VOLUME ISSUE MAY , P127
riding a motorcycle that some
might perceive as a "beginner's"
bike. As a result, the new Z500
gets updated bodywork and a
new LED headlight and taillight,
just like the higher-end Z650
and $18,000 Z H2 models. The
Z500's fuel tank is slimmer and
lighter but holds slightly less, at
3.6 gallons versus the 400's 3.7
gallons. To improve comfort, the
seat has been reshaped for a
flatter profile and is now made
from low-rebound urethane,
and the footpegs are positioned
slightly farther forward for an
improved upright rider position.
The mirrors are also updated.
There's also an all-new high-
contrast LCD instrumentation
screen that is a major improve
-
ment over the previous Z400's.
Kawasaki offers two Z500
models: the standard Z500 and
the Z500 SE, the latter of which I
rode here. Performance-wise, the
Z500 and Z500 SE are the same
motorcycles, but the SE features
several smaller upgrades. The
most significant is the SE's TFT
full-color instrumentation with
Bluetooth technology, which al
-
lows you to connect to the bike
wirelessly via your smartphone
and Kawasaki's Rideology The
App. Not often do you find a
premium item like this (TFT) on
an "entry-level" motorcycle.
The SE also has, that you don't
get with the standard Z500, LED
turn signals, a smoke-tinted
meter cover, a radiator screen,
frame sliders, a rear-seat cowl,
a tank pad, knee pads, a type-C
USB charger and an under cowl.
You get all that for an additional
$700 of the standard's $5599
MSRP. However, you can buy any
The Z500 and the city get along nicely.
