2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE vs. Ninja 650: In-Depth Feature Comparison Review!

[@DylanFoos]

Picked up the 500 and still waiting for it to come in. It will be my first bike, and from my research and advice - I was recommended this to be one of the front runners for anyone just starting out.

[@dhess34]

Just got my 500 yesterday. Super fun bike, I'm in love

[@Tennessee968]

Looks like an awesome bike! Hope you guys enjoy and stay safe.

[@PeterLoweOne]

It's an excellent bike to start on, but it's also an excellent bike to stay on as your skills improve. I'd love to have one of these!

[@Jagshemasher]

Its a good choice I bought a Ninja 400 a few years ago when I was getting back into motorcycling (after a 25+ year break) with my son. It is a fun bike but I ultimately found it a bit small and bought and FJR1300 but my son, who has ridden both bikes, prefers the Ninja simply because it is more than fast enough for day to day riding as well as being very light and easy to handle.

[@tubuskan4348]

As someone whose riding a lot of dirt bikes… the 500 is my first road bike and may I say be careful it’s a blast

[@jamesdarby2448]

Bought a 650 today and a 500 for the daughter! Time to make some memories 😁

[@posttart2563]

you are a great dad man

[@sitesea]

Lucky daughter to have a father like you.

[@AngelFlipz]

Wish my dad was like u

[@andyboulais8754]

Just got the ninja 500 se 40th Anniversary abs and I love it. The colors really pop! Have gotten several people approaching me about this bike. Really turns heads. Really glad they changed the seat from the 400. The 400 made you smash your gentlemen parts into the gas tank.

[@_GandalfTheGrey_]

What is different about the seat in the 500? I’m new to riding and don’t think about these things 😂

[@andyboulais8754]

@@_GandalfTheGrey_ feels more level and does not propel you forward like the ninja 400 seat does. The seat on the 400 looked angled to me as well. Always had to adjust while riding.

[@_GandalfTheGrey_]

@@andyboulais8754 Does it hurt the inner part of your thighs?

[@andyboulais8754]

@@_GandalfTheGrey_ no, just by the time you reach a stop light, your crotch is shoved up to the tank. Not a very comfortable feeling. There have been been several complaints about the seat. You can always switch it out if you are going for the 400.

[@Hailnut]

Just the video I was looking for! Debating between these two for my first bike. And theres hardly any videos on the ninja 500 on KZbin yet. Thank you!

[@EnderGamer40]

Got the Ninja 650 today and I could not be happier

[@ultimo9399]

Same mate 😂 got 40th anniversary edition yesterday, rides like a bicycle ,such a good bike

[@PeterLoweOne]

Awesome! You're both going to love the bike! Great choice!

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

​@@ultimo9399 Damn I didn't know what the 650 had the 40th edition. Does it look awesome like the 450 SE or?. I literally just paid for the Ninja 450 SE today (not joking and being honest it was the colour scheme that made me pay for the 500 as only a greyis/black in 650 @ dealer) Either way I'll be happy as it's almost 2 years since I've ridden. (Dirt bikes only & never ridden full road unless you call the Grom a road bike lol)

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

​@@ultimo9399awesome to hear that. I own a few 40th bikes but the 650 40th in Australia is black with red not the same as the other 5 40th anniversary I have so I didn't buy and put deposit down for 25 650 in green (KRT I think but not sure)

[@joshuarogers5563]

One of my buddies got the 500 SE and I went with the 650. The same exact bikes in this video. We are both beginners and we both are in love with our purchases. I’m 6’5 and he’s 5’9 so the engine difference is key.

[@KBradAdams]

I am sure you guys have swapped both riding which do you prefer and why?

[@joshuarogers5563]

@@KBradAdams honestly the 650. Can’t explain it. It’s like our bikes were custom made for us.

[@KBradAdams]

@@joshuarogers5563 Thanks I had a 2018 Ninja 400 but considering either 500 or 650 Thanks for the reply!

[@dominikpitz9829]

Which bine is louder ?

[@dominikpitz9829]

Which Bike is louder?

[@rhyanmelcordero8037]

How do you open your fuel tank on 500 SE when your using a keyless to operate your bike?

