We journey the YZM 500cc TWO STROKE BEAST on a tough observe in Southern California with Carson Brown on the controls. We have been bummed to listen to that the 2024 Fasthouse Two-Stroke World Championship was postponed. We have been happy to have the chance to spend a while with defending champion and Dirt Bike Magazine take a look at rider Carson Brown, although. We obtained to spend a few days with him and his Yamaha/BRC 500. This bike has a ton of customized components and with Carson on the controls you realize its going to be pure chaos. Sit again and luxuriate in a particular video from the Dirt Bike Magazine Crew! Turn up the amount! Scroll down if you need to see extra detailed shot of the YZM500 .
While the remainder of the world enjoys the 500cc vary of Honda’s parallel-twins, the corporate has to take a barely completely different method in its house nation of Japan as, in case you didn’t know, Japan has strict licensing laws on the subject of bikes with engine displacements greater than 400cc, particularly on the subject of minimal rider age.
But that implies that whereas all of us get larger, badder bikes, Japan will get some critically attention-grabbing items that we would like to trip if given the possibility. Check out Honda’s new CBR400R and NX400.
The Honda CB400 Super Four continues to be widespread in Japan.
For the sake of brevity, the reasoning behind the displacement variations is that it’s good to be at the very least 18 years outdated to get an enormous bike license (bikes above 400cc), whilst you might be as younger as 16 years outdated to be eligible to trip bikes with engine displacements as much as 400cc. It’s additionally why there are fashions just like the Suzuki Katana 400, Honda CB400 Super Four, and rather more not too long ago, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R.
So let’s discuss Honda’s shrunken 400cc bikes—extra particularly, 399cc.
2024 Honda NX400
Sharing related styling and tech with their world counterparts, the 2024 Honda NX400 and CBR400R are powered by a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 399cc parallel twin with a 180-degree crankshaft configuration. Interestingly, nonetheless, they produce almost the identical quantity of energy as their 500cc siblings with 46 horsepower and 38 Nm (28 pound-feet) of torque.
When it involves styling, the NX400 ditches the CB500X’s angular bodywork for a boxier, extra retro-inspired look. It shares an analogous design to the Transalp XL750, particularly up entrance with the rally-inspired fairing. It does, nonetheless, make its road-focused intentions clear as day because of its alloy wheels.
Meanwhile, the CBR400R borrows styling cues from its larger sibling, the CBR650R, with its full fairing, break up LED headlights, and angular tank and tail part. It’s price noting that similar to the CBR650R, the CBR500R options a way more upright seating place when in comparison with different smaller sportbikes, specifically the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR.
2024 Honda CBR400R
When it involves pricing and availability, Japanese fans can have a wide array of colours to select from on the subject of these two fashions. For the CBR400R, racing fans will seemingly be interested in the WSBK-inspired Grand Prix Red livery, whereas these in search of a smooth aesthetic could gravitate in the direction of the Matte Ballistic Black Metallic motif.
As for the NX400, it’s supplied in a clear and surgical Pearl Glare White, in addition to an all-black end. Honda’s CBR400R carries a beginning value of 863,500 yen, or about $5,742 USD, whereas the NX400 retails for 891,000 yen, or round $5,925 USD.
If solely the remainder of us received these cool one-offs…
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.
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.
10Relaxed Rider Triangle
Seat Height: 30.90 inches
Kawasaki
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
Overall Length
78.54 inches
Overall Width
28.74 inches
Overall Height
44.09 inches
Ground Clearance
5.70 inches
Fuel Tank Capacity
3.69 gallons
Claimed Fuel Consumption
61 miles per gallon
Sourced from Kawasaki
9Essential Tech Goodies With Optional Accessories
Kawasaki
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
8The Big-Bike Design Is Sharp And Attractive
Kawasaki
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
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
Front Disc Brake
310mm semi-floating disc
Front Brake Caliper
Nissin dual-piston caliper
Rear Disc Brake
220mm disc
Rear Brake Caliper
Nissin dual-piston caliper
ABS Type
Dual channel ABS
Sourced from Kawasaki
6Lightweight Handling For All Skill Levels
Chassis Type: Steel Trellis Frame
Kawasaki
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
BRC, a Canadian company, is dedicated to reviving the 500cc two-stroke era. They have developed their own motor which they supply in a kit for you to complete. In this particular case, we have used a 2023 Yamaha YZ250 as the “donor bike.” It comes with the complete YZ chassis and essential internal engine parts required to finish the build. Join us as we familiarize ourselves with this bike at Glen Helen Raceway in this episode of our Premix video series.
A surprising project has been completed by Charles from mxRevival and Riley at BRC Racing Canada. They have managed to transform a 250cc Gas Gas motocross bike into a massive MC500 using BRC racing’s 500cc drop-in engine kits. In addition to doubling the engine displacement, the BRC kit also allowed them to keep a counter-balance and exhaust valve-equipped engine and add electric start to the previously kick-only model. The finished product, named “HELFYRE,” is truly remarkable. Here’s a closer look at the project.
One of the remarkable features of this conversion is the size of the engine. It takes up every bit of space available in the Gas Gas chassis. To complement the increased power, the bike’s suspension, brakes, and drive were upgraded. The air-forks were replaced with Yamaha KYB/SSS components by AHM Factory Services, improving the overall performance. Dirt Tricks provided their black zinc’d rotors and their “Elite Kit” consisting of a chain and front/rear sprockets to handle the increased power.
DeCal Works provided a custom seat cover and unique decal for FMF pipes. They also created two different sets of plastics and graphics for the bike, including one designed to entice Justin Barcia to ride the bike. The project was finished off with various attention to detail, resulting in a $35,000 dirt bike.
The full HELFYRE reveal can be seen on mXrevival’s YouTube video, and an upcoming article on HELFYRE will be featured in Dirt Bike Magazine.
Interested readers are encouraged to subscribe to Dirt Bike Magazine for a chance to win HELFYRE. Good luck!
Gas Gas does not produce a 500cc two-stroke motorcycle, but that is about to change. In this week’s 2-Stroke Tuesday, Charles Lytle from mXrevival explains how he is making that happen and how you can enter to win this exact motorcycle. Scroll to the bottom of this post for more information on the bike giveaway.
Two-stroke motorcycles are cool. There is something special about their slim design, aggressive stance, and unique exhaust systems. They are undeniably badass. But mXrevival believes they can make them even cooler. Their goal is not just to build bikes, but to custom build them for customers and give them away as prizes.
We build incredible bikes for you to win. “
Their current project is the 2023 Gas Gas MC250 Bike Build & Giveaway, which is currently in progress. But now they are introducing the new MC500 two-stroke monster, named “HELFYRE”. This bike is equipped with a brand new BRC Racing engine.
The 500cc engine easily fits into the chassis of late model two-strokes. It has an exhaust valve for that classic two-stroke power and is counter-balanced to reduce vibrations. And of course, it has an electric start for convenience.
In terms of the chassis, the AER air forks have been replaced with a fully reworked suspension, including a Technical Touch spring conversion by AHM Factory Services. This provides better performance and durability. The bike also features custom Cearakoted clamps from Fast Blast & Coat and Brembo brakes with a fresh coat of Cerakote.
If you want to win this incredible MC500 build, you can enter on the mXrevival website. By entering, you also support OMC Raceway, a motorcycle club that has been around for generations.
mXrevival is not just about building bikes, they also believe in supporting worthy charities. They are sincerely grateful for your support.
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