Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder - [2002] Review and Comparison including Similar Bikes, Alternative Bikes, Performance Specs and Technical Information.
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Performance Review: Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder - [2002]

Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder - [2002] image

Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder - [2002]

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Kawasaki

Figures & Specs Summary:

  • Edition: Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder
  • Year: 2002 | Type: Off-Road
  • Engine: 499 cc (30.4 ci) 5 Valve
  • Engine Type: V-Twin | Cylinders: 1
  • Engine Stroke: Four | Valve Config: Reed Valve
  • Fuel Delivery: Carburettor
  • Cooling: Liquid | Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Transmission: 5 speed | Manual
  • Drive: Chain
  • Wet Weight: 0 kgs (0 lbs)
  • Dry Weight: 100 kgs (220 lbs)
  • Power: 66 bhp (49 kW) @ 7000 rpm
  • Torque: 48.4 lb-ft (65.6 Nm) @ 6000 rpm
  • BHP Per Ton: 550.0 bhp
  • Torque Per Ton: 403.3 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph (96.6 kph): 6.7 secs
  • 0-100 kph (0-62 mph): 6.9 secs
  • Top Speed: 85 mph (136.7 kph)
  • 1/4 Mile (Est.): 0 secs @ 0 mph
  • Frame: Steel
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Kawasaki KX 500 Performance Review.

Introduction:

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.

Yamaha XSR 700 XTribute - [2019] image

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 Nomad. 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.

Power and Torque:

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.

Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder  - [2025] image

The 2002 Kawasaki KX 500 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder - [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 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 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 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm].

Power to Weight:

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.

Honda CR 500 R - [1987] image

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].


Power to Weight(cont.):

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 2019 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 R Moto GP [427.0 lb-ft per ton] and the 2018 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Pepsi GP Edition [427.0 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

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).

Yamaha RD 250 Twin - [1974] image

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2002 Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder and the 1974 Yamaha RD 250 Twin

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 1974 Yamaha RD 250 Twin (0 secs) and the 1966 Honda C90 Super Cub Passport (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 2002 version of the Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder has a maximum speed of 85mph.

Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Custom - [2018] image

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 Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Custom (96 mph).

Related Links:

2002 Kawasaki KX 500 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Kawasaki

Bike Comparison


Performance Figures & Specs:

Choose a Bike Make for a List of More Performance Figures and Specs.




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More Kawasaki Models:

Edition:

A1 250

AR 125

AR 50

AR 80

BJ 250

BR 250

EL 125

EL 250

EL 252

Eliminator 400

Eliminator 500

EN 400

EN 450

EN 500

ER-4

ER-5

ER-6

EX 250

EX 400

EX 500

F9 350

FX 400

G3-SS

GPX 250

GPX 400

GPX 600

GPX 750

Gpz 1000

Gpz 1100

Gpz 250

Gpz 305

Gpz 400

Gpz 500

GPZ 550

Gpz 600

Gpz 750

Gpz 900

GTO 125

GTR 1000

GTR 1400

H1 500

H2 750

KDX 125

KDX 175

KDX 200

KDX 220

KDX 250

KDX 400

KDX 450

KE 125

KE 175

KH 125

KH 250

KH 400

KH 500

KL 250

KLE 250

KLE 400

KLE 500

KLR 250

KLR 600

KLR 650

KLV 1000

KLX 125

KLX 230

KLX 250

KLX 300

KLX 400

KLX 450

KLX 650

KMX 125

KMX 200

KR 1

KR 250

KRR

KX 500

KZ 1000

KZ 1100

KZ 650

Ninja 1000

Ninja 125

Ninja 250

Ninja 300

Ninja 400

Ninja 650

Ninja 7

Ninja H2

RMX 250

S1 250

S2 350

S3 400

SL 250

Versys 1000

Versys 650

Versys-X

VN 1500

VN 1600

VN 1700

VN 2000

VN 250

VN 400

VN 500

VN 650

VN 750

VN 800

VN 900

W 250

W 400

W 650

W 800

W1

W2

W3

Xanthus 400

Z 1000

Z 1100

Z 125

Z 1300

Z 200

Z 250

Z 300

Z 305

Z 400

Z 440

Z 450

Z 500

Z 550

Z 650

Z 750

Z 800

Z 900

Z H2

Z1

Z2 750

Z7

Zephyr 1100

Zephyr 400

Zephyr 550

Zephyr 750

ZG 1000

ZG 1200

ZG 1300

ZL 1000

ZL 250

ZL 400

ZL 600

ZL 750

ZL 900

ZN 1300

ZN 700

ZN 750

ZR 1100

ZR-250

ZR-7

ZRX 1100

ZRX 1200

ZRX 400

ZX 1000

ZX 1100

ZX 400

ZX 600

ZX 750

ZX 900

ZX-10

ZX-12

ZX-14

ZX-25

ZX-4

ZX-6

ZX-7

ZX-9

ZX-R 250

ZX-R 400

ZX-R 750

ZZR 1100

ZZR 1200

ZZR 1400

ZZR 250

ZZR 400

ZZR 600


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Quarter Mile: 15.2 secs @ 0 mph


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Quarter Mile List

Quarter Mile | Random Figures and Specs

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Quarter Mile Time
13.6 seconds
14.6 seconds

Top Speed List

Top Speed | Random Figures & Specs

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Top Speed

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