Kawasaki Z500 Ergos and Rider Fit (Will you fit?)

I take a look at rider fit, ergonomics, seat height and rider triangle on the new Kawasaki Z500, a motorcycle aimed at beginner riders but also having plenty to offer experienced riders who enjoy riding smaller machines.
The Z500 particularly stands out for a 785 mm seat height or 30.9 inch, which for a naked motorcycle or roadster is on the very low end of things, alongside a light weight of under 170 kg. This makes the Z500 one of the most beginner friendly options available.
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[@seanylewl]

I remember when I had a z400, one thing that a lot of people who tried it commented on was the height of the tail - for a small bike, you really do have to do a bit of gymnastics get a leg over it and this seems to be the same in that regard. I didn't notice because like you I'm quite tall, but for a shorter rider it's going to be a bit more of an adventure getting off and on, even though the seat itself is quite low.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yea it has that real sportsbike tail, which can be quite tall for smaller riders. I used to get the same thing with the Ventura rack and bag on the Ninja 400 - if I ran it over the pillion seat to keep weight centralised. Had to figure out how to get a leg into the gap instead of over the bike.

[@7mag]

Thanks for this; I think your vids are really useful and informative

[@MotoJournoKris]

Thanks! Let me know if there's anything you think I could add.

[@stephenclarke6114]

Kawasaki high seat transforms the handling puts the weight more over the front and much more comfortable

[@noelpapelera1025]

I was considering this Z500…. For 3 years I had the Ninja 400 and the Z900 at the same time. I had the ninja for 4 years overall. The 400 was a commute and run-a-round bike and the Z900 was a weekend bike. Now my situation has changed, i now have a KLX230 Dual Sport for commuting and everything else, and I don’t ride or can’t be bothered with the Z900. So I’m considering selling my Z900 for the Z500. I love the KLX for weekend rides looking for back roads and gravel roads, but it’s shit on the freeways. It’s also shit on the long distant errands. Chunky tires aren’t really good on road!!! Commutes on the KLX are ok as my new office is only 10km away. I hate using the Z900 for every day, cos there’s just too much power to be in traffic or busy areas. Im a short rider, but the seat height of the Z900 is ok for me, but the bike is sometimes too heavy for me for everyday use. This is where I think the 500 would fit in. The KLX for fun and the 500 for everything else? But I did sell the 400 for all the negatives that the 500 seems to have inherited . I’m also considering that the Z900’s insurance is crazy compared to when I had the 400. Am I crazy for considering swapping my Z900 for this?

[@1990-t1j]

I much prefer a flat bench seat. Nick

[@Shadow.Shot.Airsoft]

Stuck on this and Rebel 500 for first bike

[@MotoJournoKris]

If in doubt try and go see them in person and have a sit on each. See if one really stands out as far as looks and comfort/fit, can't go wrong with either of those options!

[@Shadow.Shot.Airsoft]

@@MotoJournoKris sat on both on things that pushed me towards the rebel was the seat height and customization for it and the other balls touched on bath feet and only go to work and home that's like 8 miles total a day

[@obud3777]

Only for short people! All the Japanese bikes are designed for small people, except the big adventure bikes!

[@MotoJournoKris]

Average heights max out at about 175-180 cm in most countries, so they're fairly well positioned to suit average to above-average sized riders. Keeping seat heights manageable tends to be a big factor though, which ADVs have to throw out the window for clearance and travel.

[@obud3777]

@@MotoJournoKris If you’re 175 in the Netherlands, you’re very small! That’s the reason that BMW is the market leader for bikes in the Netherlands, and the 1250GS the number 1 seller.