Source: Cycle World
The 2024 Kawasaki Z500 ABS. (Kawasaki/)News of Kawasaki’s updated 2024 Ninja 500 is still hot off the press, but Team Green is keeping the good times rolling by taking the wraps off the 2024 Z500 lineup. Like its Ninja counterpart, the Z500 lineup expands to comprise an ABS model and an ABS-equipped SE model, the latter featuring a TFT dash and a host of accessories installed at the factory. Both specs have a refined, larger-capacity engine and updated styling.Updated styling modernizes the Z500’s look. (Kawasaki/)Just like the Ninja 500, the Z500′s engine is based largely on its predecessor. Its 451cc engine (up from 399cc) is courtesy of a 6.8mm-longer stroke (bore is unchanged). Kawasaki claims the engine produces 31.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,500 rpm. That peak torque figure is not only 3.7 lb.-ft. greater thanks to a longer stroke, it also comes 500 rpm earlier in the rev range. To suit the increased capacity, Kawasaki revised the balancer shaft to quell vibration, increased clutch capacity, and modified the connecting rods, crankshaft, and piston (which includes an alumite surface treatment on the top ring land). There’s also an assist and slipper clutch to mitigate the effect of back torque during engine-braking; it also gives a particularly light feel at the lever.The Z500 SE ABS, sporting a sleek bellypan and radiator guide. (Kawasaki/)The chassis, brakes, and suspension carry over from the Ninja 500, and are largely unchanged from the Z400. A steel trellis frame with the engine as a stressed member together with a die-cast aluminum swingarm mounting plate (bolted directly to the rear of the engine) help keep weight low. Kawasaki claims the Z500 ABS weighs 366 pounds and the Z500 SE ABS a few more at 370.4 pounds. Suspension is also unchanged, with a nonadjustable right-side-up telescopic fork at the front and a preload-adjustable shock at the rear. A revised front brake master cylinder is the only update to the braking system.The three-light design separates high and low beams between the in-set center light and the prominent twin LEDs. (Kawasaki/)Aside from the engine, the biggest update to Kawasaki’s popular small-displacement naked is the styling. The front end uses a triple headlight design in which the two upper LED lights are used for low beams while the lower central light is reserved for high beam. The twin lights, like sinister eyes glaring from beneath a furrowed brow, make the design both more aggressive and elegant. Like the Honda CB1000 Hornet that debuted at the end of last year, if one squints, the Z500′s front end bears a passing resemblance to the Ducati Streetfighter V4. Regardless, the new look is less insectoid than in the past and just meaner. Styling changes include an abbreviated front fender and minimalistic shrouds and side covers that further convey the Z’s ready-to-pounce stance.Because engineers are paid to sweat the small stuff, Kawasaki redesigned the Z500′s mirror stays to control vibration for clearer viewing and updated the seat to be more comfortable. That’s a win-win for creature comforts.The Z500 ABS features a new LCD dash with smartphone connectivity through the Kawasaki Rideology app. The dash even displays a new fuel economy indicator, which displays consumption in real time to help riders squeeze the most miles out of its 3.7-gallon tank as possible.The Z500 SE ABS uses a TFT dash that provides all the pertinent riding data. It also offers smartphone connectivity through the Rideology app. (Kawasaki/)The Z500 SE ABS costs an additional $700 and includes a number of upgrades, chief among them a 4.3-inch TFT display that provides the same functionality as the Z500 ABS’s LCD unit but in full color. A USB-C outlet is tucked close to the dash. Additional styling add-ons include a sleek-looking bellypan, a dark smoke fly screen, a radiator screen, and a rear seat cowl. Frame sliders, a tank pad, and knee grips also come standard.An inside-look at what makes the Z500 tick. (Kawasaki/)Like we pointed out in the first look of the Ninja 500, the small-displacement category is hotly contested, with an onslaught of small-capacity performers from Europe and Japan. While we would have loved to see adjustable suspension or more advanced rider aids as part of the update, Kawasaki’s refinements do have real merit. Its small-displacement parallel twin has always been the ace up its sleeve, so we’re glad to see its continued development.The 2024 Kawasaki Z500 ABS and Z500 ABS SE are available at Kawasaki dealerships now.2024 Kawasaki Z500 ABS/ Z500 SE ABS 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:
N/A
Claimed Torque:
31.7 lb.-ft. @ 7,500 rpm
Fuel System:
DFI w/ 32mm throttle bodies
Clutch:
Wet, multiplate assist/slipper; mechanically operated
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 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”}]]
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The 2024 Kawasaki Z500 ABS. (Kawasaki/)
News of Kawasaki’s updated 2024 Ninja 500 is still hot off the press, but Team Green is keeping the good times rolling by taking the wraps off the 2024 Z500 lineup. Like its Ninja counterpart, the Z500 lineup expands to comprise an ABS model and an ABS-equipped SE model, the latter featuring a TFT dash and a host of accessories installed at the factory. Both specs have a refined, larger-capacity engine and updated styling.
