Ample power from the 451cc engine is available through the entire rpm range to make it easy for riders to use, no matter what kind of riding they are doing, from low-end power for accelerating off the line in the city to top-end revs for riding on the highway. The engine in the new Z500 is up the task, no matter what it may be.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE ABS: ALL EYES ON YOU.
Introducing the 2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE ABS…
All eyes are on you when riding the all-new Z500 ABS supernaked. With distinctive bodywork and a powerful 451cc engine, this aggressively styled streetfighter is for those who are not afraid to be seen.
2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
AVAILABLE COLOURS
Ebony / Metallic Carbon Gray
Pearl Blizzard White / Ebony Pearl Blizzard White / Ebony
ERGO-FIT
ERGO-FIT is an interface system that allows a wide range of riders to feel at one with their machine. Genuine Kawasaki Accessories may need to be purchased for certain Ergo Fit adjustments.
ABS
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ensures stable braking performance by preventing wheel lock during braking.
Assist & Slipper Clutch
Based on racing technology, the Assist & Slipper Clutch acts as both a back-torque limiter and a self-servo mechanism that enables a lighter clutch lever pull.
Economical Riding Indicator
The Economical Riding Indicator is a mark appearing on the instrument panel to indicate favourable fuel consumption, encouraging fuel efficient riding.
Smartphone Connectivity
Smartphone connectivity contributes to an enhanced motorcycling experience by enabling riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly.
2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Powerful, Rider-Friendly 451 cm3 Parallel-Twin Engine
Ample power from the 451 cm3 engine is available through the entire rpm range to make it easy for riders to use, no matter what kind of riding they are doing, from low-end power for accelerating off the line in the city to top-end revs for riding on the highway. The engine in the new Z500 is up the task, no matter what it may be.
Lightweight, Advantage Manoeuvrable Chassis
Easy to use is the key, as the compact chassis has been designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Predictable handling thanks to a chassis conceived with light weight, manoeuvrability, and mass centralisation in mind provides excellent feel and inspiring confidence for a wide range of riders. The easy handling also facilitates manoeuvring when parking.
High-Class, Intense Design
No matter from what angle the Z500 is seen, its triple headlightcentred front face and aggressive lines make it clear that this is a member of the Z family, with aggressive Supernaked looks and ample street presence.
Lightweight Trellis Frame
The Z500 features a trellis frame similar in design to that of the Ninja H2. Kawasaki’s advanced dynamic rigidity analysis was used to ensure optimum rigidity with light weight. The engine is rigid-mounted and used as a stressed member. The frame design contributes significantly to the bike’s low curb mass.
Intense Supernaked Design
The new Z500 has a sharp, aggressive style and retains the large-volume design of other bikes in the Z series to create an aggressive, agile, street-oriented look. Its muscular, athletic bodywork reflects its performance while forming a flowing design that appears to float above the engine. Like other models in the Z Series, sugomi design elements (crouching stance, lowpositioned head and upswept tail) give it a silhouette instantly recognisable as a Kawasaki Supernaked.
Light, Predictable Handling
The chassis has a supersport-style short-wheelbase/longswingarm design, complemented by an optimised trail setting that delivers light, natural handling. The bike’s light weight also contributes to the easy handling and facilitates manoeuvring when off the bike, such as when parking.
Confidence-Inspiring Reach to the Ground
While seat height is 785 mm, the slim design of both the seat and the rear of the engine gives riders an unobstructed line for their feet to reach the ground. The seat’s flat shape offers ample padding in the front portion without sacrificing the comfortable reach to the ground, which helps riders enjoy the bike with confidence.
Ergonomics for Control
Relaxed rider triangle accommodates a wide range of rider sizes and riding situations, contributing to its riderfriendly character. The relatively upright riding position and wide handlebar put the rider in the ideal position for active control, facilitating dynamic, sporty riding.
New, Larger Displacement Engine
Smooth, powerful acceleration is available with a twist of the wrist from a new 451 cm3 engine. The acceleration feels brisk thanks to plenty of power in the low- to mid-rpm range, and, when the throttle stays on, enough power in the high-rpm range to hit higher speeds with ease. With well-balanced power output and strong acceleration throughout the rev range, the combination of this engine with a lightweight chassis makes the machine well-suited to a wide variety of riding situations including everyday riding.
Latest-Design Z “Face”
The Z500’s “face” is based around a newly designed triple headlight unit, enveloped by a sharp front cowl to give it an intense look.
Large-Diameter ø310 mm brake disc
Measuring ø310 mm (the same disc size used on the Z1000), the Z500’s semi-floating front disc offers sure stopping power. ABS offers added reassurance when riding.
Assist & Slipper Clutch
Kawasaki’s Assist & Slipper Clutch results in a light clutch pull for even more rider-friendly and manageable riding in everyday situations, and reduced skipping and hopping from the rear for better sport riding and added confidence.
Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity
Both the full LCD instrument panel on the standard models and the TFT display on the SE models offer smartphone connectivity, enabling riders to connect with their machines to enjoy display notifications, riding logs, and community features.
2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ TBA USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ TBA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ TBA (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
TBA
2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
TBA
2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
Engine type
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Displacement
451 cm³
Bore x stroke
70 x 58.6 mm
Compression ratio
11.3:1
Valve system
DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel system
Fuel injection: Ø 32 mm x 2
Starting System
Electric
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Performance & Transmission
Maximum power
33.4 kW {45.4 PS} / 9,000 rpm
CO2 emission
89 g/km
Maximum torque
42.6 N•m {4.3 kgf•m} /
Transmission
6-speed, return
Final drive
Sealed chain
Primary Reduction Ratio
2.029 (69/34)
Gear Ratios 1st
2.929 (41/14)
Gear Ratios 2nd
2.056 (37/18)
Gear Ratios 3rd
1.619 (34/21)
Gear Ratios 4th
1.333 (32/24)
Gear Ratios 5th
1.154 (30/26)
Gear Ratios 6th
1.037 (28/27)
Final reduction ratio
3.071 (43/14)
Clutch
Wet multi-disc
Brakes & Suspension
Brakes, front
Single semi-floating 310 mm single disc. Caliper: balanced actuation dual-piston.
Brakes, rear
Single 220 mm disc, Caliper: dual piston.
Suspension, front
ø41 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, rear
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock with adjustable preload
Frame & Dimensions
Frame type
Trellis, high-tensile steel
Trail
92 mm
Wheel travel front
120 mm
Wheel travel rear
130 mm
Tyre, front
110/70R17M/C 54H
Tyre, rear
150/60R17M/C 66H
L x W x H
1,995 x 800 x 1,050 mm
Wheelbase
1,375 mm
Ground clearance
145 mm
Fuel capacity
14 litres
Seat height
785 mm
Dry weight
154 kg** | **Estimated Dry weight does not include all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
Curb mass
168
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
Posted on August 12, 2025 by Michael Le Pard
