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Edition:
Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder - [2002]
This edition of the Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2002. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2003 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 DOHC and the 2003 Suzuki Raider 150 - Satria F150.This particular Kawasaki KX 500 has a 499cc Liquid cooled, Four stroke, V-Twin Petrol powerplant with 1 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative V-Twin engine, Off-Road style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 XTribute - [2019]
The 2002 KX 500 shares its V-Twin engine and Off-Road style configuration with the likes of the 2019 Yamaha XSR 700 XTribute and the 2019 Norton Atlas 650 Ranger. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the KX 500's Off-Road style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2007 Suzuki RM 250 Paul Edmondson Replica | 2007cc.1988 Suzuki RH 250 X | 1988cc.
Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.
The 2002 Kawasaki KX 500 shares the same bhp with the Honda X-ADV 745 - [2025]
In terms of power the 499cc 5 valve V-Twin 1 cylinder engine produces 66 bhp (49 kW) @ 7000 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm].
The Reed Valve Four stroke unit throws out torque of 48.4 lb-ft (65.6 Nm) @ 6000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki KX 500 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1987 Honda CR 500 R has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2002 Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder.
The 2002 Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder has a Power to weight ratio of 550.0 bhp per ton and 403.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2002 KX 500 competing with the 1987 Honda CR 500 R [574.2 bhp\ton] and the 2002 Honda CBR 600 F4i Rossi Replica [570.9 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 KX 500 generating around 403.3 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 2018 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 R Buildbase Suzuki BSB Replica [427.0 lb-ft per ton] and the 2021 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 R Legends Edition [427.0 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 6.7 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.9 secs, this makes the Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder similar in acceleration to the 2023 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple (6.7 secs) and the 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple (6.7 secs). This Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder 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 2002 Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder and the 1984 Yamaha IT 200 Single Cylinder
When talking about the performance of the 2002 Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1984 Yamaha IT 200 Single Cylinder (0 secs) and the 2005 Honda CBR 125 R Repsol Replica (0 secs).
The 2002 version of the Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder has a maximum speed of 85mph.
Top Speed of the 2002 KX 500 equals the 2018 Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Custom
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2002 Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder then how about a 2018 Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Custom (96 mph) and the 2016 Suzuki Raider 150 - Satria F150 (96 mph).
