Kawasaki Ninja 500
2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500: 45 hp A2 sports bike, 171 kg, from €6,599 (SE €7,099). Full specs, press reviews, maintenance and rivals.
At a glance
The Kawasaki Ninja 500 is a small 451 cc, 45 hp sports bike, A2-compliant without restriction, which replaced the Ninja 400 in 2024. Priced at €6,599 (€7,099 for the SE), it wins over reviewers with its torquier engine, agility and value for money. Basic suspension, non-adjustable levers and the lack of rider aids are its main drawbacks.
World press review
Meta-score
7 sources
Press ratings
Sporty yet harmonious and accessible, very agile without being nervous, good brakes and excellent value; dated screen and menus, average sound, vibrations.
Noticeably stronger midrange, very intuitive throttle, precise gearbox, very light clutch, easy-to-modulate brakes; cramped for tall riders, no rider aids.
Simple but well balanced: strong engine from low revs, stability, price and 4-year warranty; low seat for tall riders, non-adjustable levers.
Keeps everything that was good about the Ninja 400, with more torque and more upmarket styling; non-adjustable levers.
Ninja looks, lively engine, agility, precise gearshift and build quality; budget chassis components, no electronics and value a little tight against rivals.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
No test of the 2026 or 2027 model years has been published: reviews cover the 2024 launch model, often in SE form, which is technically identical. MCN and BikeSocial rate it 4/5. 1000PS, MOTORRAD, Moto.it, Cycle News and Le Repaire des Motards tested it without a numeric score; 1000PS describes it as the big surprise of its A2 sports bike comparison.
What reviewers like: an engine with much more torque than the Ninja 400’s, a right-sized bike rather than a restricted big one, agility, a precise gearbox, a very light clutch and value for money that 1000PS and Moto.it rate as excellent.
What they criticise: entry-level suspension and brakes, no rider aids, non-adjustable levers, a dull sound and a slightly cramped position for tall riders. Le Repaire des Motards finds its value a little tight against rivals.
Key quotes
"It feels ‘right-sized’, rather than a bigger, heavier bike that’s been throttled back to duck under the A2 licence threshold."
"If you’re a sportsbike fan with a reasonably fresh licence and are looking for a bike with enough performance to grow your riding abilities while very much looking the part, the Ninja 500 would make an excellent choice."
"Despite these shortcomings, the Ninja 500 SE offers excellent value for money and is an attractive choice for riders in the A2 segment."
"With their noticeably stronger engine, the 500 Kawasakis are even hotter contenders in the hard-fought A2 segment. They remain playful fun machines, but are even more uncomplicated and suited to everyday use."
"The 2024 Ninja 500 is, like the Ninja 400, a fantastic motorcycle—only better."
Pros
- Torquey midrange
- Light and agile
- A2-compliant without restriction
- Frugal (3.8 L/100 km claimed, ~370 km range)
- 4-year warranty
Cons
- Basic suspension and brakes
- No rider aids apart from ABS
- Non-adjustable levers
- A little small for tall riders
Our review
What is the 2027 model year?
The Ninja 500 replaced the Ninja 400 for the 2024 model year. According to Kawasaki, its twin is the 400’s engine with 52 cc more, obtained by lengthening the stroke by 6.8 mm. An SE version adds a colour TFT screen, KIPASS keyless start and specific graphics.
The 2027 model year, announced on 4 August 2026 and available since October, only changes the colours: the 2026 and 2027 spec sheets are identical. Kawasaki France sells the standard version as a 2027 model only and the SE as both 2026 and 2027 models, at the same price.
How much does it cost?
Kawasaki France lists the 2027 Ninja 500 at €6,599 in Metallic Flat Spark Black and the Ninja 500 SE at €7,099. In the United States, the 2026 Ninja 500 costs $5,799 with ABS and the SE $6,499.
How good is the engine?
The 451 cc parallel twin makes 45 hp (33.4 kW) at 9,000 rpm and 42.6 Nm at 6,000 rpm. The Ninja 500 is A2-compliant without restriction. Compared with the Ninja 400, it gains 5.6 Nm of torque, available 2,000 rpm lower.
Reviewers see this as its main step forward: MOTORRAD finds it noticeably stronger in the midrange and usable from 3,000 rpm, BikeSocial much more flexible than the 400. The throttle is still cable-operated; MOTORRAD finds it direct and intuitive. MCN regrets an engine that runs out of breath at the top and a dull sound.
How does it ride?
At 171 kg wet, with a trellis frame using the engine as a stressed member, the Ninja 500 is light and agile. 1000PS finds it very agile without being nervous, MCN praises a light and composed chassis. The suspension is basic: a non-adjustable 41 mm fork and a preload-adjustable shock that BikeSocial rates as bottom drawer. Braking relies on a single 310 mm disc with a two-piston caliper; MOTORRAD finds it easy to modulate. The levers are not span-adjustable.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
Kawasaki quotes 3.8 L/100 km, giving a range of about 370 km from the 14-litre tank. The owner’s manual calls for an oil change every 12,000 km or every year and a valve clearance check at 24,000 km. The warranty is 4 years with unlimited mileage.
Recalls
Ninja 500s built from 22 to 24 January 2024 were recalled because the clutch release lever might not be properly welded to its shaft (Safety Gate SR/02159/25 in June 2025, NHTSA 25V-146 in the United States). The 2027 model year is not affected.
