2024 Kawasaki Z500 Full Review - Worth the Upgrade?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The Z500 is a whopping 2.2 lb heavier than the Z400 in the non-CA model. Someone visits a restroom, that difference is nil. 3.7 ft-lb torque is an improvement. Z500/Ninja500: Stock- 47.6 hp 23.9 ft-lb at the wheel tuned- 57.1 hp 28.7 ft-lb at the wheel

[@denislejeune9218]

Long time rider here, owned MT10 SP, Caponord 1200, Versys 1000 etc, currently on an RT1250 and a Scrambler 900. Tried the Z500 yesterday and had awesome fun. Small capacity bikes are fantastic at making you love motorcycling again in an almost legal way: redline in 3rd is just below 100 kph I think (60 mph), and it's so much fun thrashing an engine through the gears like that. I'll defo get one of those soon, not the Z, probably the new Aprilia 457 or the Ninja 500/CBR500R.

[@trephyakx85]

what do you recommend 400 or z500

[@denislejeune9218]

@@trephyakx85 My only recommendation is that you try both if you can.

[@samita137]

You NEED to make it a z500vs Ninja 500 vs Eliminator! Don’t forget that baby cruiser. I need to know!!

[@danielangel5887]

I first learned to ride on one of these. It was an 07' maybe 08' model. Glad to see them back! I want one.

[@levelupwithsam]

Comparing the Z500 to the Ninja 500 is pointless since they are basically the same bike. What I want is to know if the Aprilia 457 is a better value compared to the Z / Ninja 500 SE (the more expensive version). If you can only spend ~6000 USD than Kawasaki is the way to go, but if you can stretch a bit to ~7000 USD, then the Ninja has some tough competition with the Aprilia 457, which seems like a rock solid bike,

[@Shadow.Shot.Airsoft]

Sat on this and Rebel 500 have a lot of deciding to do

[@johnnyg8548]

Used to have a grom and I did about 20k miles on it, would like to get something fun and faster. I made up my mind I’m going to get the z500

[@johnnyg8548]

Well I got it now lol

[@Astrothunderkat]

@@johnnyg8548 sick, how do you like it so far?

[@johnnyg8548]

@@Astrothunderkat its a super light bike. I ride like I stole it. I’m having a lot of fun and riding 6-7 days a week. Taking advantage of the Florida weather. With that being said, I see the need for a 650+ if you want to be more maneuverable on the highway.

[@LiterFreedom]

Absolutely beautiful motorcycle. She looks like a lot of fun too!

[@ryancraig2795]

Sub 400 lbs for a 500 class entry level bike is really quite good. I mean sure in a perfect world closer to 300 lbs would be even better, but the only road legal kawi you're getting that's that light is a mini bike or a dual purpose bike with 27 HP.

[@rogerthat1553]

Lets see if I can remember that far back. I bought my second new street bike in 1983, It was a Suzuki gs550e. I think it weighs 432 lbs and had 49hp and 31tq, so this little z500 would be a sweet machine.

[@andrewsmith9575]

Cool review Alex! Let the good times roll!!

[@gerardopino5199]

Z450 would have been a better name I think. Cool bike

[@TommyAngelo1337]

The CBs are called 500, so they're not going to let Honda one upping them in marketing.

[@MKBENTOT]

Cb’s are 471cc much more tolerable. No one’ s hating on Honda for that but everyone thinks kawi is in the wrong. 451 is a 450 sorry kawi. You messed up

[@exothermal.sprocket]

It's entirely common that motorcycles are NOT named by their actual engine displacement. It's not a Z950, it's a Z900. It's not a Z450, it's a Z500. It wasn't a Ninja 296, it was a Ninja 300. Honda calls it a CB500F... the engine is a 471. Honda calls it a CBR300R.... the engine is a 286. Kawasaki says ZX-6R. It's a 636. Kawasaki says Ninja 1000SX. It's a 1043. Kawasaki says Ninja ZX-14R. It's a 1441. Aprilia calls it a Tuono 1100. The engine is a 1077. Suzuki calls it an 8S. The engine is a 776. Suzuki calls it a GSX-R1300R Hayabusa. It's a 1340. Yamaha calls it a T7. It's 689. Yamaha calls it a MT-09, it was an 847 and now an 890. Triumph calls it a Speed Triple 1200. The engine is a 1160. Don't get me started on the KTM stuff with all their stuff at 390, 690, 790, 890, 990, 1090, 1190, 1290, 1390. This stuff has been going on for a VERY long time.

