Love the specs and looks of this bike. Plus the new dash. I just got home from buying a 23 Z400. Hope it turns out to be a great bike. Got a good deal on it. Great review as always Peter!
You'll love the Z400 too. I'm happy this bike is out, I think they did a great job with it, but the existence of this bike doesn't make your bike any less fun. You'll have a blast with it!
Thanks so much! I really appreciate your kind words! The best compliment you can give is to subscribe! No pressure, but I will be posting more videos on this bike and the Ninja 500 soon too.
This review was very well needed for myself as I'm looking at buying a Z500 in the next few weeks and only had Z400 videos to watch. Thank you very much 🙏
I hate that companies are allowed to purposely misname a product just so that it looks better. It should be called the z450 but it would never sell because it doesn't look like a big enough jump to justify price from the z400. Honda does it too and I just dont get it.
I drive a Z900RS SE. It's actually a 948 cc bike. The Ninja 1000 is actually a 1043 cc. Other brands do the same thing. The name is just a name. It's up to customers (and often insurance companies) to be aware of the engine size. The flip side is that the Ninja 400 made basically as much power as Honda's 500 and the Ninja was lighter. The 451cc engine in this bike easily competes with other 500's on the market. Engine size tells us very little these days. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 has about half the horsepower of my Kawasaki 900. The Z900 makes more horsepower than my Z900RS despite sharing an engine. So engine size alone doesn't explain what class the bike is in.
I'm considering getting ninja 500 se, but I am not sure which one would be better for beginner rider, especially driving position since I don't plan to use it for anything other than daily commuting.
Another great video awesome! Can't wait for my Anniversary edition. Do you happen to know if the power and revs are limited during the break in period? Thanks.
For this model? No. But the owner's manual will recommend the break in procedure. I haven't read the latest manual yet, so I'm not positive on the exact procedure that they recommend.
@@philp7012 I'm assuming that the tach can be set, or will be set to either change colours or flash if you go beyond the preset rev limiter. That's what this dash does with other bikes, but I'll have to dig into things to be 100% positive. Thanks again for watching.
Does this mean essentially the z400 and ninja 400 will be discontinued??? Doesn't make sense having 3 engine power models (400, 500 and 650) so close together
Not at all! This is a great bike for someone like me! I used to own a Ninja 500 back when it was a heavier, poorer handing bike in the 1990s. I'd love to have a bike like this now!
So, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 became the 600, and then the 650. The 250 became the 300, and then 400, which is now the 500…..I’m either having déjà vu or we’ve come full circle 😆!
Haha. Yeah. I owned a Ninja 500 back in the day. It was the alternative to the 250. The 500 had more power, but was less nimble. The new 500 is just as nimble as the old 250 and just as fast (or faster) than the old 500. It's both progress, and full circle!
