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2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT Overview
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT is a sport motorcycle built around 451 cc /.27.5 cu-in of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 11.3:1. 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT delivers 38 kW @ 10000 rpm of peak power and 43 Nm @ 7500 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2024 Ninja 500 / SE / KRT tips the scales at 170 kg, carries a 14-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 785 mm and spans a 1374 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 24.8 kg lighter than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT compared with other bikes in the Sport category
Here is how the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT stacks up against other bikes in the Sport category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1607 models.
- Wet weight of 170 kg is lighter than that of 920 of the other 1212 bikes in the Sport category.
- Only 364 of the other 1606 bikes in the Sport category have a lower seat height than the 785 mm of the Ninja 500 / SE / KRT.
- With 38 kW, the Ninja 500 / SE / KRT has the joint 354th lowest power output of 1341 bikes in the Sport category, 50% below the category average of 75.3 kW.
- Narrowing the field to the 339 models within five model years of it, the wet weight of 170 kg is lighter than that of 272 of the other 338.
2024 Ninja 500 / SE / KRT - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT makes 38 kW @ 10000 rpm with 43 Nm @ 7500 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Strong front braking: The disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
Considerations
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Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
The Liquid cooled system on the Ninja 500 / SE / KRT needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.
Brake disc and pad wear
The disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the Ninja 500 / SE / KRT runs 41mm Hydraulic telescopic fork and Linkage-assisted, spring-preload adjustable KYB shock at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Trellis, high-tensile steel - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
Ninja 500 / SE / KRT - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT with its 451 cc /.27.5 cu-in sport, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Ninja 500 / SE / KRT should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the Ninja 500 / SE / KRT's 451 cc /.27.5 cu-in four stroke, parallel twin, dohc, 4 valves per cylinder. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With an 11.3:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Carburetor upkeep
Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the Ninja 500 / SE / KRT has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT have?
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT uses a Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 451 cc /.27.5 cu-in of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
How much does the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT weigh?
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT weighs 170 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT make?
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT produces 38 kW @ 10000 rpm of power and 43 Nm @ 7500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT?
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT has a 14-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 233-280 km between stops.
Is the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT suitable for shorter riders?
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT has a seat height of 785 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT have?
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT uses single 310mm semi-floating disc with 2-piston calipers at the front and single 220 mm petal disc with single-piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT use?
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT runs 110/70 R17 front and 150/60 R17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT have?
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
38 kW / 51 hp @ 10000 rpm
Torque
43 Nm / 31.7 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm
Fuel Capacity
14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
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Full 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT Specifications
Year
2024
Make Model
Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT
Seat Height
785 mm / 30.9 in
Wheelbase
1374 mm / 54.1 in
Ground Clearance
145 mm / 5.7 in
Height
1120 mm / 44.1 in
Length
1994 mm / 78.5 in
Width
729 mm / 28.7 in
Dry Weight
156 kg / 344 lbs
Fuel Capacity
14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Wet Weight
170 kg / 375 lbs
Displacement
451 cc /.27.5 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
70 x 58.6 mm
Compression Ratio
11.3:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Emissions
EURO5
Fuel Induction
DFI with 32mm x 2 throttle bodies
Ignition
TCBI with electronic advance
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, with assist and slipper function
Final Drive
Sealed chain
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Trellis, high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front
41mm Hydraulic telescopic fork
Suspension - Rear
Linkage-assisted, spring-preload adjustable KYB shock
Rake
24.5°
Trail
90 mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front
120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
130 mm / 5.1 in
Brakes - Front
Single 310mm semi-floating disc with 2-piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 220 mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
ABS
Standard
Tyres - Front
110/70 R17
Tyres - Rear
150/60 R17
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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