[@remsangachhakchhuak1738]

That's exactly what I was thinking!!

[@MKBENTOT]

@@exothermal.sprocket yes and all those bikes listed is exactly why the new z500 should not be named as so. And should have stuck with the z400 name. It makes sense to name the bike after its close cc not exact. Most of those bikes have higher cc than the actual name and the bikes that have lower cc than the name is at least close. The only one out of all the bikes listed that makes no sense is the z500.

[@cbrider6267]

Outstanding review Alex. Keep up the good job.

[@jimmorrison306]

Sat on one of these the other day. Want one. Felt comfortable for a 30” inseam. Really liked the feel of the clutch and brake levers - very light. Don’t want to get rid of the Harley, but this looks like fun. I also want something I can teach someone to ride on that isn’t as expensive as the hog.

[@leeinwis]

junk the harley

[@Kawasaki1400]

Thank you for the review on this bike

[@Eloi-PM]

Thanks for the review. Ride safe

[@kenparis2027]

Love the review, thanks! I think the improvement in torque, and the fact that the seat is more comfortable for male riders than was the Z400, is putting the Z500 at the top of my "plan B list" if my new Triumph speed 400 doesn't arrive soon!!

[@Jayjewelerofficial]

I’m having a hard time choosing between a z500 or a KLX300SM ,I won’t be driving in the high way just around town 45-60mph and want something fun ,the two models are similarly priced but the z500 more bank for buck with the tech and abs but the KLX300sm looks like so much fun raving out the engine 😅

[@spamyak]

my perspective may be skewed because mine is an older model with knobby tires but a KLX250 is pretty miserable above 55. it's shaky and wrung out at 60+ and feels like a strong wind could blow you off the road

[@ryancraig2795]

I owned a 2020 KLX250 and while it was fun, it just didn't have much power, even at low speeds. The 300 is a little better in that regard - more torquey. As the other comment says, you really don't want to be out on the highway for long on one of these. Oh yeah, the seat is an absolute plank. Like sitting on a 2x4. But you can definitely have fun on the KLX, it corners like crazy, and you can jump curbs and stuff. I loved how light and narrow it was by street bike standards. Just don't expect lurid power wheelies. I would have been very happy to have either of those as my first street bike.

[@houseofroos]

Def the z!

[@bobbyjoesugar]

Z500 will be a lot more practical- however the klx 300sm might be the way to go if you are going to be popping wheelies

[@tg8150]

Go ride any KLX250/300- they have zero power. If anyone argues that, they’ve never ridden one. The Z400 is the best small bike, even better than this “new” 500. The KLX just makes noise, but it can’t get out of its own way. Trust me.

[@rubythroat2258]

So - I live off a freeway that is 80mph (most go 90mph). How does this little one do cruising at those speeds for 30 miles? (35 min commute)

[@Theoriginalbubbafett]

Versys 500 in future?

[@nothing12299]

You can hope so

[@Tennessee968]

I wish.

[@the_E4_Mafia]

My biggest question is do luggage options that fit the Z 400, will they fit the Z 500? Or did Kawasaki change enough to make luggage options something that aftermarket manufactures are gonna have to develop in the future?

[@delmarrey9077]

Longer stroke means more torque. Like the difference between the old Chevy 327s & 350s. They made a truck motor out of a performance motor.

[@jonapel2459]

Good review, bro!

[@rjreynolds8719]

If your concerned about power, I have the 400 and it's very comparable to your average 4 door 4 cylinder car in the feel (under normal, legal conditions) imo.

