Kawasaki’s Smallest Z Naked Bike Grows to the Z500

Alongside news of its new Ninja 500 sportbike and the EICMA announcement of the Z500, Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA, has announced that it will offer the Z500 ABS and Z500 ABS SE naked bikes in 2024. The ABS edition will price at $5,599 while the SE version will start at $6,299. Both models are now available at your local Kawasaki dealer.

The highlight of the Z500 is the new 451cc parallel-twin engine, an evolution of the brand’s existing Z400 (and Ninja 400) mill, adding 52cc thanks to a 6.8mm-longer stroke. Engineers revised the mill with a new crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods resulting in a powerplant that promises more responsive and powerful acceleration. The balancer shaft is a new design as well, and the six-speed transmission is equipped with an assist and slipper clutch for optimum clutch feel and smooth downshifts, a feature that is especially nice for newer and less experienced riders.

It utilizes a trellis frame design and is suspended by a 41mm telescopic fork and a Uni-Trak shock out back with five-way preload adjustment. ABS is standard on both models.

As is the case on the Ninja 500, the new Z500 ABS also gets an updated LCD instrument panel and updated seat shape for improved comfort. The bike will be Bluetooth compatible and when paired to a smartphone equipped with the Rideology app riders will be able to access vehicle info, riding logs, call notices, communication details, and maintenance history.

The SE is a bit more sophisticated with a full-color TFT display, USB-C outlet, and upgraded color schemes and graphics.