The 2024 Kawasaki Z500 is an upright, newcomer-friendly urban sportbike that still entertains experienced riders. It replaces the Z400, with an MSRP of $5599 for the standard model and $6299 for the SE.
A 6.8mm longer stroke takes the DOHC parallel twin to 451cc, up 52cc from the Z400. The engine debuted in the Eliminator cruiser, and it’s tuned for torque rather than revs. There’s no need to rev it out for acceleration in the city, on the freeway, or in the canyons. The crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons are new.
Torque peaks at a late 7500 rpm, which is useful for accelerating at freeway speeds and for pushing hard high in the rev range. The linear powerband holds no surprises for novices. A high-frequency buzz reaches the grips, pegs, and seat around 60 mph.
The 6-speed transmission has a beefier clutch with assist-and-slipper functions, and the lighter pull is less fatiguing in the city. Kawasaki offers no quickshifter, not even in its accessories catalog.
The trellis frame carries over from the Z400, and the fixed-damping suspension has firmer settings to suit the additional power. Only the linkage-assisted shock adjusts, for spring preload. Handling is neutral and predictable, and the Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 tires inspire confidence in new riders.
A single 310mm disc with a two-piston Nissin caliper has a soft initial bite and good power with more pressure. The rear brake, also with a two-piston Nissin caliper, has great feel for parking-lot U-turns. ABS is standard.
The compact ergonomics are comfortable, and the seat height is 30.9 inches. New styling brings a triple LED headlight, an LED taillight, and new mirror stalks. A Bluetooth-enabled LCD dash works with Kawasaki’s Rideology smartphone app.
The $700 SE upgrade adds a color TFT dash, a USB-C outlet, a chin fairing, a passenger seat cowl, frame sliders, tank protection, red wheels, and black paint with red accents. Most of those parts come from the accessories catalog, so a standard Z500 can be accessorized to taste.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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![2024 Kawasaki Z500 Buyer’s Guide [Specs, Price]](https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-kawasaki-z500-first-look-7-768x512.webp "2024 Kawasaki Z500 Buyer’s Guide [Specs, Price]")