[@PeterLoweOne]

The keyfob has a flip up physical key for the fuel filler and seat removal. It's jacknife style. Great question!

[@Tennessee968]

The most informative reviewer on youtube. Thanks Peter!

[@Jaybone073]

Great video! I bought a 2025 Ninja 650 in the new Old School Green color. I upgraded from the 2023 Ninja 400. LOVING every mile of this bike!

[@NonContentMakerZ3]

Thank you Peter! As an aspiring rider I find your review to be the best and most pedagogical of all reviews of any bikes I have watched so far. Subscribed directly. Only subscribed to you and Revzilla. Keep up the Great Work!

[@Artists_wrld]

Been riding my 500 for 4 days now and I absolutely love it. First ever bike and I’m glad I went with this instead of a zx6r lol.

[@4V3N1]

Of course! While many would say ohh you’re gonna get bored blah blah blah, a zx6 for a new rider would probably make you feel a bit scared if not terrified depending on your confidence/skill

[@Artists_wrld]

@@4V3N1 yea when I sat on the zx I just felt too intimidated by its size and the power that everyone talks about, I want ride for a long time uk and not just for a year or two so I hope to get my skill up for the zx

[@jimsweigart9103]

Went to the dealership looking to check out a 500 SE ABS KRT. They sold the one they had that morning. 650 KRT ABS was there, so I checked it out. Very impressed. He got a pair of 500's in a week later. Went back and sat on both. The 500 was "ok" - I didn't mind it. The 650 really just felt way better.. plus its on sale :) The two 500's he got in were gone within 24 hours.. There was a guy there buying the 500 when I was checking it out. There is also the exhaust.. My size 13's were also sitting on the muffler heat shield in riding position, and I didn't like that much.

[@GamersWorld22]

Best channel for comparisons out there

[@jasoncarson2618]

Fantastic review, if you watch a review and have no questions afterwards, then you've watched quality.

[@reubenjesustwist]

I just bought the Kawasaki ninja 500 se KRT edition as my first motorcycle, I watched your video review of the 500 and my mind was made up, thanks

[@vader1723]

make review on it on youtube

[@PeterLoweOne]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing! Great choice! Enjoy it.

[@TommyMakalele]

me too,,,,in germany are just 500 se model......i was thinking about 650,but who knows....in future i buy 6zxr?

[@dhess34]

The people NEED two videos: 'Ninja 400 Review', and 'Ninja 400 vs Ninja 500'!!

[@ScKiv]

Basically same bike but the ninja 500 is just a 400 engine beefed up to 451cc which has a longer stroke and more power. He touches on this topic in his ninja 500 se review

[@PeterLoweOne]

I could do that. I'm not sure if the dealer still has many 400's in stock. If they do, I'll do a comparison. The SE model really differentiates itself for 2024. The standard model is going to be more similar, but again, that updated seat will make a difference to some. There are certainly some things worth talking about.

[@BlackArroToons]

Nice comparison of the Ninja 450 (500) vs the Ninja 650! Thanks. I wonder if Kawasaki is going to eventually power up the 451 to a true 500 in the near future? My '21 Ninja 650, an upgrade from my fun years on Ninja 250s, is an awesome bike so far for the roads. I'm not a racer so I'll never visit the racetrack, but this bike does everything I want it to do on the road within reason, safely. A nice boost to acceleration, but smooth with about 68 hp. On Kawasaki's US website, they actually list the Ninja 500 at 51.0 hp¹ @ 10,000 rpm, which is nice too. Tires on the Ninja 650, I was able to find Dunlops brand new for $100 each in 2023. That's a great deal for larger tires. The TFT display is nice, although the 2 buttons are a bit clumsy to press with a slight delay pressing in. I hope they refine that on newer models. I can normally get 200 miles with normal riding for the 4 gallon tank if filled fully up, but I must ignore the fuel indicator as it's very conservative most times when it starts blinking low fuel. The flat seat works well for a grocery cloth bag with bunjee straps. Overall, reliable, fun motorcycle so far. The Ninja 250s were excellent for reliability too at over 35,000 miles earned each before trading them in over the years.

