What's the difference between Ninja 500 and Ninja 400?

The 500 has a 451cc twin (~51 hp) versus the 400's 399cc (~49 hp). Seat height and wet weight are essentially the same. The 500 replaced the 400 in the US for 2024.

How much does a 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 cost?

US MSRP started around $5,999 base ABS, $6,199 SE, and $6,499 KRT Edition. Confirm current dealer pricing.

How much horsepower does a Ninja 500 have?

About 51 hp (38 kW) at 10,000 rpm.

Is the Ninja 500 good for beginners?

Yes for many new riders who want a modern entry sportbike with ABS. Absolute beginners who prefer upright ergonomics may still like an MT-03 or 390 Duke better.

What is the top speed of a Ninja 500?

Claimed around 115 mph (185 km/h). Real results vary.

Does the Ninja 500 have traction control?

No. ABS is standard; traction control is not.

Should I upgrade from a Ninja 400 to a Ninja 500?

Only if you want a new bike, warranty, or the latest trim. Performance difference is small for most street riders.

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Motorcycle

Kawasaki Ninja 500 2024 — Specs & Overview

451cc twin that replaced the Ninja 400 for 2024

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 replaced the Ninja 400 for 2024. The 451cc parallel twin makes 51 hp at 10,000 rpm and 31.7 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm. Wet weight sits at 432 lb (196 kg). New MSRP: $5,999 base, $6,199 SE, $6,499 KRT Edition. Bigger engine, same lightweight chassis, marginal price increase over 2023 Ninja 400 ABS ($5,499).

Power

51 hp (38 kW) @ 10,000 rpm

Torque

31.7 lb-ft (43 Nm) @ 7,500 rpm

Engine size

451 cc parallel twin

Wet weight

196 kg (432 lb)

Price

$5 999

Key features

Direct 400 replacement — Keeps the Ninja 400 chassis recipe with a larger 451cc twin.

ABS standard — US bikes come with ABS; no traction control.

Trim ladder — Base, SE, and KRT Edition cover price and graphics preferences.

Technical specifications

Engine

Engine size

451 cc

Engine type

Liquid-cooled DOHC parallel twin, 8 valves

Bore x stroke

70.0 x 58.6 mm

Compression

11.3:1

Power

51 hp (38 kW) @ 10,000 rpm

Torque

31.7 lb-ft (43 Nm) @ 7,500 rpm

Transmission

Gearbox

6-speed, slipper-assist clutch

Transmission type

Chain

Chassis

Frame

High-tensile steel trellis

Front suspension

41 mm fork, 4.7 in travel

Rear suspension

Bottom-link Uni-Trak gas shock, 5.1 in travel

Front brakes

310 mm petal disc, 2-piston

Rear brakes

220 mm petal disc, single-piston

Wheelbase

53.9 in (1,370 mm)

Seat height

31.1 in (790 mm)

Wet weight

432 lb (196 kg)

Electronics

ABS

Standard

Traction control

Other

Fuel capacity

3.7 gal (14 L)

Top speed

~115 mph (185 km/h)

Years

2024-present

Type

Entry-level sportbike

Kawasaki Ninja 500: what changed from the 400, pricing, and rivals

What changed from the Ninja 400

Kawasaki kept the familiar entry-sport chassis package and moved to a 451cc DOHC parallel twin shared conceptually with other modern Kawasaki mid-small platforms. Peak power rises to about 51 hp, torque arrives a little earlier, and US MSRP steps up from the final Ninja 400 ABS price. Electronics stay simple: ABS standard, no traction control.

Kawasaki Ninja 500 specs at a glance

Field	Value
Engine	451cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve parallel twin
Bore x stroke	70.0 x 58.6 mm
Compression	11.3:1
Power	51 hp (38 kW) @ 10,000 rpm
Torque	31.7 lb-ft (43 Nm) @ 7,500 rpm
Gearbox	6-speed, slipper-assist clutch
Final drive	Chain
Seat height	31.1 in (790 mm)
Wet weight	432 lb (196 kg)
Fuel capacity	3.7 gal (14 L)
Top speed (claim)	~115 mph (185 km/h)
ABS	Standard
Traction control	No

Year-by-year notes

Year	Key changes
2024	Launch. Replaces Ninja 400. New 451cc engine. Base, SE, and KRT trims.
2025	Color/graphic refresh. No major mechanical change.
2026	Expected minor color updates; confirm dealer sheets for your state.

Trim	2024	2025	2026 (est)
Ninja 500 base ABS	$5,999	$6,099	$6,199
Ninja 500 SE ABS	$6,199	$6,299	$6,399
Ninja 500 KRT Edition	$6,499	$6,599	$6,699

Ninja 500 vs Ninja 400 - who should upgrade?

If you already own a healthy Ninja 400, the 500 is a small step, not a class jump. New-bike shoppers who want current warranty, ABS standard, and the latest Kawasaki entry sport should buy the 500. Used-budget shoppers can save money on late 400s with nearly the same ride feel.

Ninja 500 vs rivals

Model	Power	Weight	Notes
Ninja 500	51 hp	432 lb	Current Kawasaki entry sport
Ninja 400	49 hp	432 lb	Used-market alternative
Yamaha R3	42 hp	368 lb	Lighter, less peak power
Yamaha MT-03	42 hp	368 lb	Naked sibling to R3
Honda CBR500R	47 hp	425 lb	Bigger twin, higher MSRP class
KTM 390 Duke	43 hp	328 lb	Naked, lighter
Aprilia RS 457	47 hp	386 lb	Premium European rival

Used market and early ownership notes

Most Ninja 500s on the market are still new or low-mile. Expect pricing close to MSRP less normal dealer discounts. Inspect for tip-over damage, aftermarket exhaust maps, and service intervals on early 2024 production bikes.

Browse Kawasaki Ninja 500 motorcycles for sale on Motohubs and compare base, SE, and KRT trims.