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Sportbikes

2005Kawasaki Ninja 500R

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The 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 500 R is an accessible sport bike ideal for new riders and commuters seeking an agile, reliable machine. Its lightweight 498cc parallel-twin engine delivers smooth power with excellent fuel efficiency, while the nimble handling and forgiving character make it perfect for building foundational riding skills. Known for dependability and affordability, this model remains a popular entry-level sportbike choice.

Capacity
498.0 ccm
Engine
Parallel Twin, 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 + Add to garage All model years
Other years 2005 2007 2008 2009 2010

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 45Agility 72Comfort 55Off-road 10Touring 40Road manners 68
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering65%
City riding70%
Daily riding65%
Touring40%
Two-up35%
Track40%
Best for
It is designed primarily for light sport riding, commuting, and learning the fundamentals of sportbike handling.
Built for
It has a friendly, forgiving nature with modest power delivery that rewards smooth, confident riding rather than outright aggression.
Not ideal for
It is not suited for experienced riders seeking high-speed performance, long-distance touring comfort, 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
At 775mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2005 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)
Engine type
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2545 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
74.0 x 58.0 mm
Compression
10.8:1
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric
Ignition
TCBI with digital advance
Valves per cylinder
4
Torque
Not on record - add it
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
Hydraulic telescopic fork
Rear suspension
UNI-TRAK® system with single shock
Front wheel travel
130 mm
Rear wheel travel
99 mm
Rake (fork angle)
27.0°
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc. Hydralic
Rear brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes diameter
220 mm
Front tyre
110/70-17
Rear tyre
130/70-17
Other
Color options
Ebony/Metallic Graystone, Candy Thunder Blue/Ebony

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 20052007200820092010
Capacity 498 cc 498 cc 498 cc 498 cc 498 cc
Dry weight 176 kg 176 kg 176 kg 176 kg 176 kg
Seat height 775 mm 787 mm 775 mm 775 mm 775 mm
Fuel capacity 18.2 L 18.2 L 18.2 L 18.2 L 18.2 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

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Rider rating

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Ninja 500R?

The 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 500R has a Capacity of 498.0 ccm (30.39 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki Ninja 500R have?

The 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 500R has a Power of 44.8 HP (33.0 kW).

How many gears does the Kawasaki Ninja 500R have?

The 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 500R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

How much does the Kawasaki Ninja 500R weigh?

The 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 500R has a Dry weight of 176.0 kg (388.0 pounds).

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