KH 500

1977 Kawasaki KH 500 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Kawasaki's sport motorcycle platform, the 1977 Kawasaki KH 500 utilizes a 499 cc (30.5 cu in) air-cooled in-line three, two-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 52 HP (38 kW) at 7,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 104.2 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 KH 500 measures 205 kg (452 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.25 HP/kg (3.94 kg per horsepower). The 16-liter (4.2 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 182 km/h (113 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Kawasaki archive, this model family spans 3 indexed model years from 1975 to 1977, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.