The Ninja 500 is the successor to the Ninja 400. While the latter was already very likeable, the former has been further improved on many fronts. We recently spent some time with the bike to test its capabilities and you can read our take in the road test review. For now, let’s take a look at the key highlights of the Ninja 500 along with its stunning pictures clicked by our lensman.
When it comes to styling, this is a quintessential Ninja with an aggressive front-squatting stance. The front section gets a sharp snout sporting sleek LED headlamps while the tail is a pointed, upswept unit.
The Ninja 500 offers more visual drama than its predecessor with a muscular and layered fairing which makes it look bigger and more imposing than the Ninja 400.
It’s also a better-equipped offering in terms of features. The instrumentation is a fully digital LCD with Bluetooth connectivity, as opposed to the Ninja 400’s semi-digital console which was deprived of connectivity.
Powering the bike is a bigger 451cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that produces 44.7bhp and 42.6Nm of peak torque. This motor is mated to a six-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch.
The hardware package is quite basic with telescopic forks, a monoshock, axially mounted disc brake calipers, and 17-inch alloy wheels shod with Dunlop Sportmax tyres.
Other features of the motorcycle include dual-channel ABS, a 14-litre fuel tank, 171kg kerb weight, and a seat height of 785mm which should be accessible for riders of all kinds of stature.
At Rs. 5.24 lakh (ex-showroom), the price of the Kawasaki Ninja 500 is quite steep due to the CBU (completely built-up) route it takes to arrive on our shores. The closest rivals of the bike are the Aprilia RS 457 and the Yamaha R3.
