

This edition of the Kawasaki Gpz 500 S is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2003. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2004 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Mat Mladin Replica and the 2004 Yamaha YZF1000 R1 Gold Limited Edition.This particular Kawasaki Gpz 500 has a 498cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.
The 2003 Gpz 500 shares its Transverse engine and Sport style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Norton Superlight SS and the 2019 Norton Superlight Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Gpz 500's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1995 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin | 1995cc.1994 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin | 1994cc.
Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki Gpz 500 S in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.
In terms of power the 498cc 8 valve Transverse 2 cylinder engine produces 60 bhp (44 kW) @ 9800 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 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 T�n�r� 700 [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 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 2003 Kawasaki Gpz 500 S has a Power to weight ratio of 306.1 bhp per ton and 173.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2003 Gpz 500 competing with the 1988 Suzuki RGV 250 SP [331.0 bhp\ton] and the 1990 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin [331.0 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 173.4 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 1989 Honda CRM 250 R MKI [198.3 lb-ft per ton] and the 1984 Kawasaki ZN 750 LTD [198.3 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 12.1 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 12.3 secs, this makes the Kawasaki Gpz 500 S similar in acceleration to the 2009 Kawasaki EX 500 R Ninja (12.1 secs) and the 2009 Kawasaki Gpz 500 S (12.1 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 2003 Kawasaki Gpz 500 S and the 1970 Norton Commando 750 Roadster
When talking about the performance of the 2003 Kawasaki Gpz 500 S on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1970 Norton Commando 750 Roadster (13 secs) and the 1980 Suzuki TS 400 Apache - Hustler (13 secs).
The 2003 version of the Kawasaki Gpz 500 S has a maximum speed of 125mph.
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2003 Kawasaki Gpz 500 S then how about a 2023 Yamaha MXT 890 Niken GT (136 mph) and the 2020 Yamaha MXT 850 Niken (136 mph).
Kawasaki ZG 1000 Concours
Engine Capacity: 997 cc
Top Speed: 134 mph
Quarter Mile: 12.8 secs @ 112 mph