Motorcycle specifications Kawasaki500 GPZ 2005 Playing with me

a fixture in the Kawasaki range since the late '80s, the 500 GPZ has undergone few changes during its career, but has never been forgotten or neglected. Initially appearing without a brake shoe and with a single brake disc, these options became an integral part of the machine from '88 onwards. In '94, the date of the last modifications, the rear drum was replaced by a disc, the wheels went up to 17 inches and the bodywork was revised. Since then, the GPZ has changed only in color. A genuine little sport-GT, this 500 benefits from a typically Kawa twin-cylinder engine, which is racy, particularly happy in the revs, and enhanced by good extension.
This comes at the price of a character that's perhaps a little too sharp, especially as the engine lacks suppleness at low revs. But that's no real disadvantage, as this 500 is brimming with qualities. First and foremost, its almost timeless looks make it a handsome and welcoming machine. Indeed, it is: comfortable, it allows you to carve up the road, while still being playful. A budding sportswoman, it boasts an agile chassis that's an invitation to sport. The bike is light and easy to ride, with a serene yet lively handling that's ideal for fun in the mountains. It's when you're riding it with gusto that you notice the relative weakness of its braking, which is in fact a little overwhelmed by the performance of this little sports bike. All in all, the GPZ is an excellent little machine: playful, versatile, economical and reliable. 2005 will be its last year on the European market, but its career continues on the other side of the Atlantic. Renamed the Ninja 500 R in the land of Uncle Sam, the little Kawa will continue to delight Americans for some years to come.
M.B - manufacturer's photos
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if I'm not mistaken, you have to press the brake lever to start it?
advice welcome
thank you Rating : 1/5 Respond to motolex
jmj33 Rating : 5/5 Respond to jmj33
A really good bike to start with, without breaking the bank! Rating : 5/5 Respond to Beowulf
plus: looks, economy. minus: seat, lack of accessories (tuning aspect) even for model after 94, range of tires and dimensions. Bonne route Meep! Meep! Rating : 5/5 Respond to sergio07
Rating : 5/5 Respond to choucas
I've been driving for 13 years and took my first licence on a 500 gpz in 1991. Since then, I've had bikes ranging from 400 to 900 cm3. In the meantime, I've given birth to my daughter and divorced, so my means are limited. So I've just bought a 500 gpz, and I'm very happy with it. The only hitch, which I don't remember on the older models, is that it chases a lot from the rear. What's more, it doesn't like the city, but I remembered that, but I think it heats up quite a bit all the same. However, it's an excellent bike. My dealer told me I couldn't fit a "Block U" because there was no way, but on the internet, a lot of bikers say there is. I'd like to know where they put it on the bike and if it doesn't bother the passenger too much (the latter being my 8 1/2 year old daughter). Thank you for your advice and reply
Bonne route..
Sofia
Rating : 5/5 Respond to SOFIA
relatively adequate torque and a top speed of up to 210 km/h.
its 60 horsepower are very much in evidence, and you only have to push the first three gears to realize it.
its look is timeless, always pleasing to the eye, yet it's at an advantage in dark colors.
with normal driving, the range can exceed 400 km before reserves, but with sportier driving, you'll have to make do with a "mere" 320 km.
as you can see, as sober as a camel.
comfort is pleasant, even after a 200 km non-stop ride, although a high bubble would make it even better.
it's the most powerful 500 on the GT, custom and trail markets.
good luck and see you soon on the road, who knows ... Rating : 5/5 Respond to choucas
The engine lacks a little suppleness and clanks a little when cold, but acceleration is not bad, especially from 6000rpm (and even better with a 2-in-1 all stainless steel homemade!!)
all in all, low fuel consumption, great handling, great for beginners! Rating : 5/5 Respond to portos 69
i've lightened the balance by 120 grams so that it revs up faster and more evenly, reaching the red zone without any problems when needed
since I'm not very tall, it's the ideal size for me and I'm having a lot of fun with it (I also redid the shoe, which scraped a few times)
the next one will be an 1100 gpz that I'm currently rebuilding, too bad they're no longer in the Kawa game
V to all Rating : 5/5 Respond to jean-marc
grandjardin@aol.com Rating : 5/5 Respond to motard
but at the moment it's all about DIY, i mounted a speed fight bubble and a zx6r rear end, and it's a pain, but i got there, if you want to try it or get some pictures to see what it looks like, send me an email: juliofrench@yahoo.fr
bye bickers Rating : 5/5 Respond to julio
Next: the ideal solution would be for Kawa to keep the same displacement but adapt fuel injection, a two-piece comfort seat, side passenger grips (like the current zr7) + dual optics. it's not complicated. Rating : 5/5 Respond to ct13