Motorcycle specifications Kawasaki EN 500 Classic 1998 Custom initiatique

presentation of the EN 500 Classic 1998

The EN 500, dubbed Vulcan by our American friends, has been gently modernized. One of the cheapest custom bikes on the market, its styling has changed and is now more elegantly stretched. A longer, chunkier fuel tank (+4 liters), the removal of the seat backrest and bevelled exhausts significantly refine the silhouette. Sticks are replaced by spokes. Note the weight increase, the front brake disc is 30 mm larger in diameter (now 300 mm), the turn signals have been relocated and the rear light has been slimmed down.
Kawa's little custom bike draws its inspiration from production on the other side of the Atlantic, except for the mill which, although it remains a twin, is a parallel byclinder. The low rear end and steeply raked forks give it a very "low rider" look, which is very pleasing to the eye, and this impression is reinforced when you climb into the saddle and discover the large speedo mounted on the tank. Previously belt-driven like the Harleys, the transmission is now chain-driven. A pity, but you can't expect the benefits of an Electra Glide on a small machine.

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the engine, derived from the 500 GPZ, boasts 9 hp less than the previous generation, a loss compensated by the earlier arrival of power, and more demonstrative torque. As a result, the Japanese twin-cylinder engine feels more powerful and pleasant to ride. True to custom, the bike's chassis is not particularly bad, but it doesn't appreciate bumps - and the rider will have to pay the price. The brakes aren't very reassuring in the event of heavy use; it has to be said that there's only one disc to stop the machine. Otherwise, the machine acquits itself well. For those who want to get started in custom motorcycling, the 500 EN is a very good choice, with a view to becoming an authentic "Rider".

M.B - Manufacturer's photos

Published on 10/12/20
by Greg

Greg is the founder of Motoplanete—a website created in 2001 to share his passion with his friends and showcase as many motorcycle models as possible to his readers. Self-taught and a jack-of-all-trades, his discovery of the world of motorcycles led him to work as a photographer, rider, team manager, web developer, graphic designer, editorial assistant, and editor-in-chief.

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Key facts Kawasaki EN 500 Classic (1998) : What you need to know before you buy

Highlights

• Driving force
• Aesthetics
• Finition
• Price

Weak points

• Freinage
• Saddle comfort
• Disappearance of the belt

Prices

	Basic version
France	5,335€

Bikers' reviews

of 8 reviews Read reviews

Model sold in 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Replace EN 500 Classic 1997

EN 500 Classic 1997

Replaced by

EN 500 Classic 1999

Performance

• Max speed : approximately 160 km/h (99.40 mph)

Essentials

Motorcyle equipment adapted for all members of the family and security elements.

Trouvez votre casque

Trouvez des gants

Trouver un intercom

Motoblouz

Augmenter sa sécurité avec un airbag

Motoblouz Speedway Maxxess LaBécanerie

Trouvez votre blouson

Gallery

Used

Find this used EN 500 Classic on MotoPlanete

EN 1998

2590€

Breathtaking pre-owned motorcycles await you. Don't miss your next adventure!

Competitor

Yamaha 535 VIRAGO 1998

Find others Cruiser of 1998

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 8 reviews

lucaneturbu Model 1997

Very good motorcycle, for the pleasure of the ballad 09/22/2024 22:59 Rating : 5/5 Respond to lucaneturbu

Jean-Claude Model 1997

Very good bike with no special maintenance. For me, quiet operation and satisfactory acceleration.

