Kawasaki Z550 vs Suzuki Gs500
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Kawasaki Z550 vs Suzuki Gs500. Kawasaki Z550: 50 hp @ 9,000 rpm hp, 209 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.5/10. Suzuki Gs500: 45 hp @ 9,000 rpm hp, 185 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.5/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Kawasaki Z550
Suzuki Gs500
Horsepower (hp)
50 hp
45 hp
Torque (Nm)
47 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
209 kg
185 kg
Type
Naked
Naked
Horsepower
50 hp @ 9,000 rpm
45 hp @ 9,000 rpm
Torque
47 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
44 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h
175 km/h
Weight
209 kg (wet/curb weight)
185 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical real-world average)
3.8 L/100km or approximately 26 km/L
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Kawasaki Z550
7.5/10
"Underrated classic twin that rewards patient, mechanically sympathetic owners."
Pros
+Bulletproof engine longevity
+Smooth predictable power delivery
+Light nimble handling
Cons
−Ageing suspension needs refreshing
−Parts availability increasingly patchy
−Carbs need meticulous attention
Suzuki Gs500
7.5/10
"The smartest, most sensible used motorcycle under two grand."
Pros
+Nearly indestructible engine
+Dirt-cheap running costs
+Forgiving but still teachable
Cons
−Suspension is genuinely soft
−Brakes feel dated
−Zero excitement factor
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
