2024 Kawasaki Z500 vs HONDA CB500F

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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 pts
HONDA CB500F
22 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
44.3 pts
Best fit here
HONDA CB500F
70.3 pts

Touring / long rides

Best fit here
2024 Kawasaki Z500
55.2 pts
HONDA CB500F
54.2 pts

Sporty riding

Best fit here
2024 Kawasaki Z500
80 pts
HONDA CB500F
33.5 pts

New rider friendly

Best fit here
2024 Kawasaki Z500
59.3 pts
HONDA CB500F
47 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 Lowest seat here
  • HONDA CB500F 79 cm Tallest 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 47 hp (HONDA CB500F) up to 52 hp (2024 Kawasaki Z500).
  • Torque spans 42.6 Nm (2024 Kawasaki Z500) up to 43 Nm (HONDA CB500F).
  • Weight spans 181 kg (2024 Kawasaki Z500) to 188 kg (HONDA CB500F).
  • Engine sizes are very close.

Reader votes so far — total 6: 2024 Kawasaki Z500 (2); HONDA CB500F (4).

Specification Kawasaki Z500 HONDA CB500F
Brand KAWASAKI HONDA
Model Kawasaki Z500 HONDA CB500F
Engine size 500cc 500cc
Power 52hp 47hp
Torque 42.6nm. 43nm.
Cylinders / valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves
Weight 181kg 188kg
Front brake Single semi-floating disc Ø310mm Balanced actuation double piston Dual 295mm discs with four-piston calipers; ABS
Rear brake Single disc Ø220mm Telescopic fork Single 240mm disc, ABS
Seat height (cm) 78.5cm 79cm
Front tyre 110/70R17 M/K 54H 120/70R-17 radial
Rear tyre 150/60R17 M/K 66H 160/60-17 radial
Cooling Liquid cooling Liquid cooling
Front suspension Telescopic fork Ø41mm 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork; 4.7-inch travel
Rear suspension Uni-Trak with lower link, gas-charged shock and spring preload adjustability Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring-preload adjustability; 4.7-inch travel
Motorcycle type Naked Naked
Top speed 190km/h 185km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 14 L – 3.8 L/100km 17 L – 4 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $5599 $6799
Brand price lists View KAWASAKI price list View HONDA price list
Extra features

-SLIPPER ASSIST CLUTCH, LCD screen

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2024 Kawasaki Z500 vs 2023 HONDA CB500F: listed specifications

The 2024 Kawasaki Z500 and 2023 HONDA CB500F are closely matched in torque and displacement, while the Z500 has more peak power, and a lower listed weight.

Engine displacement

Z500 and CB500F have very similar engine displacement (500 cc vs 500 cc).

Peak power

Z500 has a modest listed power advantage (52 hp vs 47 hp).

Torque

Z500 and CB500F have very similar listed torque (42.6 Nm vs 43 Nm).

Listed top speed

Z500 and CB500F have very similar listed top speeds (190 km/h vs 185 km/h).

Cooling

Both motorcycles are listed as liquid-cooled.

Weight and seat height

Z500 has a modest listed weight advantage (181 kg vs 188 kg). Z500 and CB500F have very similar seat heights (78.5 cm vs 79 cm).

Conclusion

The measurable differences are therefore concentrated in peak power and weight, while displacement, torque, listed top speed and seat height remain relatively close.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of Kawasaki Z500 vs HONDA CB500F?

Kawasaki Z500 is listed at 190 km/h (118 mph) vs 185 km/h (115 mph) for HONDA CB500F.

Which has more horsepower, Kawasaki Z500 or HONDA CB500F?

Kawasaki Z500 has 52 hp compared with 47 hp on the HONDA CB500F.

Which is lighter, Kawasaki Z500 or HONDA CB500F?

Kawasaki Z500 is lighter at 181 kg vs 188 kg for HONDA CB500F.

Which is better, Kawasaki Z500 or HONDA CB500F?

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.