2024 Kawasaki Z500 First Ride

[Hugh Janus]

Kawasaki’s Z500 is the successor to the Z400. For 2024, the platform receives a larger engine and new styling. (Kevin Wing/)

A motorcycle can’t be for everyone, right? Is it possible to be approachable and manageable for a beginner but entertaining and capable for an expert? Well, Kawasaki came very close to that magic mix of an easy-to-ride naked with plenty of performance and sportiness to entertain even the most experienced riders with its Z400—and now it delivers those same attributes that made it a Cycle World Ten Best with a slightly larger engine displacement in the Z500 and updated styling.

For 2024, Kawasaki utilizes the same engine platform as the Ninja 400 and Z400 but has increased the stroke by 6.8mm resulting in a larger displacement of 451cc. Updates to Kawasaki’s Sugomi styling (described as aggressive and predator-like by the company) include all-new bodywork, a reshaped tank (3.7 gallons), LED lighting, and a new LCD display.

The base-model Kawasaki Z500 ABS in Candy Lime Green ($5,599). (Kevin Wing/)

For 2024, Kawasaki offers the Z500 in two variants: the base model ($5,599) and the SE model ($6,299). Both models are equipped with ABS. The SE variant receives a full-color TFT display, similar to the one found on the Ninja ZX-4RR, as well as an array of Genuine Kawasaki accessories including a meter cover (Kawi-speak for windscreen), radiator screen, frame sliders, passenger seat cowl, tank pad, LED turn signals, knee pads, USB-C charging port, and an under cowl.

Kawasaki Z500 SE ABS in Candy Persimmon Red ($6,299). (Kevin Wing/)

Is the 2024 Kawasaki Z500 a beginner bike, or is it a motorcycle for everyone? Kawasaki made it clear the Z500 is aimed at new and beginner riders. Through owner surveys, Kawasaki found that a majority of Z400 owners had one year or less of riding experience before purchasing. So, it is essential to Kawasaki that the Z500 maintains the approachable characteristics that made the Z400 so popular with new riders. That makes sense, the Z500 is Kawaski’s entry into its streetbike lineup. Yes, it has the Z125 and KLX lines, but those are not full-size streetbikes. For new riders looking to get on a Kawasaki and move up through its lineup, the Z500 is the most likely starting point.

Another component that makes the Z500 user-friendly is the transmission's “easy neutral finder.” At a stop, the gearbox will not allow the rider to click up from first to second; consistently finding neutral. (Kevin Wing/)

What makes the Z500 so approachable for new riders? Of course, price point is one consideration, but really it’s the attitude of the motorcycle. The engine’s smooth, predictable power delivery has enough low-end torque to easily pull away from a stop and chug around town. A slipper/assist clutch adds to the vehicle’s ease of use in stop-and-go situations. The Z500′s 30.9-inch seat height and claimed curb weight of 370 pounds (SE model) make the bike accessible and manageable for most riders; at 5 feet, 8 inches with a 28-inch inseam, I can easily plant both feet on the ground. The bike’s 54.1-inch wheelbase, 24.5-degree rake, and 3.6-inch trail provide agile handling and quick steering in the city but maintain a stable ride on sweeping backroads.

When the road becomes twisty, the Kawasaki Z500 is a blast at full gas. (Kevin Wing/)

It’s easy to see what kind of picture Kawasaki is trying to present: approachable, accessible, manageable. Sounds clichéd, right? But really, it is just trying to deliver a motorcycle that is easy to ride. Because ultimately, the Z500 is aimed at newer riders. But by no means is the Z500 exclusively a lightweight beginner bike. Its capable chassis and peppy engine are extremely entertaining for experienced riders as well. Local club races filled with fast riders on Ninjas and Z400s proves just that.

2024 Kawasaki Z500 Engine

Kawasaki’s Z500 utilizes a 451cc DOHC liquid-cooled parallel twin tied to a six-speed transmission with a slipper and assist clutch. This is the same engine we rode in the 2024 Eliminator. And this is the same powerplant the 2024 Ninja 500 will be equipped with. The Kawasaki Z500 has a claimed 51 hp at 10,000 rpm and 31.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,500 rpm. On the Cycle World dyno, the 2024 Eliminator produced 47.2 hp at 10,430 rpm and 29.03 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,510 rpm.

