Kawasaki GPZ 500 (GPZ500S, EX 500, Ninja 500R)

Kawasaki GPZ500S

The Kawasaki GPZ 500 budget sports tourist model dates back to 1987 and was produced until 2009 inclusive. The model was intended only for foreign markets, so it was not officially sold in Japan - instead, the domestic Japanese version Kawasaki EX-4, featuring a 400 cc engine, was available. The Kawasaki GPZ 500 is the progenitor of the modern model Kawasaki ER-6f (also known as Kawasaki Ninja 650R).

Lineup::

Main competitors

The Kawasaki GPZ 500 engine is actually half of the sports version of the Kawasaki GPZ 1000 RX. The maximum declared power is 60 hp, the torque is 46 Nm. This engine, with minor modifications, was installed on a large number of other models, in particular - Kawasaki KLE 500, Kawasaki ER-5 and Kawasaki EN500 Vulcan.

Modifications :

  • Kawasaki GPZ500 / GPZ500S - European versions.
  • Kawasaki EX500 / EX500R - American versions (up to 1993) and versions for other countries (outside Europe and America)
  • Kawasaki Ninja 500 / Ninja 500R - American versions (1994-2009)

2009 was the last year of production of the model, which, despite the release of the ER-6, continued to be produced and sold in the American market. For the market of other countries, the Kawasaki GPZ500 model was produced until 2006 and disappeared from sales immediately after the release of a new model - Kawasaki ER-6.

Photos



Specifications

Specifications Kawasaki GPZ 500 S (Ninja 500):

Model Kawasaki EX500 (GPZ500S, Ninja 500)
Motorcycle type sports tourist
Release year 1987-2009
Frame steel
Engine type 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, in-line
Working volume 498 cc cm.
Bore / Stroke 74.0 x 58.0 mm
Compression ratio 10.8: 1
Cooling liquid
Number of valves per cylinder DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel supply system Carburetor, 2x Keihin CVK34
Ignition type transistor
Maximum power 60.0 h.p. (44.1 kW) at 9800 rpm
Maximum torque 46.0 Nm (4.7 kgf * m) @ 8500 rpm
Gearbox 6-speed
Drive type chain
Front tire size 110 / 90-16 (54 H) - EX500A

110 / 70-17 (54 H) - EX500D / E

Rear tire size 120 / 90-16 (63 H) - EX500A

130 / 70-17 (62 H) - EX500D / E

Front brakes 1 disc, 280mm, 2-piston caliper - EX500A-D

2 discs, 270 mm, 2-piston calipers - EX500E

Rear brakes drum 160mm - EX500A

1 disc, 230 mm, 1-piston caliper - EX500A-D

Front suspension 37mm telescopic fork, 130mm travel
Rear suspension linkage with monoshock (adjustable preload), stroke - 100 mm
Motorcycle length 2050 mm - EX500-A1 (UK)

2125 mm - EX500-A1 (USA)

2110 mm - EX500-A2-A7

2095 mm - EX500-D / E

Motorcycle width 675 mm - EX500A

700 mm - EX500D / E

Motorcycle height 1165 mm - EX500A

1160 mm - EX500D / E

Wheelbase 1440 mm - EX500A

1435 mm - EX500D / E

Saddle height 770 mm - EX500A

775 mm - EX500D / E

Acceleration to 100 km / h 4.5 sec
Maximum speed 180 km / h
Fuel tank capacity 18.0 l (including reserve - 2.2 l)
Motorcycle weight (dry) 171 kg - EX500A

177 kg - EX500D

179 kg - EX500E

Documentation