45 hp crank naked avg z500 most likely be close to 50 hp at crank so for such power level and avg drag for such naked 0,5 with rider max lying down in avg test codntition on level tarmac no wind avg temp correct tire pressure asf it be around 170 km/h +/- 5 gps so speedo 180+/-5 most likely small rider in full race suit decrease drag be able probably reach gps 180 km/h or even sloghtly exceed 180 km/h gps 😉👌🏻so egzacly the same as z400 👌🏻☕️
@@PeterLoweOnenot really according to tech spec it makes the same topend power so in drag race at the same drag weight and drive train losess those bike 👉🏻 z400 vs z500 will go head to head 🤭🤷🏻♂️ the only diffrences be that z500 will always work on lower rpm thanks couple more ccc and couple more nm torque hold z400 on 10000 rpm vs z500 on 8000-9000 rpm whatever (idint seen yet dyno graph) and they will go head to head ☝🏻☕️z500 go better only if yous etup soem silly regulation like ups on each at 7 k rpm than yea z500 will go better cos it males more power at the same rpm the point is rider on z400 will not use the dame rpm cos hees power graph is diffrent in regard to rpm it geenrate the same power but at higher rpm so as long as z400 rider will hold this lilhigher rpm it will not stand behinde z 500 wemeber dispalcement and tprque is BS when it comes to force at back whell whcih accelerate bike forward vs power is real deal at prfect gearing 😎👌🏻☝🏻which one i wpuld buy ? well whatever like for me but as fun of lil lower than lil higher rpm most likely 500 👌🏻☕️
@@PeterLoweOneyet they claim45 hp at 9000 rpm vs z400 45 hp at 10000-11000 rpm so what is worth they words? 🤭🤷🏻♂️ they always can say more power at the same lower rpm than it be true but in top end so when ypu drag race both they have the same claimed power and they will go head to head at the same rider weight position no error from both side asf 👌🏻….and if z400 will have 49 hp like it have really when they measured it on dyno at crank and z500 will not have more than claimed 45 hp (but it most likely also will have close to 50 hp like z400) than z400 beat z500 in a drag race 🤭👌🏻☝🏻☕️ honda once claim that honda nc 700 will accelerate faster than hpnda cbf 600 from 0to 140 km/h 🤭😂🤣🫣(offcorse cbf 600 kill nc 700 in 0-140 km/h compettiion test 12 vs 7 sec +/- and they egzacly know its BS all the way but still let go such bs information from some reason 🤷🏻♂️ 👌🏻how you can win drag 0-140 km/h having. only 47-50 hp under seat against cbf 78 hp in similar bike weight asf 🤷🏻♂️🤭 dosent matter what you do with gearing up or down and dosent matter nc 700 have more lowend torque good rider on cbf 600 win 0-140 km/h drag race each time 100 from 100 times 👌🏻☝🏻😂🤷🏻♂️☕️) so what 🤷🏻♂️ i can claim i weight more than blue whale 😎👌🏻but….in real hmmmm 🤔…..welll forcemeter show that 🤔yea….NOT REALLY 🤐 actually not even close 🫣☕️
Nothing announced. We'll see if they make one in the future, but I don't expect one in North America. Kawasaki has a pretty robust small displacement lineup with the Z, Ninja, Eliminator and ZX-4RR.
Kawasaki is happy to offer that to you just up the line from this. I'm happy with how this bike is equipped. It doesn't have exceptional amounts of power, so outside of rain or low traction surfaces, you won't need traction control, and why do you want upside down forks? Will the average rider of this bike feel the difference? Again, I think it's equipped well for the price, and for the class.
@@morishima65 The RS 457 is in a different class. It's closer to the Ninja ZX-4R than to the Ninja 500. The CBR has the suspension, but the engine and handling don't measure up to the Ninja 500 in my opinion. At the end of the day, Kawasaki made the decision to equip this bike as is, and based on the stellar sales numbers of the Ninja 400, and even better reputation of that bike, it's hard to argue with their decisions. I fully expect the Ninja 500 to continue to sell extremely well for Kawasaki. I don't think the added expense of upside down forks would be a noticeable difference to the target market for this bike.
Hey I’m a new rider just got my motorcycle license I’m 28 and 6’3 I’m debating between a z500 or a ninja 500 can you tell me what you’d recommend I even love the duke 390 but like the 500’s for the added power and don’t want to regret a smaller bike and need to upgrade .. PLEASE HELP JUST want someone else’s input who’s well informed! Thanks 🙏🏻
Hi Peter, good to see you back. 😊
Love the specs and looks of this bike. Plus the new dash. I just got home from buying a 23 Z400. Hope it turns out to be a great bike. Got a good deal on it. Great review as always Peter!
You'll love the Z400 too. I'm happy this bike is out, I think they did a great job with it, but the existence of this bike doesn't make your bike any less fun. You'll have a blast with it!
Cool review of the Z500 SE, thanks! Looking forward to the Ninja 500 review in the future too. This is a cool looking bike.
