GPZ 500 S

2001 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Kawasaki's sport touring motorcycle platform, the 2001 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S features a 499 cc (30.5 cu in) twin, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 50 HP (36.5 kW) at 9,800 rpm while maximum torque reaches 47 Nm (34.7 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 100.2 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 170 kg (375 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.29 HP/kg (3.4 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, combined with a 1,435 mm (56.5 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 18-liter (4.8 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 188 km/h (117 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.