Kawasaki has always been a strong player in the naked streetfighter segment. With the launch of the new Kawasaki Z500, the company has once again proved that it knows how to blend performance, style, and affordability. The Z500 comes as a replacement and successor to the Z400, offering more power, improved design, and features that attract both beginners and experienced riders. It is designed for riders who want an aggressive-looking bike but also easy handling for city and highway rides.
Engine and Performance
The Kawasaki Z500 is powered by a 451cc parallel-twin engine that is liquid-cooled and fuel-injected. This engine produces around 48 hp at 9,000 rpm and 42 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. The motor is designed to provide strong mid-range power, making it excellent for city commuting as well as spirited highway rides. The six-speed gearbox comes with an assist and slipper clutch that makes gear shifting smooth and prevents rear wheel lock-up during aggressive downshifts. Riders will find this engine lively yet smooth, giving confidence at all speeds.
Design and Styling
When it comes to looks, the Kawasaki Z500 carries forward the Sugomi design language of the Z-series. The sharp headlamp, muscular tank shrouds, and aggressive stance make it look like a much bigger bike. The LED headlights and taillights add a premium touch, while the overall bodywork gives it a strong streetfighter presence. Kawasaki has made sure that even though it is a mid-capacity bike, it still looks as bold and intimidating as its elder siblings like the Z900. The exposed frame and compact tail section enhance the sporty look further.
Chassis and Handling
The Z500 uses a steel trellis frame that is both lightweight and rigid, offering excellent balance and stability. The suspension setup includes telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, tuned for a mix of comfort and sporty handling. This makes the bike stable on highways while still nimble in city traffic. The seat height of 785 mm ensures that even shorter riders can handle the bike with ease. At just around 171 kg (kerb weight), the Z500 is easy to control, even for beginners.
Braking and Safety
For braking duties, the Kawasaki Z500 is equipped with a 310 mm front disc and a 220 mm rear disc paired with dual-channel ABS. The braking system is responsive and confidence-inspiring, providing good stopping power in all conditions. The lightweight body combined with effective brakes makes it a safe option for new riders who are stepping up from smaller capacity motorcycles. The ABS ensures extra safety on wet or slippery roads, which is a must-have feature in today’s riding conditions.
Features and Technology
The Z500 may not be overloaded with features like some premium bikes, but it offers all the essentials in a modern package. The bike comes with a 5-inch full-color TFT display that shows speed, gear position, fuel efficiency, and more. It also supports smartphone connectivity via the Kawasaki Rideology app, allowing riders to check ride statistics and receive call/SMS notifications. LED lighting all around, a digital instrument cluster, and lightweight alloy wheels give it a modern touch that today’s riders expect.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Despite its aggressive looks, the Z500 offers a fairly comfortable riding posture. The upright handlebar, slightly rear-set footpegs, and cushioned seat make it a friendly bike for city use and long-distance touring. The wide handlebar provides good leverage in traffic, and the saddle height ensures comfort for most riders. Pillion comfort is average, but that is common in naked streetfighters. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps without making the ride too stiff, which adds to its practicality.
Mileage and Efficiency
For a 451cc engine, the Kawasaki Z500 manages to deliver impressive mileage figures. Riders can expect around 28-30 kmpl in city riding and up to 32-35 kmpl on highways if ridden sensibly. With a 14-liter fuel tank, the bike offers a riding range of about 400 km, making it a good option for weekend trips and highway touring. Kawasaki has managed to strike a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, which makes the Z500 appealing to budget-conscious riders as well.
Price and Variants
In India, the Kawasaki Z500 is expected to be priced around ₹5.2 – 5.5 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it between the entry-level Ninja 400 and the bigger Z650. This pricing makes it competitive against bikes like the KTM Duke 390, Honda CB500F, and Yamaha MT-03. It is available in multiple color options internationally, including Metallic Spark Black and Candy Lime Green, which reflect Kawasaki’s sporty DNA. With this price bracket, the Z500 is likely to attract both young enthusiasts and those upgrading from smaller capacity bikes.
Final Verdict
The Kawasaki Z500 is a perfect mix of style, power, and practicality. It offers an exciting riding experience with a refined engine, comfortable ergonomics, and modern features at a competitive price. It is a bike that can serve as a daily commuter, a weekend tourer, and even a beginner-friendly option for those stepping into the mid-capacity segment. With its aggressive design, reliable performance, and Kawasaki’s strong brand value, the Z500 is set to become one of the most popular streetfighters in its class.