No reviewer mentions the fact that the Australian spec is about 3hp down on power from the previous 400 and about 8hp down from the US 500s. I live in the Pacific and the LAMS restrictions do not apply and wonder if the hp restrictions is ecu based or a throttle based?
Yea, I've seen people mentioning it has more power, even though here at least it has less. I don't think it would be throttle based if I had to take a guess. Probably an ECU/tune thing and most likely done for emissions. It looks like EU/UK/AUS get the slightly lower power model and the US gets a 41 hp/37.5 kW version.
Good engine, no doubt. I bet it's fun to ride. I don't like its style, but maybe I need to see it in the 'flesh'. It would look better in green, but I prefer the Eliminator. Decent dash. I rather like loud engines. For example KTMs. I agree with you about unnecessary tech, Kris. Good review. Nick
Great review! Now I have an important question for you…… I saw other of your movies and you were telling you have a Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and you did a testride with the Honda CL500: I know the Honda CL500 and this Z500 are different bikes but thoe two bikes are on my list for next buy. I did testride tthem both however I can’t figure it out. The cl500 offers a more up ride position but I found the Engine character of both also different despite the have similar engine specs. To long ago and not an expert but I had the feeling the CL500 was more on torque. Difficult to say because there is no tachometer on the Honda. I can’t say the Honda or Kawasaki was faster. What do you think? Thx for your answer 🙏🏻
I think the part you got wrong was the competition, at least for us Yanks. The Z500 has absolutely NOTHING to worry about since it sits at the very top in its own category, more so at the actual acquisition price. As a former Kawasaki, Suzuki and Honda owner, I can assure that in the "entry" level naked category here in the USA, the only thing that matches the performance would be the Duke 390. But when you look at the downsides of both, this Z500 has no major issues while KTM has 2 major problems and the first one is reliability while the second is NOW an uncertain future due to its financial woes/bankruptcy, never mind a smaller dealer network. Reliability, power, handling, availability of parts and dealers, strong financials and yes, style, which for some could be a minor issue, are the things that make this Z500 the best choice out there and one that you don't necessarily will outgrow as it has plenty of power. As a matter of fact, for us here in the Land of the Highways, this is the best value and most approachable bike there is at this time, just buy the base one, slap on a larger (than the SE) windscreen and add the usb port and you have a daily driver for life. Get side/rear racks, saddle bags and a tailcase and now you have a tourer. Want to take it further? Add some scrambler type tires and go on dirt/gravel/fire roads on your way to camping. The tubeless approach here makes it a lot easier to replace flats. On this last point, I have to confess that I missed the target, I purchased a 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400X just to buy something "diifferent" this time. While it is a full size naked with a large seating area (can take a passenger), wiith a most beautiful styling/finish, the vibration of the single is annoying, but not unbearable at highway speeds. It also starts running out of breath way earlier than the Z500 which could mean trouble in the highway (top speed in the 90-95 MPH range). A couple of small parts here or there are showing some rust already. Last but not least is the availability of parts or something as simple as replacing the owners manual (which I lost a long time ago) or the bike being out of service waiting for a replacement part to come out of somewhere in the World (these bikes are made by Bajaj for Triumph in India). In the end I would have paid less for that Z500 and would have been happier for SURE. The downside of the Z500 FOR ME is that is not as passenger friendly and I wanted a bike that I could take the Mrs with me ;). Also, the difference in ground clearance between the 400X (at 195mm) and the 2024 KTM Adventure 390 (at 200mm) is minimal and I have been able to take the Scrambler off-road on dirt/gravel/sandy roads.
I’m looking at to upgrade to this over my cb125. How would this do on the most test ? I am quite short which is why I am leaning towards this bike. It feels way more comfortable than a cb125.
If you're comfortable on the bike you shouldn't have a problem, it's a little more nippy at low speeds than the old 400s with a bit of extra torque, but still very manageable and quite a light bike.
Very competent and comprehensive review. Thanks, Kris! :)
No reviewer mentions the fact that the Australian spec is about 3hp down on power from the previous 400 and about 8hp down from the US 500s. I live in the Pacific and the LAMS restrictions do not apply and wonder if the hp restrictions is ecu based or a throttle based?