[@Commandodesigns]

I got the 650 and I can't imagine riding anything lighter at 80mph in the express lane in DC. I still get blown around a bit. But it feels solid. I'm a new rider.

[@HariHaran-nw9xi]

Hey pal. I'm thinkin on gettin a bike and I'm stuck between ninja 500 and 650. I'm a beginner and wanted to take a 500 but then I feel like once I get used to it for like 2/3 months I may feel a little bit lack of power. And I'm inclining towards 650. To learn and keep it for a long term. Another reason is I can't buy a 650 in an year or 2 after purchasing 500 as I'm more into a budget. So based on your experience with 650 whats the best choice I could be making?

[@shahrizalbinsham2613]

Really good and detailed comparison. Both are great bikes. Thanks for this video.

[@HariHaran-nw9xi]

Hey pal. I'm thinkin on gettin a bike and I'm stuck between ninja 500 and 650. I'm a beginner and wanted to take a 500 but then I feel like once I get used to it for like 2/3 months I may feel a little bit lack of power. And I'm inclining towards 650. To learn and keep it for a long term. Another reason is I can't buy a 650 in an year or 2 after purchasing 500 as I'm more into a budget. So based on your experience with 650 and 500 whats the best choice I could be making?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I never make decisions for other people. Imagine a guy who loves big bagger motorcycles asks me what I would choose. It wouldn’t be the bagger. That would be me putting my preferences in front of that person’s preferences. However, if you’re that concerned about power (having not ridden them, I assume) then you can go for the 650. I drove a Versys 650 for years and loved it. It shares the engine with the Ninja 650. Having said that, I’d be perfectly happy with the 500 or 650 myself.

[@capt.crunch1276]

I'm beginning on a 500 and after 4 months I still haven't red lined it

[@vader1723]

Thank you so much for posting this upon my request, I really am torn choosing between one of the two as my first bike. maybe I'll decide after this video. Very excited to watch it!

[@vader1723]

My dream bike is the Zx 10r ,so hopefully it will be my second bike upgrade.

[@raphaelfernandez3693]

The video i was waiting for!! Thank you. Would love to see a Z500 vs Z650, even though I understand all these options are quite similar.

[@S55Spartan]

Just bought a 24 500 KRT se this week, it’s still in crate just waiting for dealer final assembly

[@IceMastaChristopher]

Peter, just wanted to let you know that after watching a good majority of videos, yours helped me finally decide on which will be my 2nd bike. (Moving up from an xt250) I ended up getting a ninja 500 and love it!

[@mikebest634]

Just coming back to motorcycles after over 35 years away ,finished my tests last month ,passed all first time on the sv650 with das scheme in uk .got things nailed down between ninja 650 or Suzuki 8r ,for me I prefer the look of the ninja ,the Suzuki has a weird back end I’m not keen on that much ,it’s also a lot more cash .Heres the good point Kawasaki dealers have offers on brand new 2023 ninja 650’s ,saving approx £550.00 compared to 2024 models ,not sure there’s much difference ,colour tft screen ,do both bikes have abs and traction control is there anything else ? .Not looking for a crazy speed super sport ,but something a bit bigger than the ninja 500 ,not keen on that exhaust position .I’m just 6 feet tall, size 10 feet but skinny ,sitting on the 650 feels better for me than the 500 and the Suzuki 8r ,main use is a good weather enjoyable ride out bike ,have the car for other things ,work ,bad weather etc .Really like these reviews ,top job there Peter .

[@PeterLoweOne]

I think you're on the right track. A lot of people will recommend the Suzuki because it's new and fancy, but the Ninja will deliver just as much smiles and as you say, it can be had for a lower price. Always buy the bike that's best for YOU, Don't worry about what other people feel is best for them. The Ninja is a great choice. Thanks for watching!

[@mikebest634]

@@PeterLoweOne thanks Peter ,a used krt edition 650 2022 abs came in a couple of days ago to one of my local bike shops ,mint condition ,less than 3000 miles ,bought it there and then ,looking forward to picking it up next week .cheers .

[@efectate]

thanks for absolutely great perfect amazing comparisons

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!

