For years, the entry-level Kawasaki Ninja has been the bike of choice for budding riders interested in dragging knees. The Ninja 250, 300, and 400 are all popular choices for first bikes, track bikes, or surprisingly comfortable commuters. Now, though, Kawasaki has upped displacement on its entry line once again: Say hello to the Ninja 500.
No, not the old Ninja 500, which sat above the 250 as Kawi’s bigger twin-cylinder Ninja. Displacement creep in beginner bikes has reached the stage where 451 ccs is now the bottom of the barrel, yet prices have stayed low — the new base Ninja starts at $5,299.
The Ninja 500 isn’t a sea change from the outgoing 400 — it’s still powered by a gas-burning parallel twin, unlike some other Ninjas — but a refinement on a well-working formula. The suspension appears much the same as the outgoing bike, with 41mm front forks and a preload-adjustable rear, and brakes aren’t much different either — 310mm disc up front, 220 in the rear, and ABS is still a cost-added option.
Speaking of ABS, Kawasaki claims a curb weight of 377 pounds for the new bike — up 15 from the non-ABS Ninja 400, or only 11 if Kawasaki’s quoted numbers are comparing higher-spec’d models. Interestingly, there’s no horsepower figure quoted for the newly stroked engine, but those figures will likely both be cleared up quickly once the bike hits showroom floors.
The Ninja 500 also brings us the SE trim, which adds plenty of teach features to the bike. A TFT dash with smartphone connectivity, USB-C charging, and keyless start are all included with the package. You also get more options for graphics — if you want an ABS-equipped KRT livery, or the excellent 40th Anniversary scheme, you’ll be shelling out for the SE.
Speaking of pricing, we mentioned the base cost of $5,299 for a non-ABS bike in black up top, but there’s more to it than that. A non-ABS equipped KRT edition, in that Kawasaki green, bumps the price up to $5,499. Next comes the ABS-equipped standard bike, in black, white, or red, which will vary from $5,699 to $5,899, while the SE trim in red or KRT green is $6,399. Finally, that gorgeous green/blue/white livery is the priciest of the bunch: $6,599. Got all that straight? It’ll be on the quiz tomorrow.
Creep on the lower end of automotive markets is always scary, but getting a few extra ccs for the same number of dollars feels like a win in entry-level bikes. The added cost for the anniversary livery, however, is worth every penny. Just look at it.
