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Kawasaki GPz 500S / EX 500R Ninja

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Make Model

Kawasaki GPz 500S / EX 500R Ninja

Year

1998 - 00

Engine

Four stroke, parallel twin cylinders. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.

Capacity

498 cc / 30.4 cu-in
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 carburetor

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 / 5.1 in

Rear Suspension

Swinging arm, single shock adjustable for spring preload
Rear Wheel Travel 100 mm / 3.9 in

Front Brakes

Single  270mm disc 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

Single disc
Trail 91 mm / 3.5 in

Front Tyre

110/70- 17

Rear Tyre

130/70 - 17
Rake 63°
Trail 91 mm / 3.5 in
Dimensions Length 2095 mm / 82.4 in
Width     700 mm / 30.3 in
Height: 1160 mm / 45.6 in
Wheelbase 1435 mm / 56.4 in
Seat Hieght 775 mm / 30.5 in

Dry Weight

176 kg / 388 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

15.9 Litres / 4.2 US gal

Road Test

Motosprint 1994

Tuttomoto 1994

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.