Road test of KawasakiNinja 500 SE 2024 A 500 to shake up the category

there's something new in Kawa's middle-size range, and not just a little: 636 ZX-6 R, ZX-4 R, ZX-4 RR!!!! Today, we're going to take a look at its little sister, the Ninja 500. To find out what it's all about, we've headed for Spain, where we've been invited to discover the Ninja 500 - which is to replace the 400 of the same name. As a reminder, we're dealing here with an A2-licensed machine, the aim of which is to enable all our new motorcycling buddies to learn and perfect their riding skills (as we all know, even with a license in hand, there are still a few things left to discover!)

so let's take a look at this new Kawa 500 sports bike. The relationship with the Ninja clan is undeniable: the reworked fairings retain the same sporty spirit, the fork head incorporates a new, more aggressive headlamp, and the half-guidelines are still positioned above the upper tee. The 171kg weight (standard version) and low seat height make manoeuvring easier, a not insignificant detail when you're just starting out on a motorcycle.

assembly quality is meticulous, everything fits perfectly; a special mention goes to the exhaust pipe that connects to the muffler, always carefully concealed under an aluminum cover. The steel trellis frame is suspended by a 41 mm Showa fork and preload-adjustable shock absorber from the same manufacturer. While the suspensions are identical to those of the Z 500 roadster, they offer a specific setting, more in keeping with its sporty vocation.

two finishes are available: standard and SE. In addition to the standard version, the latter offers KIPASS keyless ignition, special paintwork, LED indicators and a well-designed TFT color display. The latter offers all the information you need (odometer, 2 trip meters, average/instant fuel consumption, etc.), but above all is easy to use thanks to 2 buttons. All these features add up to a weight gain of 1 kg, for a total of 172 kg. As a reminder, the 400 weighed 168 kg.

let's focus on the main evolution of this new Ninja: its engine. Displacement has increased by 51 cm3 to 451 cm3, hence the name 500. Power remains unchanged at 9,000 rpm (10,000 rpm for the 400), but it's the torque that really counts, with an increase of 5.6 Nm - a 15% gain over the 400! And that's not all, as this value is obtained at 6,000 rpm, whereas the 400's maximum torque is reached at 8,000 rpm - that Ninja has really sharpened her Shikomizue! This increase is achieved by a longer stroke (from 51.8 to 58.6 mm), an all-new crankshaft, a reworked intake system, a 32 mm throttle body, specific length horns for each cylinder, and a 5.8 l airbox with a stiffer upper section to limit unwanted noise. On paper, Kawa promises a wider range of use, optimized engine performance and greater availability for everyday use.

we'll have a whole day to see what this little Ninja has up its sleeve. For this, the Kawa staff have found us an incredible site, with a perfect, slightly undulating road, top-notch tarmac and, above all, an almost exhaustive array of bends, all in an idyllic setting. In short, something to make any 2-wheeled biped go bananas!

first contact with the machine, the rather low seat height (785 mm) is welcoming, allowing even the smallest riders to have both feet firmly on the ground. A high seat is available as an option, at a cost of €281. The fuel tank is not too large, offering a capacity of 14 liters. The controls are easy to reach, though the clutch and brake levers are, alas, non-adjustable. The position is that of a sport-GT, and the rear-view mirrors offer good visibility, so you feel at ease right away. Switch on the ignition, press the starter button and the bi comes to life with a discreet sound. Throttle control is smooth, and the engine responds from low revs, with a sound that becomes very flattering at the top of the rev counter. The optimized torque range enables acceleration even at very low revs. The little two-cylinder doesn't shy away from this, and is just as happy to cruise along at a leisurely pace as it is to climb the revs for a much more dynamic ride! The smooth gearbox is perfectly adapted and the ratios are ideally staggered; there's no need to play with the left foot to find the right revs.

chassis-wise, the suspension derived from the 400 offers supple damping, well calibrated for the size of the car. Steering is precise, and changes in angle are effortless, as are trajectory corrections, which are made instinctively if you come into a bend a little too hard. An undeniable advantage of this compact, lightweight chassis. Here again, it can offer the simplicity of a leisurely ride, or allow a little more commitment to get the most out of its engine. The bubble offers very decent protection: during our several-hour test ride, no discomfort was felt. Of course, for long, fast rides, the high bubble will be an undeniable plus.

in town, the throttle and clutch are real allies thanks to their smoothness, while the agility allows you to slip quietly through the city. Once the horizon begins to clear, the spinning can begin, the engine climbs the revs quickly, gears follow one another without a pause, the pleasure is there and so is the sound. This Ninja is really fun to ride, and its long engine allows it to exceed the speed limits imposed by the highway code quite quickly!

at last, the long-awaited bends arrive! You'll find yourself playing with the shifter to keep her in the turns, just for fun, because she also knows how to do it more calmly and no less rhythmically. One corner follows another, between light and hard braking, with the suspension playing its part - you don't need 200 hp to feel good. Cornering stability is good, and the lightness of the Dunlop 300 GPR 150 rear tire makes it easy to adjust the trajectory if necessary. On our test road, even at a steady pace, the braking/suspension combination showed remarkable balance. The fork doesn't collapse under heavy braking, and the shock absorber plays its role perfectly, generating no parasitic movements. The brakes are just like this Ninja: they give you what you need, and you're not surprised by their power, but it's enough if you're surprised.

this Ninja 500 is a real success! It has retained the 400' s welcoming qualities and chassis, while considerably improving its engine availability. This gives it a fabulous homogeneity, and will enable many young licence-holders to enter the world of motorcycling without frustration. All this at a controlled cost, both in terms of purchase and maintenance.

Lionel "Guido" Baffert - Manufacturer's photos