[cycleworld.com] - 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 First Look

[Ninjette Newsbot]

Kawasaki’s entry-level lightweight sportbike gets increased engine capacity and refinements. Higher-spec SE model adds TFT dash, keyless ignition, and accessories.

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The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500. (Kawasaki/)For 2024, Kawasaki is introducing the Ninja 500, updating and replacing the popular Ninja 400. The latest in a long line of small-capacity non-ZX Ninja sportbikes, the Ninja 500 gets a larger 451cc twin-cylinder engine in addition to updated styling, LED lighting, and a new LCD instrument cluster. Joining the lineup is an up-spec SE model that includes premium features like a TFT dash and keyless ignition.


The Ninja 500 gets a capacity increase to the tune of 52cc. Kawasaki claims the 451cc engine produces 31.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,500 rpm. (Kawasaki/)When the Ninja 400 replaced the Ninja 300 in 2018, its chassis and twin-cylinder engine were dramatically overhauled, so Kawasaki found no need to return to the drawing board for the latest update. Based largely on the Ninja 400, the 500?s increased engine capacity comes courtesy of a 6.8mm-longer stroke (bore is unchanged). Kawasaki claims the engine produces 31.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,500 rpm. That peak torque figure is not only 3.7 lb.-ft. greater thanks to a longer stroke, it also comes 500 rpm earlier in the rev range. To suit the increased capacity, Kawasaki revised the balancer shaft to quell vibration, increased clutch capacity, and modified the connecting rods, crankshaft, and piston (which includes an alumite surface treatment on the top ring land). The changes may not impress your mates at the local tavern, but added together, they attest to the incredibly thorough R&D that underlines Kawasaki’s commitment to performance, efficiency, and durability of its smallest Ninja.

The Ninja 500 uses a steel trellis frame with the engine as a stressed member; a die-cast aluminum swingarm mounting plate is bolted to the rear of the engine. Kawasaki claims the curb weight as 377 pounds. Suspension remains unchanged, with a nonadjustable right-side-up telescopic fork at the front and a preload-adjustable rear shock at the rear. The Ninja 500?s braking package is also nearly identical to its predecessor, save for an updated front brake master cylinder.

Kawasaki tweaked the styling for the Ninja 500, co-opting the Ninja ZX-6R’s LED headlights to create a new-look front-end. A new LCD instrument cluster and a reshaped seat continue the theme of “refine, refine, refine.”


The KRT edition is available on a base-model non-ABS version ($5,499) or as the SE version, which includes ABS ($6,399). (Kawasaki/)To accommodate a wider range of customers, Kawasaki is offering the up-spec SE model. The SE is equipped with ABS, a modern 4.3-inch TFT dash, and keyless ignition, or KIPASS (Kawasaki’s Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System). Go ahead and add KIPASS to the list of great motorcycling acronyms. The SE also includes a smattering of KGA (Kawasaki Genuine Accessory) parts, including a larger windscreen, a rear seat cowl, frame sliders, LED turn signals, and a USB-C outlet.

As we’ve come to expect from Kawasaki, the Ninja 500 is available in either ABS or non-ABS versions, and in standard or KRT Racing graphics. The top-line 500 SE ABS is also available in an ultracool 40th anniversary edition. The prices range from $5,299 for the non-ABS base model, to $6,599 for the Ninja 500 SE 40th Anniversary Edition ABS.

After its introduction in 2018, the Ninja 400 wound up on Cycle World’s yearly Ten Best Bikes list, winning the Lightweight Streetbike category. We said, “The Ninja’s power, slipper clutch, and almost-as-good handling is an ideal platform for inexperienced riders in need of room to grow, but thrilling enough that professional racers exit the racetrack with a childish giggle—43 hp has never been so fun!”


Kawasaki’s keyless ignition system: a luxurious choice for an entry-level sportbike. (Kawasaki/)For 2023, Kawasaki gave sportbike fans even more to cheer about with the new Ninja ZX-4R. Hearkening back to the small-displacement race-reps that proliferated in Japan in the ‘80s and ‘90s, the ZX-4R has a 399cc four-cylinder engine with a sky-high redline, trick suspension, and electronic rider aids. Starting at $9,399, it’s not even in the same category as the Ninja 500, but it does cast a shadow and make one think. On the other hand, a few thousand dollars buys a lot of tires, gas, and gear.

The Ninja 500 has a lot going for it: It’s based on a proven and loved motorcycle, it has a greater engine capacity than most of its direct competition—and in some cases even an additional cylinder—and its friendly ergos and plush suspension make it a lovely streetbike. What it doesn’t have is the electronic rider aids of Cycle World’s 2023 Ten Best Lightweight Streetbike (the ZX-4RR), and—more critically—the 2022 winner of the same accolade.

Kawasaki is smart to offer the base model and SE model in order to cater to different preferences within the market, but we wish the higher-priced version had the tech that Kawasaki already has in its back pocket. If the SE was equipped with some level of electronic rider aids (other than ABS), it would be on a more even playing field with the best of the competition and offer a technological steppingstone to the ZX-4R or ZX-6R.


The SE version’s full-color 4.3-inch TFT dash displays all the pertinent data and connects to your smartphone through Kawasaki’s Rideology app. (Kawasaki/)With the ZX-4R in the lineup, the argument could be made that small-displacement Ninjas don’t require elevated levels of tech. Considering that, the Ninja 500, unlike its predecessor, can be simply viewed as a competent entry-level, lightweight streetbike unburdened by the aspiration of riders (and journalists) who want it to be a racetrack weapon.

On the other hand, one could argue that the competition has let the cat out of the bag, forcing Kawasaki’s—and every other manufacturer’s—hand. Maybe increasingly sophisticated rider aids, even on small-displacement or entry-level bikes like the Ninja 500, are demanded as much as a TFT display or a slipper clutch. Like everything, the right answer depends on your perspective or your pocketbook.

Regardless, the Ninja 500 promises to improve on an already great platform. Look for it in authorized Kawasaki dealers now.


The 40th anniversary edition celebrates 40 years of Ninja motorcycles…with a paint scheme reminiscent of a mid-’90s (i.e., 30-year-old) Ninja. Details, details. The green/white/blue looks so good we hope Kawasaki keeps using it beyond 2024. (Kawasaki/)2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 Specs

MSRP:$5,299–$6,299Engine:DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 8 valvesDisplacement:451ccBore x Stroke:70.0 x 58.6mmCompression Ratio:11.3:1Transmission/Final Drive:6-speed/chainClaimed Horsepower:N/AClaimed Torque:31.7 lb.-ft. @ 7,500 rpmFuel System:DFI w/ 32mm throttle bodiesClutch:Wet, multiplate assist/slipper; mechanically operatedFrame:Steel trellisFront Suspension:41mm hydraulic telescopic fork; 4.7 in. travelRear Suspension:Uni-Trak shock, preload adjustable; 5.1 in. travelFront Brake:2-piston caliper, 310mm discRear Brake:2-piston caliper, 220mm discWheels, Front/Rear:Cast aluminum; 17 in.Tires, Front/Rear:110/70-17 / 150/60-17Rake/Trail:NA/3.6 in.Wheelbase:54.1 in.Ground Clearance:5.7 in.Seat Height:30.9 in.Fuel Capacity:3.7 gal.Claimed Wet Weight:377 lb.Contact:kawasaki.com