2025 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE First Ride and Review

[@chessmaster3297]

The best part of the new 500 being released is the ninja 400s are gonna drop in price and still be the best starter bike.

[@gregm9230]

Exactly!

[@FablePenDragon]

Damn they went from a 4 tò a 2 cyl bike Obviousely every sport lover Will now buy the 400 for cheap and let go the crappy 500

[@RevusX]

They actually went up in price, used. Kinda similar to what happened with the R6 when the R7 took its place. That's why I went with a 500 over a 400. Would have cost me more for the 400s I was looking at.

[@collt3035]

@@FablePenDragon the 400 only has 2 cyl too

[@FullXThrottle]

⁠@@FablePenDragonthe 500 will smoke the 400 from a stop! It’s embarrassing! I’ve seen it! So, not sure what you mean by crappy? Its fuel mapping is completely different and has a lot of power down low. A lot better than the 400.

[@KingKuda420]

Bought one last Monday, it’s my 1st bike and I absolutely love it.

[@okYisisyis]

is it fast? tryna get myself a bike

[@clippedbygabe]

@@okYisisyisi have one, it depends on your definition of fast, compared to cars yea you will go 0-60 sub 5 seconds and top out in the 120s, but compared to other bikes its very slow😂

[@teoteo9820]

​@@clippedbygabeI just got my licence, should I get one of these? Its literally going to be my first bike. Thanks man :)

[@dodoz44]

@@clippedbygabe A mid-range BMW sedan, like the m340i, will smoke it in every way possible... Yet you'll still have a lot more fun on the bike, for 10% of the price. It's a great bike to learn on before going for a 4 cyl 600+, or to keep for cheap commuting.

[@connorgeiman6087]

I bought one of these 4 months ago just passed the 10k mile mark and took it on a 5 hour trip to TN no problems at all. I love my bike

[@chrisaguilar4139]

Bought mine last Tuesday as my first bike. Only rode it over the weekend so far, but I've been having a blast!

[@vladimircheezdogksi5546]

Be careful while you’re testing it out. I want it to be in pristine condition when I win the giveaway.

[@maomekat2369]

hhhh its unbreakable

[@2008guelo]

Hope u do win this is a great bike Good luck 🍀

[@NivamoMint]

😂😂

[@_MaiTV]

Deciding what first bike to get gotta be the hardest thing ever, everybody gives different answers

[@M-uq2jr]

Had the 400, sold it (got a damn good price before those values drop) and just got the same 500 40th anniversary as yammie. It really is worth the upgrade, many things noticeable, the increased midrange is massively noticeable. TFT dash is awesome, this paint is killer (lots of people have stopped to notice it just in the first few days I’ve owned it), even the bigger windshield and fairing make a big difference at higher speed. Love it. Will be hitting the track with it soon. Only downgrade is the ridiculous keyless ignition. That sucks completely.

[@docchung9085]

Keyless ignition List video: This is everything wrong with modern motorcycles!!! Give away bike review: this is a really cool feature to give to beginners

[@brandonclement]

😂😂😂😂

[@ThePwNzclan]

I feel like theres a big difference in modern bikes made for experienced riders and biked made to influence people who have never ridden to get one. Alot of these features attract beginners attention and the value per dollar seems better, where more experienced riders care much more about the bikes character and ability than its flare. And since the A2 class of bikes is all held to a point by law the only thing to really differentiate beginner sport bikes is the flare and interesting features/selling points

[@jakob8372]

one video is a more general view and the other is his personal opinion. but still youre right

[@georgehanson2978]

How to keep putting out that content!

[@ajseusa1488]

Keyless is not needed or wanted by me on an inexpensive motorcycle. If your key-less receiver module goes out after warranty on this Kawasaki, the current MSRP on the key-less receiver module alone is well over $1100. Why?

