At that time, one of the most powerful 500cc motorcycles was the Kawasaki Ninja 500R (also known as the Kawasaki EX500), which was renowned for its performance.
The Kawasaki Ninja 500R featured a liquid-cooled 498cc parallel-twin engine, capable of producing around 60 horsepower. It had a sporty design, aerodynamic fairings, and was popular among riders seeking a balance between performance and affordability.