2008Kawasaki Ninja 500R

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The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 500R is an affordable sport bike ideal for beginner and intermediate riders seeking nimble handling and reliable performance. Its lightweight 498cc four-cylinder engine delivers smooth power delivery, while the forgiving ergonomics and manageable seat height make it accessible for riders building experience. Best known as an excellent entry-level sportbike that doesn't sacrifice fun or capability.

Capacity: 498.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 176.0 kg
Seat height: 775 mm
Power: 44.8 HP (33.0 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 500R

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Torque	—	48.5 Nm (4.9 kgf-m or 35.8 ft.lbs)
Seat height	787 mm (31.0 inches)	775 mm (30.5 inches)

Other years 2007 2008 2009 2010

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering72%

City riding78%

Daily riding70%

Touring40%

Two-up35%

Track45%

Best for: It's designed as an entry-level sportbike for learning cornering, commuting, and general road riding rather than outright performance.
Built for: The parallel-twin engine and lightweight chassis give it a friendly, forgiving personality that rewards smooth, momentum-based riding over raw power.
Not ideal for: This bike is not suited for riders seeking high-speed touring comfort, serious off-road capability, or big-bore sportbike thrills.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 775mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 500R, with a cramped knee angle of around 65 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 498.0 ccm
Power: 44.8 HP (33.0 kW)
Torque: 48.5 Nm (4.9 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2545 HP/kg
Compression: 10.8:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1435 mm
Overall length: 2096 mm
Overall width: 701 mm
Overall height: 1161 mm
Seat height: 775 mm
Dry weight: 176.0 kg
Wet weight: 197.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.20 litres
Ground clearance: 119 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: High-tensile steel, perimeter design
Front suspension: 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.1 in.
Rear suspension: UNI-TRAKÂ® system with single shock / 3.9 in.
Rake (fork angle): 27.0°
Trail: 91 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm
Front tyre: 110/70-17
Rear tyre: 130/70-x17

Other

Color options: Metallic Diablo Black, Passion Red

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2007	2008	2009	2010
Capacity	498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches)	498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches)	498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches)	498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches)
Dry weight	176.0 kg (388.0 pounds)	176.0 kg (388.0 pounds)	—	—
Seat height	787 mm (31 inches)	775 mm (30.5 inches)	775 mm (30.5 inches)	838 mm (33.0 inches)
Fuel capacity	18.16 litres (4.80 gallons)	18.16 litres (4.80 gallons)	18.16 litres (4.80 gallons)	18.16 litres (4.80 gallons)
Color options	Metallic Titanium or Solar Yellow	Metallic Diablo Black, Passion Red	Metallic Diablo Black, Candy Plasma Blue	Metallic Diablo Black, Candy Plasma Blue