Z500 side
Kawasaki has revealed not one but two new 500s as it looks to increases its presence in the ever-growing mid-capacity sector. Revealed at the EICMA show, the new Z500 and Ninja 500 are both A2-compliant bikes and will share a range of components – most notably a new two-cylinder motor.
The new Z500 and Ninja 500 are powered by Kawasaki’s new twin-cylinder, water-cooled plant, mated here to an Assist and Slipper clutch. It sits in a lightweight trellis chassis, with the package designed to deliver the handling you’d hope for from a nippy 500. Kawasaki says it’ll be predictable and intuitive enough for beginners, but lithe and agile enough for more experience riders.
The Z500 has an LCD screen, but a Special Edition of the Z500 will get its own colour TFT screen, giving riders access to the firm’s Rideology App along with a futureproof USB-C outlet. The Special Edition Z500 also gets an under-cowl and special livery to help it stand out from the crowd.
Kawasaki’s engineers have kept the same ingredients for the Ninja with a trellis chassis and the same twin-cylinder, water-cooled engine – but it looks very different. The sporty new 500 plays on the same angular style as seen on Kawasaki’s bigger sports bikes.
Like the Z500, the. Ninja will still meet European A2 licence regulations and aims to cater for a wide range of riders. An Ergo-fit high seat, which can increase the height by 30mm, keeps the Ninja as customisable as possible and Kawasaki is promising a range of accessories, too.
The Ninja 500 also gets a Special Edition with a unique livery, TFT screen and USB-C outlet – along with keyless ignition as standard.
Keyword: Kawasaki bolsters its A2 licence range with Z500 and Ninja 500