Cruisers
1996Kawasaki EN 500
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The 1996 Kawasaki EN 500 is an accessible cruiser designed for novice and budget-conscious riders. Its 498cc parallel-twin engine delivers manageable 50 horsepower and friendly handling characteristics. Known for reliability and affordability, this lightweight custom offers a comfortable riding position and straightforward mechanical simplicity, making it ideal for riders building experience in the cruiser category.
- Capacity
- 498.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 187.0 kg
- Seat height
- 720 mm
- Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM
What’s new for the 1996 Kawasaki EN 500
vs the 1995| Spec | 1995 | 1996 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 200.0 kg (440.9 pounds) | 214.0 kg (471.8 pounds) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Expanding brake |
| Compression | 10.8:1 | 10.2:1 |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Designed as an easygoing, classic-styled cruiser for relaxed street riding rather than performance.
- Built for
- A mellow, torque-friendly parallel-twin cruiser that favors laid-back cruising over aggressive riding.
- Not ideal for
- Not the right choice for riders seeking high-speed thrills, sport-bike agility, or serious off-road capability.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- Capacity
- 498.0 ccm
- Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM
- Torque
- 40.2 Nm (4.1 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2674 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 74.0 x 58.0 mm
- Compression
- 10.2:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1595 mm
- Seat height
- 720 mm
- Dry weight
- 187.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 214.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 11.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Front wheel travel
- 150 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 70 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Rear brakes diameter
- 180 mm
- Front tyre
- 100/90-19
- Rear tyre
- 140/90-15
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1990 | 1993 | 1996 | 1999 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 499 cc | 499 cc | 498 cc | 499 cc | 499 cc |
| Dry weight | 186 kg | 186 kg | 187 kg | 198 kg | 199 kg |
| Seat height | 730 mm | 730 mm | 720 mm | 715 mm | 715 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 11 L | 11 L | 11 L | 15 L | 15 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki EN 500?
The 1996 Kawasaki EN 500 has a Capacity of 498.0 ccm (30.39 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki EN 500 have?
The 1996 Kawasaki EN 500 has a Power of 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki EN 500 have?
The 1996 Kawasaki EN 500 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki EN 500?
The 1996 Kawasaki EN 500 has a Torque of 40.2 Nm (4.1 kgf-m or 29.6 ft.lbs).
How much does the Kawasaki EN 500 weigh?
The 1996 Kawasaki EN 500 has a Dry weight of 187.0 kg (412.3 pounds).
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