2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 - Still The Best Beginner Bike?
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- Опубликовано: 19 апр 2024
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Alex takes the new 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 for a first ride around Malibu, California to see how it stacks up against the older Ninja 400.
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I had a 2018 400 but a work van had plowed into it when it was parked . So went out and got a 40th anniversary 500 se. everything that was said on the video is spot on. The bike is very much like the 400 just more power especially down low and more tech. Plan to do full tune, velocity stacks, air filter and full exhaust. The wind will still blow you around just like the 400. The seat is improved. My guy parts are not being squished into the gas tank as bad now. The front fairings feel a tad wider than the 400 as well. The pictures of the 40th don’t do it justice. You need to see it in person. The colors really pop!!! And the pearl white paint in it is really nice to. Feels more premium than the old 400. I agree with some, Kawasaki should have named it the 451. But all in all this like the 400 is a fantastic bike!
That's awesome yo 👊🏽
Good ideas, supposedly the aftermarket air filter does nothing for this bike, though. Search "ninja 500 Dyno" and check out the videos from 2 wheel dynoworks. They do an ECU flash on a full exhaust ninja 500 and they have another video on the Dyno after tst velocity stacks. They supposedly have another video coming soon showing the difference with the baffle removed and exposing one potentially critical flaw.
If you're going to drop a ton of money on modding a Ninja 500, just buy an R7. The point of cheap bikes is to be cheap.
I currently own a Ninja 400 and I helped my buddy take delivery of his Ninja 500. After seeing them side by side I don’t have any intention of “upgrading” but I’m happy with what Kawasaki did with the bike. I personally prefer the 400s analog tach with digital speedo but that’s just my tastes. Overall fantastic bike and it’s simply a 400 with a little more bells and whistles for the same price. Can’t go wrong with that.
race him and let us know the results!!!
Absolutely dude. Drives me nuts seeing guys talking about "upgrading" to this or the ZX4R
Seems like I picked a good time to buy a first bike
I feel the same. Tach should always be analog, I'll avoid a digital tach for as long as possible
@@amisfitpuivksame brotha!!!
Perfect video, well done alex!
I loved my old 2007 Ninja 500 and this NEW Ninja 500 kinda sounded similar on the opening sound clip.
I own a 400 for about 7 months now, my first bike and I'm loving it! The dash is the best I've seen so far, the analog tachometer is essential to me, and I personally don't like these all digital displays.
I felt the same way about it (especially the analog tac). I ended up buying the Ninja 500 as the 400 was phased out when I was ready to buy, and the digital display doesn't bother me AT ALL. I would prefer the analog tac but I don't care that much at this point...of course you're not missing out at all having the 400 over the 500. The engine changes seem negligible on paper...I like the led headlights I guess. I can't imagine either bike being a "bad" bike. Love the 500 and am sure I would have loved the 400
I'm new to motorcycling and i love my bike (ninja 500 se)
loved my ninja 250.
I think a 500 is a good size to learn on, however I'm somewhat disappointed that the entry level size keeps getting bigger. The 250 was a fine bike that most people sold before learning everything they could from it.
Well since I follow the EU license system it’s not an issue 😁 rode my 2008 125cc CBR-R for 2 years, went for the Ninja 300 for 3 years and then sold it. Currently without a bike so I loan either a MT-09 or FZ-1 I think it’s called (4 cylinder 150hp). Can’t decide what to buy 😅
@@_TrueDesire_ MT09 is a more practical street bike and it's been refreshed this year with sportier geometry.
MT10 is more money and more weight for more power than you can do anything with.
@@aluisious I'm loaning the old FZ1 and MT09 from friends 😁
Kawasaki still sells a new Ninja 250, just not in the USA.
i was quite devastated that the ninja 400 was discontinued just as i was turning 18 this year. Planned to do my drivers license in Germany and get the A2, so hopefully that turns out well enough for me to finally get the bike. Was considering the Duke 390 cuz of the cooler design, but this vid helped me to reconsider kawasaki again as I do like the KRT edition's design a lot and the overall performance is better than KTM when they are similar in prices. It's just that I am concerned about the weight as I am a short girl and that's already a disadvantage...
i was going to get a Duke 390 BUT its too tall and idk... just didnt feel right for my mini me
Kawasaki makes the shorter bikes if I’m not mistaken I had mine lowered too it’s height adjustable to some extent!
