The Kawasaki Ninja 500R, also known as the GPZ 500S, was a sports motorcycle manufactured from 1987 until 2009 when it was replaced by the Kawasaki Ninja 650R. The bike was powered by a parallel-twin engine and was part of the Ninja series in Kawasaki's range.
The bike received a major revision in 1994 that included changes, such as larger 17-inch wheels with wider tires, a redesigned front and rear fairing, a redesigned instrument cluster and dials, a new brake disc that replaced the drum unit previously used, and a firmer suspension system.
It also gained modifications in the engine department, such as a revised alternator for better reliability. In addition, the Cam Chain Tensioner (CCT), flywheel, and transmission were easily installable with minimal modifications to fit any first-generation model made between 1987 and 1993.
In 2007, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Kawasaki EX 500R Ninja (GPZ 500S), a bike that packed standard features, such as a bikini fairing, an engine spoiler, a one-piece dual seat with a passenger grab rail, a dual exhaust system with a silencer on each side, and three-spoke aluminum wheels.
Underneath its fuel tank, the 2007 Kawasaki EX 500R Ninja (GPZ 500S) had installed a 498cc four-stroke parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 60 hp at 9,800 rpm and 46 Nm (34 lb-ft) torque at 8,500 rpm.