Kawasaki has announced the arrival of its new Ninja 500 and Z500 models in America, replacing the outgoing Ninja 400 and Z400. The new bikes feature a larger and more powerful engine, along with some optional accessories for enhanced comfort and convenience. Here are the details of the new Kawasaki offerings.
The Ninja 500 and Z500 are powered by a 451cc, twin-cylinder engine that was first seen on the Eliminator. The engine produces 51 horsepower and 31.7 pound-feet of torque, which is a significant increase over the 400cc models. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch for smooth shifting. The new bikes also have a claimed fuel efficiency of 61 miles per gallon, making them economical to run.
The Ninja 500 and Z500 have more power than their rivals in the sub-500cc segment, such as the CFMoto 450SS, the KTM RC 390, and the Aprilia RS 457. The new bikes are expected to offer a thrilling ride experience, while being accessible and easy to handle for beginners and intermediate riders.
Same Price As The Ninja 400, But With More Choices
Kawasaki has priced the Ninja 500 from $5,299, which is the same as the 2023 Ninja 400. This makes the new bike a great value proposition, as it offers more performance and features for the same money. The Ninja 500 is available in four variants: non-ABS, ABS, SE, and 40th anniversary. The non-ABS variant comes in a Metallic Spark Black color, while the ABS variant has two color options: Metallic Matte Whitish Silver and Passion Red. The SE variant adds some extra goodies, such as a bigger windscreen, a seat cowl, a USB port, frame sliders, keyless ignition, LED indicators, a radiator guard, and a 4.3-inch TFT instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity. The SE variant is available in Passion Red or 40th anniversary colors, which have special graphics and badges.
The Z500, on the other hand, starts from $5,599, which is a $200 increase over the Z400. The naked bike is still competitively priced, as it sits between the CFMoto 450NK and the KTM 390 Duke. The Z500 has two variants: standard and SE. The standard variant comes in a Candy Lime Green color, while the SE variant has a Candy Persimmon Red color with red wheels. The SE variant also gets the same accessories as the Ninja 500 SE, except for the windscreen and the keyless ignition. Instead, it gets a belly shroud and knee pads.
Stylish And Sporty Design With A Comfortable Riding Position
The Ninja 500 and Z500 have a stylish and sporty design, with sharp lines and curves. The Ninja 500 has a full-fairing that gives it a sleek and aerodynamic look, while the Z500 has a naked and muscular appearance. Both bikes have LED headlights and taillights, along with a digital instrument panel. The Ninja 500 also has a windscreen that provides good wind protection.
The new bikes have a comfortable riding position, with a raised handlebar and slightly forward-set foot pegs. The seat is well-padded and has a height of 30.90 inches, which should suit most riders. The fuel tank is sculpted and has a capacity of 3.69 gallons, which allows for a decent range. The bikes have a ground clearance of 5.70 inches, which should be enough for most road conditions.
The Ninja 500 and Z500 are expected to hit the dealerships soon, and they are likely to attract a lot of customers who are looking for a fun and affordable bike that can do it all. The new bikes are a testament to Kawasaki’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
