// Generation · 2024 — present

LAUNCH

Direct successor to the Ninja 400 (withdrawn from the European catalogue in 2024), the Ninja 500 debuts a new DOHC liquid-cooled 451cc twin (+52cc vs 400), ZX-6R-inspired aggressive design, refined trellis frame and Rideology Bluetooth connectivity — natively A2 in Europe at 33.4 kW.

88
Buyer score / 100
3
Vintages
11
Changes
7
Overhauls
2
Updates
2
Minor
↘ Changes by category
M
ENGINE
3 changes
2024
New DOHC liquid-cooled 451cc twin — 45hp / 42.6Nm — +52cc vs Ninja 400 (399cc)
Compression, pistons, con-rods, crankshaft and airbox fully redesigned — torque available earlier across all RPM
Major
2024
Assist & Slipper Clutch standard fitment
Major
2024
Euro 5+ compliant from launch
Major
C
FRAME
1 change
2024
Steel trellis frame — non-adjustable 41mm inverted fork — 172kg — 785mm seat height (+30mm option available)
Major
E
ELECTRONICS
2 changes
2024
LCD display + Rideology Bluetooth app — gear position indicator
Major
2024
SE variant: colour TFT display + KIPASS (proximity activation start system) + rear LED turn signals + USB-C port + taller windscreen + standard accessories
Medium
A
AESTHETICS
4 changes
2024
ZX-6R-inspired design — LED headlight with under-headlight spoilers, redesigned flanks, tapered LED tail light
Major
2025
New KRT Edition (standard variant, non-SE) — Kawasaki Racing Team Lime Green colour; the SE KRT Edition was already available from 2024
Medium
2025
New colours across standard and SE variants
Minor
2026
New colours — Metallic Flat Spark Black (standard), Lime Green and Metallic Matte Twilight Blue / Candy Persimmon Red (SE)
Minor
S
SAFETY
1 change
2024
ABS optional (standard on SE) — 310mm semi-floating front disc / 220mm rear disc
Major