[@Jagshemasher]

You won't go wrong with either. If you are young less, than 6 ft tall, < 180 lbs and and new to motorcycles bikes I would say go for the 500 as it is light and the power will not get into trouble. If you are a taller/heavier and a more mature rider (i.e. you will be more controlled with the throttle) I'd go for the 650 . . . although as a much more mature rider (and no longer a sports-bike bro) I'd be inclined to buy a Triumph T100 or T120. Both Ninja's have very light pull slipper clutches which are easy to live with.

[@JOB_HE]

Really great video! Thanks for the many details =)

[@KingTen91]

I can't decide between ninja 500 se and the klr650 for my first bike. One seems more practical, one seems more fun. I like the screen and keyless tech on the ninja, I like the storage and passenger space on the klr.... AGHHHH What to do??

[@tuandang8777]

Was about to get the 500 SE but got a used 650 with 600miles for less than a new 500 SE. Only thing I wish it had was the keyless ignition.

[@paulstanley3265]

Nice review I would chose the 500. Do you think the ninja 650 and Vulcan s will be drop soon since these smaller bikes are getting close in performance? I like to see a Vulcan 1000 sx with all the bells and whistles.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I think the Ninja 650 is a staple in the lineup it's not going anywhere. I expect the Vulcan S to see a refresh at some point, but I still think it's staying around too. Both of them continue to sell very well.

[@LedosGarage]

Are the zxr bikes the same as these say ninja 500 and 650 just there 4 cylinder engines ?

[@_TrueDesire_]

Kawasaki Europe lists the power figures: 500 has 45.4 hp at 9000 rpm, 42.6 Nm at 6000 rpm. 3.8L/100km. 650 has 68 hp at 8000 rpm, 64 Nm at 6700 rpm. 4.4L/100km. Swedish site throws “unknown” RPM values so I checked the EU site instead 👍🏻 pro tip for any Europeans out there with same issue on local site. Edit: insurance is €200 cheaper per year on the 500 for me, I’m 37 in a small city.

[@gomilopez1]

In the US the 500 has 51hp at 10k damn

[@_TrueDesire_]

@@gomilopez1 A2 license restriction, then we with a full license should be able to unlock the full power 😎

[@gomilopez1]

@@_TrueDesire_ oooooooooooooh that's so cool

[@kurtstrother884]

How much is the rear seat for the 500?

[@Miguel23887]

Thanks for this. I guess I'll be choosing the 650

[@jaymarkmarbebe5865]

Is the ninja 400 and 650 same wheel size sir why 400 didn’t out 120 in front

[@elconquistadorm]

Got the 650 KRT ABS edition and it was fun at first. Riding for a couple months now and the thrill is gone.. Gonna trade it in and get more power...

[@briancapstick6041]

Zx6r...

[@camojak]

❤ my 2024 Ninja 500 40th anniversary edition. 👍

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Just paid for the Ninja 500 SE (being honest I'm second guessing as only $1800 difference between the two but the look of the 450 does it for me and the 650 to me doesn't cut it in looks) I think (hoping) the 450 holds better resale value

[@PeterLoweOne]

The new Ninja 500 (451) definitely looks Great!

[@keariawallace847]

Can you fit a pet carrier on either bike? I only see saddle man pet carrier and other brands on non sport bike bikes.

[@Anthony-hc9ib]

I have a 21 zx6r. Either choice is great. You dont need 200 hp. It’s crazy and dangerous. These bikes give you joy riding all day. That 500 for 6500 is the deal. Man nice bikes

[@LedosGarage]

Whats the difference between the zx6r and the ninja 650? Is it just these zx bikes have a 4 cylinder engine?

[@GhadSpeed]

@@LedosGarageZX6R is a super sport. And yes it is a inline 4

[@LedosGarage]

@@GhadSpeed so basically same CC just a 4 cylinder engine and the regular ninja 500 650 aren't 4 cylinders there what the twin cylinder engines?

[@scottjd226]

Why didn't you compare the 650 performance model against the 500 se.

[@GhadSpeed]

For the price of both = 1 Super Sport bike. I'll take two bike overs 1 any day. I'm not shaming any super sport bike but the comfort these bike offer. Is unmatched.

