Cruisers

1999Kawasaki EN 500

29 fields on record

The 1999 Kawasaki EN 500 is a lightweight cruiser ideal for novice and budget-conscious riders seeking an approachable, manageable machine. Its compact 499cc liquid-cooled twin engine delivers modest but adequate power while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency and low seat height, making it particularly well-suited for urban commuting and beginner riders transitioning to cruiser-style motorcycles.

Capacity: 499.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 198.0 kg
Seat height: 715 mm
Power: 46.0 HP (33.8 kW)

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What’s new for the 1999 Kawasaki EN 500

vs the 1998

Spec	1998	1999
Power	50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM	46.0 HP (33.8 kW)
Torque	41.0 Nm (4.2 kgf-m or 30.2 ft.lbs)	39.0 Nm (4.0 kgf-m or 28.8 ft.lbs)
Top speed	170.0 km/h (105.6 mph)	159.0 km/h (98.8 mph)

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

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 715mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1999 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: 499.0 ccm
Power: 46.0 HP (33.8 kW)
Torque: 39.0 Nm (4.0 kgf-m)
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2323 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: 159.0 km/h (98.8 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	1990	1993	1996	1999	2002
Capacity	499 cc	499 cc	498 cc	499 cc	499 cc
Dry weight	186 kg	186 kg	187 kg	198 kg	199 kg
Seat height	730 mm	730 mm	720 mm	715 mm	715 mm
Fuel capacity	11 L	11 L	11 L	15 L	15 L