The right model for me, 1m65 and 71 years old 10/06/2023 15:25 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Jean-Claude

Tso Model 1998

I've been riding this bike for 6 months, it's a good bike, it has torque and its top speed is 160 km/h. I fill up every 200 kms to be on the safe side because it doesn't have a gauge. I bought it second hand with 25700 kms on the odometer, so I did all the maintenance to be on the safe side.I've always had big bikes, so I have to say that this little bike handles very well. 11/09/2022 12:32 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Tso

cédric Model 1996

Very good motorcycle without all the advantages of our era, abs ect ...
It purrs like a dream.
This old model is driven by ear, no speedometer, no gauge etc... for the purists ;-) the engine is a bit weak at high speeds over 120 km. A motorcycle for cruising ;-) 08/17/2019 14:23 Rating : 4/5 Respond to cédric

Cherche revue technique EN 500 de 1999

Bambino Model 1999

Very good bike, only one problem.
i can't get the carburettors to adjust properly. After cleaning them thoroughly and overhauling the throttle cables, when decelerating when hot, the idle doesn't come down quickly.
Could someone tell me what setting to recommend?
Thank you for your help.
05/09/2017 21:01 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Bambino

lucaneturbu

I forgot to mention that I got back into motorcycling 2 years ago, just for leisurely rides. I'm 74 years old and 1.66 m tall, so it's perfect for this custom, which is very supple and pleasant to ride. 09/22/2024 23:06 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

moustache Model 1998

i bought this custom bike in 2011 and I have to say that apart from my size, which is a little too big for long distances (1m76), I'm still amazed by the character of this bike and its reliability. It gets you everywhere without a hitch and above all without unnecessary expense!Here's my contribution for anyone interested in buying a similar model, my model is a 1998 EN 500 A that I'm not ready to give up! I'm 57 and live in the Var region, where it's great to ride the winding roads of the hinterland 03/03/2016 15:13 Rating : 5/5 Respond to moustache

dan8322 Model 1996

I've owned a 1996 500EN for 3 years now, I've done about 20,000 km with it and I'm very satisfied with it. I've had many motorcycles (I got my licence at 16 years and 1 month in 1962.... ) but now I'm only looking for a cool ride, although it's easy to ride and handles very well - fuel consumption 5.5 l/100 or about 200 km - low maintenance - a good little bike for those who don't want to show off.
Happy riding to all 02/01/2016 14:43 Rating : 3/5 Respond to dan8322

moustache

i agree with dan8322 about the fuel gauge and fuel consumption. But it's worth noting that since this model hasn't met its public demand, parts are still hard to find at reasonable prices! It's a shame because a bike like this would deserve a little more consideration, but in this world that's just my opinion. I've had a licence since 1980 and still enjoy riding on the roads of the Var region 03/03/2016 15:23 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

peut on installer une jauge à essence?

val Model 1999

hello, I own a 1999 Kawasaki, a vn500 and I would like to know if I can adapt a fuel gauge and if this is possible, which model and where can I order it? thank you for your reply. best regards, val 07/12/2015 17:26 Rating : 5/5 Respond to val

dan8322

I'm sorry, but I don't have an answer about the fuel gauge. As far as I'm concerned, I fill up every 200 km or so
Sincerely 02/02/2016 13:52 Rating : 3/5 Participate in the conversation

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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the EN 500 Classic 1998

What is the power of the EN 500 Classic?

The EN 500 Classic 1998 develops a power of 46 ch (45.40 hp)

What is the torque of the EN 500 Classic?

The maximum torque of the EN 500 Classic 1998 is 4.60 mkg to 6,000 rpm.

What is the maximum speed of the EN 500 Classic?

The EN 500 Classic 1998 is capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 160 km/h (99.40 mph) on the track.

What is the weight of the EN 500 Classic?

The EN 500 Classic 1998 has a a dry weight of 199 kg (439 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 214 kg (472 lb).

QWhat is the seat height of the EN 500 Classic?

To ensure good accessibility, the EN 500 Classic 1998 offers a minimum seat height of 715 mm (28.15 in).

What is the price of the EN 500 Classic?

The price of the EN 500 Classic 1998 is 5,335€ in France

What size tires should I put on my EN 500 Classic?

The standard size for a EN 500 Classic 1998 is 100 / 90 - 19 for the front, and 140 / 90 - 15 for the rear.

Where can I find high-quality used EN 500 Classics?

You can find used EN 500 Classic at great prices on MotoPlanete, in the section dedicated to them—models from professionals and private sellers, as well as spare parts.