GPZ 500 S

1998 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1998 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S sport touring motorcycle, Kawasaki features a 498 cc (30.4 cu in) liquid-cooled twin, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 60 HP (43.8 kW) at 9,800 rpm while maximum torque reaches 46 Nm (33.9 lb-ft) at 8,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 120.5 HP per liter and a 1,300 rpm working window between peak torque (8,500 rpm) and peak power (9,800 rpm), 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 176 kg (388 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.34 HP/kg (2.93 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 775 mm (30.5 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance.

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.