| MODEL | KAWASAKI EX 500R NINJA 1997 - 1998 |
| Year | 1997 - 1998 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 498 cc / 30.4 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 74 x 58 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 43.7 kW / 60 hp @ 9800 rpm (54.7 hp at rear wheel @ 9500 rpm) |
| Max Torque | 46.1 Nm / 4.7 kg-m @ 8500 rpm |
| Ignition | TCI (transistor controlled ignition) |
| Induction | 2x Keihin CVK34 carburettors |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | Wet sump, semi-synthetic 10W/40 |
| Gear Box | 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet, multiple discs, cable operated |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Iron, double cradle |
| Front Suspension | 38 mm telescopic forks, 130 mm / 5.1 in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Swinging arm, single shock adjustable for spring preload, 100 mm / 3.9 in travel |
| Front Brakes | Single 270 mm disc, 2-piston caliper |
| Rear Brakes | Single disc |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | 2095 mm / 82.4 in |
| Overall Width | 700 mm / 30.3 in |
| Overall Height | 1160 mm / 45.6 in |
| Seat Height | 775 mm / 30.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 1435 mm / 56.4 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 176 kg / 388 lb |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 110/70-17 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.9 litres / 4.2 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | — |
A second-generation 498 cc EX500 / Ninja 500 with 17-inch wheels, a redesigned fairing and firmer suspension than the 1987-93 bike. It kept the parallel twin and carburettors of the original and was aimed at riders wanting a light, low-cost sportbike. It was sold alongside the GPZ500S name in other markets.