[@crackdofus]

Opinions on this VS cb500 hornet which one is a better bang for buck

[@bobbyjoesugar]

I would say not worth upgrading your current z400 UNLESS you are replacing a totaled/stolen bike.

[@johnt.2716]

Highway riding on the mountains looks insane

[@JohnSmith-cn2im]

Really good job on this bike liked it a lot well done ..

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

🔥 ALEX 🔥

[@chrisreed3929]

Lovely bike, just needs an end can to stop it sounding like a brushcutter

[@ElliottTucker1050]

I watched mainly bc I like you both ngl. I do like the coloring on it, but what can I say? I just like BIG. My latest bike I'm contemplating is actually a Chieftan Darkhorse. The seat thing, 2 of my bfs r like you never allow anyone to ride w/you. So why get the Full comfy backrest seat&hardshell bag? Me bc I like the Look😂🤷. Again I ❤BIG! Though if I had 1 BIG saddle ppl stop annoying me. I just wouldn't like the look as much; Que Sera Sera right - idk takes me forever to buy anything. It's 1 thing IF something happens to me bc of bad drivers. It's another IF I have a passenger.

[@derekkissane1311]

question for anyone who has riding experience... I'm going to be buying my first bike next year. Ive owned a 01 civic 5 speed, so I'm familiar with gear changes and clutch for cars. Ive owned mopeds but never a motorcycle. I'm 6ft tall 125lbs and will be using it as a commuter bike but will need a bike that can handle 30mins of 70-80mph interstate driving. I also need the bike to last a bit and am worried about burning out the motor of a

[@jlrutube1312]

Don't get a 300cc motor if you want to go 70-80 on the highway for any length of time. You need at least 400-650 to do that. Personally, I would go for the 650.

[@ov3647]

i am new and i want to travel between cities. daily nearly 200-300 km highway. is it good idea for touring long distance. i am short and i have A2. so i think abaout this. and price that i can afford.

[@brianheidel4550]

what's the max speed on this ?

[@pathfinder849]

I would love to see you guys review the "Hero 125"

[@houseofroos]

Did you fit on it comfortably? I’m not that tall and I was pretty scrunched up on the z400 .

[@xDRAGOSLAVx]

Really??? I’m 6’3, ride a z400 and am very comfortable on it other than the cheap seat it comes with. The Z900 seat height difference and general ergonomics compared to the z400 are minimal at best so it wouldn’t make a difference to me anyways. For some people it might, considering the extra thousands they will pay to gain an extra half second going 0-60, and an extra 25mph top speed that they will never do anyways lol. The Z400 is the most fun I have ever had on a bike.

[@PhysicallyDetarded]

​@@xDRAGOSLAVxDo you have to take breaks on it, or can you ride it comfortably for a while? Im about 6 ft tall, and I want to get started on my motorcycle journey on a ninja 500. Thanks!

[@aaazzzz99999]

my husband is 6'6" and he insists on stealing this bike from me 🤣 I told him he can buy himself a bigger one and he thinks I'm just silly. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@dragoon624]

With that price, the new ktm 390 Duke starts to shine with what they give you standard. Awesome review

[@SPMiller]

Z500 51 horsepower. 47 at the rear

[@leeinwis]

4.7 inches is all you've ever needed.

[@darth_birb6614]

As a new rider, I would want to get the base z500 and take that $700 for some nicer gear instead of the SE.

[@Rafael-fo9sp]

Exactly. Besides, the instrument cluster just looks better

[@BillySBC]

Better looking bike than the Ninja 500.

[@smeghead765]

Thinking I'd rather have the Eliminator since it's the same engine. The neo metric cruiser look is more appealing to me personally.

[@xorbe2]

Same engine but not the same tune, Eliminator doesn't rev as high (assuming Ninja 500 and Z are the same)

[@smeghead765]

How much higher can you really go with a small P-twin? The Eliminator's peak power comes in at 7500 so redline is probably like, eight right?

[@xorbe2]

@@smeghead765 iirc it's 10600 vs 11300

[@Rafael-fo9sp]

Same, but the instrument cluster put me off to be honest

[@redstoneholmes7945]

so which is better z500 or mt03?

