A neat piece of kit

Today, more than ever, a motorcycle is a practical way to get around instead of adding yet another car to the thousands already there. A popular model in the Kawasaki line that has been amped-up in its latest form, the Z500 is a handy, frisky motorcycle around town, and quite capable on open roads. What used to be a 399cc ‘400’ is now a 451cc ‘500’, and there is a decent boost in horsepower and torque to go with the new badges.

There is also new bodywork, so the Z500 has an updated appearance as well, but Kawasaki refer to the Z500 as the Naked Bike in a range of three that includes the Ninja 500 (with fairing) and the cruiser style Eliminator. All are LAMS approved. I usually find bikes of this size a bit cramped, but the Z500 was fine, although I needed all of the seat space. Like so many modern bikes, the pillion seat and the high-mounted passenger footrests provide minimal accommodation, but at least it’s there if you need it. But primarily, this is a solo (rider only) motorcycle, and it’s fun to ride. The standard tapered tubular steel handlebars seem to be wide enough and about the right height for me. The parallel twin DOHC engine…

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Old Bike Australasia (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue 118

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