The Z500 is now getting a little extra spice with a special Sugomi Edition—available only in France. While the Kawasaki Z500 Sugomi Edition is a looker, I’m not totally in love with this bike. I wanted to see a bit more in terms of upgrades.
The Kawasaki Z500 Sugomi Edition is Great Looking, But Not All That New
Sugomi isn’t new; it first showed up with the 2014 Z1000, a bike that looked like it was ready to pounce. With its predator-like headlights and muscular tank, the Z1000 set the standard for Kawasaki’s fierce naked bikes.
So, what’s special about the Z500 Sugomi Edition? Well, it’s mostly skin-deep. Special graphics give the bike a more dynamic, aggressive stance, like it’s in motion even when parked. Otherwise, it has the same tame, reliable parallel-twin engine, and while that’s great for beginners, it lacks the punch to match its fierce new look.
The Z1000’s Sugomi styling was groundbreaking back in 2014, combining stunning looks with superb performance. The Z500 Sugomi, however, feels like an old platform wrapped in fresh paint—which is exactly what’s going on here.
In today’s crowded entry-level market, with bikes like Aprilia’s RS 457 and CFMoto’s 450 NK pushing boundaries with advanced engines and performance, Kawasaki risks falling behind.
Sure, the Z500 Sugomi Edition is sharp, but Kawasaki needs more than a fresh coat of paint to stay competitive. It’s time for the brand to bring some serious upgrades to the table, or risk getting left in the dust.
Source: Kawasaki France
