Kawasaki GPz 500S (EX 500R Ninja) Make Model | Kawasaki GPz 500S EX 500R Ninja | Year | 1996-97 | Engine | Four stroke, parallel twin cylinders. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. | Capacity | 498 | Bore x Stroke | 74 x 58 mm | Cooling System | Liquid cooled, | Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | Lubrication | Wet sump | Engine Oil | Semi-Synthetic, 10W/40 | Induction | 2x Keihin CVK34 | Ignition | TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition) | Spark Plug | NGK, DR9EA | Starting | Electric | Max Power | 60 hp / 43.7 kW @ 9800 rpm | Max Power Rear Tyre | 54.7 hp @ 9500 rpm | Max Torque | 46.1 Nm / 4.7 kg-m @ 8500 rpm | Clutch | Wet, multiple discs, cable operated | Transmission | 6 Speed | Final Drive | Chain | Frame | Iron, Double cradle frame | Front Suspension | 38mm Telescopic forks | Front Wheel Travel | 130 mm | Rear Suspension | Swinging arm, single shock adjustable for spring preload | Rear Wheel Travel | 100 mm | Front Brakes | Single 270mm disc 2 piston caliper | Rear Brakes | 160mm drum | Front Tyre | 110/70- 17 | Rear Tyre | 130/70 - 17 | Rake | 63° | Trail | 91 mm | Dimensions | Length 2095 mm Width 700 mm Height: 1160 mm | Wheelbase | 1435 mm | Seat Hieght | 775 mm | Dry Weight | 176 kg | Wet Weight | 200 kg | Fuel Capacity | 16 Litres | Consumption Average | 18.2 km/lit | Braking 60 - 0 / 100 - 0 | 14.6 m / 39.9 n | Standing ? Mile | 12.5 sec / 164.8 km/h | Top Speed | 197.9 km/h | First launched in 1987, the GPZ500S was Kawasaki's attempt at a modern, lightweight sportsbike. Its parallel twin engine owes much to the GPZ900R of 1984: in many ways, it resembles half a GPZ900R engine. The chassis is dated, but is still capable of being hussled down a fast back road or round a track. The suspension is too soft to offer truly sporting performance, but the brakes work well if kept in good order, and the relaxed steering geometry means predictable handling. In 1994, the GPZ500 received a facelift. New bodywork gave a more up-to-date appearance, while 43cm (17in) wheels allowed modern rubber to be fitted. Wider 37mm (1.5in) front forks stiffened the chassis. |