General Information · 03-12-2025
The Kawasaki Ninja 500’s asking price is just over nine grand ride away, offered in Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Raw Greystone or Metallic Matte Whitish Silver/Metallic Moondust Grey. Priced at $9,078 ride away in Sydney for the standard model, it’s a genuine bargain. For those wanting more, the Special Edition (SE) adds a TFT dash, KIPASS keyless start, USB-C outlet, taller screen, LED indicators, frame sliders, pillion seat cover, tank and knee pads, radiator screen and a racy 40th Anniversary livery. At $10,314 it’s still excellent value, I reckon. To keep the price down, Kawasaki has kept things simple. There are non-adjustable levers, basic forks, only preload at the rear and minimal electronics. But that doesn’t spoil the ride the Ninja offers.
The Ninja 500 looks the part with sharp, modern fairings and aggressive bodywork. At 785mm the seat is low and easy to access. At 180cm I could flat-foot it with bent knees, but smaller riders will be equally comfortable. The cockpit is roomy, the riding position sporty but not extreme thanks to higher-set handlebars.
The clear LCD dash is simple but effective. No riding modes or fancy electronics, but you do get ABS and an assist-and-slipper clutch. Fire the twin into life and it idles quietly, hinting how good it would sound with an aftermarket pipe. At just 171kg, the Ninja feels featherlight, the clutch is easy and the gearbox slick.
This engine is happiest short-shifted, where torque sits between 4500–7500rpm, but it pulls cleanly from low down and will rev out to 11,000rpm if asked. On the freeway it sits happily at 6000rpm at 110km/h, with plenty left in reserve. Wide mirrors give good rear vision, and despite sticking out past the handlebars, the Ninja is slim enough for lane-splitting if you are legally allowed. Fuel economy is decent. I managed 268km before filling up, with 58km still showing on the range indicator. The fairing gives decent wind protection and the LED headlights make night riding safer.
On twisty roads the Ninja really shines. Kawasaki has nailed the suspension balance, firm and sporty without being harsh, yet still compliant on bumps. Footpeg clearance is generous, letting you carry speed without drama. Light wheels and narrow tyres (110/70 front, 150/60 rear) make direction changes quick and agile, though rough surfaces mid-corner can unsettle the bike slightly. Braking comes via a single 310mm disc with twin-piston Nissin caliper up front and a 220mm disc at the rear. They offer solid power and feel without the ABS being intrusive.
Ultimately, this bike isn’t about horsepower. It’s about fun. On a twisty road, the Ninja 500 proves you don’t need a litre bike to grin from ear to ear. It’s light, torquey, agile and affordable. As a commuter, learner or weekend toy, it ticks every box. If you’ve never tried a small, light bike like this, take one for a spin, you’ll be surprised how much fun it is. For a LAMS bike, it’s more than enough, and in the right hands it’ll keep bigger bikes honest. Kawasaki has built a budget-friendly gem that delivers far more than we expected.
Bike test: Tony Wilding Photography: Graeme Baines
Visit kawasaki.com.au
Quick Facts – Kawasaki Ninja 500
Price: From $9,078 ride away (ex Sydney Q4 2025).
Warranty: Two-year, unlimited kilometre.
Colours: Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Raw Greystone, Metallic Matte Whitish Silver/Metallic Moondust Grey.
Power: 33.4kW @ 9000rpm.
Torque: 42.6Nm @ 6000rpm.
Curb weight: 171kg.
Fuel capacity: 14L.
Measured economy: 4L/100km.
Engine: Liquid-cooled, parallel twin, DOHC, 8-valve, four-stroke, 451cc.
Chassis: Steel trellis frame, box-section swingarm.
Rake: 24.5° Trail: 92mm.
Suspension: 41mm fork; Unitrack shock, preload adjustable rear.
Brakes: 310mm front disc, 220mm rear disc, Nissin ABS.
Tyres: 110/70–17 (f), 150/60–17 (r).
Dimensions: Wheelbase: 1375mm, Seat height: 785mm, Length: 1995mm, Width: 730mm, Height: 1120mm.
Instruments: LCD display with smartphone connectivity, ABS.
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