[@Tennessee968]

Z500

[@MasonWood-s5c]

So... Kawasaki simply refreshed the looks and changed the name from 400 to 500. Why? Because the CFMOTO 450SS and CFMOTO 450NK is kicking their butt, so Kawasaki thought they could fool people into thinking they put a bigger engine in the bike. But in reality, it's no where near a 500 bike. Kawasaki failed here.

[@terrancemoody205]

The front looks exactly like bumblebees face.. that's not a bad thing though..✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾

[@Hidoes]

Great review! We have a new version electric bike, we think you will like it. We just sent an email to you and looking forward to your reply!

[@dramalexi]

Looks like a Transformer had a child with a Power Ranger but it's by far the cheapest I could find so far.

[@Nucklehead-mm9gf]

Why are American market bikes held back by European regulations!? I really would've loved if the Z500 was actually 500cc and tuned up for American markets.

[@thegooberishereee]

If only they dont add a bunch of ADM would be good

[@theriderdtm8650]

😲 Wow mini Z

[@SileDevil]

20 min video and no engine sound...

[@leeinwis]

Some people never stop talking, not just women either..

[@patrickagan1071]

Best looking naked!

[@spartanx169x]

IF you can get the 650 version, get it. It will take longer to grow out of it, if at all.

[@joekavalauskas8767]

It depends on your riding style and where you ride. Some people value light weight. If I was going “full size” I’d skip all 180° parallel twins.

[@zackphelps3052]

Z650 is so boring compared to the rest of the 700 twin class

[@mr.b3168]

Not everyone buys bikes to go fast on highway. The z400 is great for city riding.

[@Tonyx.yt.]

Kawasaki 650 is a old and lame engine

[@SludgedB]

@@joekavalauskas8767yeah Kawasaki range starts at z900

[@RodeoRides]

I would bump up to the Z 650 Done deal.

[@Rafael-fo9sp]

Hell no. If you're going 600cc or higher, you might as well go for something with better figures. The z650 is just not worth it

[@RodeoRides]

@@Rafael-fo9spworth it to me

[@Tennessee968]

​@RaNot everyone wants an inline 4. The 650 has good torque for the street. fael-fo9sp

[@Rafael-fo9sp]

@@Tennessee968 I'm not suggesting an inline-4. There are parallel twin bikes above 650 that are definitely worth checking out that you can grow into nicely especially if you have been riding for a while and want to bump it from a 125cc to a higher class without foreseeing a possible upgrade in the near future. I'll agree that the 650 is perfect for the street and plenty if that's all that you're after when getting a bike

[@tomg6284]

Why tell the truth, just lie the customers are fools. Kawasaki should tell the truth.

[@Pustoda000]

There’s no point buying it unless for A2 license limit. 650 would be the right choice

[@xorbe2]

650 is a good bike but 50 lbs more

[@Rafael-fo9sp]

The 650 isn't worth it when there's 650/700 cc bikes out there doing way better numbers. If you're trying to go that big, at least make the specs worth it

[@xorbe2]

@@Rafael-fo9sp Depends on your use case. N650 doesn't have the peak power of the RS660, but the N650 comes off the bottom stronger with shorter gearing too. With 420 lbs and a softer suspension, it was clearly aimed at commuting.

[@mr.b3168]

Kind of lame no HP increase. What even is the point of an upgrade

[@Hailnut]

Emissions

[@chrishaddad5362]

@@Hailnutyep that’s it.

[@mr.b3168]

@@Hailnut so a flash

[@SPMiller]

7 horsepower increase do your homework.

[@mr.b3168]

@@SPMiller 💩 pooping before a ride equates to the same

[@tg8150]

Gawd that new front fender and additionally that belly pan is so friggin ugly. The Z400 is a better looking bike imo. It’s not worth the additional money to buy a 500 over the 400. But that front fender- yuck!

[@Rafael-fo9sp]

You can always get the standard version - doesn't come with the windshield nor the belly pan

[@rolanddiaz1974]

How much fokkkking top speed

[@bobbyjoesugar]

Like 115