2025Kawasaki Ninja 500

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The 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 500 is an entry-level sport bike designed for new and returning riders seeking accessible performance. Its 451cc parallel-twin engine delivers 51 horsepower with responsive handling and agile maneuverability, making it ideal for learning sportbike skills and everyday commuting with sporty character.

Capacity: 451.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 156.0 kg
Seat height: 785 mm
Power: 51.0 HP (38.0 kW) @ 10000 RPM

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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?

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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 2025 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 →

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Range and running costs

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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.: SKAXC.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: 0.3269 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: 156.0 kg
Wet weight: 170.1 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 disc. Optional 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

Other

Color options: Metallic Matte Whitish Silver/Metallic Moondust Gray, Passion Red/Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Matte Dark Gray, Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Moondust Gray
Comments: Smartphone Connectivity. Listed power is the US figure (51 hp); the European-spec Ninja 500 is rated 33.4 kW (45.4 PS).
Fuel Tank Material: Metal

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.