You're gonna have plenty of reach as a short rider. If anything, there's also the option to get a lower (or higher) seat for extra small humans
The bike is pretty light all things considered
I too am a little concerned with the extra weight for my nephew's fist bike. I'm sure you've seen it's about 15 pounds heavier than the 400. Since the 400 is discontinued I guess it's the 2nd best choice.
@@dantimber The wight is barely noticeable, it's still incredibly lightweight and pretty easy to push around
I was thinking about having a second bike. I was REALLY interested in the CFMoto 450SS but when I compared my insurance between this and the CFMoto, with an actual VIN, the CFMoto was WAY more expensive on the insurance despite being a similar displacement. That "SS" or "SuperSport" in the name of CF must REALLY make insurance companies nervous. I've owned an R6 and a CBR before and supersport insurance rates are a joke.
I want to know where can I buy that Graves exhaust. I got my Ninja 500 a month ago and that’s the best sounding exhaust I’ve heard.
It looks like they finally decided to give the Ninja a taller windscreen, too. I seriously cannot understand why so many manufacturers will pull a really short windscreen that does next to nothing unless you REALLY tuck in behind it. It just looks better and balance now.
Perfect video, everything I wanted to know. I like the KRT but I’m scared other people will too and will want to yoink it
GPS, brake lock, alarm... And of course insurance
It's not bad especially with that 40th year color scheme
i have the 500 se krt. so its set stock to a lower rpm but you can adjust it through the display. whats nice is that it allowed me to get used to riding and once i started adventuring out, i just upped the rpms through the display [basically had it so it wasnt telling me to shift at 4000]. went for a 2.5 hour ride on backroads and highway and had no prolems. definitely a great starter bike. the only downside i see is that i have a 28" inseam and its lowered all the way on the shock but i can still only flat foot on one foot and have to tippy toe my other foot. its not a big issue but since im new to riding, i am a bit nervous when i come to stops. that may just be a me thing but being able to flat foot both feet would be nice. damn genetics.
I've seen a few riders with thick sole boots. Looks like it add's an inch?
@dantimber yeah. I wear a pair of irish setters work boots and that helps immensely.
nice video, I currently ride a Yamaha MT 09, want to switch (age consideration 50) to a small, light bike, is ninja 400 a good choice?
Be safe & God bless
Ninja 500 KRT vs Ninja 500 ABS which one better
Y'all should get Roman to approve a trip to the isle of mann tt. its going on during my trip to irelend so I'm gonna check it out.
What about the shifting options.
i ride a 750 magna..its powerful but i now want something more agile...maybe ill get a ninja500
I think they did some cool upgrades despite not being much.
Considering the price hasn't moved an inch, it's all good
@@tenacious645 extra 50cc for free bois
Any color but lime, please
I'm buying one but the 40th edition
Coolest colorway I’ve ever seen on a bike!
How is the passenger seat?
Imagina una nueva kle 500 con llantas de radios de 21/ 18 con ese motor para hacer un buena trail campera campera sin necesidad de gastar una fortuna.
are you able to connect your phone via bluetooth to the non se models?
yes, but the app is pretty useless
I think it's a good bike when the reviewer laughs while riding. Looks like a fun bike. Which is essential. I'm on an R3.
Next compare it to the cfmoto 450ss/sr
Now the question is Ninja "500" or Ninja 650
650 is the worst 650
extremely interested in the ninja 500 would love to own one but with 2 stolen bikes in less than 7 years just don't know any more thank you
my first bike was a 2015 r3 i sold it and now want another one should i get this or a cf moto 450ss or cbr500r ? i want it to commute to work about 20 miles one way
I own a 500 (so I’m biased), and I’ve ridden a 450SS. The 500 will have the lowest cost of ownership, and is waaaay more comfy than a 450SS. But if it’s only 20 miles, you’ll probably be fine on the 450SS (especially if you want more ‘spirited’ riding).
