| Engine | Kawasaki ER5 | Honda CB500 |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc | 499 cc |
| Max power | 50 hp (@9 000 RPM) | 57 hp (@9 500 RPM) |
| Max torque | 18 lb ft (@7 200 RPM) | 34 lb ft (@8 000 RPM) |
| Redline | 10 500 RPM | 10 500 RPM |
| Idling speed | 1 200 RPM | 1 500 RPM |
| Management | Carburetor | Carburetor |
| Layout | DOHC Inline-2 | DOHC Inline-2 |
| Compression | 9.80:1 | 10.50:1 |
| Oil capacity | 3.22 quart | 2.93 quart |
| Oil type | 10W40 | 10W40, Motul 5100, Shell Rotella 10W40 |
| Spark plug type | NGK DR9EA, DENSO X27ESR-U | NGK CR8EH9 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Valves | 8 | 8 |
| Bore | 74.0 mm | 73.0 mm |
| Stroke | 58.0 mm | 59.0 mm |
| Weight to power | 8.51 lbs/hp | 7.46 lbs/hp |
| Power to weight | 293 hp/2500lbs | 334 hp/2500lbs |
| Battery type | 12V 10Ah |
| Gearbox | Kawasaki ER5 | Honda CB500 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Sequential | Sequential |
| Clutch | Wet | Wet |
| Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Chain type | ||
| Gears count | 6 | 6 |
| Primary ratio | 2.652 | 1.947 |
| Final drive | 2.47 | 2.666 |
| 1. gear | 2.571 (45 mph) | 3.461 (43 mph) |
| 2. gear | 1.722 (67 mph) | 2.235 (68 mph) |
| 3. gear | 1.333 (86 mph) | 1.75 (86 mph) |
| 4. gear | 1.125 (102 mph) | 1.478 (102 mph) |
| 5. gear | 0.961 (120 mph) | 1.28 (119 mph) |
| 6. gear | 0.851 (135 mph) | 1.13 (134 mph) |
| Chasis | Kawasaki ER5 | Honda CB500 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame type | Steel cradle frame | Double cradle of tubular and box-section steel construction |
| Front susp. | Fork | 37mm Telescopic forks (4.53 in travel) |
| Rear susp. | Dual shock | Twin shock adjustable, (4.61 in travel) |