2025 Kawasaki Ninja 500 KRT Edition Guide

A sporty riding position, carefully selected materials, user-friendly design, and on-board amenities make the Ninja 500 a perfectly comfortable ride. Plus Exclusive Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) color and graphics.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2025 Kawasaki Ninja 500 KRT Edition: MAKE YOUR STATEMENT WITH KRT.

Introducing the 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 500 KRT Edition…

The Ninja 500 was designed to turn heads in the dynamic lightweight sport segment. It boasts a powerful and rider-friendly 451cc parallel-twin engine, assist & slipper clutch, lightweight chassis that strikes the perfect balance between agility and stability, large-diameter 310mm front brake disc, and an array of rider-centric features such as a relaxed riding position, LED headlights, and seamless smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP*. The special edition Ninja 500 SE comes equipped with everything found on the Ninja 500 as well as several exclusive features, including a high-grade full-color display with TFT technology, KIPASS (Kawasaki’s Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System), USB-C outlet, large windshield, radiator screen, frame sliders, pillion seat cover, tank pad, knee grip pads, and LED turns signals for riders seeking a distinctive and enhanced riding experience.

Make your statement with the Ninja 500 sportbike. Turn heads with the aggressive styling Ninja sportbikes are known for and set the tone with a 451cc twin-cylinder engine. Experience legendary Ninja performance on the sportbike designed to lead the crowd.

2025 Kawasaki Ninja 500 KRT Edition Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• 451cc TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE
• AGGRESSIVE NINJA STYLING
• LED HEADLIGHT AND TAILLIGHT
• HIGH CONTRAST FULL-LCD METER WITH SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY
• COMFORTABLE RIDING POSITION
• Assist & Slipper Clutch
• Lightweight trellis frame
• Uni-Trak rear suspension
• Available with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Dry Weight: 344.0 lb* (ABS) / 346.2 lb* (ABS) 50-State Model, 339.6 lb* (non-ABS) / 341.8 lb* (non-ABS) 50-State Model
• Exclusive Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) color and graphics

POWER
BIG POWER. LIGHTWEIGHT PACKAGE.
A robust engine, detail-driven design, advanced features, and supreme comfort are just the start of what makes the Ninja 500 motorcycle impossible to ignore. This highly capable sportbike offers exhilaration across a broad skill spectrum—crafted with ample control for newer riders while offering some extra punch to appeal to a wide range of riders.

Raising The Standard
With a potent yet approachable 451cc parallel-twin engine, the Ninja 500 gives you smooth acceleration and well-balanced output for any kind of ride you’re looking for. No matter where your ride takes you, this powerplant is built for more.

Assist & Slipper Clutch
The assist function helps you enjoy an exceptionally light clutch pull and wide clutch engagement range for confident control, while the slipper function reduces rear-wheel skipping and hopping when downshifting for more confidence.

A Range Of Power
The engine provides well-balanced power throughout the rev range at the twist of the wrist. Perfect for a variety of riding situations, the Ninja 500 delivers strong low-end power for city streets and high-end revs for top highway speeds.

HANDLING
AGILITY FOR ALL
Ample power is met with a lightweight, compact chassis for predictable handling and sharp maneuverability. From canyon roads to daily commutes, the Ninja 500 is built to inspire more confidence.

Lightweight Trellis Frame
The compact trellis frame offers a light overall dry weight as low as 339.6 pounds (non-ABS), and a slim overall package without sacrificing the rigidity and durability expected from Kawasaki.

Planted Suspension
The rigid 41mm telescopic front fork provides excellent suspension action, giving you exceptional ride comfort and a firmly planted front wheel feel for easy direction changes and confident handling in every riding situation. Bottom-link Uni-Trak rear suspension with 5-way preload adjustability lets riders adjust the stiffness and ride height to suit body weight or 2-up riding.

Sure Stopping Power
The Ninja 500 motorcycle’s large 310mm semi-floating front disc brake and front brake master cylinder, along with a 220mm rear disc slowed by a dual piston caliper, work together to offer sure stopping power. ABS options are available for even more reassurance.

CRAFTED FOR COMFORT
A sporty riding position, carefully selected materials, user-friendly design, and on-board amenities make the Ninja 500 a perfectly comfortable ride.

A Relaxed Ride
The sporty riding position with elevated clip-on handlebars and forward footpeg position result in a relaxed rider triangle that works well for a wide variety of riders and riding situations.

Superior Ride Comfort
Seat cushioning uses low-rebound urethane and has ample padding in the front portion for a flat overall shape, delivering superb ride comfort, while the large-volume bodywork provides excellent protection from the wind.

Down To Earth Reach
The slim tapered design of the seat and narrow fuel tank interface gives riders an unobstructed line for their feet to reach the ground, so you can ride with even more confidence.