Yea, I've seen people mentioning it has more power, even though here at least it has less. I don't think it would be throttle based if I had to take a guess. Probably an ECU/tune thing and most likely done for emissions. It looks like EU/UK/AUS get the slightly lower power model and the US gets a 41 hp/37.5 kW version.
Third kind request for an H2 SX Review.
Good engine, no doubt. I bet it's fun to ride. I don't like its style, but maybe I need to see it in the 'flesh'. It would look better in green, but I prefer the Eliminator. Decent dash. I rather like loud engines. For example KTMs. I agree with you about unnecessary tech, Kris.
Good review. Nick
Great review!
Now I have an important question for you…… I saw other of your movies and you were telling you have a Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and you did a testride with the Honda CL500:
I know the Honda CL500 and this Z500 are different bikes but thoe two bikes are on my list for next buy. I did testride tthem both however I can’t figure it out. The cl500 offers a more up ride position but I found the Engine character of both also different despite the have similar engine specs. To long ago and not an expert but I had the feeling the CL500 was more on torque. Difficult to say because there is no tachometer on the Honda.
I can’t say the Honda or Kawasaki was faster.
What do you think?
Thx for your answer 🙏🏻
Hopefully answered this in your other comment, let me know if not though!
I think the part you got wrong was the competition, at least for us Yanks. The Z500 has absolutely NOTHING to worry about since it sits at the very top in its own category, more so at the actual acquisition price. As a former Kawasaki, Suzuki and Honda owner, I can assure that in the "entry" level naked category here in the USA, the only thing that matches the performance would be the Duke 390. But when you look at the downsides of both, this Z500 has no major issues while KTM has 2 major problems and the first one is reliability while the second is NOW an uncertain future due to its financial woes/bankruptcy, never mind a smaller dealer network.
Reliability, power, handling, availability of parts and dealers, strong financials and yes, style, which for some could be a minor issue, are the things that make this Z500 the best choice out there and one that you don't necessarily will outgrow as it has plenty of power. As a matter of fact, for us here in the Land of the Highways, this is the best value and most approachable bike there is at this time, just buy the base one, slap on a larger (than the SE) windscreen and add the usb port and you have a daily driver for life. Get side/rear racks, saddle bags and a tailcase and now you have a tourer. Want to take it further? Add some scrambler type tires and go on dirt/gravel/fire roads on your way to camping. The tubeless approach here makes it a lot easier to replace flats.
On this last point, I have to confess that I missed the target, I purchased a 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400X just to buy something "diifferent" this time. While it is a full size naked with a large seating area (can take a passenger), wiith a most beautiful styling/finish, the vibration of the single is annoying, but not unbearable at highway speeds. It also starts running out of breath way earlier than the Z500 which could mean trouble in the highway (top speed in the 90-95 MPH range). A couple of small parts here or there are showing some rust already. Last but not least is the availability of parts or something as simple as replacing the owners manual (which I lost a long time ago) or the bike being out of service waiting for a replacement part to come out of somewhere in the World (these bikes are made by Bajaj for Triumph in India). In the end I would have paid less for that Z500 and would have been happier for SURE. The downside of the Z500 FOR ME is that is not as passenger friendly and I wanted a bike that I could take the Mrs with me ;). Also, the difference in ground clearance between the 400X (at 195mm) and the 2024 KTM Adventure 390 (at 200mm) is minimal and I have been able to take the Scrambler off-road on dirt/gravel/sandy roads.
well said
I’m looking at to upgrade to this over my cb125. How would this do on the most test ? I am quite short which is why I am leaning towards this bike. It feels way more comfortable than a cb125.
If you're comfortable on the bike you shouldn't have a problem, it's a little more nippy at low speeds than the old 400s with a bit of extra torque, but still very manageable and quite a light bike.
The Oz version has only 45hp while the US gets 51. Is it possible to derestrict the bike?
Aftermarket ECU? Obviously this will void the warranty.
On styling alone I’d have the triumph speed 400
True, but, as the owner of a Scramble 400X, it is only one thing where it beats the Z500. See my comment at the top.
sorry but you are talking nonsense: "Kawasaki is low on power" - this is A2 compliant bike - it CANNOT be more powerfull than 35kW