Ninja 400 Vs Ninja 500 - Kawasaki Lightweight Showdown | Is it worth the Upgrade?

[@chrisdadigger1018]

I don’t like the new trending motorcycle manufacturers to round up the engine size doesn’t make any sense if you’re gonna make a 500 make a 499 cc bike not a 450. False advertisement. Look at Aprilla comes out with a bike that’s 457 cc what do they call it the 457. Not that difficult

[@airglide2]

PREACH!

[@pratmak]

Funnily enough the original Yamaha mt09/fz09 was an 847cc displacement engine and somehow they rounded that up to 900. I don’t think anyone called it out then or even brings it up now. At least Kawasakis 451 can technically round up

[@JessicaSimonson1976]

Exactly.....CF Moto 450 SR/SS is a 449.5cc call it a 450 not a hard concept

[@davidmacphee3549]

As a former H1 owner, that really annoys ne. It's a 450.

[@crocus9905]

They should just ban bikes with less than 1000cc unless you can prove that a 1000cc already gave you brain damage

[@JessicaSimonson1976]

I really don't think Kawasaki should have killed the 300, and 400. I think they should have kept them in the line up. Not everyone is always ready for a faster bike. Then you have people that like to race smaller cc class bikes

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

I believe soon in the future the class will start again like the 80\90's with 250's. I wish Australia got the zx25r as id buy it in a sec. I own zx4rr zx6r and x2 500 all 40th anniversary. I love watching zx25 vids

[@Josh-cw8by]

As a 400 owner I like everything about the 500. Everything has been improved just a little bit. Though it's definitely not enough to warrant an upgrade. One thing worth mentioning is the 451cc in the new bike responds much better to modifications. Tuners (Graves) have got the N500 to 57 wheel horsepower with a few bolt ons and a tune. That's approaching 650 power figures. Really impressive.

[@Kwackajack]

Exactly right, being a 400 owner too i wouldn't upgrade. BUT if i didn't have the 400 i would go straight to the 5

[@RollonRides]

IMO there is no point at all to modifying these types of motorcycle for the street as you said "approaching 650 power figures". For the track its a different kettle of fish:)

[@Josh-cw8by]

@@RollonRides I'm not sure what you're trying to get at when you quoted me. A Ninja 650 dynos at 62hp. I don't feel like what I said was far fetched. I do agree though. In most cases the small gains don't justify the cost.

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

I completely agree with you (I own a 500). If you already own a 400 there's really no point in the 500 or being honest the 650l (I've raced around friends with 25 650l KRT and they never got a bike length ahead if that and I'm riding the 500) Freeway and stand still. I wanted a 26 650l until riding against it and I don't believe (stock) it's worth buying now. I think it's time for a dual sport (25 Te300 looking at or Stark varg 80hp. Unsure which buy as generator needed if I get stark)

[@Josh-cw8by]

@@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 I hear you. You'll definitely like something closer to 80-100hp. Even if you get a bike that's 10-20 more horsepower than an N500, it usually weighs more, so you don't feel that power gain as much.

[@Playaflydre]

Gonna wait until the 25s drop in october. Then i can pick up a 24 N500 for cheap. I want one bad

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Lol prices haven't changed here and luckily I bought the 40th anniversary from interstate

[@christiancasillas64]

Compré la 2024 ninja 🥷 Kawasaki 500 roja y negra love it ❤mi primera moto 🏍️

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

I really need to find people near me to ride with on my ninja 500. Im 3337\3038. I raced around days ago with someone on 650l krt 25 but he didn't stop at servo when I pulled in 😢. I literally found out about a Tuesday group ride on other side of town (can't wait to go and Mrs can go the following week as we have young child )

[@collinrobertson3871]

You around new orleans louisiana?

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

My local dealer had the exact same price on brand new 400 and 500. I went for the 500 thinking of resale later on

[@OHYEAH-km3md]

i love my 451, great first bike, will still upgrade it next year but definitely will daily it to work in thee city, i wont sell my first bike so it was definitely worth it getting it new

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

It was an absolute nightmare finding and buying the 500 40th anniversary. I paid an extra $2300 for delivery ($1350 WA and $950 Queensland but I didn't miss out). I also have 40th anniversary zx4rr and zx6r 🎉 but I'm not legally allowed to ride them for almost 3yrs. (Got Ls again month ago @ 44. Not fun lol)

[@naveplays]

So I’m looking to get my first bike this next summer do I wait and see if some used 500s go on Facebook for 5k-6k or buy new if they are selling used for 7k or just get a 400 for 5k on Facebook? Is the tech and upgrades the 500 has worth it? Plan on keeping it for 2 years or so while I learn to ride till I upgrade to a 600

[@Kwackajack]

Try and get a used 400, the tech upgrades are marginal. The dash on the 400 is still good enough and the rest of the bike is almost the same too. That way you don't need to wait either!

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

I'd try for 400. I own a 500 and used you won't find and ones i have seen advertised had been crashed/dropped. You should see some of the pics dealer sent with cracked plastics (40th 500) and she was telling me light scratches and said never dropped lol (yeah because its been in a stack and not dropped lol)

[@stevewilson8752]

Great Review matey 😝🕺 Think I'd go for the new 500 with all the bells & whistles 🏍👍 Cheers from Bundaberg Qld 🇦🇺🍹

[@Kwackajack]

Gotta love that 40th Ann colour scheme!

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

​@@KwackajackI bought x2 40th and just by luck one was from Queensland and the other WA. I'm in Victoria and not a single one (Peter Steven's Geelong sold one allocated to me 🤬 idiots but luckily I didn't wait or miss out)

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

I got my 40th 500 from Queensland (Hervey bay I think it's spelt)

[@stevewilson8752]

@@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 you think right.

