| Engine | Kawasaki ER5 | Honda CB500 |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc | 499 cc |
| Max power | 50 hp (@9 000 RPM) | 57 hp (@9 500 RPM) |
| Max torque | 25 Nm (@7 200 RPM) | 47 Nm (@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 | 3.40 litre | 3.10 litre |
| 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 | 3.86 kg/hp | 3.39 kg/hp |
| Power to weight | 259 hp/Ton | 295 hp/Ton |
| 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 (72 km/h) | 3.461 (70 km/h) |
| 2. gear | 1.722 (108 km/h) | 2.235 (109 km/h) |
| 3. gear | 1.333 (139 km/h) | 1.75 (139 km/h) |
| 4. gear | 1.125 (165 km/h) | 1.478 (165 km/h) |
| 5. gear | 0.961 (193 km/h) | 1.28 (191 km/h) |
| 6. gear | 0.851 (218 km/h) | 1.13 (216 km/h) |
| 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 (115.00 mm travel) |
| Rear susp. | Dual shock | Twin shock adjustable, (117.00 mm travel) |