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Edition:
Kawasaki Gpz 500 S - [1989]
This edition of the Kawasaki Gpz 500 S is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1989. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1989 Suzuki GS 500 E and the 1990 Norton Commander Police.This particular Kawasaki Gpz 500 has a 498cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, V4 Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative V4 engine, Sport-Touring style motorbike includes the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT - [2025]
The 1989 Gpz 500 shares its V4 engine and Sport-Touring style configuration with the likes of the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT and the 2020 Yamaha MXT 850 Niken. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Gpz 500's Sport-Touring style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1985 Yamaha FZ 250 Fazer | 1985cc.1997 Suzuki RF 400 R | 1997cc.
Weighing in at 200 kgs (440 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki Gpz 500 S in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha T�n�r� 700 Rally or the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT, give or take 50kg.
The 1989 Kawasaki Gpz 500 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]
In terms of power the 498cc 8 valve V4 2 cylinder engine produces 60 bhp (44 kW) @ 9800 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha T�n�r� 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 34.0 lb-ft (46.0 Nm) @ 8500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha T�n�r� 700 Rally [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki Gpz 500 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1992 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R SPII has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1989 Kawasaki Gpz 500 S.
The 1989 Kawasaki Gpz 500 S has a Power to weight ratio of 300.0 bhp per ton and 170.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1989 Gpz 500 competing with the 1992 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R SPII [324.0 bhp\ton] and the 2021 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom [323.9 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki Gpz 500 generating around 170.0 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1978 Yamaha DT 400 Two Stroke [195.0 lb-ft per ton] and the 1974 Yamaha DT 400 Two Stroke [195.0 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 12.3 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 12.6 secs, this makes the Kawasaki Gpz 500 S similar in acceleration to the 2015 Yamaha Star Raider Bullet Cowl (12.3 secs) and the 2013 Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder C 109 RT (12.3 secs). This Kawasaki Gpz 500 S also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1989 Kawasaki Gpz 500 S and the 1991 Kawasaki KR 1 S
When talking about the performance of the 1989 Kawasaki Gpz 500 S on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.9 secs @ 99 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1991 Kawasaki KR 1 S (12.9 secs) and the 1989 Suzuki GSF 400 DOHC (12.9 secs).
The 1989 version of the Kawasaki Gpz 500 S has a maximum speed of 110mph.
Top Speed of the 1989 Gpz 500 equals the 1991 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1989 Kawasaki Gpz 500 S then how about a 1991 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R (121 mph) and the 1990 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R SP II (121 mph).