I'll have that Ninja 500 review up as soon as I see it. Shouldn't be too long now.
@@PeterLoweOne Thanks Peter, keep up the great, helpful reviews!
Very helpful review, last week i ordered mine, very excited for the bike
You do a great job with these reviews
Thanks so much! I really appreciate your kind words! The best compliment you can give is to subscribe! No pressure, but I will be posting more videos on this bike and the Ninja 500 soon too.
@@PeterLoweOne I've been subbed for a while now. Looking forward to it!
I’m anxiously waiting in Kentucky. We don’t have them yet. This will be my bike as soon as I get the chance. Great review as always.
Thanks for watching! You won't be disappointed. Kawasaki did a great job with this one!
The sooner the better!
Just picked up this bike , hoping it's an easy ride since I'm fairly new at driving a motorcycle
I think you chose a great bike for a new rider! Have fun! Take your time to learn, but enjoy every minute!
Noob alert, look out !
Hey there! Did you get the bike?
Awesome job, love your videos, very detailed and nice. Do you plan on doing Suzukis new GSXR-8R?
Yes. As soon as I get to see that bike, I'll review it. I'm looking forward to seeing that one too!
USB charge is by the left front fork (@ front headlamp level)
This review was very well needed for myself as I'm looking at buying a Z500 in the next few weeks and only had Z400 videos to watch. Thank you very much 🙏
Thanks so much for watching! Feel free to subscribe! I have more planned for this bike and the Ninja.
Is the green SE version for Canada only? Have only seen SE in Red in the US, and green on standard version
Same I want a green se version
@@dalepack2347 honestly i caved and got the red SE. No regrets, perfect first bike, dealer even gave me a nice deal
Thanks! Strongly considering this one
This has a good power to weight ration for what it is it should zip along nicely. The red looks better to me personally
I hate that companies are allowed to purposely misname a product just so that it looks better. It should be called the z450 but it would never sell because it doesn't look like a big enough jump to justify price from the z400. Honda does it too and I just dont get it.
I drive a Z900RS SE. It's actually a 948 cc bike. The Ninja 1000 is actually a 1043 cc. Other brands do the same thing. The name is just a name. It's up to customers (and often insurance companies) to be aware of the engine size.
The flip side is that the Ninja 400 made basically as much power as Honda's 500 and the Ninja was lighter. The 451cc engine in this bike easily competes with other 500's on the market. Engine size tells us very little these days. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 has about half the horsepower of my Kawasaki 900. The Z900 makes more horsepower than my Z900RS despite sharing an engine. So engine size alone doesn't explain what class the bike is in.
What are the major differences between the z400 and the z500. They look very close
I do talk about this in the video. I'll do a direct comparison in the future.
@@PeterLoweOne 😂😂
I'm considering getting ninja 500 se, but I am not sure which one would be better for beginner rider, especially driving position since I don't plan to use it for anything other than daily commuting.
The exhaust feet thing isn't really an issue i have big feet . Most of us get aftermarket exhausts anyway so less in our way and louder 😂
Nice job I would buy it just for the wheels. Have you done any new reviews on campers.
I'll get back to doing campers soon. I need the weather to turn, and we're almost there.
Another great video awesome! Can't wait for my Anniversary edition. Do you happen to know if the power and revs are limited during the break in period? Thanks.
For this model? No. But the owner's manual will recommend the break in procedure. I haven't read the latest manual yet, so I'm not positive on the exact procedure that they recommend.
@@PeterLoweOne I appreciate you! Thanks again.
@@philp7012 I'm assuming that the tach can be set, or will be set to either change colours or flash if you go beyond the preset rev limiter. That's what this dash does with other bikes, but I'll have to dig into things to be 100% positive. Thanks again for watching.
New headlight looks so good
I agree. The entire bike looks more modern.
can't wait for the ninja comparison
Is the seat height comfortable for a 5’5 person?
