EICMA is the grand stage for two-wheeler makers around the world to showcase upcoming motorcycles and concepts. Taking advantage of this, Kawasaki has used the opportunity to unveil the Ninja 500 and the Z500, both of which use the same engine but are dressed in different bodywork, similar to the Ninja 650 and the Z650.
Kawasaki Ninja 500
The new Ninja 500 gets a full fairing, in line with all the other Ninja models. The motorcycle gets a similar front face that is now familiar with all the faired motorcycles made by Kawasaki, with a split headlight design. The new Ninja 500 gets a side-slung exhaust, clip-on bars, split seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, telescopic forks, and a monoshock.
Kawasaki Z500
The new Kawasaki Z500 is a street naked, hence, it gets no fairings, but an interesting headlight setup with three LED units. The Z500 is similarly designed to the other Z lineups such as the 650, 900, and 1000. The motorcycle shares most components such as the suspension, brakes, and wheels, while it gets a single-piece handlebar instead of a clip-on.
One interesting aspect of the new 500 lineup is that the motorcycles use a single front disc brake setup instead of the twin brakes the 650 and above get. The motorcycles feature a dual-channel ABS setup and an LCD dash amongst others.
Kawasaki Ninja 500 and Z500 engine specifications
The Japanese manufacturer did not reveal the engine specifications, however, the new Ninja 500 and Z500 are expected to be powered by a 451cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that will make 45bhp and 42Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. This will be the same unit that powers the Eliminator.
Since Kawasaki offers its entire lineup of motorcycles in India, expect the Japanese motorcycle maker to bring the new Ninja 500 and the Z500 to India as well.
