Sport Tourers
1989Kawasaki GPZ 500 S
22 fields on record
The 1989 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S is a versatile middleweight twin that serves as an excellent all-around platform for novice and experienced riders alike. Known for its reliable liquid-cooled engine, manageable 60 horsepower output, and lightweight 196 kg frame, it offers an ideal balance of performance and accessibility. The GPZ 500 S remains popular as a dependable daily commuter and beginner sportbike.
- 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 1989 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S
vs the 1988| Spec | 1988 | 1989 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Front brakes | Single disc | Dual disc |
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
- 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 | 1987 | 1989 | 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 1989 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 1989 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S has a Power of 60.0 HP.
How many gears does the Kawasaki GPZ 500 S have?
The 1989 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki GPZ 500 S weigh?
The 1989 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S has a Wet weight of 196.0 kg (432.1 pounds).
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