Sport Tourers

1997Kawasaki GPZ 500 S

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The 1997 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S is an accessible middleweight sport bike ideal for novice and intermediate riders seeking affordable performance. Its liquid-cooled 498cc twin engine delivers manageable power with genuine sporting character, while the lightweight frame and low seat height provide excellent handling and approachability.

Capacity: 498.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 176.0 kg
Seat height: 775 mm
Power: 60.0 HP (44.1 kW) @ 9800 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1997 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S

vs the 1996

Spec	1996	1997
Torque	45.1 Nm (4.6 kgf-m or 33.3 ft.lbs)	46.0 Nm (4.7 kgf-m or 33.9 ft.lbs)
Dry weight	179.0 kg (394.6 pounds)	176.0 kg (388.0 pounds)

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

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.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 775mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S, with a cramped knee angle of around 65 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 498.0 ccm
Power: 60.0 HP (44.1 kW) @ 9800 RPM
Torque: 46.0 Nm (4.7 kgf-m)
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3409 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 74.0 x 58.0 mm
Compression: 10.8:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: transistorised
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Wet sump

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

Wheelbase: 1435 mm
Seat height: 775 mm
Dry weight: 176.0 kg
Wet weight: 198.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 130 mm
Rear wheel travel: 100 mm
Rake (fork angle): 27.0°
Trail: 91 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 270 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
Front tyre: 110/70-17
Rear tyre: 130/70-17

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	1991	1996	1997	2000	2004
Capacity	499 cc	499 cc	498 cc	498 cc	499 cc	498 cc
Dry weight	179 kg	179 kg	179 kg	176 kg	179 kg	178 kg
Seat height	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm
Fuel capacity	18 L	18 L	18 L	18 L	18 L	18 L