noticed, and the easy-to-use, practical features in day-to-day riding make it fun and enjoyable for everyone.
On the styling side, the Z500’s new bodywork is inspired by the sugomi * styling Kawasaki’s Z Supernaked models are known for, and its aggressive looks bely its highly accommodating, riderfriendly nature.
Riders will notice how quickly the Z500 catches everyone’s eyes when out on the town, and will know that once they swing a leg over, it has the performance to back it up, including a newly designed engine, a lightweight 250cc-based chassis, and practical, rider-friendly features including a relaxed riding position, LED headlights and smartphone connectivity.
Increasing the displacement of the Z400’s engine with an added 52 cm3 results in a boost in performance. Along with newly designed crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons, the compression ratio was optimised to suit the larger displacement. The top land of the aluminium pistons receives a hard alumite treatment to achieve higher combustion pressure. The cylinder is sleeveless and features plated bores, just like on our Ninja ZX-10R and 6R supersport machines.
Max. power {52 PS} / 10,000 min-1
Max. torque 42.6 N·m {4.3 kgƒ·m} / 7,500 min-1
A lightweight frame is key to keeping overall weight down and in having a motorcycle that is light and easy to control. The Z500’s trellis frame offers just that, with considerations made throughout to reducing weight. The frame is 250cc-based in size, contributing to a light overall weight and a slim overall package complemented by the rigidity and durability expected from a Kawasaki frame. The chassis has a supersport-style short-wheelbase/long-swingarm design, complemented by an optimised trail that delivers light, natural handling.
Relaxed rider triangle accommodates a wide range of rider sizes and riding situations, contributing to the Z500’s rider-friendly character. Wide set of the handlebar enables dynamic control by the rider and contributes to the Z500’s easy manoeuvrability and facilitates control for low-speed manoeuvres.
Fuel tank is slim between the rider’s legs, promoting good contact with the bike. The 14 litre fuel capacity contributes to weight reduction, while still enabling a sufficient cruising range to accommodate daily riding or touring.
Being part of the Z series means street presence with supernaked style, and the new Z500 has these in abundance. An all-new front-end design centred around a new triple LED headlight design highlights the machine’s intense and high-class styling. Like other models in the Z Series, sugomi design elements (crouching stance, low-positioned head and upswept tail) give it a silhouette instantly recognisable as a Kawasaki Supernaked, while the excellent fit and finish and highquality overall design give owners something to be proud of.
At the front of the new Z500 is a triple LED headlight design (same as used on the Z7 Hybrid) with the two upper headlights being the low beams, and the single lower headlight being the high beam. The design was intended to keep focus on the two low beam headlights. Belying their compact size the new headlights deliver excellent lighting performance.
The SE model features a high-grade full colour display with TFT (thin-film transistor) technology, delivering a high level of visibility. The screen’s background colour is selectable (black or white), and screen brightness adjusts automatically to suit available light. Bluetooth technology enables riders to connect to their bike wirelessly. Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP”, a number of functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience.
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Overall length | 1,995 mm |
Overall width | 800 mm |
Overall height | 1,100 mm |
Wheelbase | 1,375 mm |
Road clearance | 145 mm |
Seat height | 785 mm |
Curb mass | 168 kg |
Dry mass | 154 kg |
Fuel tank capacity | 14 litres |
PERFORMANCE | |
---|---|
Max. power | 38.3 kW {52 PS} / 10,000 min-1 |
Max. Power with Ram Air | - |
Max. torque | 42.6 N·m {4.3 kgƒ·m} / 7,500 min-1 |
ENGINE | |
---|---|
Type / Valve system | 4st, 2-cyl, DOHC, 4val |
Coolant System | Liquid-cooled |
Bore x Stroke | 70.0 x 58.6 mm |
Displacement | 451 cm3 |
Compression ratio | 11.3 |
Fuel supply | Fuel injection (φ32 mm x 2) |
Lubrication system | Forced Wet Sump |
Starting system | EL. Starter |
Ignition system | B&C (TCBI, B. P&EL. ADV. D.) |
DRIVETRAIN | |
---|---|
Driving system | Chain |
Transmission | 6-speed, return |
Primary reduction ratio | 2.029 (69/34) |
1st Gear ratios | 2.929 (41/14) |
2st Gear ratios | 2.056 (37/18) |
3st Gear ratios | 1.619 (34/21) |
4st Gear ratios | 1.333 (32/24) |
5st Gear ratios | 1.154 (30/26) |
6st Gear ratios | 1.037 (28/27) |
Final reduction ratio | 3.071 (43/14) |
Clutch type (Primary) | Wet, multi-disc |
FRAME | |
---|---|
Type | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
Front Suspension | Telescopic fork |
Rear Suspension | Swingarm |
Front Wheel travel | 120 mm |
Rear Wheel travel | 130 mm |
Caster (Rake angle) | 24.3° |
Trail | 92 mm |
Steering angle (left/right) | 35° / 35° |
Front Tyre | 110/70R17 M/C 54H |
Rear Tyre | 150/60R17 M/C 66H |
Front Type Brake | Single disc 310 mm |
Caliper (Front) | - |
Rear Type Brake | Single disc 220 mm |
Caliper (Rear) | - |