2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500 First Look: Same Versatility For $100 More

Demand for smaller, more efficient motorcycles is rising, and buyers want sportbikes that are affordable without being just for beginners. They want motorcycles they can grow into, and the Kawasaki Ninja 500 is one such model, offering class-leading performance, big-bike styling, and economical pricing. For 2027, this adolescent Ninja returns unchanged at an MSRP starting at $5,899.

The 2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500: Aggressive Looks and Versatile Performance

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The 2027 Kawasaki Ninja is one of the more aggressive sub-500cc sportbikes, with a design inspired by the company’s larger supersport models. It stands out for its powerful high-revving parallel-twin engine and welterweight build, along with relatively relaxed ergonomics and an essential feature set. In 2027, it carries all of that over.

51-Horsepower Parallel-Twin Engine

Kawasaki

The North American-spec Ninja 500 produces 51 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 31.7 lb-ft of torque from its 451cc parallel-twin engine. European A2 licensing regulations, which require new riders to spend 2 years on bikes limited to 46.9 hp, tend to restrict power output in the sub-500cc class. That’s not the case here, even though the European-spec model is restricted to 46 hp.

The parallel-twin engine offers tractable low-end power, which feeds into manageable high-end performance designed to suit a range of riding conditions. That character should also appeal to newer and intermediate motorcyclists. The mill pairs with a 6-speed gearbox with return shift and a slipper-and-assist clutch.

Chassis: Trellis Frame, Suspension, and Brakes

Kawasaki

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Kawasaki says the steel trellis frame used on the Ninja 500 is designed to balance predictability and maneuverability, making it suitable for commuting and cornering. The lightweight frame also helps keep the bike’s weight at 377.1 pounds.

Suspension duties are handled by a non-adjustable 41mm telescopic fork and a link-type monoshock with adjustable preload. Braking power comes from a single 2-piston caliper and a 310mm semi-floating disc up front, with a single-piston caliper and 220mm disc out back.

Relatively Relaxed Ergonomics and Basic Tech Features

Kawasaki

The Ninja 500 features a relatively relaxed riding position with elevated clip-ons and slightly forward-set footpegs. The company says the seat uses low-rebound urethane and ample padding for a flatter profile, and its 30.9-inch height should feel approachable for newer riders. Kawasaki also offers Ergo-Fit accessories to fine-tune the riding position. The large fairing and windscreen offer wind protection.

On the tech front, the base Ninja 500 ABS features ABS, an LED headlight, and an LCD cluster with smartphone connectivity. The Ninja 500 SE ABS adds more features and protection parts, including the following:

• Full color TFT display
• Large windscreen
• Keyless ignition
• USB-C outlet
• LED turn signals
• Radiator screen, frame sliders, a tank pad, and knee grip pads

2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500 Price and Availability

Kawasaki

Kawasaki no longer offers the non-ABS trim of the Ninja 500, and pricing across the trims has risen by $100. As a result, the new base trim for 2027 is the Ninja 500 ABS, at an MSRP of $5,899 for the Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black colorway. The same model is available at $6,099 MSRP for Metallic Yellowish Green/Ebony and Galaxy Silver/Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray colorways.

The 2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE ABS is available at an MSRP of $6,599 in three color options: Metallic Yellowish Green/Ebony, Galaxy Silver/Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray, and Lime Green. The Ninja 500 will be available at Kawasaki dealerships in the United States later this month.

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