Taking It To The Track: 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 Track Review by TST Industries

[@English_MoFo]

The new ninja 451 is definitely a looker 👍🏻

[@tubuskan4348]

I got one, honestly wish they called it a 450 shit sounds better

[@christosswc]

@@tubuskan4348 Haha, I've been hearing people ranting about why the named it the 500 for months now and I don't get all the fuss bike people do over a name, especially the educated ones that already now exactly what they are getting before they go and get it.

[@English_MoFo]

@@tubuskan4348 they couldn’t because the Chi-Na bike cfmoto is called the 450

[@Caleb-fv5fp]

Fair enough

[@felipe-nt-d]

That bike is perfect for new riders or people that just want a good looking bike that they can ride every day, but the cool thing is that the Ninja 500 is a blank canvas just like all previous Baby Ninjas, add some performance parts to it and it'll be an amazing and focused track machine. I've been wanting a Baby Ninja ever since the 250R in 2008, I guess there will be no more postponing after the 500 started being sold in my country. Great video as always!

[@flush_entity]

i still track my ninja400! such a great little bike in corners

[@cereal-killer4455]

The baby ninja is the zx4r my friend

[@felipe-nt-d]

@@cereal-killer4455 you don't know what you're talking about.

[@Playaflydre]

​@@cereal-killer4455fail

[@tenacious645]

I just got back from a ride on my 500. Im new to bikes, by man is it a blast! I love this little bike for street use.

[@XanSleptYou]

i am almost at 1000 miles on the ninja 500, i have yet to hit the max speed on it and have learned how to wheelie on it. I am currently making a list of everything i want to get for it.

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

That's awesome. Wonder what you got. I'm 3mths and 900 miles behind you lol. I can't wait to uncork it, even if it's just the ecu I'd be happy

[@gabrieltiso8537]

Do you think power mods for this are worth it? Money spent vs ponies gained.. Looks like a fun economical machine

[@bunjidogg]

Looks good. Wouldn't expect a track ready bike for 6 K. Glad the power is improved. I want one.

[@sumo_steve45]

Best Team out there..... You just can't beat Bart and Mark at TSTindustries. That's a winning combination that I'll always bet on.

[@TSTindustries]

Steeeeeeve. Whats up my man. Mark and I are only the tip of the stick that appears in front of the camera. The rest of us are just as important to the success of the program, they are just a bit more camera shy. -BR

[@cgtarga1]

Suck up.

[@Shane661]

I like how some people are so upset about the 49cc. Like, most of these people could not ride the 300 to it's limit, much less this one...

[@mixedmarksman5873]

😂 Yeah they don't even know what a 300 can do on the track haha

[@Shane661]

@@mixedmarksman5873 I love the 300's. You go faster because you don't slow down. Also, for the street, very comfortable. I say this as someone who has had multiple 200 mph bikes. The whole concept of being upset over a "500" logo just seems so stupid to me.

[@mixedmarksman5873]

@@Shane661 I loved my 300 but I'm a bigger guy I just need somethin that can handle my weight a little better lol great bike though

[@Shane661]

@@mixedmarksman5873 the 300 is more comfortable for me, as I am not small. But my 400 was a better performer, by far. Have the 40th anniversary version of this bike on order.

[@jasonk7992]

Lol I ride a cb300f. Can't keep up with the 400s but great nimble commuter thru Sarasota

[@mixedmarksman5873]

Love kawasakis best motorcycles for the money period.

[@ScoutsOut]

Right on guys, thanks for the breakdown

[@TSTindustries]

Cheers buddy. Thank you. -BR

[@adventuretimemoto]

Bone stock 2023 ninja 400 vs bone stock ninja 500. On track. What's the difference?

