| MODEL | KAWASAKI Z 500 1979 |
| Year | 1979 |
| Engine Type | Four-stroke, transverse four-cylinder, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 497 cc / 30.3 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 55 x 52.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 38.7 kW / 52 hp @ 9000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 44 Nm (4.5 kgf-m) / 32.5 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Induction | 4 x 22 mm TK carburettors |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 6 speed |
| Clutch | Wet clutch |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Duplex-cradle |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Dual shock |
| Front Brakes | 2 x discs |
| Rear Brakes | Single disc |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | — |
| Wheelbase | — |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 174 kg / 384 lb |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 3.25-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 3.75-18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 15 litres / 3.9 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | — |
The Z500 was a 497 cc air-cooled transverse inline-four with DOHC and four carburettors, part of Kawasaki's Z500/Z550 range of the late 1970s. It had a six-speed gearbox, chain drive and dual rear shocks. The page is a magazine comparison test, and its figures are only partly legible.