[@tuanz8009]

Hopefully the new gen Ninja 650 will look like the Ninja 500. Really love the headlights design.

[@howlsbarks1078]

What is the power and torque ninja 500

[@jonathanacostagomez8480]

Hello buddy, I would like to see a comparison between the new ninja 500 and the new zx 4r (or zx4rr), mainly about the technological system and driving posture

[@PeterLoweOne]

I can do that. Stay tuned.

[@longpham3864]

Anh bạn à cho tôi hỏi ninja 500 và ninja 650 thì chiếc xe nào có thể đạt vận tốc từ 0 lên 100 trong khoảng thời gian ngắn nhất?

[@dyllanguye5741]

So is it only kilometers per hour? Here in America we prefer miles per hour

[@PeterLoweOne]

I film in Canada where we use kilometres. In the U.S, it will be in mph.

[@gupallday4483]

Check out that 450 Cfmoto bike

[@gupallday4483]

Great content. New rider. New sub

[@1c3sly13]

I got a 400 SE last week of October because they took forever to announce the 500. I want these features. 😡

[@PeterLoweOne]

The fact that the 500 exists doesn't take away from the fact that the 400 is a great bike! But I hear you. Just remember, no matter which motorcycle you buy, there will always be another one that offers something that your bike doesn't have. Every motorcycle is a compromise. My Z900RS SE is a great bike, but it's not an adventure bike, and I'd love to have an adventure bike, but not at the expense of not having the he fun of my current bike.

[@pdutube]

Coincidentally I was the 650th upvoter LOL

[@_jexxe]

Great video

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!!

[@waynes.2983]

Before buying the 500 try looking at the CF Moto 450.

[@sbsb4995]

Right side up fork is better

[@PeterLoweOne]

High end sport bikes would disagree with your opinion.

[@sbsb4995]

@@PeterLoweOne they are eating too much marketing pills

[@squarewheel142]

The right side swing arm on the 650 looks dorkish to me, that's the only thing I don't like about the 650.

[@LedosGarage]

Dang those grips look long as hell lol

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi Peter 😊

[@BrasilSPnewS]

❤

[@hakankillberg6043]

Its time to upgrade the ninja 650

[@PeterLoweOne]

I was responding to a comment on another video about the Eliminator and the Vulcsn S, saying that I wonder if the Ninja 650 and Vulcan S will be next in line for updates seeing as the models directly below them in the lineup have some tech features that aren't available on the more expensive models. We'll see! Thanks for watching!

[@hakankillberg6043]

@@PeterLoweOne yes lets hope so. Even hope for a 650 Eliminator or even more with midpegs. Seems not many bikes out there in this segment unless you go full cruiser front pegs. Dont understand that when HD and Indians are to pricey it could be a market for 600-900 cc. Still waiting for thoose stronger midpegs bikes that are more affordable

[@brianheidel4550]

Ninja 650 has 67 hp at 8,000 rpm. Ninja 500 has 51 hp at 10,000 rpm. according to kawasaki website.

[@unitunit4879]

I LIKE THE FACE OF N650 LOOKS BULKIE🥰

[@87Kal-El]

Kawasaki powinno stwożyć nowy silnik 770 Pojemności i stwożyć nowe modele 🖐️

[@sbsb4995]

Cf Moto looks much better.

[@dom3195]

Sitting on them was uncomfortable for my foot position. You have to flex you right foot to stay off rear brake

[@Fuinhaa]

You keep saying ninja 400 instead of 500.. lol

[@brizzz2324]

“I’m about 6 feet tall” 😭😭😭😭

[@PeterLoweOne]

5'11 and 3/4. If I say six feet someone will lose their minds! 😉👍

[@joelfigueroa1309]

Hi herrtomas

[@LedosGarage]

Man those rear fenders are huge and ugly 😂 lol deleting those has to be a day 1 mod lol

[@dejuanmills77]

I love the fact that you are debunking this bike for the everyday rider. Also, I do agree with your statement, because not everyone who rides this bike rides it on the track, but people just enjoy having the power to get out of dangerous situations, or just for the sake of having fun. Thanks again. 🫡