STYLING
CLASSIC NINJA APPEAL
There’s no mistaking a Ninja—and this ride is no different. Innovative style and bold design choices combine for a fresh, modern take on the iconic look.

Face The Future
With its distinctive front face and sleek, flowing lines, this bike embodies the classic race-inspired, big-bike look of the Ninja supersport family.

Shine On
The compact hybrid projector/reflector headlights with projector low-beams and reflector high-beams are the key to the Ninja 500 sportbike’s distinctive face, creating a fierce expression with a high-quality finish.

Turn Heads
Built-in front turn signals with a sleek appearance are highly visible. Don’t be surprised if they attract some extra (wanted) attention.

Flowing Bodywork
The flowing, layered design throughout the body gives off a sporty, race-inspired image that you’ll be thrilled to show off.

Fully Equipped Cockpit
A high-contrast LCD instrument panel connects human to machine. Bluetooth allows for wireless smartphone connection, and with RIDEOLOGY THE APP, riders can access vehicle info, riding logs, phone notifications, group ride communication, and maintenance logs.

SPECIAL EDITION
LEGENDARY GOES LIMITED
Upgrade your riding experience with the Ninja 500 SE ABS, featuring exclusive color and graphics, advanced technology, and more.

High Tech
A high-grade color display with TFT technology adds a modern touch with high visibility.

Easy Release
KIPASS (Kawasaki’s Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System) is a master key system that allows remote activation of the bike’s main switch and steering lock. With the compact key fob in pocket, you can release your bike’s steering lock and main switch simply by approaching the bike.

More Of What You Love
In addition to exclusive color and graphics, the Ninja 500 SE ABS features LED turn signals, a large clear windshield, a pillion seat cover, frame sliders, a USB-C outlet, a tank pad, knee pads, and a radiator screen.

KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES FALL RELEASE OF 2025 STREET MOTORCYCLES

No matter what type of motorcycle you’re looking for, Kawasaki’s 2025 lineup has the model for you as it welcomes the return of several hypersport, supersport, sport, retro classic, hypernaked, supernaked, mini naked, retro sport, cruiser, adventure touring, and dual-sport models to its street motorcycle lineup. These 2025 model-year motorcycles are set to arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the fall months so that riders can continue to “Let the Good Times Roll.”

2025 Kawasaki Ninja 500 KRT Edition Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

ENGINE
Parallel Twin Engine

The engine has a rider-friendly character, smooth response and abundant low-end torque for low-stress everyday riding, but at highway speeds its Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle lineage is apparent.
• Long-stroke engine for excellent power and quick feeling of acceleration.
• The top ring land of the aluminum pistons now has a hard alumite treatment to achieve higher combustion pressure.
• Downdraft intake tract provides a short, direct path for intake air to enter the cylinder, improving cylinder-filling efficiency and contributing to power, especially at high rpm. The downdraft intake also helps eliminate space under the seat so that it could be designed to provide an easier reach to the ground.
• Large airbox contributes to intake efficiency for more power. The airbox design helps the rider more clearly hear the engine’s intake note during
acceleration.
• Unequal height of the intake funnels help smooth throttle response by tuning out torque valleys.
• The 32mm throttle valves are oval shaped so that their closed position is at an angle, which contributes to quick throttle response as the valves open
quickly from initial valve rotation.
• Fine-atomizing injectors positioned close to the throttle valves allows them to spray fuel directly onto the valves, which contributes to combustion efficiency and linear throttle response. The 27.7mm intake and 23.5mm exhaust valves contribute to performance at all engine speeds.
• Oil jets cool the underside of the pistons, enabling a lighter piston design.
• Aluminum die-cast cylinder has an open deck design for excellent heat dissipation and reduced engine weight. Cylinders are sleeveless with plated bores.
• The cylinder is tilted forward 20 degrees to help reduce overall engine height.
• Lightweight flywheel lets the engine rev quickly for sharp response and direct power feeling.
• Revised machined balancer shaft to suit the larger displacement helps offset engine vibration for a more comfortable ride.
• Exhaust system’s large-diameter end pipe contributes to high-rpm performance.
• Radiator fan cover directs hot air out to the sides and away from the rider for increased comfort when riding in heavy traffic. It also helps keep the tank, frame and other parts that the rider contacts cooler, further increasing comfort.

Transmission/Clutch
• The Assist & Slipper Clutch(KP) is compact, and its operating plates help reduce lever pull for an extremely light feel at the lever. A wide engagement range helps make it easy to control.
• Using the rotational forces of the clutch hub and pressure plate, the clutch is forced together during acceleration (assist function) so that fewer and lighter clutch springs can be used for a lighter feel at the lever. During high back torque, such as when too low of gear is selected during downshifting, the slipper function allows some clutch slippage to help prevent rear wheel hop and stalling due to engine lock-up.

