2026 Kawasaki Ninja® 500

Ergonomics

• CRAFTED FOR COMFORT: A sporty riding position, carefully selected materials, user-friendly design, and on-board amenities make the Ninja® 500 a perfectly comfortable ride.
• A RELAXED RIDE: The sporty riding position with elevated clip-on handlebars and forward footpeg position result in a relaxed rider triangle that works well for a wide variety of riders and riding situations.
• SUPERIOR RIDE COMFORT: Seat cushioning uses low-rebound urethane and has ample padding in the front portion for a flat overall shape, delivering superb ride comfort, while the large-volume bodywork provides excellent protection from the wind.
• DOWN TO EARTH REACH: The slim tapered design of the seat and narrow fuel tank interface gives you an unobstructed line for your feet to reach the ground, so you can ride with even more confidence.

Handling

• AGILITY FOR ALL: Ample power is met with a lightweight, compact chassis for predictable handling and sharp maneuverability. From canyon roads to daily commutes, the Ninja® 500 is built to inspire more confidence.
• LIGHTWEIGHT TRELLIS FRAME: The light compact trellis frame offers an estimated dry weight as low as 339.6 lb* (non-ABS), and a slim overall package without sacrificing the rigidity and durability expected from Kawasaki. *Dry weight does not include all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity), and tool kit (if supplied).
• PLANTED SUSPENSION: The rigid 41mm telescopic front fork provides excellent suspension action, giving you exceptional ride comfort and a firmly planted front wheel feel for easy direction changes and confident handling in every riding situation. Bottom-link Uni-Trak® rear suspension with 5-way preload adjustability lets riders adjust the stiffness and ride height to suit body weight or 2-up riding.
• SURE STOPPING POWER: The Ninja® 500 motorcycle’s large 310mm semi-floating front disc brake and front brake master cylinder, along with a 220mm rear disc slowed by a dual piston caliper, work together to offer sure stopping power. ABS options are available for even more reassurance.

Power

• BIG POWER. LIGHTWEIGHT PACKAGE.: A robust engine, detail-driven design, advanced features, and supreme comfort are just the start of what makes the Ninja® 500 motorcycle impossible to ignore. This highly capable sportbike offers exhilaration across a broad skill spectrum—crafted with ample control for newer riders while offering some extra punch to appeal to a wide range of riders.
• RAISING THE STANDARD: With a potent yet approachable 451cc parallel-twin engine, the Ninja® 500 gives you smooth acceleration and well-balanced output for any kind of ride you’re looking for. No matter where your ride takes you, this powerplant is built for more.
• ASSIST & SLIPPER CLUTCH: The assist function helps you enjoy an exceptionally light clutch pull and wide clutch engagement range for confident control, while the slipper function reduces rear-wheel skipping and hopping when downshifting for more confidence.
• A RANGE OF POWER: The engine provides well-balanced power throughout the rev range at the twist of the wrist. Perfect for a variety of riding situations, the Ninja® 500 delivers strong low-end power for city streets and high-end revs for top highway speeds.

Styling

• CLASSIC NINJA® APPEAL: There’s no mistaking a Ninja®—and this ride is no different. Innovative style and bold design choices combine for a fresh, modern take on the iconic look.
• FACE THE FUTURE: With its distinctive front face and sleek, flowing lines, this bike embodies the classic race-inspired, big-bike look of the Ninja® supersport family.
• SHINE ON: The compact hybrid projector/reflector headlights with projector low-beams and reflector high-beams are the key to the Ninja® 500 sportbike’s distinctive face, creating a fierce expression with a high-quality finish.
• TURN HEADS: Built-in front turn signals with a sleek appearance are highly visible. Don’t be surprised if they attract some extra (wanted) attention.
• FLOWING BODYWORK: The flowing, layered design throughout the body gives off a sporty, race-inspired image that you’ll be thrilled to show off.
• FULLY EQUIPPED COCKPIT: A high-contrast LCD instrument panel connects human to machine. Bluetooth® allows for wireless smartphone connection, and with RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE†, you can access vehicle info, riding logs, phone notifications, group ride communication, and maintenance logs. †RIDEOLOGY THE APP is not intended for use during vehicle operation. Only use RIDEOLOGY THE APP when the vehicle is not being operated and it is safe to do so.