GPZ 500 S

1989 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Kawasaki's allround motorcycle platform, the 1989 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S pairs a 499 cc (30.5 cu in) liquid-cooled twin, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 60 HP (43.8 kW) at 9,800 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 120.2 HP per liter, the engine character is reflecting a performance-oriented street tune that balances strong mid-range pull with an energetic top-end rush.

On the scales, the GPZ 500 S measures 196 kg (432 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.31 HP/kg (3.27 kg per horsepower). The 18-liter (4.8 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 195 km/h (121 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Kawasaki archive, this model family spans 17 indexed model years from 1987 to 2004, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.