I’ve ridden a CBR300R, not the 500, and the fit and finish are super nice. I love the look of Honda’s bikes, they’re just so dang expensive. Hard to justify $8k+ out-the-door for Honda’s CBR500R, when I got a Ninja 500 ABS for $5,900 OTD…
Currently riding the Ninja 500 SE, used to own a 2015 Honda CB500F. The lastest cbr500s did get some improvements a few years after mine, but I think the Ninja outshines it a bit. More features, just as comfortable, and so far feels better on the highway. My older Honda would struggle a bit to pass compared to Ninja, and that was downshifting, while on the Ninja I can just stay in 6th. At the end of the day though, be sure to sit on both, or all three! I really liked that CF Moto, but haven't ridden or sat on sadly. Hope it helps!
Get a 650/700 class. I take my MT07 to work and it is amazing
I personally chose the 450SS. I was almost certainly going with the CBR, because i love those bikes, but the 450SS has so much to offer for the price.
270 crank. Better tech. Slightly more aggressive ergo (subjective). App integration with nav and security features. Sleek design.
I have a dealership right near me, so parts are service are no issue.
The beautiful part is, it's completely up to you. Look at all the homies in your replies. All have a different answer.
Go sit on all of them and see which is the most comfortable!
What do you think about Aprilia RS 457?
(Not a bad choice, honestly)
Is it worth trading my 07 ninja 500r for this I really would like someone to do a comparison to it. I feel like my 500 would hold its own against it
Is a 650 too big for a new rider? I was considering the 650 for a while
The 650 is very much a beginner bike. Don’t let numbers in the name scare you. Do research first!
@@JohnMills-13 thank you! Yeah i got to the dealership to sit on it (didnt get to ride it) and man it looks so comfortable to drive
The Ninja 650 is a good beginner bike too. Obviously a fair bit more power than the 400 or 500. Will get you more acclimated for potential future bikes with much more power than the typical 300/400 CC bikes (aka tripling hoursepower going from ninja 400 to ZX6R or something like an FZ1). Will also keep you satisfied longer with your "starter bike" and enable a bit more spirited ride when you want to open it up on the on ramp, or long stretches. It also seems a slightly less aggressive in riding position than the 400 which is already pretty forgiving (especially compared to 600CC class of supersports which are not comfortable at all).
Do I get the Ninja 500 or the ZX-4RR?
Love the high revving sound 16,000 rpm of the inline 4 cylinder engine.
So I'm probably leaning towards the 40th anniversary ZX-4RR.
Decisions decisions.
As I understand it, there is a very significant price difference between the two bikes, and the ZX-4RR is disappointingly limited in power.
@@peterwilson8039
Yes Peter but that can easily be rectified by sending out your ECU for a reflash.
The ZX-4RR will hold its value or probably appreciate over time, where is the Ninja 500 will definitely depreciate.
The ZX-4RR is produced in very limited quantities and the production of inline 4-cylinder motorcycles is going to stop very soon do do emissions regulations.
I'd rather buy a bike that will appreciate in value.
Cheers
@@dougmaverick3287 Both are very good points.
@@peterwilson8039
Peter, another thing that will help the ZX-4RR hold its value is going with the 40th anniversary livery, because they will only be sold for 2024, making them very exclusive. 👍👍
It's a parallel twin not a inline 4
I see they were feeling the potential competition from CFMoto 450. I'm glad to see that CFMoto made Kawasaki step their technology game up in a sense
Wait a damn minute, i don't have a keyless start
Me either 😂
bike looks much more comfortable on the highway than the 400
Why the most expensive version is like $6000 and in portugal is almost 10k lol and we have no color options, only KRT for the SE, not even the 40th anniversary, no red and black
Bruh, the 500 was an early 2000's model, they went back too. Not replaced. How do I know? A ninja 500 is what I learned on...
New school kids don't know they just buying into a redesigned bike Kawasaki profits 📈📈📈📈📈📈
Completely wrong. In the early 2000’s the Ninja 250 was the smallest Ninja, and the 500r was their middle-weight entry. The 250 became the 300, then the 400, and now the 500 (“451”). The middleweight ninja was the 500, which became the 650.
So no, they didn’t “go back to” 500. 250 turned into the 500, and the original 500 became the 650. Learn your bike history if you’re going to comment on the topic.
