2024 Kawasaki Z500 vs 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3

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Scores, summary & seat (optional) Estimates and auto text from specs — open if you want them.

Technical score (estimate)

Weighted mix of power, torque, power-to-weight, top speed and lighter weight within this comparison only. Not a real-world verdict — riding style and roads matter.

Top on paper
2024 Kawasaki Z500
78.5 pts
2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3
21.5 pts

Usage fit (estimate)

Rough scores for city riding, touring, sporty riding and new riders — mix of specs and bike category. Same caveats as the technical score: traffic, skill and tyres matter.

City / commute

2024 Kawasaki Z500
42.6 pts
Best fit here
2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3
64.1 pts

Touring / long rides

Best fit here
2024 Kawasaki Z500
81.8 pts
2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3
24.2 pts

Sporty riding

Best fit here
2024 Kawasaki Z500
84.2 pts
2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3
34.5 pts

New rider friendly

2024 Kawasaki Z500
16.1 pts
Best fit here
2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3
81.3 pts

Seat height (cm)

Figures are as in the database; boots, suspension sag and road surface change how tall the bike feels.

  • 2024 Kawasaki Z500 78.5 cm Tallest seat here
  • 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3 78 cm Lowest seat here

Spread in this comparison: about 0.5 cm.

Rough guide: comfortable flat-foot reach often needs inseam roughly in the same ballpark as seat height (varies a lot by ergonomics).

Auto summary from specs

Generated from the numbers in the comparison — not a review.

  • Power spans 41.4 hp (2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3) up to 52 hp (2024 Kawasaki Z500).
  • Torque spans 29.6 Nm (2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3) up to 42.6 Nm (2024 Kawasaki Z500).
  • Weight spans 169 kg (2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3) to 181 kg (2024 Kawasaki Z500).
  • Displacement spans 300 cc (2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3) to 500 cc (2024 Kawasaki Z500).

Reader votes so far — total 2: 2024 Kawasaki Z500 (2); 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3 (0).

Specification Kawasaki Z500 YAMAHA YZF-R3
Brand KAWASAKI YAMAHA
Model Kawasaki Z500 YAMAHA YZF-R3
Engine size 500cc 300cc
Power 52hp 41.4hp
Torque 42.6nm. 29.6nm.
Cylinders / valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves
Weight 181kg 169kg
Front brake Single semi-floating disc Ø310mm Balanced actuation double piston 298mm disc w/ ABS
Rear brake Single disc Ø220mm Telescopic fork 220mm disc w/ ABS
Seat height (cm) 78.5cm 78cm
Front tyre 110/70R17 M/K 54H Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300; 110/70-17 / 140/70-17
Rear tyre 150/60R17 M/K 66H Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300; 140/70-17
Cooling Liquid cooling Liquid cooling
Front suspension Telescopic fork Ø41mm USD fork, 5.1 in. travel
Rear suspension Uni-Trak with lower link, gas-charged shock and spring preload adjustability Monocross single shock, preload adjustable; 4.9 in. travel
Motorcycle type Naked Supersport
Top speed 190km/h 190km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 14 L – 3.8 L/100km 14 L – 3.8 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $5599 $5499
Brand price lists View KAWASAKI price list View YAMAHA price list
Extra features

-Riding Modes: Road, Race

-Digital Display

-Slipper Clutch

Opinions

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2024 Kawasaki Z500 vs 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3: Which One is Better for You?

2024 Kawasaki Z500 and 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3 offer comparable performance in terms of engine capacity, but usage preferences and driving styles could influence the choice. Additionally, 2024 Kawasaki Z500, with its 52hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.

1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance

2024 Kawasaki Z500 and 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3 are close in engine capacity. 2024 Kawasaki Z500, with its 500cc, provides slightly better performance, while 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3, with its 300cc, offers a more economical and balanced option.2024 Kawasaki Z500, with its 500cc engine capacity, is ideal for users seeking high performance and acceleration. Experienced riders may prefer it for long-distance journeys.

2. Torque Power

2024 Kawasaki Z500, with its 42.6Nm torque, delivers powerful performance. A high torque value ensures superior acceleration and advantage on steep inclines. 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3, with its 29.6Nm torque, offers a more balanced ride for city use. 2024 Kawasaki Z500 is ideal for users requiring rapid acceleration. This torque value provides economical and sufficient power for city use.

3. Top Speed

2024 Kawasaki Z500 (Naked) and 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3 (Süpersport) deliver the same performance with a maximum speed of 190 km/h. In this case, it would be more logical to base your decision on the type of motorcycle and other features rather than speed.

4. Cooling System

2024 Kawasaki Z500 features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3 offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.

5. Design and Comfort

2024 Kawasaki Z500 and 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3 are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Additionally, 2024 Kawasaki Z500, with a seat height of 78.5cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3, with a seat height of 78cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.

Conclusion

2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3 emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2024 Kawasaki Z500 and 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3 offer comparable performance in terms of engine capacity. 2024 Kawasaki Z500, with higher torque, excels in rapid acceleration and steep climbs. 2024 Kawasaki Z500 and 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3 deliver identical top speed performance. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R3 stands out in terms of technical specifications and overall performance. However, depending on your riding preferences and usage needs, both models offer unique advantages.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of Kawasaki Z500 vs YAMAHA YZF-R3?

Both are listed at 190 km/h top speed in our specification data.

Which has more horsepower, Kawasaki Z500 or YAMAHA YZF-R3?

Kawasaki Z500 has 52 hp compared with 41 hp on the YAMAHA YZF-R3.

Which is better, Kawasaki Z500 or YAMAHA YZF-R3?

It depends on your riding style. Compare top speed, weight, fuel use and price in the table on this page, then vote for the bike you prefer.