Smooth, powerful acceleration is available with a twist of the wrist from a new 451 cc engine. The acceleration feels brisk thanks to plenty of power in the low- to mid-rpm range, and, when the throttle stays on, enough power in the high-rpm range to hit higher speeds with ease. With well-balanced power output and strong acceleration throughout the rev range, the combination of this engine with a lightweight chassis makes the machine well-suited to a wide variety of riding situations including everyday riding.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500: A GREAT WAY TO RIDE.
Introducing the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500…
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 MOTORCYCLE.
2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- Assist & Slipper Clutch
- Economical Riding Indicator
- RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE
- Smartphone Connectivity
- ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
- ERGO-FIT® MOTORCYCLE
- KIPASS (Kawasaki’s Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System)
- 451cc TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE
- AGGRESSIVE NINJA® STYLING
- LED HEADLIGHT AND TAILLIGHT
- HIGH CONTRAST FULL-LCD METER
- SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY VIA RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE†
- COMFORTABLE RIDING POSITION
- ESTIMATED DRY WEIGHT AS LOW AS 339.6 LB* (NON-ABS)
AVAILABLE COLOURS
Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black
Lime Green
ERGO-FIT
ERGO-FIT is an interface system that allows a wide range of riders to feel at one with their machine. Genuine Kawasaki Accessories may need to be purchased for certain Ergo Fit adjustments.
ABS
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ensures stable braking performance by preventing wheel lock during braking.
Assist & Slipper Clutch
Based on racing technology, the Assist & Slipper Clutch acts as both a back-torque limiter and a self-servo mechanism that enables a lighter clutch lever pull.
Economical Riding Indicator
The Economical Riding Indicator is a mark appearing on the instrument panel to indicate favourable fuel consumption, encouraging fuel efficient riding.
Smartphone Connectivity
Smartphone connectivity contributes to an enhanced motorcycling experience by enabling riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly.
KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES FALL RELEASE OF 2026 SPORT AND SUPERSPORT MOTORCYCLES
The special edition Ninja® 500 SE ABS 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.
The 2026 Ninja 500 is available in two colorways, including Lime Green and Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black. The Ninja 500 ABS is available in three colorways that includes Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Matte Twilight Blue/Candy Persimmon Red and Metallic Yellowish Green/Ebony. The Ninja 500 SE ABS comes in Metallic Matte Twilight Blue/Candy Persimmon Red, Metallic Yellowish Green/Ebony and Lime Green.
2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Lightweight Trellis Frame
The Ninja 500 features a trellis frame similar in design to that of the Ninja H2. Kawasaki’s advanced dynamic rigidity analysis was used to ensure optimum rigidity with light weight. The engine is rigid-mounted and used as a stressed member. The frame design contributes significantly to the bike’s low curb mass.
New, Larger Displacement Engine
Smooth, powerful acceleration is available with a twist of the wrist from a new 451 cc engine. The acceleration feels brisk thanks to plenty of power in the low- to mid-rpm range, and, when the throttle stays on, enough power in the high-rpm range to hit higher speeds with ease. With well-balanced power output and strong acceleration throughout the rev range, the combination of this engine with a lightweight chassis makes the machine well-suited to a wide variety of riding situations including everyday riding.
KIPASS
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.
High-Class, Intense Design
No matter from what angle the Ninja 500 is seen, its distinctive front face and sleek, flowing lines make it clear that this is a member of the Ninja family, with race-inspired, big-bike looks. The shape of the full-fairing bodywork fosters a sense of unity with the rider, helping them feel at one with the bike.
Flowing, Layered Bodywork
Moving from front to rear with a flowing, layered design, the bodywork on the new Ninja 500 offers a fresh impression, while sporty elements give the machine a purposeful, race-inspired look that owners will be proud to own and show off.
Latest-Design Ninja “Face”
The Ninja 500’s “face” is based around two newly designed compact headlights. Below them two spoilers protrude forward and complete the striking look.
Superb Ride Comfort and Wind Protection
Seats with thick cushioning and low-rebound urethane contribute to superb ride comfort. The Ninja 500’s largevolume bodywork also offers great wind protection, further contributing to ride comfort.
