Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1520705
P132 RIDE REVIEW I 2024 KAWASAKI Z500 SE ABS Kawasaki found a good all-around suspen- sion setting for the Z500 that should appeal to a wide range of riders, which is a good thing since neither the rear Uni-Trak single shock nor the front 41mm Showa fork is adjustable, except for the shock's five-way preload settings. For my 165 pounds, the Z500 offered a firm but comfy ride, and the fork had excellent feedback. The Z500 has a somewhat short wheelbase at 54.1 inches. With 24.5° of rake and 3.6 inch - es of trail, the bike is quick and agile on its feet while feeling very light at the controls. Despite being so flickable, the Z500 is still very stable at speed and through sweeping corners. I found the Z500's upright riding position comfortable despite my 6'1" stature and its low 30.9-inch seat height. I didn't feel too crunched up in the cockpit, and my knees never com - plained, though my longest stint on the bike was only approximately 45 minutes while at- tending Kawasaki's press launch in San Diego. As mentioned, I rode the SE model, and I was impressed by the new full-color TFT screen and its adjustable background. It gives the Z500 SE that premium look while being easy to read and decipher. I have little doubt TFT screens will become the norm on most entry-level street mo - torcycles in the future, but the Z500 SE will have the distinction of being one of, if not, the first. FINAL THOUGHTS Kawasaki says of the new Z500: "This aggres- sively styled streetfighter is for those who are not afraid to be seen." I'd have to agree. It's a good-looking motorcycle that doesn't have "I'm a newbie" written all over it when you ride past a crowd. Even experienced riders will feel good about themselves on the Z500. But more importantly, the Z500 is an all-around excellent-performing motorcycle that will appeal to a wide range of riders and skill levels. However, an entry-level rider will benefit most from the Z500 because of its attractive pricing, us- er-friendly motor, predictable handling, light weight, small size and low seat height. Best of all, the Z500 performs so well that you won't be in a hurry to part with it after your confidence level rises. It's a keeper. CN 2024 KAWASAKI Z500 ABS ($5599) / ($6299 SE ABS) ENGINE Parallel-twin, 4-stroke DISPLACEMENT 451cc BORE X STROKE 70.0 x 58.6mm VALVETRAIN DOHC, 8-valve COMPRESSION RATIO 11.3:1 COOLING SYSTEM Liquid-cooled TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE 6-speed HORSEPOWER (CLAIMED) 51.0 hp at 10,000 rpm TORQUE (CLAIMED) 31.7 lb-ft at 7500 rpm FUEL SYSTEM EFI w/ dual 32mm throttle bodies CLUTCH Wet, multiplate assist/slipper ENGINE MANAGEMENT/IGNITION TCBI w/ electronic advance FRAME Steel trellis FRONT SUSPENSION 41mm Showa hydraulic telescopic fork, non-adj. REAR SUSPENSION Uni-Trak shock, 5-way spring preload adj. FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 4.7 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 5.1 in. FRONT BRAKE 2-piston caliper, 310mm semi-floating disc, ABS REAR BRAKE 2-piston caliper, 220mm disc, ABS FRONT TIRE 110/70-17 in. REAR TIRE 150/60-17 in. 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 WEIGHT (WET, CLAIMED) 366 lbs. / 370 lbs. (SE) S P E C I F I C AT I O N S