[@RollonRides]

Great video, I owned the 2018 Ninja 400 nice bike for what it is. Does the Ninja 500 vibrate as much as the 400?

[@2008guelo]

Only during break in after break in no more vibrations .

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

My 500 definitely vibrates. If lower rpm smooth but she vibrates.

[@RollonRides]

@@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 Thought so all singles, twins and triples do its a physics thing, you will really notice the difference with a inline 4, 6 of v4

[@dannysweet3767]

i just got my Ls waiting on my ninja 500 cant wait was told mine is going to be the 2025 model also i have always been on kawasaki started on dirty bikes from 12 to 22

[@Kwackajack]

That's awesome, do you have an ETA?

[@dannysweet3767]

@@Kwackajack I was told either a few days or next week goes on aus customs 😄

[@dannysweet3767]

@@Kwackajack so my bike is being held at aus customs sigh so next week or week after

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

I'm hoping you have your bike now. Peter Steven's Geelong sold my allocated bike 💯 so I got all the cash i had on it and an R7. I still can't believe what happened. Luckily I found 40th 500 interstate and paid extra for delivery (i didn't miss out and wife has 40th 500 also. I also got zx6r zx4rr 40th bikes as I love the 40th colours being a 90's child lol)

[@dannysweet3767]

@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 got screwed over on the ETA so I went fuck it and got a cbr650

[@kaizen1723]

I have a ninja 400, my next bike is the cfmoto 675rs

[@collinrobertson3871]

Dude no get a ninja 636 stay japanese❤️

[@Orefamilylawncare]

Why are you going from a kawi to a cf??? Do you not like something about the kawi?

[@kaizen1723]

@ manly budget. I love my 400, cant think of a better beginner bike for me, but would like something a bit bigger. The ninja 650 is a bit meh, and the zx6r is too pricey for me. CF moto seem to be doing good things. Getting a 675 tripple for AUD12k (est) seems like a no brainer.

[@GregMacDougall-m3n]

I've tested the Ninja 500 at a local dealership and in my opinion ''All you have to do is enjoy it''. P.S. If someone buys the Honda CBR 500, they will save a couple thousand dollars in the first three years compared to a Ninja 400 or 500. This is due to the fact the Honda CBR 500 gets better fuel economy.

[@jimstenlund6017]

That’s some really bad math, or some huge mileage/constant riding !

[@bloodasp6278]

I think both are good for beginners but Kawasaki is aiming to replace the 400s with the 500s, sadly.(also a quick note, I think both 400/500 ninjas have 150/60 rear wheel sizes). Coming from a 400, yeah I don't think I'll switch to a 500.(will probably progress to a 600 or 650). But I think the 500s are a good buy for those who want to start getting into big bikes or those who have been riding 250cc's or less. Still, it's less painful to make mistakes on the 400(it's cheaper and has more aftermarket parts, for now).

[@andrewprice1189]

It's not really a 500 is it though, 451cc!

[@Kwackajack]

You are correct, a lot of manufacturers seem to do it

[@davidmacphee3549]

@@Kwackajack Those prices? Australian? What about North America?

[@udmbfckx2916]

You guys get the EU A2 detuned version too?

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Unfortunately yes. 45hp here in Australia

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

193kmh top speed

[@FullXThrottle]

The ninja 500 produces 51hp…. The 400 produces 49hp…. Why would anyone buy a 500 that makes less power than the previous 400 model. It makes absolutely no sense.

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

My 500 has 45hp in Australia so it's even worse lol. 2yrs unlimited mileage Kawasaki warranty and when that runs out I'll get 20% power increase. America is 10+% more powerful out of the box

[@MrDiablovttt]

I own a 400 and can see no reason to go for the 500. These are learner bikes with racing potential. The 400 is so close to the 500 already in terms of riding ability and power that the upgrade is a waste of money. If you are looking to upgrade, you are better off getting a bike with more power and upmarket components. Why go sideways to another learner level bike. As for buying new if you don't already own a learner bike, I think you will be happy with both bikes, only the 400 will leave more $$$ in your pocket for riding gear.

[@Kwackajack]

I agree with everything you say here as mentioned in my other replies. If you do want a NEW bike though, i'd still go 500

[@BrunoHazel-z7b]

Carol Lights

[@Scooterdude01]

Good review, the 500 makes no sense to me. Kawasaki is stealing sales from themselves, duh. Hope you cut that ponytail off. Haha 😎

[@Kwackajack]

It's basically a slightly updated and more powerful version of the current 400. The 400 was a slightly updated and more powerful version of the 300 and so on. I think it makes sense if you're looking at a new bike, it's back in line with other new beginner sportbikes in the class where the 400 was starting to get outdated. P.S. yea the long hair is gone... for now

[@Scooterdude01]

@@Kwackajack The Aprilia 457 is new and is getting great reviews, think it would give the 500 a good race. I bet your shoulder is better without the hair. Take care of yourself, you should post more frequently.

[@Kwackajack]

Thanks mate, have been posting twice weekly for the past few weeks, trying to get out as much as i can for you guys!

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

In Australia they sell out in the 500. The 40th anniversary heaps of people missed out as not enough bikes arrived. Luckily I didn't miss out on anything

[@roadstrom]

I think the CF Moto is the best buy in this class

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

I've owned Chinese before and I didn't believe for a second that Chinese would be capable of 70000\100000kms. I had one die around 30-40k (Benelli from cfmoto dealer and I know they skipped valve checks 💯. So buying Chinese scares me and resale is never as good in % lost