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Edition:
Kawasaki Z 500 DOHC - [1978]
This edition of the Kawasaki Z 500 DOHC is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1978. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 E and the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 Special.This particular Kawasaki Z 500 has a 497cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020]
The 1978 Z 500 shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Z 500's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1989 Suzuki GS 500 E | 1989cc.1997 Suzuki GW 400 Inazuma | 1997cc.
Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki Z 500 DOHC in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.
The 1978 Kawasaki Z 500 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally - [2025]
In terms of power the 497cc 8 valve Wankel 4 cylinder engine produces 52 bhp (38 kW) @ 9000 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 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 32.5 lb-ft (44.0 Nm) @ 7500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki Z 500 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1984 Yamaha XT 600 Single has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1978 Kawasaki Z 500 DOHC.
The 1978 Kawasaki Z 500 DOHC has a Power to weight ratio of 268.0 bhp per ton and 167.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1978 Z 500 competing with the 1984 Yamaha XT 600 Single [292.9 bhp\ton] and the 1986 Yamaha XT 600 Single [292.9 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 Z 500 generating around 167.5 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 1972 Norton Commando 750 Interstate [191.8 lb-ft per ton] and the 1979 Kawasaki Z 650 SR-D2 Stateside Replica [191.7 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 13.8 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 14.1 secs, this makes the Kawasaki Z 500 DOHC similar in acceleration to the 2023 Kawasaki Eliminator 400 SE (13.8 secs) and the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 DOHC (13.8 secs). This Kawasaki Z 500 DOHC 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 1978 Kawasaki Z 500 DOHC and the 1996 Honda CB 1000 Big One Super Four
When talking about the performance of the 1978 Kawasaki Z 500 DOHC 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 1996 Honda CB 1000 Big One Super Four (0 secs) and the 2018 Honda CBR 650 F (0 secs).
The 1978 version of the Kawasaki Z 500 DOHC has a maximum speed of 0mph.
Top Speed of the 1978 Z 500 equals the 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1978 Kawasaki Z 500 DOHC then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).
Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S Cafe
Engine Capacity: 649 cc
Top Speed: 100 mph
Quarter Mile: 13.9 secs @ 0 mph
