Naked Motorcycles
2026Kawasaki Z500 SE Performance
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The 2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE Performance is an approachable naked bike aimed at newer riders and urban commuters who still want a bit of attitude. Its 451 cc parallel twin makes 51 hp with a friendly 785 mm seat height, ABS and ERGO-FIT adjustability. It's best known for blending Kawasaki's aggressive Z styling with easy, everyday manners and added SE Performance kit.
- Capacity
- 451.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 155.0 kg
- Seat height
- 785 mm
- Power
- 51.0 HP (38.0 kW) @ 10000 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built primarily for city commuting, everyday riding, and playful backroad cornering rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
- Built for
- A nimble, punchy little naked bike with sporty styling, a slipper clutch, and modern electronics that make it feel more premium than its class suggests.
- Not ideal for
- Not the right choice for riders wanting sustained high-speed touring, two-up comfort over long distances, or any 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 usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.
Engine
- Capacity
- 451.0 ccm
- Power
- 51.0 HP (38.0 kW) @ 10000 RPM
- CO2 Emissions
- 89 CO2 g/km
- Torque
- 43.0 Nm (4.4 kgf-m) @ 7500 RPM
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Fuel consumption
- 3.80 litres/100 km (26.3 km/l)
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.3290 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
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- 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 mm disc with single-piston caliper and ABS
- Rear brakes diameter
- 220 mm
- ABS
- Yes
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 451 cc | 451 cc |
| Dry weight | 154 kg | 155 kg |
| Seat height | 785 mm | 785 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 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 Performance?
The 2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE Performance has a Capacity of 451.0 ccm (27.52 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Z500 SE Performance have?
The 2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE Performance has a Power of 51.0 HP (38.0 kW) @ 10000 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Z500 SE Performance have?
The 2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE Performance has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Z500 SE Performance?
The 2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE Performance has a Torque of 43.0 Nm (4.4 kgf-m or 31.7 ft.lbs) @ 7500 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki Z500 SE Performance weigh?
The 2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE Performance has a Dry weight of 155.0 kg (341.7 pounds).
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