I would think so. It's definitely worth trying.
The SE model in the US is red, and is green in most all other areas
Yeah, I film in Canada.
Does the tank have like a matte finish?
A little bit, yeah.
@@PeterLoweOne satin
any chance to review the cfmoto 450mt?
I'm looking for a CF Moto connection. I'll try to review their stuff soon.
@@PeterLoweOneYes please!
Does this mean essentially the z400 and ninja 400 will be discontinued??? Doesn't make sense having 3 engine power models (400, 500 and 650) so close together
Correct, the Z500 is replacing the Z400, and the Ninja 500 is replacing the Ninja 400
Yup. The 400's are gone replaced by this 451cc engine which is marketed as a 500.
Greeting from Australia.
Im 190cm so it may be a tight fit
Probably... you might want a Z650 instead? It's hard for me to know for sure.
How much does it weight
healthy. how do you think the engine is, isn't it small for a driver of your height?
Not at all! This is a great bike for someone like me! I used to own a Ninja 500 back when it was a heavier, poorer handing bike in the 1990s. I'd love to have a bike like this now!
@@PeterLoweOne I really can't go wrong with this bike. I also like the KTM duke 390, but I think that this one is a little bigger
I didn’t know that Kawasaki makes a 500 engine
Good day sir peter,i taught there is a USB c port the Z500 SE version?
I address that in the video, nearer to the end.
I mean i didnt see the usb c port here in your video,
Thanks for the update
So, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 became the 600, and then the 650. The 250 became the 300, and then 400, which is now the 500…..I’m either having déjà vu or we’ve come full circle 😆!
Haha. Yeah. I owned a Ninja 500 back in the day. It was the alternative to the 250. The 500 had more power, but was less nimble. The new 500 is just as nimble as the old 250 and just as fast (or faster) than the old 500. It's both progress, and full circle!
Are the specs, the same on a US bike versus the Canadian bike?
Yup. Specs will match exactly. Can't promise colours or accessories will be the exact same.
@@PeterLoweOne can’t wait for you to review the Z 500 as I won’t be able to afford the SE edition. Thank you for your quick reply.
How much top speed?
45 hp crank naked avg z500 most likely be close to 50 hp at crank so for such power level and avg drag for such naked 0,5 with rider max lying down in avg test codntition on level tarmac no wind avg temp correct tire pressure asf it be around 170 km/h +/- 5 gps so speedo 180+/-5 most likely small rider in full race suit decrease drag be able probably reach gps 180 km/h or even sloghtly exceed 180 km/h gps 😉👌🏻so egzacly the same as z400 👌🏻☕️
Cuantos hp tiene ?
Saludos desde Argentina
Does this have Kipass?
The Ninja 500 SE does, the Z500 SE does not. (At least here in Canada where I film)
@@PeterLoweOne Thanks again!
Will the z500 have better performance than the z400
Yup. It has more power everywhere with no real weight penalty.
@@PeterLoweOnenot really according to tech spec it makes the same topend power so in drag race at the same drag weight and drive train losess those bike 👉🏻 z400 vs z500 will go head to head 🤭🤷🏻♂️ the only diffrences be that z500 will always work on lower rpm thanks couple more ccc and couple more nm torque hold z400 on 10000 rpm vs z500 on 8000-9000 rpm whatever (idint seen yet dyno graph) and they will go head to head ☝🏻☕️z500 go better only if yous etup soem silly regulation like ups on each at 7 k rpm than yea z500 will go better cos it males more power at the same rpm the point is rider on z400 will not use the dame rpm cos hees power graph is diffrent in regard to rpm it geenrate the same power but at higher rpm so as long as z400 rider will hold this lilhigher rpm it will not stand behinde z 500 wemeber dispalcement and tprque is BS when it comes to force at back whell whcih accelerate bike forward vs power is real deal at prfect gearing 😎👌🏻☝🏻which one i wpuld buy ? well whatever like for me but as fun of lil lower than lil higher rpm most likely 500 👌🏻☕️
@@mociczyczki Kawasaki's own material says that it makes more power. I'm using their information.