Updated styling modernizes the Z500’s look. (Kawasaki/)
Just like the Ninja 500, the Z500′s engine is based largely on its predecessor. Its 451cc engine (up from 399cc) is courtesy of a 6.8mm-longer stroke (bore is unchanged). Kawasaki claims the engine produces 31.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,500 rpm. That peak torque figure is not only 3.7 lb.-ft. greater thanks to a longer stroke, it also comes 500 rpm earlier in the rev range. To suit the increased capacity, Kawasaki revised the balancer shaft to quell vibration, increased clutch capacity, and modified the connecting rods, crankshaft, and piston (which includes an alumite surface treatment on the top ring land). There’s also an assist and slipper clutch to mitigate the effect of back torque during engine-braking; it also gives a particularly light feel at the lever.
The Z500 SE ABS, sporting a sleek bellypan and radiator guide. (Kawasaki/)
The chassis, brakes, and suspension carry over from the Ninja 500, and are largely unchanged from the Z400. A steel trellis frame with the engine as a stressed member together with a die-cast aluminum swingarm mounting plate (bolted directly to the rear of the engine) help keep weight low. Kawasaki claims the Z500 ABS weighs 366 pounds and the Z500 SE ABS a few more at 370.4 pounds. Suspension is also unchanged, with a nonadjustable right-side-up telescopic fork at the front and a preload-adjustable shock at the rear. A revised front brake master cylinder is the only update to the braking system.
The three-light design separates high and low beams between the in-set center light and the prominent twin LEDs. (Kawasaki/)
Aside from the engine, the biggest update to Kawasaki’s popular small-displacement naked is the styling. The front end uses a triple headlight design in which the two upper LED lights are used for low beams while the lower central light is reserved for high beam. The twin lights, like sinister eyes glaring from beneath a furrowed brow, make the design both more aggressive and elegant. Like the Honda CB1000 Hornet that debuted at the end of last year, if one squints, the Z500′s front end bears a passing resemblance to the Ducati Streetfighter V4. Regardless, the new look is less insectoid than in the past and just meaner. Styling changes include an abbreviated front fender and minimalistic shrouds and side covers that further convey the Z’s ready-to-pounce stance.
Because engineers are paid to sweat the small stuff, Kawasaki redesigned the Z500′s mirror stays to control vibration for clearer viewing and updated the seat to be more comfortable. That’s a win-win for creature comforts.
The Z500 ABS features a new LCD dash with smartphone connectivity through the Kawasaki Rideology app. The dash even displays a new fuel economy indicator, which displays consumption in real time to help riders squeeze the most miles out of its 3.7-gallon tank as possible.
The Z500 SE ABS uses a TFT dash that provides all the pertinent riding data. It also offers smartphone connectivity through the Rideology app. (Kawasaki/)
The Z500 SE ABS costs an additional $700 and includes a number of upgrades, chief among them a 4.3-inch TFT display that provides the same functionality as the Z500 ABS’s LCD unit but in full color. A USB-C outlet is tucked close to the dash. Additional styling add-ons include a sleek-looking bellypan, a dark smoke fly screen, a radiator screen, and a rear seat cowl. Frame sliders, a tank pad, and knee grips also come standard.
An inside-look at what makes the Z500 tick. (Kawasaki/)
Like we pointed out in the first look of the Ninja 500, the small-displacement category is hotly contested, with an onslaught of small-capacity performers from Europe and Japan. While we would have loved to see adjustable suspension or more advanced rider aids as part of the update, Kawasaki’s refinements do have real merit. Its small-displacement parallel twin has always been the ace up its sleeve, so we’re glad to see its continued development.
The 2024 Kawasaki Z500 ABS and Z500 ABS SE are available at Kawasaki dealerships now.
2024 Kawasaki Z500 ABS/ Z500 SE ABS 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:
N/A
Claimed Torque:
31.7 lb.-ft. @ 7,500 rpm
Fuel System:
DFI w/ 32mm throttle bodies
Clutch:
Wet, multiplate assist/slipper; mechanically operated
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 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
“}]]
