2026Kawasaki Ninja 500

Rate this bike

48 fields on record

The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 is a lightweight middleweight sport bike designed for new and returning riders seeking affordable thrills. Its 451cc parallel-twin engine delivers nimble performance with genuine character, while the compact 30.9-inch seat height and manageable 377-pound weight make it accessible without sacrificing excitement. Known for combining accessible ergonomics with genuine sport bike DNA, it's the ideal entry into the Ninja lineage.

Capacity: 451.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 157.0 kg
Seat height: 785 mm
Power: 51.0 HP (38.0 kW) @ 10000 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500

vs the 2025

Spec	2025	2026
Front brakes	Single disc. Optional ABS	Single 310mm semi-floating disc with 2-piston calipers (and ABS)

Other years 2025 2026 2027

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail15%

Cornering78%

City riding82%

Daily riding80%

Touring45%

Two-up40%

Track60%

Best for: Best suited for commuting, learning, and spirited weekend rides rather than outright speed or long-distance hauling.
Built for: A friendly, revvy small-capacity sportbike that rewards smooth inputs and encourages confidence-building rather than intimidation.
Not ideal for: Not ideal for riders seeking triple-digit top-speed thrills, heavy touring loads, or off-road capability.

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

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 785mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 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 →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Range and running costs

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 451.0 ccm
Power: 51.0 HP (38.0 kW) @ 10000 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 102 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: TKAXC.451AAA-009
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 4.34 L/100km (54.2 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 1.1 CO g/km
Torque: 43.0 Nm (4.4 kgf-m) @ 7500 RPM
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3248 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 70.0 x 58.6 mm
Compression: 11.3:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, wet sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual. Assist and Slipper.

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1374 mm
Overall length: 1994 mm
Overall width: 729 mm
Overall height: 1120 mm
Seat height: 785 mm
Dry weight: 157.0 kg
Wet weight: 171.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 14.00 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Trellis, high-tensile steel
Front suspension: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Horizontal back-link with adjustable spring preload
Front wheel travel: 119 mm
Rear wheel travel: 130 mm
Rake (fork angle): 24.5°
Trail: 91 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single 310mm semi-floating disc with 2-piston calipers (and ABS)
Front brakes diameter: 310 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Optional ABS
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm
ABS: Optional
Front tyre: 110/70-17
Rear tyre: 150/60-17