2024 Kawasaki Z500 Full Review - Worth the Upgrade?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2024
  • Rider Justice is a trusted personal injury law firm with a specialty in helping motorcyclists and overlanders after a bike or vehicle accident. riderjustice.com/tfl/
    Alex takes the new 2024 Kawasaki Z500 for a ride and full review around San Diego, CA.
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    #kawasaki #z500 #z400
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ความคิดเห็น • 97

  • @denislejeune9218
    @denislejeune9218 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Long time rider here, owned MT10 SP, Caponord 1200, Versys 1000 etc, currently on an RT1250 and a Scrambler 900. Tried the Z500 yesterday and had awesome fun. Small capacity bikes are fantastic at making you love motorcycling again in an almost legal way: redline in 3rd is just below 100 kph I think (60 mph), and it's so much fun thrashing an engine through the gears like that. I'll defo get one of those soon, not the Z, probably the new Aprilia 457 or the Ninja 500/CBR500R.

  • @cbrider6267
    @cbrider6267 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Outstanding review Alex. Keep up the good job.

  • @exothermal.sprocket
    @exothermal.sprocket 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    The Z500 is a whopping 2.2 lb heavier than the Z400 in the non-CA model. Someone visits a restroom, that difference is nil.
    3.7 ft-lb torque is an improvement.
    Z500/Ninja500:
    Stock- 47.6 hp 23.9 ft-lb at the wheel
    tuned- 57.1 hp 28.7 ft-lb at the wheel

  • @andrewsmith9575
    @andrewsmith9575 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Cool review Alex! Let the good times roll!!

  • @Corvettemuscle81
    @Corvettemuscle81 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thank you for the review on this bike

  • @danielangel5887
    @danielangel5887 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I first learned to ride on one of these. It was an 07' maybe 08' model. Glad to see them back! I want one.

  • @Eloi-PM
    @Eloi-PM 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for the review.
    Ride safe

  • @LiterFreedom
    @LiterFreedom 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Absolutely beautiful motorcycle. She looks like a lot of fun too!

  • @JohnSmith-cn2im
    @JohnSmith-cn2im 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Really good job on this bike liked it a lot well done ..

  • @samita137
    @samita137 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    You NEED to make it a z500vs Ninja 500 vs Eliminator! Don’t forget that baby cruiser. I need to know!!

  • @gerardopino5199
    @gerardopino5199 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +36

    Z450 would have been a better name I think. Cool bike

    • @TommyAngelo1337
      @TommyAngelo1337 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      The CBs are called 500, so they're not going to let Honda one upping them in marketing.

    • @MKBENTOT
      @MKBENTOT 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Cb’s are 471cc much more tolerable. No one’ s hating on Honda for that but everyone thinks kawi is in the wrong. 451 is a 450 sorry kawi. You messed up

    • @exothermal.sprocket
      @exothermal.sprocket 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      It's entirely common that motorcycles are NOT named by their actual engine displacement.
      It's not a Z950, it's a Z900.
      It's not a Z450, it's a Z500.
      It wasn't a Ninja 296, it was a Ninja 300.
      Honda calls it a CB500F... the engine is a 471.
      Honda calls it a CBR300R.... the engine is a 286.
      Kawasaki says ZX-6R. It's a 636.
      Kawasaki says Ninja 1000SX. It's a 1043.
      Kawasaki says Ninja ZX-14R. It's a 1441.
      Aprilia calls it a Tuono 1100. The engine is a 1077.
      Suzuki calls it an 8S. The engine is a 776.
      Suzuki calls it a GSX-R1300R Hayabusa. It's a 1340.
      Yamaha calls it a T7. It's 689.
      Yamaha calls it a MT-09, it was an 847 and now an 890.
      Triumph calls it a Speed Triple 1200. The engine is a 1160.
      Don't get me started on the KTM stuff with all their stuff at 390, 690, 790, 890, 990, 1090, 1190, 1290, 1390.
      This stuff has been going on for a VERY long time.

