The Kawasaki KX 500 motorcycle specifications include a 499 cc (30.45 cu in) engine and a 5-speed gearbox.
Key specifications
How the Kawasaki KX 500 compares
This compares the motorcycle with all Kawasaki models in this specifications database. The blue marker is this model and the grey line is the Kawasaki database average.
About 27% lower than the Kawasaki database average. Around the 39th percentile across Kawasaki models.
Very close to the Kawasaki database average. Around the 42nd percentile across Kawasaki models.
Kawasaki database percentile rankings
Percentiles show where this motorcycle sits across the Kawasaki specifications database. They are descriptive database rankings, not performance ratings.
499 cc — larger displacement than about 39% of Kawasaki models.
15.1 L — larger than about 42% of Kawasaki fuel tanks in this database.
Mechanical overview
Additional useful specifications
| Front tire size | -21 |
|---|---|
| Rear tire size | 130/90-19 |
| Rear tire width | 130 mm |
| Rear tire aspect ratio | 90% |
| Rear rim diameter | 19 in |
Model information
| Year released | 1987 |
|---|---|
| Category | Cross / motocross |
Engine specifications
| Engine type | Single cylinder, two-stroke |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 499 cc (30.45 cu in) |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Cooling system | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Carburettor. Keihin flat-slide |
| Fuel control | Membrane & variable discharge openings |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Starter | Kick |
| Lubrication | pre-mix |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
|---|---|
| Final drive | Chain (final drive) |
| Clutch | wet plate |
Chassis and suspension
| Frame | steel tubing, aluminum rear subframe |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | showa forks |
| Rear suspension | monoshock |
| Front wheel travel | 300 mm (11.8 inches) |
| Rear wheel travel | 330 mm (13.0 inches) |
Brakes, wheels and tires
| Front brakes | Single disc. hydraulic single piston |
|---|---|
| Rear brakes | Single disc. hydraulic single piston |
| Front tire | -21 |
| Rear tire | 130/90-19 |
Fuel and emissions
| Fuel capacity | 15.14 L (4.00 US gal) |
|---|
Other specifications
| Color options | racing green, blue seat |
|---|---|
| Exhaust system | expansion chamber |
| Comments | insanely fast, lots of excess power. |
Disclaimer: Specifications may vary by market, trim, production date and optional equipment, and scraped or historical data can contain errors. Comparison and percentile values are calculated from Kawasaki models in this specifications database. Always double-check important specifications against the motorcycle owner’s/service manual and official Kawasaki information before relying on them. Visit the official Kawasaki website.