Sport Tourers

1994Kawasaki GPZ 500 S

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The 1994 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S is an accessible middleweight sport bike ideal for new and returning riders seeking affordable performance. Its 498cc inline-four engine delivers 60 horsepower with responsive handling and manageable weight, making it excellent for learning sportbike techniques while remaining practical for daily commuting.

Capacity: 498.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 179.0 kg
Seat height: 775 mm
Power: 60.0 HP

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1994 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S

vs the 1993

Spec	1993	1994
Engine capacity	499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches)	498.0 ccm (30.39 cubic inches)
Power	60.00 HP	60.0 HP
Torque	—	45.1 Nm (4.6 kgf-m or 33.3 ft.lbs)
Top speed	195.0 km/h (121.2 mph)	not listed
Weight	196.0 kg (432.1 pounds)	179.0 kg (394.6 pounds)
Seat height	—	775 mm (30.5 inches)
Fuel capacity	18.00 litres (4.76 gallons)	18.00 litres (4.76 US gallons)
Rear brakes	Expanding brake	Single disc

Other years 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering62%

City riding65%

Daily riding72%

Touring58%

Two-up50%

Track35%

Best for: Designed as an accessible entry-level sport tourer for commuting, learning, and light weekend rides rather than outright performance.
Built for: A friendly, unintimidating twin with smooth midrange delivery, favoring approachable usability over aggressive sportiness.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders chasing high-speed thrills, aggressive cornering performance, or serious long-distance touring comfort.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 775mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1994 Kawasaki GPZ 500 S, with a cramped knee angle of around 65 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 498.0 ccm
Power: 60.0 HP
Torque: 45.1 Nm (4.6 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3352 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 74.0 x 58.0 mm
Compression: 10.8:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: wet plate

Dimensions & weight

Seat height: 775 mm
Dry weight: 179.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.00 litres
Reserve fuel capacity: 2.00 litres

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Rear brakes: Single disc

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1987	1991	1994	1996	2000	2004
Capacity	499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches)	499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches)	498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches)	498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches)	499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches)	498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches)
Dry weight	—	—	179.0 kg (394.6 pounds)	179.0 kg (394.6 pounds)	179.0 kg (394.6 pounds)	178.0 kg (392.4 pounds)
Seat height	—	—	775 mm (30.5 inches)	775 mm (30.5 inches)	775 mm (30.5 inches)	—
Fuel capacity	18.00 litres (4.76 gallons)	18.00 litres (4.76 gallons)	18.00 litres (4.76 gallons)	—	—	18.00 litres (4.76 gallons)
Color options	—	—	—	—	Blue, black, red	—