The Ninja 500 is Kawasaki’s 451cc parallel-twin sportbike, sold in the US for 2027 as the Ninja 500 ABS and the better-equipped Ninja 500 SE ABS, according to Kawasaki’s Ninja 500 range page. It sits above the Ninja 300 in Kawasaki’s lineup and is aimed, in Kawasaki’s words, at “a broad skill spectrum”. This is a spec-based overview, not a ride review. Every figure comes from Kawasaki USA’s 2027 Ninja 500 ABS page, checked on 22 October 2026.
2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500 at a glance
| US MSRP | Ninja 500 ABS $5,899 ($6,099 in some colors); Ninja 500 SE ABS $6,599 (base MSRP as listed by Kawasaki on 22 Oct 2026; destination charge $650 extra) |
| Engine | 4-stroke, Parallel Twin, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 451cc |
| Maximum horsepower | 51.0 hp @ 10,000 rpm (measured to ISO 4106) |
| Seat height | 30.9 in |
| Curb weight | 377.1 lb (ABS, 50-State Model); 374.9 lb (ABS, 49-State Model) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 gal |
| Source | Kawasaki 2027 Ninja 500 ABS |
2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500 price
Kawasaki lists the 2027 Ninja 500 ABS at $5,899 base MSRP, with some color options listed at $6,099, plus a $650 destination charge (MSRP as listed by Kawasaki on 22 Oct 2026). The Ninja 500 SE ABS is listed at $6,599. Kawasaki says the SE adds special color and graphics, a full-color TFT display, KIPASS keyless ignition, LED turn signals, a larger clear windshield, a pillion seat cover, frame sliders, a USB-C outlet, tank and knee pads, and a radiator screen.
2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500 ABS specs
Engine and drivetrain
| 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 hp @ 10,000 rpm (ISO 4106) |
| 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) |
Chassis
| 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 caliper (and ABS) |
| Rear brakes | Single 220mm disc with single-piston caliper (and ABS) |
| Frame type | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Rake/trail | 24.5°/3.6 in |
Dimensions and weight
| 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 |
Kawasaki’s curb weight includes all fluids and more than 90 percent of a full tank of fuel. Kawasaki notes that California evaporative emissions equipment adds approximately 2.2 lb, which is why there are separate 50-State and 49-State figures. Kawasaki also says its horsepower figure is measured to ISO 4106, which can read higher than SAE methods.
Who the Ninja 500 suits
The Ninja 500 is a full-fairing sportbike with a relaxed position by sportbike standards: Kawasaki describes elevated clip-on bars and a forward footpeg position, and a slim seat and narrow tank junction for ground reach. With a 30.9 in seat and a curb weight under 380 lb, it’s the kind of bike many riders shortlist as a first street bike after training, or as a light commuter for experienced riders. If you’re comparing it with an even smaller bike, our beginner motorcycle guide covers what to weigh up, and our seat height guide puts the 30.9 in figure in context. If you’d rather not have a fairing, Kawasaki’s 2027 Z500 ABS uses the same 451cc engine figures in a naked bike from $5,799.
Strengths and trade-offs (from the spec sheet)
- Light for a 451cc twin. 377.1 lb curb (ABS, 50-State) with nearly a full tank.
- Published power and torque. Kawasaki is the only brand in the comparison below that publishes both, which makes the 51.0 hp / 31.7 lb-ft figures easy to check.
- Basic suspension. A non-adjustable 41mm telescopic fork; only the rear spring preload adjusts.
- Single front disc. A 310mm semi-floating disc with a 2-piston caliper, which is typical for the class.
- Electronics are basic on the standard bike. No traction control is listed; the TFT display and keyless start are SE-only.
Ninja 500 vs Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Honda CBR500R
| Model (model year) | US MSRP (as listed 22 Oct 2026) | Engine | Seat height | Weight (as published) | Fuel capacity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Ninja 500 ABS (2027) | $5,899 | 451cc parallel twin; 51.0 hp (ISO 4106) | 30.9 in | 377.1 lb curb (50-State) | 3.7 gal | Kawasaki |
| Yamaha YZF-R3 (2026) | $5,499 | 321cc inline twin | 30.7 in | 373 lb wet | 3.7 gal | Yamaha |
| Honda CBR500R (2026) | $6,399 | 471cc parallel twin | 31.1 inches | 421 pounds curb | 4.5 gallons | Honda / price |
- Yamaha YZF-R3: $400 less and almost the same seat height and weight, but with a much smaller 321cc engine. Yamaha doesn’t publish power for the R3. We also have an archive page on the YZF-R3 MotoGP Edition (older model year).
- Honda CBR500R: $500 more, a larger 4.5-gallon tank, dual 296mm front discs and a 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork, per Honda. It’s also the heaviest of the three on paper at 421 pounds curb.
Kawasaki Ninja 500 FAQ
How much is the 2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500?
The Ninja 500 ABS is $5,899 base MSRP ($6,099 in some colors) and the SE ABS is $6,599, plus $650 destination, as listed by Kawasaki on 22 Oct 2026.
How much horsepower does the Ninja 500 have?
Kawasaki lists 51.0 hp at 10,000 rpm, measured to ISO 4106, and 31.7 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm.
What is the Ninja 500 seat height?
30.9 in, per Kawasaki’s 2027 specs.
How much does the Ninja 500 weigh?
Kawasaki lists a curb weight of 377.1 lb for the ABS 50-State Model and 374.9 lb for the ABS 49-State Model, with more than 90 percent of a full tank.
What does the Ninja 500 SE add?
Kawasaki lists special color and graphics, a full-color TFT display, KIPASS, LED turn signals, a larger windshield, a pillion seat cover, frame sliders, a USB-C outlet, a tank pad, knee pads and a radiator screen.
Related overview: 2026 Honda CBR500R.
Before you buy
Licensing rules are set by each state, so check your state DMV (or equivalent) for the motorcycle license or endorsement you need, and consider a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. You can look up any open safety recalls by VIN with NHTSA before buying a used example.
Sources
All figures were checked on the manufacturer pages on 22 October 2026. Manufacturers can change prices and specifications without notice, so check the linked page, and confirm with a dealer, before you buy.
- Kawasaki USA, 2027 Ninja 500 ABS (MSRP, destination, specifications)
- Kawasaki USA, Ninja 500 range page (SE pricing and equipment)
- Kawasaki USA, 2027 Z500 ABS
- Yamaha Motor USA, 2026 YZF-R3 specifications; price from the YZF-R3 model page
- Honda (hondanews.com), 2026 Honda CBR500R Specifications; price from Honda Powersports