Kawasaki recently launched the much-anticipated Ninja 500 in India as a replacement for the Ninja 400, which has been offered in the country for a while now. Soon after the Japanese manufacturer announced the Ninja 500, the motorcycle created a huge buzz among enthusiasts. 

Costing the same as the Ninja 400, the bike is now finally available in our country. Are you considering to buy the Ninja 500? Then don’t miss this detailed description about the sporty motorcycle before deciding to bring it into your garage.

Striking design: A legacy of aggression

The Ninja 500 carries forward Kawasaki’s aggressive design legacy with a fierce, striking appearance and a forward-leaning stance. The sharp, multi-layered fairing smoothly flows into the muscular fuel tank and holds the unique split headlamp. 

The upward-sloping tail section looks sleek. The Ninja 500 is currently available only in black colour in India and not in the iconic green colour.

451cc powerhouse: Kawasaki Ninja 500 packs a punch

A brand-new 451cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine throbs underneath the sleek fairing of the Kawasaki Ninja 500. The powerhouse is capable of churning out 45bhp of power at 9000rpm and 42.6Nm of torque at 6000rpm. 

On paper, this powerful figure is higher than that of its predecessor as well as that of its rivals like the KTM RC 390 and Yamaha YZF-R3. However, with 46.9bhp and 43.5Nm, the Aprilia RS457 holds the top position in this segment.

Also Read: Kawasaki Z900 Vs KTM 990 Duke: Which One Is Right For You?

Beyond the basics: Exploring the feature list

The standard version of Kawasaki Ninja 500 in India features a basic LCD that you can connect with your smartphone using Bluetooth for receiving notifications and ride tracking. For increased safety, the motorcycle gets dual-channel ABS. 

Other features include DRLSs (Daytime Running Lights), LED headlamp, digital instrument console and more. 

Built to Perform: Exploring Ninja 500’s suspension and dimensions

A 41mm telescopic forks in the front and a preload-adjustable mono-shock at the rear suspends the sturdy steel trellis frame of the Kawasaki Ninja 500. The motorcycle rolls on alloy wheels with tubeless tyres. 

A 310mm disc at the front and a 220m disc at the back perform the breaking duties. The motorcycle weighs 171 kg and offers a ground clearance of 145 mm. The seat height is 785 mm.

Surprisingly competitive price gag: Ninja 500 matches its predecessor

The Ninja 500 carries a higher price tag as compared to other motorcycles in its segment because it is imported as a completely built-up unit (CBU). However, it is priced at Rs 5.24 lakh, costing the same as that of the Ninja 400, despite its premium positioning.

The right choice for you? Pros, cons, and the allure of Ninja 500

Pros

• 441cc parallel-twin engine provides good performance
• Offers extremely aspirational styling
• Handles quite well

Cons

• Expensive to maintain
• Service reach is limited

Yet another fully-faired motorcycle from Kawasaki, the Ninja 500 offers good performance, a balanced ride, and great styling. However, it comes with a higher maintenance cost. Despite this drawback, the Ninja 500 might still be very appealing to many buyers. Its strong performance and stylish design could outweigh the downsides for some riders. Ultimately, the decision to buy a Ninja 500 depends on individual preferences, needs, and budget.

Also Read: Kawasaki Ninja 500 Vs Yamaha YZF-R3: Which Sportsbike Should You Choose?