At the heart of the 1991 Kawasaki ZZ-R 500 sport touring motorcycle, Kawasaki relies on a 484 cc (29.5 cu in) liquid-cooled in-line four, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 71.1 HP (51.9 kW), transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 146.9 HP per liter, the engine character is placing it firmly in high-revving supersport territory where top-end breathing dominates.
On the scales, the ZZ-R 500 measures 217 kg (478 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.33 HP/kg (3.05 kg per horsepower). The 18-liter (4.8 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 5 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 360 km (224 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 214 km/h (133 mph).
Specific Output
146.9 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.33 HP/kg (3.05 kg/HP)
Theoretical Range
~360 km (224 mi)
Engine
Displacement484.0 ccm (29.53 cubic inches)
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke
Engine DetailsIn-line four, four-stroke
Power71.1 HP (51.9 kW))
Valves/Cylinder4
Fuel SystemCarburettor
CoolingLiquid
Max RPM16000
Transmission
Gearbox6-speed
Final DriveChain (final drive)
ClutchWet plate
Performance
Top Speed214.0 km/h (133.0 mph)
Fuel Consumption5.00 litres/100 km (20.0 km/l or 47.04 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases116.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
