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RIDE REVIEW I 2024 KAWASAKI Z500 SE ABS
suspension. The Z500 rolls on
the same trellis frame, wheels,
and suspension package as be-
fore. Even the 310mm front and
220mm rear disc-brake systems
are the same. ABS is standard
equipment.
However, a lot has changed in
the visual and comfort depart
-
ments. Kawasaki researchers
say that sporty looks are way
up there on the buyer's prior-
ity list when shopping for a
motorcycle in the middle-bore
street bike category, so it got
a style revamp. After all, no
one wants to look like they're
assist and slipper clutch—and
an updated transmission. A new
radiator fan has been added to
direct hot air out to the side of
the bike and away from the rider
for a more comfortable ride
when it's hot outside. The over
-
all physical size of the engine
remains unchanged to preserve
the excellent handling perfor-
mance of the previous model.
Yes, the Z400 was well-known
for its great and easy-going han-
dling mannerisms, so Kawasaki
didn't want to mess with that.
This is why there are few chang
-
es to the bike's chassis and
It all starts with the all-new
airbox; it's larger and more ef-
ficient. There are also new injec-
tors, larger intake and exhaust
valves, and new spark plugs,
and the crankshaft, connecting
rods and pistons, as well as the
cylinders, have been updated. At
the end, spent gasses are blown
out of a new exhaust system
that Kawasaki says improves
high-rpm performance to go
along with the bike's increased
torque.
With its enhanced torque and
overall power, the Z500 now
boasts a beefier clutch—still an
The Z500 ABS comes
in two versions:
the standard model
(right) and the SE.
Performance-wise,
they are the same,
but the SE has a little
more bling.
