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NINJA 500

Light, Fun, Easy: The New Everyday Ninja

Our Official Bike Review

Kawasaki Ninja 500 – Performance Made Accessible

The Ninja legacy has always been about delivering true sportbike thrills, and the all-new Ninja 500 carries that torch forward with a fresh approach. This isn’t just another entry-level bike—it’s a thoughtfully engineered machine that blends genuine performance with everyday usability, wrapped in the sharp, aggressive styling that makes the Ninja name legendary.

Performance with Purpose

At the heart of the Ninja 500 sits a newly designed 451cc parallel-twin engine that delivers 33.4 kW of power and 42.6 Nm of torque. What makes this engine special isn’t just the numbers—it’s how it delivers power throughout the entire rev range. Strong low-to-mid range punch makes city riding effortless, while enough top-end power ensures confident highway passing and spirited riding when you want it. The addition of Kawasaki’s Assist & Slipper Clutch means a lighter clutch pull for easier everyday riding and reduced rear-wheel chatter during aggressive downshifts, giving you more confidence when pushing hard.

Rider-Focused Tech

The Ninja 500 features a full LCD instrument panel with smartphone connectivity, allowing you to access riding logs, display notifications, and community features. Practical touches include LED headlights for excellent visibility and a conveniently located USB-C outlet for charging devices on the go. The semi-floating 310mm front brake disc—the same size used on the legendary Ninja ZX-14R—delivers sure stopping power, with ABS available for added confidence in varied conditions.

Design: Aggression Meets Elegance

From any angle, the Ninja 500 announces its intentions. The distinctive dual headlight “face” flanked by forward-protruding spoilers creates a striking first impression. Flowing, layered bodywork moves from front to rear with purpose, while the full fairing not only looks the part but provides genuine wind protection for comfortable riding. The lightweight trellis frame—similar in design to the Ninja H2—keeps curb mass at just 171kg while maintaining the structural rigidity needed for confident handling.

Is It for You?

The Ninja 500 strikes a rare balance: it’s light and manageable enough for newer riders to build confidence, yet engaging enough to keep experienced riders entertained. The relaxed riding position and 785mm seat height with a slim profile make ground reach comfortable for a wide range of riders. Whether you’re navigating city streets, carving back roads, or commuting daily, the Ninja 500’s combination of accessible power, easy handling, and genuine Ninja presence makes it a bike you’ll be proud to own and ride every day.

Maximum Power 33.4 kW {45 PS} / 9,000 rpm Maximum Torque 42.6 Nm {4.3 kgfm} / 6,000 rpm
Engine 4-stroke Parallel Twin Displacement 451 cc
Bore x Stroke 70.0 x 58.6 mm Compression Ratio 11.3:1
Valve System DOHC, 8 valves Fuel System Fuel injection: ø32 mm x 2
Ignition Digital Starting Electric
Cooling Liquid-cooled Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump
Transmission 6-speed, return Primary Reduction Ratio 2.029 (69/34)
Gear Ratio: 1st 2.929 (41/14) Gear Ratio: 2nd 2.056 (37/18)
Gear Ratio: 3rd 1.619 (34/21) Gear Ratio: 4th 1.333 (32/24)
Gear Ratio: 5th 1.154 (30/26) Gear Ratio: 6th 1.037 (28/27)
Final Reduction Ratio 3.071 (43/14) Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive Chain
Frame Trellis, high-tensile steel Front Suspension ø41 mm telescopic fork
Rear Suspension Bottom-link Uni Trak, gas-charged shock with adjustable spring preload Front Wheel Travel 120 mm
Rear Wheel Travel 130 mm Rake 24.5°
Trail 92 mm Steering Angle (L/R) 35° / 35°
Front Tyre 110/70R17M/C 54H Rear Tyre 150/60R17M/C 66H
Front Brake/s Semi-floating ø310 mm disc Front Caliper/s Balanced actuation dual-piston
Rear Brake ø220 mm disc Rear Caliper Dual-piston
Dimensions (LxWxH) 1,995 x 730 x 1,120 mm Wheelbase 1,375 mm
Road Clearance 145 mm Seat Height 785 mm
Curb Weight* 171 kg Estimated Dry Weight** 157 kg
Fuel Capacity 14 litres

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