Sport Tourers
1988Kawasaki GPZ 500 S
33 fields on record
The 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S is a lightweight sport touring twin designed for novice and intermediate riders seeking affordable performance. Known for its manageable 60 horsepower, responsive handling, and practical versatility, it bridges the gap between sport bikes and comfortable touring machines. Its liquid-cooled engine and relatively low weight make it accessible while delivering genuine riding enjoyment.
- Capacity
- 499.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 179.0 kg
- Seat height
- 775 mm
- Power
- 60.0 HP (44.1 kW) @ 9800 RPM
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- 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?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- Capacity
- 499.0 ccm
- Power
- 60.0 HP (44.1 kW) @ 9800 RPM
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.3352 HP/kg (dry)
- 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
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
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
- 179.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 196.0 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
- Single disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 270 mm
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Rear brakes diameter
- 240 mm
- Front tyre
- 100/90-16
- Rear tyre
- 120/90-16
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 | 1988 | 1991 | 1996 | 2000 | 2004 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 499 cc | 499 cc | 499 cc | 498 cc | 499 cc | 498 cc |
| Dry weight | 179 kg | 179 kg | 179 kg | 179 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 |
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 GPZ 500 S?
The 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S has a Capacity of 499.0 ccm (30.45 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki GPZ 500 S have?
The 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S has a Power of 60.0 HP (44.1 kW) @ 9800 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki GPZ 500 S have?
The 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki GPZ 500 S weigh?
The 1988 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S has a Dry weight of 179.0 kg (394.6 pounds).
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