EICMA 2023: India-bound Kawasaki Ninja 500, Z 500 Breaks Cover, Gets All-new Engine

The 2023 edition of the EICMA has witnessed various exciting product debuts so far. These include two brand-new middle-weight motorcycles from Kawasaki - the Z 500 and the Ninja 500. The engine unit, chassis, and other parts are identical for both models. While the Z 500 is a naked streetfighter, the Ninja 500 is a fully-faired motorcycle. They will be offered in two variants: Standard and SE, and will be available in a total of three colour schemes each. The new 500cc motorcycles' potential arrival in the Indian market has not yet been formally confirmed by the bikemaker. However, they are expected to go on sale in the international markets next year with the India launch likely to happen by the end of 2024. Let's take a further look.

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Kawasaki Ninja 500, Z 500: Design and Hardware Details

Speaking of the design elements, the fully faired Ninja 500 takes styling inspiration from other Ninja models in the range. It has a twin LED headlamp unit up front, then a full fairing with a fuel tank that is contoured. Its sleek LED taillights are located at the back. Coming to the Z 500, the motorcycle receives a new headlamp unit along with a naked look. It has LED DRLS that seem aggressive in front of LED projectors. The bike's overall design is remarkably reminiscent of the Ninja 500. For both motorcycles, Kawasaki employs a trellis frame that is backed by a mono-shock in the back and telescopic forks up front. Both the front and rear disc brakes work together to provide braking power. Furthermore, a dual-channel anti-lock braking system is available.

Kawasaki Ninja 500, Z 500: Engine Specs

The new engine, the specifics of which are still unknown, is the standout feature of the new motorcycles. But we ought to anticipate that they will use the same 451cc parallel-twin engine that powers the Eliminator 500. It produces 42.6Nm of peak torque at 6,000rpm and 45.4bhp of maximum power at 9,000rpm. However, compared to the Kawasaki Ninja 400, the bike giant claims that the new engine has a greater torque spread. For transmission duties, the engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox. 

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Kawasaki Ninja 500, Z 500: Feature Set

The bikes come equipped with an LCD digital cluster as well as a slipper and assist clutch as standard equipment. Moreover, a colour TFT metre with smartphone connectivity, a USB C Type charging port, a pillion seat cover, crash sliders, a tank pad plus knee grip pads, a radiator screen, and an ERGO-FIT high seat are all included in the SE (Special Edition) trim that the firm will offer.