43,669 bikes · 493 makes Add a bikeLog inRegister
Cruisers

1998Kawasaki EN 500

Rate this bike
Click to vote

29 fields on record

The 1998 Kawasaki EN 500 is a mid-sized cruiser perfect for beginner and intermediate riders seeking classic styling with manageable power. Its liquid-cooled 498cc twin engine delivers smooth torque for relaxed riding, while the low 715mm seat height and accessible 50 horsepower make it ideal for riders building confidence on two wheels.

Capacity
498.0 ccm
Engine
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
198.0 kg
Seat height
715 mm
Power
50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 1998 Kawasaki EN 500

vs the 1997
Spec19971998
Dry weight 187.0 kg (412.3 pounds) 198.0 kg (436.5 pounds)
Other years 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 36Agility 56Comfort 60Off-road 15Touring 45Road manners 65
Off-road & trail15%
Cornering45%
City riding65%
Daily riding65%
Touring45%
Two-up45%
Track10%
Best for
Designed as an easygoing, classic-styled cruiser for relaxed street riding rather than performance.
Built for
A mellow, torque-friendly parallel-twin cruiser that favors laid-back cruising over aggressive riding.
Not ideal for
Not the right choice for riders seeking high-speed thrills, sport-bike agility, or serious off-road capability.

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

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 715mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 Kawasaki EN 500, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright 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 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
498.0 ccm
Power
50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM
Torque
41.0 Nm (4.2 kgf-m)
Engine type
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2525 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
74.0 x 58.0 mm
Compression
10.2:1
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
4
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Performance
Top speed
170.0 km/h (105.6 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1595 mm
Seat height
715 mm
Dry weight
198.0 kg
Wet weight
214.0 kg
Fuel capacity
15.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
Front wheel travel
150 mm
Rear wheel travel
70 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Front brakes diameter
300 mm
Rear brakes
Expanding brake
Rear brakes diameter
180 mm
Front tyre
100/90-19
Rear tyre
140/90-15

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 199019931996199819992002
Capacity 499 cc 499 cc 498 cc 498 cc 499 cc 499 cc
Dry weight 186 kg 186 kg 187 kg 198 kg 198 kg 199 kg
Seat height 730 mm 730 mm 720 mm 715 mm 715 mm 715 mm
Fuel capacity 11 L 11 L 11 L 15 L 15 L 15 L

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

Rider Reviews

—
☆☆☆☆☆
Be the first to rate

Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.

Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki EN 500?

The 1998 Kawasaki EN 500 has a Capacity of 498.0 ccm (30.39 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki EN 500 have?

The 1998 Kawasaki EN 500 has a Power of 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM.

How many gears does the Kawasaki EN 500 have?

The 1998 Kawasaki EN 500 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Kawasaki EN 500?

The 1998 Kawasaki EN 500 has a Torque of 41.0 Nm (4.2 kgf-m or 30.2 ft.lbs).

How much does the Kawasaki EN 500 weigh?

The 1998 Kawasaki EN 500 has a Dry weight of 198.0 kg (436.5 pounds).

Shop this bike

Affiliate links

We may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Similar bikes

Same category, weighted similarity

More Kawasaki Motorcycles