Kawasaki Ninja 500 - 2026 Specifications and Reviews
The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 is a lightweight middleweight sport bike designed for new and returning riders seeking affordable thrills. Its 451cc parallel-twin engine delivers nimble performance with genuine character, while the compact 30.9-inch seat height and manageable 377-pound weight make it accessible without sacrificing excitement. Known for combining accessible ergonomics with genuine sport bike DNA, it's the ideal entry into the Ninja lineage.
2026
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Final Drive | Sealed chain |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Ignition | TCBI with Digital Advance |
| Induction | DFI® with dual 32mm throttle bodies |
| Max Torque | 31.7 lb-ft @ 7,500 rpm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 |
| Bore x Stroke | 70.0 x 58.6mm |
| Capacity | 451cc |
| | |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Wheelbase | 54.1 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.7 gal |
| Wet 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 |
| Seat Height | 30.9 in |
| Ground Clearance | 5.7 in |
Kawasaki Ninja 500 dimensions and frame | |
| Front Brakes | Single 310mm semi-floating disc with 2-piston calipers (and ABS) |
| Rear Tyre | 150/60-17 |
| Front Tyre | 110/70-17 |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
4.8s
0-60 mph (est.)
Best For
Track60%
City82%
Cornering78%
Daily Riding80%
Touring45%
Passenger40%
Rider Profile
| Best For | Well suited to new and early-intermediate riders thanks to its light weight, low seat height, and manageable parallel-twin power delivery. |
| Purpose | Best suited for commuting, learning, and spirited weekend rides rather than outright speed or long-distance hauling. |
| Rider Fit | The low 30.9-inch seat height and sub-380-pound wet weight make it approachable for shorter or less physically strong riders. |
| Character | A friendly, revvy small-capacity sportbike that rewards smooth inputs and encourages confidence-building rather than intimidation. |
| Not Ideal For | Not ideal for riders seeking triple-digit top-speed thrills, heavy touring loads, or off-road capability. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
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