[@MixedGrid]

The 500 is better all around. 💪

[@charliecharlie9042]

This is a good question

[@TSTindustries]

Hmmm.... Will have to go by memory on this one. I rode our Snow White at the track when we got it back in 2021. Pretty much the same noodle all around except for the engine performance difference. The power delivery is noticeably different and more power is accessible earlier in rpms than on the 400. The 500 develops much more usable torque down low than the 400. That is all ive got. I do believe that once we sort thsi thing into race trim it will be much improved over 400. -BR

[@mociczyczki]

stock vs stock on the same tire there be no diffrences 😉😎👌🏻 both bike are the same bike what do biger displacement 500 version and biger crank torque is that its ngine work on lower rpm but do the same job cos power is the same take of corner 400 from 7000-7500 rpm and 500 from 6000 rpm and they go had tp head everywhere on track 👌🏻 ☕️btw ninja 400 stock make more power than manufactpry claim 45 hp so if 500 will have less power so as manufactory claim 👉🏻 45 hp than it can turn oit that 400 slightly beat 500 on track cos you cant take advsntage of more peakengine crank tprque 500 version over more peak power400 version if it really have less power this 500. ersion but i think kawasaki make it similar strong at tope end so there be no difrrenc on track not when you put on both very fast skill rider cos with amateur rider it can end anything ,nobody cares how it end under amateur rider anyways cos than ots battle between rider and not bike limits 😎🤷🏻‍♂️👌🏻but even if than i would still buy 500 for road aplication cos i like lower than higher rpm 👌🏻☕️+ whats obviois new zx4 r even restricted smoked them both on track but its worst bike as daily from this 3 bikes cos most sporty ergo and weakest lowend 😎☕️👌🏻

[@levelupwithsam]

You need to get your hands on an Aprilia 457 and compare it stock vs the N500 on the track & on the street.

[@skorshooters9352]

Im a new rider with a little over 3k on the odometer, i can say for sure youll have fun on one of these and tons of room to grow/learn. I havent tracked it yet but plan on it soon, for street riding tho it just seems like it wants to help you do what you wanna do with it

[@JayPimen]

Can’t wait for you guys to review the RS457 to see how it compares

[@2Wheel-4Life]

Let’s goooo!! 1:13 Wallpaper worthy 💯🤙🏼

[@TSTindustries]

We will have this bike at Daytona International Raceway in October at the Race of Champions national event. Then we will see what the true top speed is. At that point the bike will have several modifications done to it, but I do not plan to build the motor (maybe just a cam degree, thin gaskets, and a four angle valve job). That track has a mega long straight, right after a big bank turn that basically feels like a straight. We will capture dash and GPS speeds with and without draft. -BR

[@gabrieltiso8537]

​@@TSTindustriesif you do the valve job do you port the head as well?... Thinner gaskets for increased compression?? Love to see how much juice this little beast can make

[@historyrepeat402]

I just bought mine, I’ve gotten so many people who think it’s a 650

[@monzosa1016]

please do a track review of the 450ss 🙏

[@mcdonaldslover52]

Really hope they update the zx4rr looks similar to this next year

[@MixedGrid]

And in the US drop the price by like $2k 😂

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

It's the bike that got me back into riding after years

[@TSTindustries]

It's a perfect bike for that!

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

​@@TSTindustriesI literally just bought both 500 and zx4rr in 40th anniversary colour (reminds me of the early 90's when I was alittle teen) also put deposit on 650 but 25 model in KRT colour (October shipment due)

[@CbrBlues]

What tail tidy kit did you use? Does the 400 kit work for the 500?

[@TSTindustries]

No, it doesn't. The first day we had the bike i scanned its new parts, came up with a new version of our closeout, made a rapid prototype overnight. The next day i made some adjustments and we immediately started programming toolpaths for the mill. Fast forward to last Tuesday, we made and anodized the first run. They have been live on pur website since Wednesday. -BR

[@prycenewberg3976]

@@TSTindustries That's impressive.

[@bfarm44]

Reminds me more of a middleweight sport tour which would suit my needs more

[@GKB.official]

Do we still buy power commanders or do we take it to someone to flash?

[@TSTindustries]

Send it in to us for an awesome flash. Should be available on our website shortly. -TST

[@SB-mw1bg]

That rear view looks like a video game.

[@andreadilazzaro2081]

max speed?