Lightweight Trellis Frame
Trellis frame is similar in design to that of the Ninja H2. Kawasaki’s advanced dynamic rigidity analysis was used to ensure optimum rigidity with minimal weight, so the frame significantly contributes to the bikes low overall curb mass.

CHASSIS
• Supersport-style chassis design has a short wheelbase and long swingarm complemented by a steep steering angle that provides light, nimble handling.
• Square-tube swingarm construction provides rigidity without unnecessary gusseting, which contributes to weight savings.
• Die-cast aluminum swingarm mounting plate bolts to the back of the engine for the swingarm pivot shaft, essentially allowing the swingarm to be mounted directly to the engine. This eliminates the need for additional frame cross members for torsional rigidity which reduces weight.

Suspension
• Bottom-link Uni-Trak(KP) rear suspension linkage ratios and shock settings enhance the ride feel.
• 41mm fork provides rigidity and smooth suspension action so the front wheel has a better planted feel.

Brakes
• Large 310mm semi-floating front disc is gripped by a balanced actuation dual-piston caliper. The large front brake disc size provides strong stopping power.
• Rigid front brake master cylinder helps eliminate idle stroke for a more positive feel.
• Rear dual-piston caliper with large pistons clamps a 220mm rear petal disc.
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) models feature Nissin’s latest compact ABS control unit that assists braking under certain conditions.

Wheels/Tires
• Stylish star-pattern 5-spoke wheels are light and their optimized lateral rigidity adds cornering performance for great handling.
• Radial tires provide excellent grip while contributing to agile handling and ride comfort. Big 150mm rear tire size adds an imposing appearance.

Ergonomics
• Clip-on handlebars are mounted above the upper triple so the elevated position and slightly foot-forward footpeg location results in a relaxed, natural riding position that is comfortable and confidence inspiring.
• Slim fuel tank promotes good contact with the bike for enhanced rider feedback.
• Low-rebound seat cushioning has ample padding in the front so the seat has a flat overall shape for ride comfort.
• Supersport-style aluminum footpegs provide direct feel for enhanced rider feedback.

Styling
• Front-end design is highlighted by the compact hybrid projector/reflector LED headlights, also found on the Ninja ZX™-6R. The low beams are compact projector lamps with mono-focus LED technology, while the high beams and position lamps are reflector-type lighting. The deep-set position of the reflectors of the unlit portion of the headlights makes them appear dark for a fierce expression.
• Upper cowl encases the headlights and provides an appearance of strength, and the chin spoilers below the headlights complete the aggressive look and maintain the Kawasaki Ninja sportbike family style.
• Large-volume bodywork also continues the Kawasaki Ninja style and helps give the Ninja 500 a “big bike” look and feel.
• The bodywork features large painted surfaces for a rich, elegant appearance.

High-Contrast LCD Instrumentation
• Full LCD instrument panel features a bar-style tachometer that goes over the digital speed readout and other displayed data.
• Display functions include speedometer, digital bar- style tachometer, gear position indicator, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, remaining fuel range, current and average fuel consumption, Economical Riding Indicator to notify when riding conditions are producing favorable fuel consumption, coolant temperature, maintenance reminder and connected device notifications.

RIDEOLOGY APP
• RIDEOLOGY THE APP Smartphone Connectivity
†Do not operate smartphone while riding
• A Bluetooth chip built into the instrument panel enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP,” a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience.
• Available functions:
• Vehicle Info: Battery voltage can be viewed via the smartphone.
• Riding Log: GPS route information as well as vehicle running information can be logged and viewed via the smartphone.
• Telephone notices: when a call or mail is received by the smartphone, this is indicated on the instrument display.
• General Settings: general instrument display settings (such as preferred units, date, date format, etc.) can be adjusted via the smartphone.
• Once vehicle information has been downloaded to the app, it can be viewed on the smartphone. Available information includes: odometer, trip A, trip B, fuel gauge, remaining range, average gas mileage, average speed, battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder, oil change reminder, etc.
• Detailed riding logs including GPS information and vehicle running information can be recorded. While riding, the app tracks vehicle speed, rpm, gear position, current mileage, and coolant temperature from moment to moment. Once the riding log has been paired, riders can review these items in a graphic-style display at any point along the route. The app can also display a ride summary, with information that may include: route travelled, total distance, total time, gas mileage (best/average), speed (best/average). For either display mode, riders can select which items are displayed, and can arrange them in their preferred order.
• When riding with the app ON the bike and smartphone are always connected. When the engine is turned off, the latest riding information stored by the app may be viewed on the smartphone.

2025 Kawasaki Ninja 500 KRT Edition – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $5,499 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ NA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

POWER

PERFORMANCE

DETAILS

2025 Kawasaki Ninja 500 KRT Edition – Totalmotorcycle.com  Canadian Specifications/Technical Details

NA

2025 Kawasaki Ninja 500 KRT Edition – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details

NA

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).