@@PeterLoweOneyet they claim45 hp at 9000 rpm vs z400 45 hp at 10000-11000 rpm so what is worth they words? 🤭🤷🏻♂️ they always can say more power at the same lower rpm than it be true but in top end so when ypu drag race both they have the same claimed power and they will go head to head at the same rider weight position no error from both side asf 👌🏻….and if z400 will have 49 hp like it have really when they measured it on dyno at crank and z500 will not have more than claimed 45 hp (but it most likely also will have close to 50 hp like z400) than z400 beat z500 in a drag race 🤭👌🏻☝🏻☕️ honda once claim that honda nc 700 will accelerate faster than hpnda cbf 600 from 0to 140 km/h 🤭😂🤣🫣(offcorse cbf 600 kill nc 700 in 0-140 km/h compettiion test 12 vs 7 sec +/- and they egzacly know its BS all the way but still let go such bs information from some reason 🤷🏻♂️ 👌🏻how you can win drag 0-140 km/h having. only 47-50 hp under seat against cbf 78 hp in similar bike weight asf 🤷🏻♂️🤭 dosent matter what you do with gearing up or down and dosent matter nc 700 have more lowend torque good rider on cbf 600 win 0-140 km/h drag race each time 100 from 100 times 👌🏻☝🏻😂🤷🏻♂️☕️) so what 🤷🏻♂️ i can claim i weight more than blue whale 😎👌🏻but….in real hmmmm 🤔…..welll forcemeter show that 🤔yea….NOT REALLY 🤐 actually not even close 🫣☕️
Moto Maravilhosa. ❤
This bike is the fastest beginner tike
No rs version? If not, it's okay. Bought the Z650rs anyway. 🏍️
Nothing announced. We'll see if they make one in the future, but I don't expect one in North America. Kawasaki has a pretty robust small displacement lineup with the Z, Ninja, Eliminator and ZX-4RR.
No tcs no usd forks :(
Kawasaki is happy to offer that to you just up the line from this. I'm happy with how this bike is equipped. It doesn't have exceptional amounts of power, so outside of rain or low traction surfaces, you won't need traction control, and why do you want upside down forks? Will the average rider of this bike feel the difference? Again, I think it's equipped well for the price, and for the class.
@@PeterLoweOne 2024 cbr 500r and rs457 has a tcs and usd forks then why doesn't kawasaki have it?
@@morishima65 The RS 457 is in a different class. It's closer to the Ninja ZX-4R than to the Ninja 500. The CBR has the suspension, but the engine and handling don't measure up to the Ninja 500 in my opinion. At the end of the day, Kawasaki made the decision to equip this bike as is, and based on the stellar sales numbers of the Ninja 400, and even better reputation of that bike, it's hard to argue with their decisions. I fully expect the Ninja 500 to continue to sell extremely well for Kawasaki. I don't think the added expense of upside down forks would be a noticeable difference to the target market for this bike.
No way
way !
Hey I’m a new rider just got my motorcycle license I’m 28 and 6’3 I’m debating between a z500 or a ninja 500 can you tell me what you’d recommend I even love the duke 390 but like the 500’s for the added power and don’t want to regret a smaller bike and need to upgrade .. PLEASE HELP JUST want someone else’s input who’s well informed! Thanks 🙏🏻
👊🏼
What is that thing
motorcycle
@@BranGrizz 😂😂
Skip the first minute or two waste of time
This bike is too powerful for you .
@@leeinwis your mom
@@user-xg2dk7ff2k nah your daddy 🤭
wish I could have gotten a skip notice for your comment
The bullshit Bluetooth flashing is so annoying and unnecessary
My guess is that it will stop when the engine starts. All the warning lights stay on when I film like this.