@dhess34 duh. Just because I did not include basically every other model doest mean I was wrong. Mr. Passive aggressive warrior you.
same game yamaha played with the R7
I have zero experience but I'm really, really thinking hard about getting a 500 for my starter bike. You think it's a good idea
I bought the 2024 eliminator 500 and its very beginner friendly
it can be a little fast for you, i think 250cc is best for beginners, using it 3 or 4 months for learning how to control a Supersport bike and upgrading
@@utkuaydin2578 I appreciate this comment, I'll be looking in to some
You’ll be fine with the 500, especially if you have self control to not do 60-to-110mph pulls on the interstate (which are easy to do!). The slipper/assisted clutch is super easy and forgiving, you’ll be fine.
@dhess34 I really appreciate this comment.
Do you recommend this bike as first bike ?
it is my first bike, the power is very manageable, and its highway ready when you are
@@oldcowbbdo you have the krt model or something else?
No it isnt. Yamaha got it right keeping the R3 at 320cc. this is a midsize bike.
Is it a automatic
I still think we should be boycotting manufacturers that profit off "500cc" marketting and deliver 450cc bikes.
Let’s first tackle the issue of food manufacturers only half-filling their boxes/bags 🤝
@@dhess34This is a motorcycle video, Sir. 👏👏👏
Thinking about opening an eBay store to sell 451 stickers for this bike. 🤔
Dont buy it. I will. Waaa
Every manufacture does that
They could've at least bump the HP to 35kW (47.5hp) and put a 499cc engine in it, it would be a bit better and a logical upgrade from 400.
But the Ninja 500 in the USA already has 51 horsepower.
@@keltonjohnson6197 USA does not represent the whole world.
anyways i’m starting on a zx6r 😭
It never was, Not even the Ninja 400. The Svartpilen 401 was better value and had more features at a better price not to mention only a few HP below a Ninja 400/500 but better low power. It's now fully updated with the specs and parts from the new 2024 Duke 390. Wth the CFMoto 450SS there's more competition in the class and it's got even more features then both the Svartpilen/vitpilen 401 and Ninja 400/500
lol the Svartpilen has shit built quality and issues before the first oil change! No thanks
Calling a 450 a 500 is calling BS on Kawasaki....
lol I ride a ninja 1000 and the cc is 1043 😂
They have always rounded haha, I have a Z900RS and it’s 948 engine derived from the z1000
You don't want inexperienced riders hearing Honda cbr500r and then ninja 450. They're gonna get the 500. It's just marketing.
The honda cbr500r has 470cc sooo....
@@entropy5125 the ninja 400 can bet the cbr500 stock vs stock and the ninja 400 is only 399cc
This shit is like how trucks have grown over time. The basic ninja 250 was the perfect starter bike. This thing costs above inflation and is filled with unnecessary things
Boomer take.
@@dhess34 So ABS and all of this regulated shit means nothing eh? Far from a boomer. Just prefer that people learn on a basic one without a bunch of shit mandated on it that makes the overconfident rider off themselves when a system on it fails, which it will, maybe even 20 years after you sell it
@@dhess34 zoomer take.
Just because it has a bunch of electronic bells and whistles doesn't mean it's better. Your probably think iphone is the greatest thing ever (because you were programmed to think that).
I'd rather buy the ninja 650 IF I still want Parallel Twin engine. Otherwise I will go for Ninja ZX-6R
The Aprilia RS457 is just too good 🚀 🚀 🚀
52cc
‘Still’ the best? Dude this bike just came out 😅
So let me get this straight. . . The Ninja 500 replaced the 400, which replaced the 300, which replaced the Ninja 250. Pretty soon Kawasaki will have a liter bike as their entry level sport bike. Gotta love model bloat. . .
Next hot new thing will be a 600😂
Hey Kawasaki, shut up and take my money!!!
its more than just a beginner bike.
barely.
How much fokkkking top speed
Got to 120mph (195kph), still had room to run…
Kawasaki ninja 450
Dude get over it. Yall are annoying with that nitpicky gene u have…you know the ccs, don’t get it if you don’t want it.
400 was a 4cylinder and this 500 is a twin cylinder 2 different bikes bro
the 400 is a twin. the ZX4R is the 4 cylinder supersport version.