    • @remsangachhakchhuak1738
      @remsangachhakchhuak1738 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That's exactly what I was thinking!!

    • @MKBENTOT
      @MKBENTOT 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@exothermal.sprocket yes and all those bikes listed is exactly why the new z500 should not be named as so. And should have stuck with the z400 name. It makes sense to name the bike after its close cc not exact. Most of those bikes have higher cc than the actual name and the bikes that have lower cc than the name is at least close.
      The only one out of all the bikes listed that makes no sense is the z500.

  • @kenparis2027
    @kenparis2027 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Love the review, thanks! I think the improvement in torque, and the fact that the seat is more comfortable for male riders than was the Z400, is putting the Z500 at the top of my "plan B list" if my new Triumph speed 400 doesn't arrive soon!!

  • @rogerthat1553
    @rogerthat1553 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Lets see if I can remember that far back. I bought my second new street bike in 1983, It was a Suzuki gs550e. I think it weighs 432 lbs and had 49hp and 31tq, so this little z500 would be a sweet machine.

  • @johnt.2716
    @johnt.2716 27 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Highway riding on the mountains looks insane

  • @JarmelSingsKaraoke
    @JarmelSingsKaraoke 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    🔥 ALEX 🔥

  • @pathfinder849
    @pathfinder849 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I would love to see you guys review the "Hero 125"

  • @jimmorrison306
    @jimmorrison306 8 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Sat on one of these the other day. Want one. Felt comfortable for a 30” inseam. Really liked the feel of the clutch and brake levers - very light. Don’t want to get rid of the Harley, but this looks like fun. I also want something I can teach someone to ride on that isn’t as expensive as the hog.

  • @crackdofus
    @crackdofus หลายเดือนก่อน

    Opinions on this VS cb500 hornet which one is a better bang for buck

  • @ryancraig2795
    @ryancraig2795 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Sub 400 lbs for a 500 class entry level bike is really quite good. I mean sure in a perfect world closer to 300 lbs would be even better, but the only road legal kawi you're getting that's that light is a mini bike or a dual purpose bike with 27 HP.

  • @ov3647
    @ov3647 หลายเดือนก่อน

    i am new and i want to travel between cities. daily nearly 200-300 km highway. is it good idea for touring long distance. i am short and i have A2. so i think abaout this. and price that i can afford.

  • @elliottlee1050
    @elliottlee1050 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I watched mainly bc I like you both ngl. I do like the coloring on it, but what can I say? I just like BIG. My latest bike I'm contemplating is actually a Chieftan Darkhorse. The seat thing, 2 of my bfs r like you never allow anyone to ride w/you. So why get the Full comfy backrest seat&hardshell bag? Me bc I like the Look😂🤷. Again I ❤BIG! Though if I had 1 BIG saddle ppl stop annoying me. I just wouldn't like the look as much; Que Sera Sera right - idk takes me forever to buy anything. It's 1 thing IF something happens to me bc of bad drivers. It's another IF I have a passenger.

  • @johnnyg8548
    @johnnyg8548 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Used to have a grom and I did about 20k miles on it, would like to get something fun and faster. I made up my mind I’m going to get the z500

    • @johnnyg8548
      @johnnyg8548 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Well I got it now lol

    • @Astrothunderkat
      @Astrothunderkat หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@johnnyg8548 sick, how do you like it so far?

    • @johnnyg8548
      @johnnyg8548 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Astrothunderkat its a super light bike. I ride like I stole it. I’m having a lot of fun and riding 6-7 days a week. Taking advantage of the Florida weather. With that being said, I see the need for a 650+ if you want to be more maneuverable on the highway.

  • @investorsam
    @investorsam หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Comparing the Z500 to the Ninja 500 is pointless since they are basically the same bike. What I want is to know if the Aprilia 457 is a better value compared to the Z / Ninja 500 SE (the more expensive version). If you can only spend ~6000 USD than Kawasaki is the way to go, but if you can stretch a bit to ~7000 USD, then the Ninja has some tough competition with the Aprilia 457, which seems like a rock solid bike,

  • @houseofroos
    @houseofroos 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Did you fit on it comfortably? I’m not that tall and I was pretty scrunched up on the z400 .

