2025 Kawasaki Ninja 500

Welcome to the Kawasaki Ninja 500 showroom and specification review. The Ninja 500 is the latest update for what Kawasaki thinks is the old class standard for entry level riders. Yes the Ninja 500 is a LAMS compatible model. 

I’ve never been impressed with the 250, 300 then 400 and now 500 Ninja series as they represented the most basic spec you can buy in the entry level class aka LAMS but overcharging buyers. It’s only saving grace was that it looked like sports bike aka fast and a corner carver. Looks are deceptive and after riding many versions of the series over the years I can say that they are best described as comfy commuters and tidy handlers. It’s a overall package is arguably a disservice to new riders who may come to think that comfy rides is a sports bike experience but that’s not rue.  Anyway thanks to LAMS there market now has large range of models to choose from and there are plenty of other models that are just a good in looks and pricing. 

In terms of the engine and tech, what has changed from the 400 cc version? The most obvious is the increase of 52 cc to 451 cc (its rounded up to 5oo for marketing purposes folks! – they all do it)  Power hasn’t increase very much as expected for a LAMS specific model as a result either restriction built in or its a low tech engine. There is better phone integration with the bike which is aways good but apart form that, there are no changes worth mentioning. 

In term of looks the Ninja 500 is still a good looking motorcycle with the latest Kawasaki design language. The look sells it’s self and that’s why the Ninja 500 is a decent selling motorcycle. That said it is still the same design as the 400 version from 2018 so it is quite an older look. 

Is the Kawasaki Ninja 500 any good or worth buying it? Like my conclusion the last time, it depends what you want in a first motorcycle or a commuter. If I wanted a motorcycle that looked good but blended in with the crowd than this is a great choice. Alternately many people also choose this Kawasaki for brand recognition and known reliability.

Finally and although I keep repeating that the Ninja 500 is expensive for what it is – its true but keep in mind that it has always sold at about $10000 AUD for ever since I can remember – which is long time. Hence in isolation and taking inflation into account it seems arguably OK in 2025 but when you check out the competition like the new CFMOTO 450 SRS the Ninja 500 is still looking overpriced.