Kawasaki’s Z500 utilizes a 451cc parallel twin producing a claimed 51 hp and 31.7 lb.-ft. of torque. (Kevin Wing/)

Dual 32mm throttle bodies feed the engine’s 70 x 58.6mm bore and stroke. The compression ratio is 11.3:1. The major design goal for increasing the engine displacement from 399cc to 451cc, via an increase in the stroke measurement by 6.8mm, was to improve low-end torque. Kawasaki’s Z500 has plenty of usable torque down low, great for lugging around town and short-shifting. But what’s most impressive is the engine’s flexibility. The parallel twin offers satisfying power at nearly every rpm. Between the thumpy bottom-end, powerful midrange, and strong top-end, the engine can be utilized anywhere between idle and its 11,000 rpm redline.

Despite the engine's larger displacement, the actual blueprint of the powerplant did not increase in size, allowing Kawasaki to utilize the Z400 chassis for the Z500. (Kevin Wing/)

Connecting corners on backroads, the engine offers enough low-end torque to drive off an apex while strong midrange and top-end allow the rider to stretch a gear far out of a corner before working the shifter—or even to hold off on a shift completely to stretch to the next turn. This flexibility along with the parallel twin’s quick-revving nature provides plenty of passing power on the highways. The Z500 has legs to run above freeway speeds and easily keep up with traffic. There is some vibration transferred into the rider through the handlebar, seat, and footpegs, but it is not intolerable.

The Z500’s low-end torque, a slipper/assist clutch, and agile handling make the lightweight naked bike easy to manage on tight city streets. (Kevin Wing/)

2024 Kawasaki Z500 Suspension and Chassis

The chassis is comprised of a nonadjustable 41mm telescopic Showa fork offering 4.7 inches of travel, a bottom link Uni-Trak shock with five-way-adjustable preload providing 5.1 inches of travel, and a lightweight steel trellis frame. The engine is a stressed member; rigid mounts, mounting brackets, and the aluminum swingarm all bolt to the powerplant for optimum rigidity. Out on the road, these efforts are easily noticeable. The 2024 Kawasaki Z500 is rock solid and balanced in every riding scenario.

Kawasaki Z500 offers five-step-adjustable preload on the shock that can be tuned via the onboard tool kit. (Kevin Wing/)

Through the urban landscapes, the Z500 never feels busy or disrupted by rough pavement or concrete junctures. On twisty backroads, the lightweight naked bike is impressive. The Z500 is extremely planted on the side of the tire and stays glued to the ground even at fast speeds. Wicking up the pace through a set of corners, the chassis and suspension don’t flex or wallow. Muscling the bike back and forth through quick corners, the entire front end is very responsive with direct and intuitive steering.

Kawasaki’s Z500 is an extremely confidence-inspiring motorcycle. On the side of the tire, the bike is very planted and predictable. (Kevin Wing/)

The suspension components perform equally as well. Suspension damping is tuned on the stiff side and sacrifices some initial comfort on rough surfaces, but when the pavement is smooth, the Z500 is extremely rewarding. The suspension translates positive feedback into the rider as the 17-inch wheels follow the road. There is never a vagueness or uncertainty as to what the Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 tires are doing. And entering a corner hard on the brakes, the fork doesn’t blow through the stroke. The front end has plenty of holdup for spirited riding.

Kawasaki's Z500 is equipped with a 310mm disc and a dual-piston Nissin caliper. (Kevin Wing/)

The Kawasaki Z500′s brake system features a 310mm semi-floating disc with a dual-piston Nissin caliper up front and a 220mm disc with a dual-piston Nissin caliper out back. Both components perform well. There is plenty of stopping power from the front brake that is progressive and gradually increases as the rider applies more pressure to the lever. Riding at a fast pace on twisty canyon roads, the front brake sheds speed predictably and consistently without triggering ABS intervention. The rear brake is easy to modulate when rolling up to a stoplight or shedding speed for a corner. Rear ABS will trigger with a heavy foot, especially when combined with excessive engine-braking.

2024 Kawasaki Z500 Ergonomics and Displays

Kawasaki’s Z500 has typical naked bike ergonomics: An upright riding position with a one-piece handlebar is comfortable and neutral. The reach to the bar initially feels a little low, but once the speeds increase the rider naturally leans into the wind and that slightly low bar bend becomes very natural. With a seat height of 30.9 inches, the Z500 is fairly compact. For someone 5-foot-8, the rider triangle was comfortable all day and didn’t require any mandatory stretch sessions. But tall riders may feel a little cramped as the distance between the footpegs and seat is sporty and somewhat tight.

