1987 Yamaha SR 500 vs 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 1984 - 87 | - |
| Colours | - | Candy Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black |
| Make Model | Yamaha SR 500 | - |
| Warranty | - | 12 Month Limited Warranty |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | - | 145 mm |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | - | 5.7 inches |
| Seat Height | 810 mm / 32 in | 785 mm / 30.9 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1405 mm / 55.3 in | 1369 mm / 53.9 in. |
| Height | 1155 mm / 45.5 in | 1054 mm / 41.5 in. |
| Length | - | 1989 mm / 78.3 in. |
| Width | 845 mm / 33.3 in | 800 mm / 31.5 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 158 kg / 348 lbs | - |
| Fuel Capacity | 12 Litres / 3.1 US gal | 14.00 litres / 3.70 US gallons |
| Oil Capacity | 2.4 Litres | - |
| Wet Weight | 173 kg / 381.4 lbs | 165.0 kg / 363.8 lbs |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 95 mph / 152.8 km/h | 147.0 km/h / 91.3 mph |
| Max Power | 31.5 hp / 23.5 kW @ 6500 rpm | - |
| Max Torque | 36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm | 38.0 Nm (3.9 kgf-m or 28.0 ft.lbs) @ 8000 Revolutions" |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | 15.3 sec | - |
| Engine |
| Fuel Control | - | Overhead Cams (OHC) |
| Displacement (cc) | - | 399.0 cc |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | - | 70.0 x 51.8 mm |
| Displacement (ci) | - | 24.35 cubic inches |
| Engine Type | - | Twin, four-stroke |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | - | 2.8 x 2.0 inches |
| Displacement | 499 cc / 30.4 cu-in | - |
| Engine Detail | Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder. | - |
| Bore x Stroke | 87 х 84 mm | - |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled | - |
| Fuel Consumption | 63 mpg | - |
| Fuel Induction | 34mm Mikuni VM34SS carburetor | - |
| Ignition | CDI | - |
| Starter | Kick | - |
| Valve System | - | 2 |
| Drivetrain |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain (final drive) |
| Gearbox | - | 5-speed |
| Transmission / Drive | 5 Speed | - |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Half-duplex cradle | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Suspension - Front | 35mm telescopic forks | Telescopic fork |
| Suspension - Rear | Dual shock, 5-way adjustable spring preload. | Uni-Trak® swingarm |
| Rake | 27.5° | 24.5° |
| Trail | 117 mm / 4.6 in | 94 mm / 3.7 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 150 mm / 5.9 in | 119 mm / 4.7 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 105 mm / 4.1 in | 130 mm / 5.1 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | Single 200mm disc | Single disc |
| Brakes - Rear | 150mm drum | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 3.50 S18 | 110/70-17M |
| Tyres - Rear | 4.00 S18 | - |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS
The 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS edges out the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 thanks to its lower seat height and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
1987 Yamaha SR 500 - Advantages
- 🔄More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 119 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.
2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS - Advantages
- 📏Lower seat height: 785 mm vs 810 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
- 🔄More rear wheel travel: 130 mm vs 105 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
1987 Yamaha SR 500 vs 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 and 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS?
The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 uses Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder., while the 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 or the 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS?
The 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS has the lower seat at 785 mm, making it more accessible. The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 sits higher at 810 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 or the 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS?
Both are strong choices. The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 has the edge in higher front wheel travel, while the 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS stands out for lower seat height and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.