Kawasaki Z500 SE

The Kawasaki Z500 SE brings ABS as standard to Kawasaki’s mid-weight supernaked, adding an extra layer of reassurance to an already approachable machine without changing the aggressive Sugomi looks that mark out the whole Z500 range. It is built with newer riders firmly in mind, from the throttle response right down to the reach to the ground, and it wears the family’s crouching stance and upswept tail with the same confidence as its siblings and the same sense of occasion.

Its 451cc liquid-cooled parallel twin is unchanged, a DOHC eight-valve engine with a 70mm bore and 58.6mm stroke producing 45.4PS at 9,000rpm and 42.6Nm of torque through a six-speed gearbox and wet multi-disc clutch to a sealed chain. Twin 32mm throttle bodies and an 11.3:1 compression ratio give a well-balanced power delivery that stays smooth from low revs right through to the top of the rev range, while a 14 litre tank offers genuinely useful range between fill-ups, backed by electric start and forced wet-sump lubrication for low running costs.

A trellis, high-tensile steel frame keeps the whole machine light and easy to manage, riding on a 41mm telescopic fork with 120mm of travel and a Bottom-Link Uni-Trak rear shock offering adjustable preload and 130mm of travel. The 310mm front disc and 220mm rear disc are paired with standard ABS and 110-section front and 150-section rear tyres, giving real confidence when braking hard in the wet or on unfamiliar roads, and with a 172kg kerb weight, a manageable 785mm seat height, a 1,375mm wheelbase and 145mm of ground clearance, it stays agile whether filtering through town or covering longer distances on a first big step up in capacity.

It suits newer riders who want a genuinely versatile everyday naked bike with an extra safety net built in from the outset, giving newer owners one less thing to worry about on an unfamiliar road, and Kawasaki’s four-year manufacturer warranty comes as standard, with GT Motorcycles offering ongoing servicing and genuine parts for years of ownership ahead. Available to order at GT Motorcycles, your Kawasaki dealer in Plymouth, with finance and test rides available across Devon and Cornwall.