Sport Tourers

2003Kawasaki GPZ 500 S

19 fields on record

The 2003 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S is a lightweight, accessible middleweight sport-tourer ideally suited for novice and intermediate riders seeking a manageable platform. Its 498cc parallel-twin engine delivers smooth, predictable power with friendly handling characteristics, making it equally comfortable for commuting, weekend cruising, or spirited road riding. The GPZ 500 S is best known for its reliability, affordable ownership costs, and approachable riding dynamics that inspire rider confidence.

Capacity: 498.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: Not on record
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Dry weight: 176.0 kg
Seat height: 775 mm
Power: 60.0 HP

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2003 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S

vs the 2002

Spec	2002	2003
Engine capacity	498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches)	498.0 ccm (30.39 cubic inches)
Power	60.00 HP	60.0 HP
Torque	—	46.1 Nm (4.7 kgf-m or 34.0 ft.lbs) @ 8500 RPM
Weight	179.0 kg (394.6 pounds)	176.0 kg (388.0 pounds)
Seat height	—	775 mm (30.5 inches)
Fuel capacity	—	18.00 litres (4.76 US gallons)
Gearbox	6-speed	not listed
Front brakes	Dual disc	not listed
Rear brakes	Single disc	not listed
Wheelbase	—	1435 mm (56.5 inches)
Cooling	—	Liquid
Compression	—	10.8:1

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 2003 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
Torque: 46.1 Nm (4.7 kgf-m) @ 8500 RPM
Engine type: Parallel Twin 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

Transmission

Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: wet plate

Dimensions & weight

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

Other

Color options: Red, Silver

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	2000	2003	2004
Capacity	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)	498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches)
Dry weight	—	—	179.0 kg (394.6 pounds)	179.0 kg (394.6 pounds)	176.0 kg (388.0 pounds)	178.0 kg (392.4 pounds)
Seat height	—	—	775 mm (30.5 inches)	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	Red, Silver	—