EX/Ninja 500 Evolution
This is the history and evolution of one of the best rate
bike under 600cc.
Paris, October 1986, Motorcycle show.
At the Kawasaki stand the unveiling of a new street motorcycle is under
way. The press awaits with anxiety the new Kawasaki 500, it is called the
GPZ 500 S. Kawasaki has done it again, a new
era is born. The bike was constructed with simple lines, good ergonomics,
with no excess weight and a hell of a good price tag.
1987 EX 500 A1.
This year the bike has a single side disk 280mm rotor with twin piston
caliper. Engine power is now 58.4 hp at 9800 rpm.
1988 EX 500 B1.
Modifications for this year are twin front disk brakes 270mm rotors with
single piston caliperFor Europe. Engine power is pump up to 60.2 hp at
9800 rpm.
1989 EX 500 B2.
No modifications.
1990 EX 500 B3.
No modifications.
1991 EX 500 B4.
No modifications.
1992 EX 500 B5.
No modifications.
1993 EX 500 B5.
No modifications.
1994 Ninja/EX 500 D1.
Kawasaki has renamed the bike to Ninja 500 and made some major alterations
to the body. Wheels are now 17'' rims, the front has a single disk 280mm
rotor with twin piston brake caliper. The European model gets double front
disk brake 280mm rotors with double piston calipers. the rear wheel gets
a disk brake 210mm rotor with single piston caliper brake. Engine power
for Canadian model is 60 hp and European model is now down to 58 hp do
to restrictive exhaust system because of the anti-pollution and noise laws.
The gear box has been shortened. Ignition is digital. Maximun speed at
maximun power is 184 km/h at 9800 rpm and maximun speed is 206 km/h at
11000 rpm.
1995 Ninja 500 .
No modifications.
1996 Ninja 500.
No modifications.
1997 Ninja 500R.
No modifications. New this year is the standard, formely optional lower
fairing.
Other more recent Kawi faves...
Zephyr
ZRX
ZZ-R
Balius
