The Kawasaki Ninja 500 is an aggressively styled sportsbike built to lead the crowd rather than follow it, sitting as the sharp-edged entry point into Kawasaki’s Ninja sportsbike family for new and returning riders alike who still want genuine presence on the road. It’s built for riders who have outgrown a smaller learner bike but still want a genuinely accessible machine to live with day to day.
A liquid-cooled 451cc parallel twin, with a 70 x 58.6mm bore and stroke, 11.3:1 compression and a DOHC eight-valve head, delivers 45.4PS at 9,000rpm and 42.6Nm of torque through a six-speed gearbox and wet multi-disc clutch, giving well-balanced power delivery and strong, confident acceleration through the rev range for everyday roads. Twin 32mm throttle bodies feed the fuel injection, with drive completed through a sealed chain that keeps running costs down for newer owners. It pulls cleanly from low revs rather than demanding the engine is kept spinning to make progress, with a soundtrack that hints at something larger than its capacity suggests.
A trellis frame in high-tensile steel carries a 41mm telescopic fork offering 120mm of travel and a preload-adjustable, gas-charged Uni-Trak shock on a bottom-link giving 130mm, at a kerb weight of 171kg. A supersport-style short-wheelbase, long-swingarm layout with optimised trail keeps the handling light and predictable over a 1,375mm wheelbase and 145mm of ground clearance, while a semi-floating front disc with a balanced actuation dual-piston caliper and a rear disc with its own dual-piston caliper provide the stopping power, on a 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tyre. It gives the sort of confidence-inspiring turn-in that makes even an inexperienced rider feel instantly at home.
The slim seat and engine design give an unobstructed reach to the ground from the 785mm seat height, helping riders plant both feet with confidence at a standstill, and a 14 litre tank keeps fuel stops infrequent. It suits riders who want genuine Ninja sportsbike styling and handling in an approachable, everyday-friendly package, whether commuting or heading out for a weekend ride. Riders moving up from a 125 will find it just as approachable as those returning to biking after time away, with nothing here that feels intimidating. Available now at GT Motorcycles, your Kawasaki dealer in Plymouth, serving sportsbike riders across Devon and Cornwall, with finance and test rides available.
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