[@MJT-DA]

How does it compare to CFMOTO 450SS?

[@rolanddiaz1974]

Can he smoke cfmoto 450 sr?

[@cercelaruliviu6433]

No response yet

[@josh_ari]

TST should definitely sell 451 decals for this ninja on their website. If you use this idea, guys, you owe me a complementary TST t-shirt! 💯💪👕

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

After break in i have a good sized list for you guys lol. Also could you unrestrict my 500 ecu without any other work eg everything stock. Actually I will go to your website thanks

[@ItsAlexR]

When is gsx 8R tail light coming?

[@TSTindustries]

Later this year. -TST

[@ItsAlexR]

@@TSTindustries can’t wait! I am willing g to pay above market value to get one out here in California!

[@4V3N1]

@@TSTindustrieswhat about the 500 tail light?

[@TSTindustries]

@@4V3N1 that bike just got released. We didn’t get early access to it so our R&D and reverse engineering just began. It will be more than likely be early next year or later before we release a tail light for that model if we decide to offer one. -TST

[@4V3N1]

@@TSTindustries sounds good, we’ll support you whatever you decide to do!

[@agentcovert]

Kawasaki has a " extended reach seat " for the 2024 Ninja 500..the seat adds 1 inch to the overall seat height and can be ordered from the Stealership..

[@jamesmartel9059]

Do these bikes have upgrades like stage1,2...kits or tunes you can get for more power?

[@TSTindustries]

We are in the process of making the same packages as we had for the 400. We offer exhausts, various levels of intakes including a full airbox, and tunes to go with the combos. Alex is tuning the bike tomorrow and we will have the packages going up soon. You can check out the 400 specific links I provided below for an idea of what is coming soon for the 500 tstindustries.com/tst-worx-airbox-kawasaki-ninja-400-2018-2023.html tstindustries.com/tst-worx-pack-kawasaki-ninja-400-2018-2023.html -BR

[@adamwetzel6547]

Gsxr 600 shock still fit in the back?

[@TSTindustries]

Maybe but that is not a good solution. I prefer a shock that is valved for the actual bike in the mode it is going to be ridden in. We are exploring some Nitron solutions but always have the backup of a properly sprung Ohlins that we have years of experience with. -BR

[@ev92]

Looks like a nice bike 👌 i might pick up one for going around town..the extra 50ccs might have made it similar to my old gpz 500.that was a fun machine the engine made power like a 2 stroke haha does the new ninja 500 have similar power delivery or is it more linear?

[@jeffomspaugh6691]

Will a heavier fork oil help until replacement cartridges are an option?? $$$

[@TSTindustries]

I believe that the 400 cartridges will fit, and we already have those. We will find out real soon and put them on our website when verified. Thicker oil maybhelp but there is no measurable way to set the forks with variation of oil weight. So it's a lot of effort for very little result. -BR

[@NightSkywalker69]

Is the 650 not as good as the 4 and 500? Why do I only see high end performance for those two bikes? I don’t see a lot of track days with the 650, anyone know why?

[@TSTindustries]

@@NightSkywalker69 it’s an underpowered twin when you compare it to the R7, RS660, SV650 and the GSX-8R. The overall package of the Ninja 650 is just underwhelming for race application

[@MikeVenom-mini]

Way to go putting the music louder than the bike sound! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@TSTindustries]

Way to go not realizing the wind noise would be louder than the stock exhaust! 🎉🎂

[@MikeVenom-mini]

@TSTindustries na it ain't. Bs cop-out comment. Lower the bad music.

[@MrTanagax]

How was it compare to ktm rc 390 2022?