600 or nothing😂
17 minutes to say "it's small and it's fun" which everyone already knew and "it's a little faster than the 400" which everyone knew. You really aren't offering anything except the footage. May as well have just uploaded your ride with no commentary.
1. It's not a 500 it's a 450
2. It's the exactly the same as the 400
3. No, it's not the best begginer bike nowadays because the cf moto 450sr is clearly the best in its class but ya'll would not admit it because "CHINA"
That bike does look like a beaut
yeah bro its China, we all know quality of Kawasaki and how much kilometers this bike can go without any problem, but cant know about chinese bikes
Dumbest comment I’ve read today, congrats, Zion!!
Let’s tackle your idiocy in order, k? The 500 weighs 2.4% more than a 500, but has 8.1% higher peak HP, and *23.7* higher peak torque! Almost a quarter again as much torque!! “It’s exactly the same” 😂🤣 You’re unbelievably stupid. The torque curve is also significantly higher throughout the entire rev range on the 500, which matters much more than peak numbers.
Also, the Ninja 500 *crushes* the 450SS/450SR in any metric you can dream up. There are pretty much no CFMoto parts available in the US. A friend of mine has a 450SS, and in the past calendar year it has quite literally spent more time at the dealership waiting for parts than it has in his garage.
I rode his 450SS, and it is supremely uncomfortable. The RC 390 blows it away on the track, and is still more comfortable than the 450SS. Speaking of the track, the 450SS must be better than the Ninja 500, because it has race-y ergonomics, right?! Nooooope. At our local track days a couple 450SS’s have showed up to run, and can’t even place in the top 10 against race-prepped 400s. It’s not a good racing platform, and it doesn’t have any proven reliability.
Speaking of a racing platform, how many parts are available for the CFMoto? How many parts are available for the ninja 400/500? I’m guessing the ratio is easily 20:1.
There’s nothing inherently *wrong* with the CFMoto 450SS/SR, but the Ninjas make better track bikes, are more comfortable to ride, are more reliable, and cost much less in the long run. Not to mention you won’t take a massive hit on the resale of a Kawasaki, versus a CFMoto.
Dumbest comment I’ve read in a loooong time. The 500 makes much more power and torque than the 400. 24% more torque (vs 2.4% increased weight), with much more torque available through the entire rev range.
I’ve ridden my friend’s CFMoto 450SS, and the ergo’s are very uncomfortable. Its ergos are seemingly set up as a track bike, buuuuut even 400’s thrash 450SS’s on track days.
And why have I only ridden a 450SS once? It’s my buddy’s, and in the past calendar year it has literally spent more time in the shop waiting for parts than it has in his garage. But he can’t sell it, because there is absolutely no resale value on CFMoto bikes. In my area someone just sold a CFMoto 300NK for $2000, with like 400 miles on it 😂
@@dhess34 weird I thought real world math would indicate that kawasaki's published numbers of 31.7 ft-lbs vs 28 tft-lbs was barely over 13% more. same for horsepower. claimed 45-49 vs claimed 51 (a max increase of 13%). Which correlates directly to increase in displacement (12.5%). Most riders aren't going to notice an appreciable difference in power between 400 vs 500.
And if you're talking CFMoto 450RS power numbers the message doesn't change: it's nearly identical to published ninja400 numbers.
But also I agree; F**K china and winnie the pooh and their products. If their production standards were as good as their technology theft the world would actually care about them. We don't, for good reason.
Screw communist California
Sick review m8!
My 2007(!) NInja 250 is in the shop so I'm stuck here looking up reviews of Ninja 650s + NInja 500s - I've had this thing since 2011 and haven't really found a need to upgrade unless mine doesn't make it out of the shop alive, but DAMN if your coverage isn't making me want to pick this up anyway. It's pretty much exactly what I'd want; it beats my 250 in a 0-60 by a couple of seconds, is roughly the same weight, and is gorgeous - only thing I'd be looking at is a different seat so my second can hop on comfortably as well.
Not sure how I feel about that blue + white + green 40th anniversary edition colorscheme. More I look at it, the more I like it though.
_I don't need it, I don't need it..._