Kawasaki KH500 (1976-77)

The Kawasaki KH500 is a two-stroke, transverse three-cylinder motorcycle produced from 1976 to 1977. It has a capacity of 498cc and a compression ratio of 6.8:1. The engine is air-cooled with piston valve induction through 3x Mikuni VM28SC carburetors and CDI ignition. The maximum power output is 52 hp at 8000 rpm and maximum torque is 5.4 kgf-m at 6500 rpm.

The KH500 has a 5-speed transmission with a final drive chain. The frame is a double tubular steel cradle and the front suspension includes telescopic hydraulic forks, while the rear suspension uses dual shocks with a swing arm. The front brake is a single 296mm disc and the rear brake is a 180mm drum. The tyres are 3.25-19 in the front and 4.00-18 in the rear. The motorcycle is 2085mm in length, 785mm in width, and has a wheelbase of 1490mm with a ground clearance of 145mm.

The dry weight of the KH500 is 192kg and the wet weight is 205kg, with a fuel capacity of 16 litres (4.2 US gallons).


Technical specifications:

Make Model: Kawasaki KH 500

Year: 1976 – 77


Engine: Two stroke, transverse three cylinder, piston valve
Capacity: 498 cc/ 30.4 cu-in
Bore x Stroke: 60 58.8mm
Cooling System: Air cooled
Compression Ratio: 6.8:1
Induction: 3x Mikuni VM28SC carburetors
Ignition: CDI
Starting: Kick
Max Power: 52 hp / 38.7 kW @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque: 5.4 kgf-m / 39.0 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Transmission / Drive: 5 Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Frame: Double tubular steel cradle
Front Suspension: Telescopic Hydraulic forks
Rear Suspension: Dual shocks, Swing arm

Front Brakes: Single 296mm disc
Rear Brakes: 180mm Drum
Front Tyre: 3.25-19
Rear Tyre: 4.00-18
Dimensions: Length 2085 mm / 82.1 in Width 785 mm / 32.9 in
Wheelbase: 1490 mm / 55.5 in
Ground Clearance: 145 mm / 5.7 in
Dry Weight: 192 kg / 423 lbs
Wet Weight: 205 kg / 452 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 16 Litres / 4.2 US gal

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