[@TSTindustries]

The last time I rode a 390 was 2016 or 2017. My memory of how that experience was is fuzzy at best so I have no reliable commentary to add. -BR

[@ReichReview]

so what would you choose ninja 451 because its not a 500 or the Aprillia 457? the only reason why the ninja 500 was created was to compete against the 457

[@TSTindustries]

The 457 was announced publicly late last year and this motor was created and offered prior to that with the Eliminator. I don’t think this was a response to the 457. -ML

[@ReichReview]

@@TSTindustries thanks for the reply. I did not know the 451 was offered prior to that. I do however think in SA the ninja 451 would be more expensive. I hope to one day buy the aprillia

[@bigafro7657]

Hey guys, I am a potential new rider and I am looking at the ninja 500 for my first bike. I know that it is great for beginners but I have a different question I love bikes but frankly I am afraid of riding them on the road due to crazy drivers so how can I get a sport bike with 0 experience and never ride it on the road and only learn on a closed course/track? and would that even be feasible?

[@TSTindustries]

It is possible. You can take the MSF course or appropriate learners course to learn how to ride and then you can signup for track days with organizations that do one-on-one training. -TST

[@marcusvoss1138]

I like both the older 500r and my local Kawasaki dealer has a 2024 500 krt for about 5250 I believe but I also found an older 500r with only 300 miles all original for 2500 I don’t know which one I want more tho I like both

[@TSTindustries]

I would say it solely depends on budget and preference. The new 500 is a beginner friendly bike with a proven motor and chassis along with aesthetics.

[@marcusvoss1138]

@@TSTindustries budget isn’t much an issue I am a longtime ninja 500 fan I grew up riding my brothers old 2002 500r just really wondering if it’s a similar experience with an updated design I guess thanks for your input by the way

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

I can't believe i just got quoted three hours labour (500 ninja) to fit oxford heated grips ($190 grips). So almost $640 is a bad joke. Looking like no heated grips lol

[@IDontKnow-bb6mt]

Thank you for the track review! Solidifies my decision to go with the Aprilia rs457 for my new track bike.

[@kennethmiller81]

the plate on mine will say itsa450

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Here we have 6 digits so ITS451 is one I might try for in Aus (my inspection for the plates is on the 13th so it's a real possibility lol) I was going for my MY40TH MY500 MYZX4R ZX4RR1 were some of my thoughts (I bought both 500 & zx4rr in 40th anniversary) zx4 has standard plates already but I don't think that would be hard to change

[@kennethmiller81]

@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 ended up just naming mine viper

[@stevesane800]

Great seeing racer Bart all leathered up🔥

[@TSTindustries]

Ex-racer really. I did one race this year so far, and three last year. That is a far cry from some years when I spent 50+ days a year at a race track, racing on multiple continents, doing track days where I did practice sessions and coached (thirty two 20min sessions a weekend). There is soooo much going on that I cannot also handle doing all that travel and racing at the moment. But I aspire to be a fast old guy that you always see at the track one day. Cheers Steve. -BR

[@the_lejend24]

I WANNA TRACK MY BIKE!

[@TSTindustries]

That is simple. Find a local org, pay them, go. -BR

[@NickPissanu]

TST. Good Job.

[@MrWhiteTank]

Such a pretty bike. Too bad about the short cummings of brakes, cramped feeling and pogo suspension.

[@TSTindustries]

Well, those shortcomings were to be expected. The design intent steering team at Kawasaki is very wise from their years of success. Their choices were deliberate, and ultimately they benefit everyone who buys this bike. Little changes can be made to customize the bike to personal use and you have a solid bike. -BR

[@jdbauer9183]

Varn approved

[@TSTindustries]

Lol

[@2gripzcruiser]

the music for the noise smh

[@UDPride]

I dont think anyone buys a Ninja 400/500 as a track bike. Probably 95% roads and 5% track use. Its designed to put smiles on public roads as a comfortable sporty easy to ride bike that doesnt beat you up and fatigue you which it does well. But if you want to really do something serious on the track, Kawasaki makes bikes specifically for that purpose. Its good to know however that if you throw some bucks at a Ninja 500, you can get it to punch above its weight on a track. But Id just start with a more track focused bike to begin with. The 500 does great at what its designed for though. Id much rather ride it on the streets than a liter bike...sort of like a Cayman vs a Lamborghini where all the fun happens under 85mph.

