Naked Motorcycles
2026Kawasaki Z500 SE
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The 2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE is a nimble middleweight naked bike designed for riders seeking accessible performance without complexity. Its 451cc twin-cylinder engine delivers punchy acceleration and reliable power, making it ideal for commuting and spirited weekend rides. Known for its balanced handling and modern fuel injection technology, it bridges the gap between beginner-friendly and genuinely engaging motorcycling. A factory ABS option was also available.
- Capacity
- 451.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 155.0 kg
- Seat height
- 785 mm
- Power
- 44.8 HP (33.4 kW) @ 9000 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built primarily as a lightweight, nimble city and commuter naked bike with enough punch for fun weekend backroad rides.
- Built for
- It has a playful, accessible personality with quick steering and enough torque to feel lively without being intimidating.
- Not ideal for
- It is not the right choice for riders seeking serious high-speed touring, heavy passenger and luggage loads, or any 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 usEngine
- Capacity
- 451.0 ccm
- Power
- 44.8 HP (33.4 kW) @ 9000 RPM
- Torque
- 42.6 Nm (4.3 kgf-m) @ 6000 RPM
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2890 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 70.0 x 58.6 mm
- Compression
- 11.3:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- TCBI with digital advance
- Lubrication system
- Forced lubrication, wet sump
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
- Clutch
- Assist and slipper Clutch
Performance
- Top speed
- 180.3 km/h (112.0 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1374 mm
- Overall length
- 1994 mm
- Overall width
- 800 mm
- Overall height
- 1100 mm
- Seat height
- 785 mm
- Dry weight
- 155.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 169.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 14.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 145 mm
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Trellis, high-tensile steel
- Front suspension
- Hydraulic Telescopic fork 41mm
- Rear suspension
- Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock with adjustable preload
- Front wheel travel
- 119 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 130 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 24.5°
- Trail
- 91 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc. Single semi-floating disc with 2-piston calipers and ABS
- Front brakes diameter
- 310 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Single-piston caliper. ABS.
- Rear brakes diameter
- 220 mm
- ABS
- Optional
- Front tyre
- 110/70-17
- Rear tyre
- 150/60-17
Other
- Color options
- Candy Persimmon Red/Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray Metallic Moondust Gray/Metallic Spark Black Metallic Moondust Gray/Metallic Spark Black
- Comments
- ERGO-FIT®, LCD Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP. Listed power is the US figure; the European model is rated 33.4 kW (45.4 PS) at 10,000 rpm.
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 451 cc | 451 cc | 451 cc |
| Dry weight | 154 kg | 155 kg | 154 kg |
| Seat height | 785 mm | 785 mm | 785 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L | 14 L | 14 L |
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 Z500 SE?
The 2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE has a Capacity of 451.0 ccm (27.52 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Z500 SE have?
The 2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE has a Power of 44.8 HP (33.4 kW) @ 9000 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Z500 SE have?
The 2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Z500 SE?
The 2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE has a Torque of 42.6 Nm (4.3 kgf-m or 31.4 ft.lbs) @ 6000 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki Z500 SE weigh?
The 2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE has a Dry weight of 155.0 kg (341.7 pounds).
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