The Z500's 30.9-inch seat height makes the bike accessible for short riders, but it may compromise some comfort for tall riders. (Kevin Wing/)

As with most naked bikes, wind protection is minimal. But, surprisingly, the Z500 blocks a lot of wind below the shoulders. Air rushing at the helmet is unavoidable, but we never experienced any buffeting or turbulence on the SE model which comes equipped with a small windscreen, or “meter cover” as Team Green refers to it in the Kawasaki Genuine Accessories catalog. It should be noted that all of the accessories on the SE model are compatible with the base model.

The triple LED headlight design gives the new bike the recognizable Z face that is synonymous with the Z650 and Z900. (Kevin Wing/)

Kawasaki’s base model Z500 ($5,599) utilizes an all-new LCD display with a digital bar-style tachometer, speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel gauge, remaining fuel range, current and average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, clock, service indicator, and gear position indicator.

The base-model Z500 features an LCD display. (Kevin Wing/)

The SE model ($6,299) features a full-color TFT display with selectable background colors (black or white). Functions include a digital bar-style tachometer, speedometer, odometer, shift lamp, dual tripmeters, fuel gauge, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, clock, battery voltage, service reminder, oil change reminder, and a gear position indicator. A nice bit of upgrades for the extra $700.

Kawasaki's up-spec Z500 SE is granted a full-color TFT display similar to the unit found on the Ninja ZX-4RR. (Kevin Wing/)

Conclusion

Kawasaki’s Z500 hits the sweet spot for nearly everyone in the lightweight category. Experienced riders will appreciate the performance of this package just as much as new or beginner riders will value the bike’s manageability and overall ease of use. And both customers benefit from the Z500′s flexible engine, Sugomi styling, LED lighting, and all-new information displays. If you are in the market for a lightweight naked bike that does everything extremely well, look no further than the 2024 Kawasaki Z500.

The rear brake system features a 220mm disc with a dual-piston Nissin caliper. (Kevin Wing/)
Both models feature an LED headlight and taillight. The SE model comes standard with LED turn signals. Base model owners can upgrade to LED indicators through the Kawasaki Genuine Accessories catalog. (Kevin Wing/)
Kawasaki's Z500 SE comes equipped with a passenger seat cowl. Both models have a 30.9-inch seat height. (Kevin Wing/)

2024 Kawasaki Z500 Specs

MSRP:	$5,599–$6,299
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 8 valves
Displacement:	451cc
Bore x Stroke:	70.0 x 58.6mm
Compression Ratio:	11.3:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	51.0 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Claimed Torque:	31.7 lb.-ft. @ 7,500 rpm
Fuel System:	EFI w/ dual 32mm throttle bodies
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate assist/slipper; mechanically operated
Engine Management/Ignition:	TCBI w/ electronic advance
Frame:	Steel trellis
Front Suspension:	41mm hydraulic telescopic fork; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Uni-Trak shock, spring preload adjustable; 5.1 in. travel
Front Brake:	2-piston caliper, 310mm semi-floating disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	2-piston caliper, 220mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast aluminum; 17 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	110/70-17 / 150/60-17
Rake/Trail:	24.5°/3.6 in.
Wheelbase:	54.1 in.
Ground Clearance:	5.7 in.
Seat Height:	30.9 in.
Fuel Capacity:	3.7 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	366 lb. / 370 lb.
Contact:	kawasaki.com

Gearbox

Helmet: Arai Contour-X

Jacket: Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Rideknit Leather

Pants: Alpinestars Copper v2 Denim

Gloves: Alpinestars SP X Air Carbon v2

Boots: Alpinestars Faster-3 Rideknit

Source

[Catteeclan]

Aimed directly at the Honda?

[Buckster]

1 hour ago, Catteeclan said:

Aimed directly at the Honda?

Exactly, a girls bike.

[Saul]

18 minutes ago, Buckster said:

Exactly, a girls bike.

My daughter would love that, exactly what she is aiming for.  

[Buckster]

49 minutes ago, Saul said:

My daughter would love that, exactly what she is aiming for.