[@M-uq2jr]

Buuuuut I have done track days on a dozen different bikes, all 750 cc or larger, and bought a ninja 400 for my kids, but decided to do a track day on it. Bone stock, that ninja 400 was Way Way more fun on the track than all those other bigger bikes. Check out the ninja 400 forum, there are tons of people that take these to the track. They are great for it.

[@ChrisVonDoom83]

Takes 2 minutes to adjust the throttle.. No tools needed. My Ninja 400 had the same issue when I bought it off the showroom floor. Easy fix nothing to complain about

[@mociczyczki]

back seat without regulation like 99% of other bike have can be issue for high rider cos they can not hide behinde fairing full but in daily riding its absolutely advantage cos on acceleration you have good suport and your body dont change position 👌🏻☕️wait for dyno stock vs stock not some tune BS ninja 400 vs ninja 500 stock vs stock dyno the same tire pressure asf 👌🏻😎☕️

[@TSTindustries]

I have seen some decent comments on several topics from you but I just find it so difficult to extract the meaning from what you write. I would really like to understand your comments better. Would you mind using punctuation marks and perhaps discontinue the use of images? Thanks/ Dziekuje. -BR

[@SGVON885]

lunching in India?

[@joek81981]

Sounds wonderful.

[@MrDeepseadweller]

Naan please

[@christosswc]

I suspect there's more room for extracting performance from this engine than the 400. OK, so due to A2 license restrictions they could not increase the power so they just increased the stroke and channeled everything towards torque. It has 13% more capacity and yet 15% more max torque, says it all. But still, thanks to that extra torque the engine should easily break the HP barrier and the max HP rpm is suspiciously set too low for just a small increase in capacity vs the 400, they seemed to have lowered the useful rpm a lot trying to keep HP in check. Now I'm no expert on engines, maybe it's just ECU mapping magic holding it back at those higher rpms, maybe it's cams, maybe this maybe that but for anyone looking to unlock extra ooomph there should be plenty there for the tuners?

[@TSTindustries]

For now I will hold my tongue on the details. I think our dyno video will do a much better job of answering some of your questions. After it goes live and you watch it we can discuss further. With the knowledge from our findings it will be easier to paint the picture of what is possible. -BR

[@dennisclevenger5000]

I wouldn't consider this a track machine with it's 451CC 2 cylinder twin and around 50 horsepower. although I would consider it a very good starter bike and commuter

[@TSTindustries]

There’s full race classes dedicated to smaller displacement motorcycles. We’ve been racing our Ninja 400 for a couple if years and before that, we raced an R3. -TST

[@dennisclevenger5000]

@@TSTindustries some people will race anything I've seen people who race Volkswagen vans but these smallish bike aren't competitive with real track machines

[@TSTindustries]

@@dennisclevenger5000 what would you say about Moto2 and Moto3 bikes?

[@dennisclevenger5000]

@@TSTindustries I wouldn't consider saying anything since I'm not that well informed on the subject but I've owned enough motorcycles in the last 40 years that I know the inline 4 cylinder is a real force to be dealt with I lived all my 2 cylinder days on triumphs BSA and Norton motorcycles already done it n I don't typically walk backwards it seems the motorcycle world has peaked n returning to the 60s n 70s. But I'm pretty sure in a bad economy the bike manufacturers r having to cut cost on motorcycles but there still many of us riding the high horsepower machines. It's really kinda sad but I do believe the 2 cylinder twins r needed for starter bikes n commuters. But I wouldn't consider them competitive in the racing world

[@69gringo69]

So when is it getting a tune? 😂

[@TSTindustries]

Don't laugh. We have the ECU out of the bike and are trying to gain access to the goods to start creating our flash tune programs for it. Just like with the other bikes we serve, we will have a basic tune for free flowing air filter and full exhaust configuration. Then we will have the upper level tunes for use with filter/exhaust and our velocity stacks, and of course a special top of the line one for use with our WorX airbox.

[@69gringo69]

​@@TSTindustriesit's a happy laugh. I have a 400 and I'm interested in seeing how this does with some tinkering. I love small lightweight bikes and I want to see if a tune will really wake it up.

