2010Kawasaki Ninja 500R

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The 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 500R is an accessible sport bike ideal for beginner and intermediate riders seeking an affordable entry into sportbike ownership. Its 498cc parallel-twin engine delivers manageable power with excellent fuel efficiency and reliability. The bike is best known for its approachable handling, lightweight chassis, and perfect balance of performance and practicality.

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)

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What’s new for the 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 500R

vs the 2009

Spec	2009	2010
Front suspension	37mm hydraulic telescopic fork	37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.1 in.
Rear suspension	UNI-TRAK® system with single shock	UNI-TRAK system with single shock / 3.9 in.

Other years 2005 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 2010 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 →

Find bikes that fit your height →

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: 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.1 in.
Rear suspension: UNI-TRAK system with single shock / 3.9 in.
Front wheel travel: 130 mm
Rear wheel travel: 99 mm
Rake (fork angle): 27.0°

Brakes & wheels

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

Other

Color options: Metallic Diablo Black, Candy Plasma Blue

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

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	2005	2007	2008	2009	2010
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