Confidence-Inspiring Reach to the Ground
While seat height is 785 mm, the slim design of both the seat and the rear of the engine gives riders an unobstructed line for their feet to reach the ground. The seat’s flat shape offers ample padding in the front portion without sacrificing the comfortable reach to the ground, which helps riders enjoy the bike with confidence.
Large-Diameter ø310 mm brake disc
Measuring ø310 mm, the Ninja 500’s semi-floating front disc offers sure stopping power with the added reassurance of ABS.
Relaxed, Sporty Riding Position
Relaxed rider triangle accommodates a wide range of rider sizes and riding situations. Compared to some other models (whose somewhat extreme riding position compromises comfort), the elevated handle position and slightly foot-forward footpeg position put the rider in a position to control the bike while also offering rider comfort.
Powerful, Rider-Friendly 451 cm3 Parallel-Twin Engine
The power available from the 451 cm3 engine is found through the entire rpm range to make it easy for riders to use, no matter what kind of riding they are doing, from low-end power for accelerating off the line in the city to top-end revs for riding on the highway. The engine in the new Ninja 500 is up the task, no matter what it may be.
Lightweight, Advantage Manoeuvrable Chassis
Easy to use is the key, as the compact chassis has been designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Predictable handling thanks to a chassis conceived with light weight, manoeuvrability, and mass centralisation in mind provides excellent feel and inspiring confidence for a wide range of riders. The easy handling also facilitates manoeuvring when parking.
Assist & Slipper Clutch
Kawasaki’s Assist & Slipper Clutch results in a light clutch pull for even more rider-friendly and manageable riding in everyday situations, and reduced skipping and hopping from the rear for better sport riding and added confidence.
Light, Predictable Handling
The chassis has a supersport-style short-wheelbase/longswingarm design, complemented by an optimised trail setting that delivers light, natural handling. The bike’s light weight also contributes to the easy handling and facilitates manoeuvring when off the bike, such as when parking.
Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity
Both the full LCD instrument panel on the standard models and the TFT display on the SE models offer smartphone connectivity, enabling riders to connect with their machines to enjoy display notifications, riding logs, and community features.
2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ 5,399 to $5,599 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ NA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
POWER
| POWER | |
| Engine | 4-stroke, Parallel Twin, DOHC, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 451cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 70.0 x 58.6mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 |
| Maximum Horsepower | 51.0 hp¹ @ 10,000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 31.7 lb-ft @ 7,500 rpm |
| Fuel System | DFI® with dual 32mm throttle bodies |
| Ignition | TCBI with Digital Advance |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Final Drive | Sealed chain |
| Electronic Rider Aids | Economical Riding Indicator, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS only) |
PERFORMANCE
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork/4.7 in |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel | Horizontal back-link with adjustable spring preload/5.1 in |
| Front Tire | 110/70-17 |
| Rear Tire | 150/60-17 |
| Front Brakes | Single 310mm semi-floating disc with 2-piston calipers (and ABS) |
| Rear Brakes | Single 220mm disc with single-piston caliper (and ABS) |
DETAILS
| DETAILS | |
| Frame Type | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Rake/Trail | 24.5°/3.6 in |
| Overall Length | 78.5 in |
| Overall Width | 28.7 in |
| Overall Height | 44.1 in |
| Ground Clearance | 5.7 in |
| Seat Height | 30.9 in |
| Estimated Dry Weight | 346.2 lb** (ABS), 341.8 lb** (non-ABS) 50-State Model; 344.0 lb** (ABS), 339.6 lb** (non-ABS) 49-State Model |
| Curb Weight | 377.1 lb* (ABS), 372.6 lb* (non-ABS) 50-State Model; 374.9 lb* (ABS), 370.4 lb* (non-ABS) 49-State Model |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.7 gal |
| Wheelbase | 54.1 in |
| Special Features | ERGO-FIT®, LCD Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP |
| Color Choices | Lime Green, Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Matte Twilight Blue/Candy Persimmon Red, Metallic Yellowish Green/Ebony |
2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
NA
2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
NA
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
Posted on September 20, 2025 by Michael Le Pard
