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Sport Tourers

1990Kawasaki GPZ 500 S

22 fields on record

The 1990 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S is an accessible sport bike ideal for novice and intermediate riders seeking manageable performance. Its 499cc liquid-cooled twin produces 60 horsepower with a lightweight 196kg chassis, delivering nimble handling and fuel efficiency. Best known for combining genuine sportiness with affordability and reliability, it remains a popular entry-level sportbike choice.

Capacity
499.0 ccm
Engine
Parallel Twin twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Wet weight
196.0 kg
Seat height
Not on record
Know it? Add it →
Power
60.0 HP

What’s new for the 1990 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S

vs the 1989
Spec19891990
Engine capacity 499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches) 499.0 ccm (30.45 cubic inches)
Power 60.00 HP 60.0 HP
Fuel capacity 18.00 litres (4.76 gallons) 18.00 litres (4.76 US gallons)
Other years 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 31Agility 54Comfort 62Off-road 10Touring 58Road manners 70
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering62%
City riding65%
Daily riding72%
Touring58%
Two-up50%
Track35%
Best for
Designed as an accessible entry-level sport tourer for commuting, learning, and light weekend rides rather than outright performance.
Built for
A friendly, unintimidating twin with smooth midrange delivery, favoring approachable usability over aggressive sportiness.
Not ideal for
Not the right choice for riders chasing high-speed thrills, aggressive cornering performance, or serious long-distance touring comfort.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
499.0 ccm
Power
60.0 HP
Engine type
Parallel Twin twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.3061 HP/kg
Bore x stroke
74.0 x 58.0 mm
Compression
10.8:1
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
4
Torque
Not on record - add it
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Clutch
wet plate
Performance
Top speed
195.0 km/h (121.2 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wet weight
196.0 kg
Fuel capacity
18.00 litres
Seat height
Not on record - add it
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Dual disc
Rear brakes
Expanding brake
Front tyre
100/90-16
Rear tyre
120/90-16

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 198719901991199620002004
Capacity 499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches) 499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches) 499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches) 498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches) 499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches) 498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches)
Dry weight 179.0 kg (394.6 pounds) 179.0 kg (394.6 pounds) 178.0 kg (392.4 pounds)
Seat height 775 mm (30.5 inches) 775 mm (30.5 inches)
Fuel capacity 18.00 litres (4.76 gallons) 18.00 litres (4.76 gallons) 18.00 litres (4.76 gallons) 18.00 litres (4.76 gallons)
Color options Blue, black, red

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

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1 rating

Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki GPZ 500 S?

The 1990 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S has a Capacity of 499.0 ccm (30.45 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki GPZ 500 S have?

The 1990 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S has a Power of 60.0 HP.

How many gears does the Kawasaki GPZ 500 S have?

The 1990 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

How much does the Kawasaki GPZ 500 S weigh?

The 1990 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S has a Wet weight of 196.0 kg (432.1 pounds).

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