[@PopsRacer61]

That was an excellent review! especially pointing out all the little quirks that can be overcome if it's going to be used on the track. I think this bike , the Honda 500 and the Yamaha R3 are excellent beginner bikes for the street or by spending a little money... excellent track bikes that you ring every ounce of fun out of. 🦾

[@joek81981]

This is the only video that has had something... less-than-positive to say about the bike, and I for one appreciate that. This also the only place that's actually beat on one to find some of those concerns. Everybody else kinda stands next to one, or pissfarting around town on it.

[@TSTindustries]

Pissfarting....I want to gain that skill lol. Anyway, thank you for the comment and some comic relief with your choice of words. We have no ties to Kawasaki but we know the product lineup really well. We have no incentive to sell bikes for them. So we break it down how it is (or appears to be to us). If you look up our company mission you will see that it extends to how we make videos also. Cheers! -BR

[@nickrider5220]

A commuter disguised as a sportsbike....I've got a ninja.......hmmm !

[@Filthy_Goblin_44]

Looks ok for street riding but the 400 will keep its throne at the track

[@TSTindustries]

Can you share some reasons behind your opinion? -BR

[@mociczyczki]

it be the same 👌🏻

[@warriorhealth2172]

With a tune the 500 will always beat the 400...More displacement.

[@amdhnsnow1322]

should have removed the plate mount

[@JayJay-iu5wy]

I bought without abs I really regret

[@TSTindustries]

Want to trade? 🤣

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

​@@TSTindustriesI love how they don't respond especially when you are offering a better deal for them. You guys are awesome and I will keep in touch (still break in period for me)

[@billsmart2532]

I thought this would be a GREAT review,…then the music ruined it for us engine people. We wanna hear the engine working. bummer…

[@TSTindustries]

It's a stock bike with a stock exhaust and we thought the wind-noise would overpower the sound but if you want to hear this machine go through the rev range, check out our dyno video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/joi7laptdt-SZpo

[@billsmart2532]

@@TSTindustries Thanks!

[@prawnstar9213]

A ball crusher..

[@cgtarga1]

Soooo the beginner bike isnt wonderful for the race track??? No F'n duh. I know you guys are desperate for clicks but this 'test' is a waste of time.

[@TSTindustries]

@@cgtarga1 you were so close to getting the point of this video but only missed it by a mile. “Desperate for clicks”? Well, thanks for yours! 😘

[@RS-nl2lp]

Clicked away due to the music overlay.

[@TSTindustries]

Can’t win them all. 🤷‍♂️

[@GertBFrobe-sy5on]

but stayed long enough to comment lol

[@omgitsabloodyandroid5161]

It’s NOT a racebike

[@TSTindustries]

Not yet. - TST

[@omgitsabloodyandroid5161]

Let me know pls Got the 400 in Aussie, MT-09-SP in Isaan

[@tortuga34]

Lol any bike you race is a race bike

[@tedunguent156]

So, you buy a budget bike that is NOT a track bike but you take it to the track and then complain about all of its "short comings" at the track? Combine that with your stop-start-stutter way of speaking and I know I won't be watching any more of your videos.

[@TSTindustries]

"Not a track bike" yet the Ninja 400 platform is running the gauntlet in the Motoamerica Junior Cup class. You were so close to getting this video's point but missed it by about a mile. This isn't an airport, no need to announce your departure, bud.

[@ktkace]

calling a 451 a 500 is just pure dishonesty.

[@TSTindustries]

That is a complaint to take us with Kawasaki haha -TST

[@felipe-nt-d]

The Z900 has an actual displacement of 948cm³, so the Ninja 500 gets a free pass lol

[@ktkace]

@@felipe-nt-d z1000 HAS A DISPACEMENT OF 1048cm... PEPPERRDGE FRM REMEMBERS

[@daninstereo]

​@@felipe-nt-dThey stole the missing 49cc from the Ninja 500 and gave it to the Z900 I'm calling the police

[@usinkangkong]

Honda CBR500r is also only 471cc 😂