    • @xDRAGOSLAVx
      @xDRAGOSLAVx 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Really??? I’m 6’3, ride a z400 and am very comfortable on it other than the cheap seat it comes with. The Z900 seat height difference and general ergonomics compared to the z400 are minimal at best so it wouldn’t make a difference to me anyways. For some people it might, considering the extra thousands they will pay to gain an extra half second going 0-60, and an extra 25mph top speed that they will never do anyways lol. The Z400 is the most fun I have ever had on a bike.

    • @PhysicallyDetarded
      @PhysicallyDetarded หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@xDRAGOSLAVxDo you have to take breaks on it, or can you ride it comfortably for a while? Im about 6 ft tall, and I want to get started on my motorcycle journey on a ninja 500. Thanks!

  • @Jayjewelerofficial
    @Jayjewelerofficial 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I’m having a hard time choosing between a z500 or a KLX300SM ,I won’t be driving in the high way just around town 45-60mph and want something fun ,the two models are similarly priced but the z500 more bank for buck with the tech and abs but the KLX300sm looks like so much fun raving out the engine 😅

    • @spamyak
      @spamyak 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      my perspective may be skewed because mine is an older model with knobby tires but a KLX250 is pretty miserable above 55. it's shaky and wrung out at 60+ and feels like a strong wind could blow you off the road

    • @ryancraig2795
      @ryancraig2795 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I owned a 2020 KLX250 and while it was fun, it just didn't have much power, even at low speeds. The 300 is a little better in that regard - more torquey. As the other comment says, you really don't want to be out on the highway for long on one of these. Oh yeah, the seat is an absolute plank. Like sitting on a 2x4. But you can definitely have fun on the KLX, it corners like crazy, and you can jump curbs and stuff. I loved how light and narrow it was by street bike standards. Just don't expect lurid power wheelies. I would have been very happy to have either of those as my first street bike.

    • @houseofroos
      @houseofroos 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Def the z!

    • @bobbyjoesugar
      @bobbyjoesugar หลายเดือนก่อน

      Z500 will be a lot more practical- however the klx 300sm might be the way to go if you are going to be popping wheelies

    • @tg8150
      @tg8150 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Go ride any KLX250/300- they have zero power. If anyone argues that, they’ve never ridden one. The Z400 is the best small bike, even better than this “new” 500. The KLX just makes noise, but it can’t get out of its own way. Trust me.

  • @JDzAlive
    @JDzAlive 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Versys 500 in future?

    • @nothing12299
      @nothing12299 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      You can hope so

  • @SPMiller
    @SPMiller 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Z500 51 horsepower. 47 at the rear

  • @dragoon624
    @dragoon624 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    With that price, the new ktm 390 Duke starts to shine with what they give you standard. Awesome review

  • @theriderdtm8650
    @theriderdtm8650 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    😲 Wow mini Z

  • @Hidoes
    @Hidoes หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great review! We have a new version electric bike, we think you will like it. We just sent an email to you and looking forward to your reply!

  • @darth_birb6614
    @darth_birb6614 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

    As a new rider, I would want to get the base z500 and take that $700 for some nicer gear instead of the SE.

    • @Rafael-fo9sp
      @Rafael-fo9sp 5 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Exactly. Besides, the instrument cluster just looks better

  • @smeghead765
    @smeghead765 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thinking I'd rather have the Eliminator since it's the same engine. The neo metric cruiser look is more appealing to me personally.

    • @xorbe2
      @xorbe2 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Same engine but not the same tune, Eliminator doesn't rev as high (assuming Ninja 500 and Z are the same)

    • @smeghead765
      @smeghead765 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      How much higher can you really go with a small P-twin? The Eliminator's peak power comes in at 7500 so redline is probably like, eight right?

