Sport Tourers
1988Kawasaki GPZ 500 S
22 fields on record
The 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S is a lightweight sport touring twin designed for novice and intermediate riders seeking affordable performance. Known for its manageable 60 horsepower, responsive handling, and practical versatility, it bridges the gap between sport bikes and comfortable touring machines. Its liquid-cooled engine and relatively low weight make it accessible while delivering genuine riding enjoyment.
- 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 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S
vs the 1987| Spec | 1987 | 1988 |
|---|---|---|
| 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- 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.
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
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single 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 | 1987 | 1988 | 1991 | 1996 | 2000 | 2004 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki GPZ 500 S?
The 1988 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 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S has a Power of 60.0 HP.
How many gears does the Kawasaki GPZ 500 S have?
The 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki GPZ 500 S weigh?
The 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S has a Wet weight of 196.0 kg (432.1 pounds).
Shop this bike
Affiliate linksWe may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Please log in or register if you'd like to leave a comment.