Specifications
| Displacement | 451 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 45 hp (33.4 kW) @ 9,000 rpm |
| Torque | 42.6 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Weight | 171 kg (wet, tank over 90% full; SE: 172 kg) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3.80 |
| Seat height | 785 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L |
| Fuel consumption | 3.8 L/100 km — 89 g/km CO2 (Kawasaki figure) |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 12,000 km or 1 year — Valves: 24,000 km (Kawasaki 2026-2027 owner's manual) |
| Engine type | 180-degree parallel twin, 4-stroke, DOHC, 8 valves, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, assist and slipper clutch |
| License | A2 |
| MSRP | €6,599 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 70 x 58,6 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 11,3:1 |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection, 2 x 32 mm throttle bodies (cable throttle) |
| Valve train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Max power RPM | 9000 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 6000 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 5+ |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | High-tensile steel trellis frame, engine as a stressed member |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 24.5 ° |
| Trail | 92 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1375 mm |
| Ground clearance | 145 mm |
| Front suspension | 41 mm conventional telescopic fork, non-adjustable, 120 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak monoshock, adjustable preload, 130 mm travel |
| Front brake | Single 310 mm semi-floating disc, two-piston axial caliper |
| Rear brake | Single 220 mm disc, two-piston caliper |
| Front tire | 110/70 R17 |
| Rear tire | 150/60 R17 |
| ABS system | ABS (Nissin) |
Electronics & rider aids
| Traction control | No |
|---|---|
| Anti-wheelie | No |
| Quickshifter | No |
| Cruise control | No |
| Dashboard | LCD (standard); colour TFT (SE) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Kawasaki Rideology app (notifications, ride log) |
| Other features | Assist and slipper clutch, Economical riding indicator (ECO), LED front and rear lighting, KIPASS keyless start (SE), USB-C socket as an accessory |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Moderately sporty: clip-ons above the top yoke, slight forward lean |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | Full fairing, short screen |
| Payload | 180 kg |
The Ninja 500 has a moderate sporty position, with clip-ons mounted above the top yoke and a 785 mm seat; a taller seat is available as an accessory. MOTORRAD finds the position a little cramped for tall riders, and Moto.it finds the seat low for them. BikeSocial praises a very light clutch. Maximum load is 180 kg, including rider, passenger and luggage.
Ownership & maintenance
~~370 km (calculated from Kawasaki's figure: 14 L tank / 3.8 L/100 km)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 12,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 24,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 12,000 km |
| Chain | Lubricate whenever the chain looks dry or after rain; wear checked every 12,000 km |
Warranty
4 years / Unlimited mileage (2 years manufacturer + 2-year extension included)
Kawasaki’s owner’s manual for the 2026-2027 Ninja 500 specifies a first oil change at 1,000 km, then an oil and filter change every 12,000 km or every year. Spark plugs are changed every 12,000 km, the air filter every 24,000 km, and valve clearance is checked at 24,000 km. Coolant is replaced every 3 years and brake fluid every 2 years. Kawasaki France’s warranty is 4 years (2 years manufacturer plus a 2-year extension) with unlimited mileage.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Ninja 500 | €6,599 | 45 hp (33.4 kW) @ 9,000 rpm | 171 kg (wet, tank over 90% full; SE: 172 kg) |
| Honda CBR500R2026 | €6,799 | 47.5 hp | 191 kg (kerb) |
| Yamaha R32026 | €6,999 | 42 hp | 169 kg (wet) |
| Aprilia RS 4572026 | €7,300 | 47.6 hp | 175 kg (kerb) |
Generations
Compare →- Ninja 250R2008 – 2012
249 cc · 33.5 hp · 20.6 Nm · —
Small 249 cc twin-cylinder sports bike with Ninja styling.
- Ninja 3002013 – 2017
296 cc · 39.5 hp · 27 Nm · —
Engine enlarged to 296 cc and a comprehensive update of the 250R, for the new A2 licence.
- Ninja 400 (Euro 4)2018 – 2020
399 cc · 45 hp · 38 Nm · 168 kg (road-ready)
New 399 cc engine, H2-inspired steel trellis frame, 41 mm fork, 310 mm disc and assist clutch; lighter than the 300.
399 cc · 45 hp · 37 Nm · 168 kg (road-ready)
Euro 5 homologation (revised intake, injection and exhaust), torque down to 37 Nm, new colours.
Compare with this generation →- Ninja 5002024 – today
451 cc · 45 hp · 42.6 Nm · 171 kg (road-ready)
Replaces the Ninja 400 in Europe: longer stroke (+52 cc) for more midrange torque, SE version with a TFT screen.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja 250R2008 – 2012 Small 249 cc twin-cylinder sports bike with Ninja styling. | 249 cc | 33.5 hp | 20.6 Nm | — |
| Ninja 3002013 – 2017 Engine enlarged to 296 cc and a comprehensive update of the 250R, for the new A2 licence. | 296 cc | 39.5 hp | 27 Nm | — |
| Ninja 400 (Euro 4)2018 – 2020 New 399 cc engine, H2-inspired steel trellis frame, 41 mm fork, 310 mm disc and assist clutch; lighter than the 300. | 399 cc | 45 hp | 38 Nm | 168 kg road-ready |
| Ninja 400 (Euro 5)2023 Euro 5 homologation (revised intake, injection and exhaust), torque down to 37 Nm, new colours. Compare with this generation → | 399 cc | 45 hp | 37 Nm | 168 kg road-ready |
| Ninja 5002024 – today Replaces the Ninja 400 in Europe: longer stroke (+52 cc) for more midrange torque, SE version with a TFT screen. | 451 cc | 45 hp | 42.6 Nm | 171 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
Clutch release lever may not be properly welded to its shaft (bikes built 22-24 January 2024): the weld may break, making it impossible to disengage the clutch
Voir le rappel →Same defect on 2024 Ninja 500s and Z500s sold in the United States; clutch release shaft replaced
Voir le rappel →