    • @xorbe2
      @xorbe2 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@smeghead765 iirc it's 10600 vs 11300

    • @Rafael-fo9sp
      @Rafael-fo9sp 5 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Same, but the instrument cluster put me off to be honest

  • @bobbyjoesugar
    @bobbyjoesugar หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I would say not worth upgrading your current z400 UNLESS you are replacing a totaled/stolen bike.

  • @dramalexi
    @dramalexi หลายเดือนก่อน

    Looks like a Transformer had a child with a Power Ranger but it's by far the cheapest I could find so far.

  • @CITYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
    @CITYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY หลายเดือนก่อน

    If only they dont add a bunch of ADM would be good

  • @patrickagan1071
    @patrickagan1071 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Best looking naked!

  • @RodeoRides
    @RodeoRides 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I would bump up to the Z 650 Done deal.

    • @Rafael-fo9sp
      @Rafael-fo9sp 5 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Hell no. If you're going 600cc or higher, you might as well go for something with better figures. The z650 is just not worth it

    • @RodeoRides
      @RodeoRides 5 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@Rafael-fo9spworth it to me

  • @user-rl4ow4kh1s
    @user-rl4ow4kh1s 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

    So... Kawasaki simply refreshed the looks and changed the name from 400 to 500. Why? Because the CFMOTO 450SS and CFMOTO 450NK is kicking their butt, so Kawasaki thought they could fool people into thinking they put a bigger engine in the bike. But in reality, it's no where near a 500 bike. Kawasaki failed here.

  • @SileDevil
    @SileDevil หลายเดือนก่อน

    20 min video and no engine sound...

  • @tomg6284
    @tomg6284 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Why tell the truth, just lie the customers are fools.
    Kawasaki should tell the truth.

  • @spartanx169x
    @spartanx169x 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    IF you can get the 650 version, get it. It will take longer to grow out of it, if at all.

    • @joekavalauskas8767
      @joekavalauskas8767 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      It depends on your riding style and where you ride. Some people value light weight. If I was going “full size” I’d skip all 180° parallel twins.

    • @zackphelps3052
      @zackphelps3052 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Z650 is so boring compared to the rest of the 700 twin class

    • @mr.b3168
      @mr.b3168 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

      Not everyone buys bikes to go fast on highway. The z400 is great for city riding.

    • @Tonyx.yt.
      @Tonyx.yt. หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Kawasaki 650 is a old and lame engine

    • @SludgedB
      @SludgedB หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@joekavalauskas8767yeah Kawasaki range starts at z900

  • @mr.b3168
    @mr.b3168 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Kind of lame no HP increase. What even is the point of an upgrade

    • @Hailnut
      @Hailnut 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Emissions

    • @chrishaddad5362
      @chrishaddad5362 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Hailnutyep that’s it.

    • @mr.b3168
      @mr.b3168 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Hailnut so a flash

  • @rolanddiaz1974
    @rolanddiaz1974 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    How much fokkkking top speed

  • @Pustoda000
    @Pustoda000 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    There’s no point buying it unless for A2 license limit. 650 would be the right choice

    • @xorbe2
      @xorbe2 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      650 is a good bike but 50 lbs more

    • @Rafael-fo9sp
      @Rafael-fo9sp 5 วันที่ผ่านมา

      The 650 isn't worth it when there's 650/700 cc bikes out there doing way better numbers. If you're trying to go that big, at least make the specs worth it

    • @xorbe2
      @xorbe2 5 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@Rafael-fo9sp Depends on your use case. N650 doesn't have the peak power of the RS660, but the N650 comes off the bottom stronger with shorter gearing too. With 420 lbs and a softer suspension, it was clearly aimed at commuting.

  • @tg8150
    @tg8150 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Gawd that new front fender and additionally that belly pan is so friggin ugly. The Z400 is a better looking bike imo. It’s not worth the additional money to buy a 500 over the 400. But that front fender- yuck!

    • @Rafael-fo9sp
      @Rafael-fo9sp 5 วันที่ผ่านมา

      You can always get the standard version - doesn't come with the windshield nor the belly pan