The Kawasaki Z500 is a brand-new addition to Kawasaki’s popular Z series. It replaces the older Z400 and offers a bigger engine, aggressive styling, and updated features. Designed for riders who want a balance of daily practicality and sporty performance, the Z500 is set to attract young enthusiasts in India. In this article, we’ll cover the Kawasaki Z500 price in India, launch date, specs, top speed, mileage, features, and how it compares to rivals in 2025.
Kawasaki Z500 Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Kawasaki Z500 is a 451cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that produces around 47 horsepower and 42 Nm torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and features an assist & slipper clutch for smooth performance. The Z500 engine is Euro5 and BS6 Phase 2 compliant, making it environment-friendly and future-ready. Riders can expect strong low-end torque and refined power delivery, perfect for both city commutes and weekend highway rides.
Kawasaki Z500 Top Speed & Mileage
The Kawasaki Z500 is not just about style, it also packs good performance. The bike can achieve a top speed of around 170–180 km/h, which makes it suitable for both highway cruising and spirited rides. Despite being performance-oriented, the Z500 delivers a mileage of 26–28 km/l, making it fuel-efficient for a mid-segment streetfighter. This combination of performance and efficiency is one of the key reasons why the Z500 will be popular among Indian riders.
Kawasaki Z500 Design & Styling
The design of the Kawasaki Z500 follows the company’s Sugomi styling language, which is sharp, muscular, and aggressive. The bike features an angular LED headlamp, bold tank shrouds, and a sleek tail section. It looks like a scaled-down version of the Kawasaki Z900, giving it a big-bike feel at an affordable price. The Z500 will be offered in sporty dual-tone color options like Metallic Spark Black and Candy Lime Green, ensuring it turns heads wherever it goes.
Kawasaki Z500 Features & Technology
The Kawasaki Z500 is equipped with modern features to enhance the riding experience. It comes with a full-digital TFT instrument cluster, smartphone connectivity with the Kawasaki Rideology app, and full LED lighting. Rider aids include dual-channel ABS, assist & slipper clutch, and riding modes in higher trims. The Z500 also offers USB charging ports and navigation support, making it practical for long rides as well as city commuting.
Kawasaki Z500 Suspension & Brakes
For handling and comfort, the Kawasaki Z500 comes with a telescopic front fork and a rear monoshock. While not as advanced as upside-down forks, this setup ensures a balance of affordability and performance. The bike uses dual disc brakes at the front and a single rear disc, supported by dual-channel ABS. This provides reliable braking performance in all conditions. Kawasaki has tuned the suspension for city comfort while maintaining stability at higher speeds.
Kawasaki Z500 Price in India
The Kawasaki Z500 is expected to launch in India by late 2025, with an estimated ex-showroom price between ₹5.1 lakh and ₹5.5 lakh. Positioned in the premium entry-level streetfighter category, it will appeal to riders upgrading from 250cc or 300cc bikes who want more performance without stretching into the Z650’s higher price bracket.
Powered by a 451cc parallel-twin engine, the Z500 is designed to carry the iconic Z family DNA while being more accessible in terms of pricing. In the Indian market, it is likely to compete with models such as the KTM Duke 390, Yamaha MT-03, and the upcoming Honda CB500 range.
With its aggressive styling, sharp ergonomics, and a balanced mix of performance and affordability, the Kawasaki Z500 India price makes it a strong option for enthusiasts seeking a step-up motorcycle in 2025.
Kawasaki Z500 Launch Date in India
The Kawasaki Z500 made its global debut in 2024, and the India launch is expected by early 2025. Kawasaki India is focusing on bringing new models to expand its lineup, and the Z500 will play a key role in the middleweight segment. Initially, it will be available in select Kawasaki showrooms across metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune. Bookings may open a few weeks before the official launch.
Kawasaki Z500 Rivals & Competition
In the Indian market, the Kawasaki Z500 will compete against bikes like the KTM Duke 390, Honda CB500F, Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, and Benelli 502C. While each of these bikes has its unique strengths, the Z500 offers a balanced mix of power, styling, and Kawasaki’s brand value. It is also positioned as a step-up option for riders moving from smaller-capacity bikes to mid-segment streetfighters.
Kawasaki Z500 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- New 451cc parallel-twin engine with refined performance
- Aggressive Z-family styling (Sugomi design)
- Good mileage (26–28 km/l) for its class
- TFT display with smartphone connectivity
- Affordable compared to bigger Z-series bikes
Cons:
- No USD forks in base variant
- Performance lower than KTM Duke 490/500
- Limited Kawasaki service network in smaller cities
Kawasaki Z500 Latest Updates
The Kawasaki Z500 was first showcased at EICMA 2023 and has now entered international markets. The Indian launch is almost confirmed for 2025. Reports suggest that Kawasaki might also offer an “SE” (Special Edition) version with additional features like USD forks and upgraded brakes. The bike has received positive feedback globally for its sharp design and balanced performance, making it one of the most awaited mid-segment bikes in India.
Conclusion – Should You Buy Kawasaki Z500?
If you are a rider looking for a stylish, fuel-efficient, and powerful streetfighter in the ₹5–6 lakh range, the Kawasaki Z500 is a great choice. It offers big-bike looks, modern features, and the reliability of Kawasaki engineering. While it may not be as aggressive as KTM in terms of performance, it balances comfort, style, and efficiency. For Indian riders planning to upgrade to a premium motorcycle in 2025, the Kawasaki Z500 is worth waiting for.