Kawasaki now offers a new option for mid-displacement sportbike riders in the Ninja 500, the latest in a platform evolution that began with the Ninja 250 and progressed through the 300 and 400. The 500 is available in several configurations, which are listed below along with MSRPs.
Kawasaki offers midsize sportbike riders a new option in 2024 with the Ninja 500. (Kawasaki/)
Ninja 500: $5,299
Ninja 500 KRT Edition: $5,499
Ninja 500 ABS: $5,699–$5,899
Ninja 500 SE ABS: $6,399
Ninja 500 KRT Edition SE ABS: $6,399
Ninja 500 SE 40th Anniversary Edition ABS: $6,599
If you’re familiar and amenable with the Ninja 400, you’ll be pleased to know that the 500 is essentially the same machine packaged with a new 451cc parallel-twin engine. That 52cc bump comes by way of a 6.8mm-longer stroke and updated compression ratio. It has a new crankshaft, con-rods, pistons, and updated hard alumite piston treatment. Kawasaki is touting 51 hp at 10,000 rpm for the new mill and 31.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,500 rpm.
Kawasaki increased stroke and updated several components to create the new 451cc parallel-twin engine. (Kawasaki/)
Apart from the increase in engine capacity and the accompanying modifications required to dial the powerplant, the 500 is a near carbon copy of the 400 mechanically. It has the same 41mm fork with 4.7 inches travel and horizontal back-link shock. Braking specs are the same, as are seat height, fuel capacity, rake and trail, frame design, fueling, and the six-speed gearbox.
The new Ninja 500 gets an updated LCD dash and more comfortable seat. (Kawasaki/)
In terms of creature comforts, the 500 does have some amenities that the 400 lacks. These include a new LCD instrument panel with Bluetooth connectivity. When connected and utilizing the Rideology app, riders can access riding logs, bike info, call notices, the maintenance log, and communication sharing settings. The seat is a slightly different shape as well, made to improve rider comfort in the relaxed, yet sporty ride position of the bike. It has updated LED headlights and taillights as well.
Available colors vary depending on trim you select, so check with your local Kawasaki dealer to see what’s available.
The 40th Anniversary trim looks sharp on the new Ninja 500. (Kawasaki/)
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500. (Kawasaki/)
Mechanically, the Ninja 500 is strikingly similar to its sibling, the Ninja 400. (Kawasaki/)
More power and torque while retaining its rider-friendly appeal. (Kawasaki/)
New con-rods, crankshaft, pistons, and piston treatments are highlights of the changes made to the mill. (Kawasaki/)
The 2024 Ninja 500, undressed. (Kawasaki/)
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 Technical Specifications and Price
| Price: | $5,299–$6,599 |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 451cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled twin |
| Bore x Stroke: | 70.0 x 58.6mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Delivery: | DFI w/ dual 32mm throttle bodies |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Frame: | High-tensile steel trellis |
| Front Suspension: | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork, 4.7 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Horizontal back-link shock, spring preload adjustable; 5.1 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | 2-piston caliper, 310mm semi-floating disc, ABS available |
| Rear Brake: | 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc, ABS available |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | 5-spoke; 17 in. x 17 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | 110/70-17 / 150/60-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 24.5°/3.6 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 54.1 in. |
| Seat Height: | 30.9 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 3.7 gal. |
| Claimed Curb Weight: | 370–377 lb. |
| Available: | Now |
| Contact: | kawasaki.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com