Kawasaki GPz 500S (1987-88)

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The Kawasaki GPz 500S / EX 500R Ninja was a motorcycle model produced between 1987 and 88. It was powered by a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, parallel twin-cylinder engine, with a capacity of 498cc and a compression ratio of 10.8:1. The engine was equipped with a wet sump lubrication system and paired with a six-speed transmission, which drove the rear wheel through a chain drive. The bike’s frame was made of iron and featured a double cradle design.

The front suspension comprised 38mm telescopic forks, and the rear suspension was a swinging arm with a single shock that was adjustable for spring preload. The front brakes were a single 270mm disc with a dual-piston caliper, and the rear brakes were a 160mm drum. The bike’s wheelbase measured 1435mm, and it had a dry weight of 170kg.

The Kawasaki GPz 500S / EX 500R Ninja had a maximum power output of 60hp at 9800rpm, and a maximum torque of 46.1Nm at 8500rpm. It had a top speed of 197.9km/h and could travel 12.5 seconds over a quarter-mile. The bike had a fuel capacity of 15.9 liters and was capable of achieving an average consumption of 18.2 km/l. Its braking distance from 60 to 0 and 100 to 0 was 14.6 meters and 39.9 meters, respectively.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Kawasaki GPz 500S / EX 500R Ninja

Year: 1987 – 88


Engine: Four stroke, parallel twin cylinders. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Capacity: 498 cc / 30.4 cu-in
Bore x Stroke: 74 x 58 mm
Cooling System: Liquid cooled,
Compression Ratio: 10.8:1
Lubrication: Wet sump
Engine Oil: Semi-Synthetic, 10W/40
Induction: 2x Keihin CVK34 carburetor
Ignition: TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition)
Spark Plug: NGK, DR9EA
Starting: Electric
Max Power: 60 hp / 43.7 kW @ 9800 rpm
Max Power Rear Tyre: 54.7 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque: 46.1 Nm / 4.7 kg-m @ 8500 rpm
Clutch: Wet, multiple discs, cable operated

Transmission: 6 Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Frame: Iron, Double cradle frame
Front Suspension: 38mm Telescopic forks
Front Wheel Travel: 130 mm / 5.1 in
Rear Suspension: Swinging arm, single shock adjustable for spring preload
Rear Wheel Travel: 100 mm / 3.9 in
Front Brakes: Single 270mm disc 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes: 160mm drum
Front Tyre: 100/90-16
Rear Tyre: 120/90-16
Rake: 63 degrees
Trail: 91 mm / 3.5 in
Dimensions: Length 2110 mm / 83 in Width 685 mm / 27.0 in Height: 1160 mm / 45.6 in
Wheelbase: 1435 mm / 56.5 in
Seat Height: 770 mm / 30.0 in
Dry Weight: 170 kg / 370 lbs
Wet Weight: 200 kg / 441 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 15.9 Litres / 4.2 US gal
Consumption Average: 18.2 km/lit

Braking 60 – 0 / 100 – 0: 14.6 m / 39.9 n
Standing 1/4 Mile: 12.5 sec / 164.8 km/h
Top Speed: 197.9 km/h / 122.9 mph

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