Kawasaki Z 500 SE 2024 vs. KTM RC 390 2015

Kawasaki Z 500 SE 2024

KTM RC 390 2015

Overview - Kawasaki Z 500 SE 2024 vs KTM RC 390 2015

Kawasaki Z 500 SE 2024

KTM RC 390 2015

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z 500 SE 2024 compared to KTM RC 390 2015

Kawasaki Z 500 SE 2024

KTM RC 390 2015

Kawasaki Z 500 SE 2024

KTM RC 390 2015

Engine and Drive Train

Bore	Bore	70 mm	Bore	89 mm
Stroke	Stroke	58.6 mm	Stroke	60 mm
Engine power	Engine power	45.4 HP	Engine power	44 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	9,000 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	9,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	42.6 Nm	Torque	35 Nm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	11.3	Compression Ratio	12.5
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	1
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	DOHC
Displacement	Displacement	451 ccm	Displacement	373.2 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Chromium-molybdenum
Frame type	Frame type	Tubular	Frame type	Tubular

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Single disk	Type	Single disk
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Four pistons

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Single piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	110 mm	Front tyre width	110 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	17 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	150 mm	Rear tyre width	150 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	60 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,375 mm	Wheelbase	1,340 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	785 mm	Seat Height	820 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	172 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	147 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	14 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	10 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A2	License compliancy	A2

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z 500 SE 2024

The Kawasaki Z500 SE is an impressive naked bike that impresses with its powerful two-cylinder engine and sporty suspension. Although the seating position for taller riders and the limited electronic Advanced Rider Assistance Systems have been criticised, the Z500 offers a sporty and fun riding experience. The smooth transmission and soft clutch contribute significantly to the riding pleasure. Overall, the Z500 is an excellent bike for those looking for an agile naked bike that stands out in its class. Finally a bike that is lightweight but doesn't look cheap and puny. Really cool!

Engine appears sufficiently dimensioned and really grown-up

Playful handling

Pleasant ergonomics for smaller riders

Balanced and firm suspension

Smooth clutch

Good stability and precise feedback

Good power in all rev ranges

Buttery smooth clutch and gearstick

Uncomfortable seating position for taller riders

Annoying vibrations from 4000 rpm - audible plastic parts reduce the feeling of value

Brakes are less sporty than the engine - be careful on long and sporty passages

Conservative ABS that intervenes too early

Display difficult to adjust - you always have to take your hand off the handlebars to fiddle with the display

Tight suspension can be uncomfortable on longer journeys

No traction control

KTM RC 390 2015

If you can afford to pay around 8,500 euros (Germany) or just under 9,000 euros (Austria) for the RC390 R and then have around 11,000 flakes left over for the SSP 300 kit, you will get world championship-ready racing goods. "Ready to Race", the name says it all, really. In this case, "Ready to win the World Championship" would almost be more accurate, because the parts kit is actually so complete and complies with the FIM regulations. KTM is doing everything it can to accommodate all those who are considering a serious entry into the racing world, especially of course all the young hopefuls out there. KTM Customer Racing, I pull my helmet! Bravo!

Never before has it been easier to get hold of a World Championship-ready racing machine.

The realisation that I will probably not become a gifted ring rider.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z 500 SE vs KTM RC 390

Price Kawasaki Z 500 SE

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices

Price KTM RC 390

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices