Great review, great easy going style, subbed! As for the Z500 if they haven't changed it much from the 400 that's no bad thing. When I tried the earlier bike i found a brilliant light and flickable chassis that was also super stable. The engine, especially after the wheezy Z650, felt light on it's feet and peppy, much more so than the Honda but i suspect that was the lack of mass at play. The only downside was that it was a little cramped, I'm 6'2" and with size 12 feet, that exhaust made it next to impossible to have my right foot in a natural position. Who knows, a different can might be all it needs to be a perfect sub 500cc do it all bike. Two thumbs up! :)
It’s not misleading considering it’s in the same class as the Honda CB500F/CBR500R which are the main competitors to this bike. CBR500R is closer to a 450 than a 500 (it has 471cc) so… just like this Kawasaki they rounded up from 450 to 500… so what’s the big deal?
I'm looking at moving to Germany from the U.S. is motorcycle insurance and registration generally higher than the U.S. is it realistically feasible to own a big adv bike and a dual sport there?
@@mikaelpettersson2389 this bike aint good for long trips but nice for short city drives am i getting it right ? Is this what you say ? Mine gonna be at the store next week thats why im curious
@@efedinc6413 yes, it's good for driving at speeds up to 100km/h, preferably on curvy mountain roads, where it really excels! But not for longer distances at high speed. I bought a Moto Guzzi V7 instead, and with this one I can effortlessly drive for hours on the highway, and also country roads. But on the contrary it gets sluggish in city traffic. But for my driving scheme, it's better.
You are so right. The atmosphere and feel I get from the dealership and personnel often is the make or breakpoint on a purchase. Another great review!
Looks like a perfect bike for my 20yr old daughter who just started to ride...
I’d agree
i just buyed ninja 500.....after 15 years back to ride...i love it....beginner friendly 100 %
You've definitely have helped me make a decision. This bike with a tune and an exhause im sure will kick it up a nothch.
451cc ? They have zero right to call it a 500!!
Good Morning Scott😃Good to see you man!!! Its an inexpensive sweet street bike for sure. Two👍👍up💙💛 Have a good weekend. Cheers!!!
It’s funny to think that this is Kawasaki’s small bike now. It used to be the Ninja 250, then 300, 400 when they added the naked, now 500.
Great review, great easy going style, subbed! As for the Z500 if they haven't changed it much from the 400 that's no bad thing. When I tried the earlier bike i found a brilliant light and flickable chassis that was also super stable. The engine, especially after the wheezy Z650, felt light on it's feet and peppy, much more so than the Honda but i suspect that was the lack of mass at play. The only downside was that it was a little cramped, I'm 6'2" and with size 12 feet, that exhaust made it next to impossible to have my right foot in a natural position. Who knows, a different can might be all it needs to be a perfect sub 500cc do it all bike. Two thumbs up! :)
Love your honest reviews 👍
How can they call a 451cc bike a 500... rather misleading 🤔
How does Kawi market the 1047cc Ninja 1000 (SX whaterver they are calling it these days) as a 1000 is rather misleading. How can they do that?
It’s not misleading considering it’s in the same class as the Honda CB500F/CBR500R which are the main competitors to this bike. CBR500R is closer to a 450 than a 500 (it has 471cc) so… just like this Kawasaki they rounded up from 450 to 500… so what’s the big deal?
I'm looking at moving to Germany from the U.S. is motorcycle insurance and registration generally higher than the U.S. is it realistically feasible to own a big adv bike and a dual sport there?
Is that really a 1 piston rear brake caliper? It looks big enough to be a 2 POT.
Wish a few other companies would learn the weight loss lesson from Kawasaki. Royal Enfield, are you listening?
Nice starter bike, or bump up to the Z650 if you can get hold of a Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 I would be interested in your take.
How was the leg comfort at your height? Was it cramped ?
Yea, a little bit.
Preferred the KTM machines a bit pricey but with better and clearer display, less weight also.
Nice VDO, Scott.
Kwaka OEM Dunlops are crap 😔
I'm using 605's right now, they are not crap they are good for the price, very low price for good (not great) performance .
@@leeinwis OEM or bought at a tyre store/supplier?
@@kwakithailand bought from revzilla, replacing the stock IRCs
@@leeinwis fantastic, revcilla has got an awesome reputation for delivering top notch quality stuff 👍
This is a damn fun bike on country roads! But it gets very buzzy at 120km/h, so I turned it down....
Wym buzzy at 120 and you turned it down ?
@@efedinc6413 yeah, because the intention was to use it for commuting using highways. But it is still a great thing for people not doing that!
@@mikaelpettersson2389 this bike aint good for long trips but nice for short city drives am i getting it right ? Is this what you say ? Mine gonna be at the store next week thats why im curious
@@efedinc6413 yes, it's good for driving at speeds up to 100km/h, preferably on curvy mountain roads, where it really excels! But not for longer distances at high speed. I bought a Moto Guzzi V7 instead, and with this one I can effortlessly drive for hours on the highway, and also country roads. But on the contrary it gets sluggish in city traffic. But for my driving scheme, it's better.
I have z500. I can only say that it drives like a toy .
ja imam ninju 500.....super zadovoljan
Mirrors are terrible. Adjustability is poor and vibrates too much. ✌️😎
On a Kawasaki ? Highly doubtful...grow up 😏😏.
@@leeinwis 😴😴
@@leeinwisHe’s right, recently got the new 500 and have been having mirror vibration when going over 70mph.
How often are you doing 70? Seems like a lame complaint.@@OxyDryClean
buy ninja 500.....no problems with mirrors and they are more front
Brand new 2025 model with LCD screen. Count on Japan to release brand new - obsolete looking things. Absolutely unacceptable.