The motorcycle industry is evolving, and with it, there’s a new rise in 500cc sports bikes. There’s a lot of demand for these bikes as bikers look for exciting yet accessible sports bikes that won’t burn a hole in their wallet or send them straight to jail if they decide to redline them in anything over the second gear. But the Ninja 500 isn’t a new motorcycle — it dates back to 1987, and you may know it as GPZ500S or EX500. Back in the day, the sports bike-ish motorcycle was known for its upright riding position, practicality, and cheap performance, but the lineup was discontinued in 2009 with the inception of the Ninja 650.

Today, the Ninja 650 has evolved far and moved up the ladder, leaving a void in the Ninja lineup. This is where the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 slots in, along with its naked sibling, the Z500. The Ninja 500 doesn’t promise to be the fastest or fanciest of the segment, so you do need to manage your expectations, but that doesn’t mean it’s a subpar motorcycle. The Ninja 500 makes promises where they matter most: everyday versatility, ease of ownership, and usable performance.

Related: Kawasaki Whips Up Ninja 500 And Z500 To Take The Fight To CFMoto

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Kawasaki and other authoritative sources, including Motorcyclenews.com.

10 Relaxed Rider Triangle

Seat Height: 30.90 inches

The 500 sport bike segment sits in the sweet spot between small-displacement beginner motorcycles and extremely committed supersports, and staying true to this agenda, the Ninja 500 prioritizes comfort in all riding conditions. The rider triangle is relaxed, thanks to the elevated handle position and slightly forward-set foot pegs, which Kawasaki claims do not get in the way of the legs. The seat is also comfortable with ample padding where it matters most, and the sculpted fuel tank complements it with adequate leg grip. Kawasaki claims the fairing and windshield also offer excellent wind protection, so the Ninja 500 has everything to be a capable city bike as well as an occasional mile muncher.

Comfort Specifications

Sourced from Kawasaki

9 Essential Tech Goodies With Optional Accessories

The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 may not get the bells and whistles of its rivals, but it gets the basics right. The base Ninja 500 comes with a high-contrast LCD instrument panel that looks intuitive and easy to ride, as per the media images, and it allows smartphone connectivity via the Rideology app, which gives you information like riding log, notifications, maintenance log, and communication sharing. And if that wasn’t enough, you can always garnish your Ninja 500 with Kawasaki Genuine accessories, which is always a plus.

Kawasaki Genuine Accessories For Ninja 500

• Larger windshield in clear and smoke options
• USB-C outlet
• Ergo-Fit seat that adds 1.18 inch
• Tank bag
• Tank and knee grip pads
• Radiator guard and frame sliders
• Wheel rim tape and pillion seat cowl
• Helmet lock and U-lock

8 The Big-Bike Design Is Sharp And Attractive

Kawasaki emphasized a lot on the design of the Ninja 500, and we can see why — this bike is gorgeous. The design is distinct and sleek, with a flowing flyline, giving it a signature Ninja aesthetic. Plus, the bike looks a lot bigger than it actually is with design cues inspired by the Ninja ZX-6R, especially the compact headlights and front face. The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 is sharp yet understated and does not resort to tacky design elements like some of its rivals, which make it an appealing motorcycle.

Noteworthy Design Elements

• The big-bike dimensions that feel like a part of the Ninja family
• Compact hybrid projector/reflector headlights that appear dark and sleek, paired with dual chin spoilers
• Front turn indicators that sit flush with the fairing — no more AliExpress mods in this regard

Related: 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Ninja 400 – Key Differences

7 Brakes Derived From The ZX-14R — Kinda

Braking System: Nissin Calipers

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 may not be the fastest motorcycle, but it is still capable of reaching illegal speeds in no time, which is why braking is crucial. Fortunately, Kawasaki hasn’t cheaped out in this aspect. The Ninja 500 derives its semi-floating front disc from the ZX-14R while the rear brake is carried on from the Ninja 400, and both are paired with dual-piston Nissin calipers. Kawasaki claims the braking system offers tremendous feedback and bite, and the Nissin ABS control unit only adds more safety and assurance to the entire package.

Brake Specifications

Sourced from Kawasaki

6 Lightweight Handling For All Skill Levels

Chassis Type: Steel Trellis Frame

While the braking setup looks decent, the chassis is where the Ninja 500 shines. This bike uses a 250cc-based trellis frame that is slim and rigid, using the engine as a stressed member with mass centralization as a priority. According to Kawasaki, this reworked chassis makes the bike planted with ample feedback and light handling. The chassis will suit both new riders looking for an easy-to-maneuver bike and experienced bikers