While every type of motorcycle offers good things, riders who want to get their adrenaline pumping on the main roads or track know there’s nothing quite like a sportbike. There’s no compromising for city cruising, highway touring, or off-roading, just pure power and agility that lets you go all out. If there was a Mount Rushmore of sportbikes, the Kawasaki Ninja series would be on it. Since the Kawasaki Ninja GPZ900R hit the streets in 1984, the nameplate has become synonymous with amazing performance that is affordable and accessible to entry-level riders yet customizable for more experienced motorcyclists.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Ninja lineup, Kawasaki has doubled down on this philosophy with a new addition, or new old edition if you know your Ninja history, to the venerable lineup. The Kawasaki Ninja 500 is the latest Kawasaki for sale offering riders the chance to enjoy the thrills of every ride without spending a boatload of cash. The Ninja 500 middleweight sportbike (alternatively known as the EX500, Ninja 500R, and GPZ500S) was originally seen from 1987 to 2009 before Kawasaki ditched it for the Ninja 650R. Now, the name returns, replacing the Ninja 400 in the Kawasaki catalog.
What does the Kawasaki Ninja 500 have to offer riders worldwide? Is it a modern continuation of the original 500 that offered affordable sport bike performance and style with a traditional upright stance? Or does the bike have a design and personality all its own? Let’s investigate the Kawasaki Ninja 500 and see what it offers for thrill-seekers on a budget.
An All-New Engine With Balanced Power
Let’s start with the monster under the handlebars that gives the latest Kawasaki Ninja 500 its verve. Despite sharing the same name, the engine is 451cc compared to the 498cc of the first Ninja 500. However, when you look closer, it’s a case of “less is more.” The brand-new parallel-twin powerplant delivers 51 hp and 31.7 lb-ft of torque, which are more than the original, even with the lower displacement. When you consider the curb weight starts at 370.4 lbs, that’s all the power you need to zip forward.
The powertrain is made for balanced acceleration anywhere in the RPM range. Dual throttle bodies, a six-speed transmission, an assisted clutch, and Kawasaki’s TCBI ignition system combine to get you up to speed in an amazingly smooth way. Whether you need low-end power to jump off the line at traffic lights or high-end power for flying down the interstate and perhaps the occasional track day, the Ninja 500 is ready to go.
Athletic Performance and Handling
Sportbike veterans know the riding experience is as much about sailing through corners as hauling in a straight line. Kawasaki knows this, too, which is why they designed the Ninja 500 from the ground up to be a lithe machine. The trellis frame is made of high-tensile steel, accounting for the lighter weight, and the wheelbase is a mere 54.1 inches to make it around the tightest bends. A 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork with 4.7 inches of travel gives you responsive turning on any layout. With five preload settings on the horizontal back-link Uni-Track rear suspension plus 5.1 inches of travel, you can set it to be ultra-stiff or ultra-soft as needed.
The performance-mindedness of the Ninja 500 extends to the rest of the mechanical construction and tech. The clutch has a slipper function to lower the risk of wheel hop from sudden downshifting. You receive semi-floating two-piston disc front brakes and single-piston rear brakes to stop seemingly in an instant, and the bike is available with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The rear tire is wider and taller than the front tire, boosting traction under acceleration and giving you more of a forward-planted stance. In this respect, the new Ninja 500 eliminates one of the compromises of its predecessor for true sportbike performance. If you ever are running low on fuel and need to conserve until the next gas station, the Economical Riding Indicator on the LCD gauge screen will let you know when you’re getting good efficiency.
Comfortable Ergonomics, Aggressive Style
Historically, sportbikes haven’t been associated with a cozy ride. However, Kawasaki has been trying to change that perception, and the Ninja 500 continues this mission. The ERGO-FIT system offers 18 different configurations for the seat, elevated handlebars, and foot-forward pegs. No matter how tall you are, you can set everything up to be cozy and within easy reach, and authorized Kawasaki dealers will do the fitting for free. Low-rebound urethane seat padding in a new design reduces soreness on long outings, while the large bodywork blocks the wind so you can focus on going fast.
Make no mistake, though, one look at this bike reveals the unique, aggressive style the Ninja series is known for. It has the appearance and attitude of a vintage sportbike twice its size, with flowing body lines that are layered throughout the bike. The recognizably bold front includes unique LED headlights utilizing projector-style low beams and reflector-style high beams for maximum visibility. The taillights are also LED, so you get others’ attention from every angle, and Kawasaki has added a hazard switch in case you ever run into trouble.
A Ninja 500 for Every Rider
Are you an experienced sportbike enthusiast with a limited budget but is looking for something more than the baseline Ninja 500? Kawasaki answers the call with three special trims. What do they have that the base model doesn’t? Here are the best parts of each package:
- Ninja 500 KRT Edition: This bike has a paint scheme inspired by the Kawasaki Racing Team with matching graphics and logos to show off your competitive side.
- Ninja 500 SE ABS: Experience a variety of exclusive features and high-tech upgrades, including LED turn signals, tank and knee pads, frame sliders, a protective radiator screen, a full-color TFT instrument display, an intelligent proximity starting system, and a sweet red-and-black finish.
- Ninja 500 KRT Edition SE ABS: This bike combines all the features of the SE ABS with racing styling for a ride that delivers on the track, the highway, or the nearest boulevard.
The Ninja 500 May Be the Ultimate Budget Sportbike
There are a lot of riders out there who need speed, precise handling, and comfort, but very few of them can spend money with abandon. The triumphant return of the Kawasaki Ninja 500 is for people who want some of the best adrenaline-per-dollar on the market. Its impressive power-to-weight ratio and racing-influenced design will get almost anyone’s heart pumping. You’ll also find plenty of other bonuses to love, including smartphone connectivity using Rideology the App and several color choices.
All of that is offered for a rock-bottom price by sportbike standards. The starting MSRP for the latest Kawasaki Ninja 500 is just $5,299, and even the Ninja 500 SE ABS can be had for well under seven grand. The bike is easily customizable with factory-approved add-ons such as USB-C charging outlets, seat covers, and a larger windshield. After reviewing the Ninja 500 myself, I’ve come away convinced that even bikers accustomed to pricy high-end sportbikes should try this machine. They may come away surprised at what a 500-class sportbike is capable of.