[@andrewfarinola358]

I have a 500 right now and have had it for about a year. Tomorrow Im going to pick up a 25 zx6-r and I couldn't be happier. the 500 was such a good beginner bike I'm sad to let go tbh

[@gregm9230]

I have the naked Z400 version and I like it. Keep it above 5000 rpm and you're good. Great first bike.

[@tracker1315]

Naaaa

[@zerokool14ss61]

I have the red version of this bike and all I want to do is ride. I have had a few bikes over the years, all great, but for some reason I really feel relaxed and love riding this thing. Thinking about getting the 650 as well.

[@maomekat2369]

nooo don't get 650, save money . its heavier , similar speed, torq, both can highway . this light waaay more fun. 650 waay old, heavy. if extra money buy harley instead of 650...

[@zerokool14ss61]

@@maomekat2369 just sold my Harley, few months back. I do miss cruise control 😂

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

If you can afford it buy the 650l. I bought x4 40th anniversary bikes recently and about to be 5 with the 25 650l KRT. You only live once bro. You do what you think is best

[@DefaultDadAZ]

I actually am more excited that this allowed for the z500, because that seems to be the perfect standard bike

[@DVul]

Love the old school colour scheme...

[@molallamerica896]

YammieNoob convinced me to buy my 2021 Z400. 22k miles later and I still love it. No windshield, but yeah, it is a good 4 hour motorcycle. Upgrade the pads and the brake feel is massively better.

[@RedBud315]

Back in 1987 when the first one came out I was racing an FZ600 at Willow Springs and during a practice session a guy with a brand new Ninja 500 blew up his motor right in front of me in turn 5 and he dumped oil through the race line. Luckily I was able to avoid it. After they cleaned it up it was actually the first time I had ever ridden through a cleaned up oil spot and was impressed how good that stuff worked even way back then. They had a 450 class but, I think the guy had to ride in the 600 class so was not as competitive when everyone else was on FZ's Hurricanes and Ninja 600's. Even the CheapPZ 550 was faster of course.

[@disabiledandriding]

Might be worth mentioning that the USB port for both the Ninja and the Z500 SE are Type C to lighting USB. I just bought the Z500 SE and nowhere in the owner's manual does it mention the USB type or the Rideology code. Rideology code is 83354 for both the Ninja 500 and Z500.

[@TheRealMikeyP]

Just bought this as my first bike, funny to see old heads in the comments dog on how slow the bike is, it's entry level you BOTS

[@davidgearardo1788]

Zack courts said the same thing about the 500, a small touring bike. He was told that’s ridiculous, but if that’s what people are feeling then that’s what they are feeling.

[@jonobester5817]

I have a '98 Ninja 500 that is running like amazingly well. Gotta be putting out over 50hp.

[@FrankFurther]

The old ninjas are 60hp. I've got a 99

[@GarrettGerloff31]

I’m hoping to see one of these in my future for kart track training 👀🤞🏽

[@benn1181]

Wish the ninja 500 looked like that when I started!

[@raystan5489]

Which ninja 500 did you get? Is the anniversary addition better looking?

[@T____W____7777]

If I was getting my first bike again, I’d definitely have this on my list of potential bikes.

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Bike here is a 40th anniversary. We have 2 of the 40th anniversary 500's (wife rides with me on 500 and hers has heated grips so I ride hers lol). So far 500 hit 190kmh+ which is beating friends 400 top speed. In Australia we get the Euro 5 45hp not the 51 hp you guys get 😢. (Can't wait for the warranty to finish)

[@smitty446]

Got the eliminator with the same engine back in April 2024, its Oct 12th now and just rolled over 7k miles on it. No joke making every possibility to hop on the bike to go everywhere for sure.

[@mickbeckett5136]

It’s a entry bike I know, but you don’t sound all that choked on it bless ❤

[@euanespenilla1779]

This is definitely something I'll be saving up for as a beginner rider.

[@Lawlesslando]

I have the base model and love it

[@Lawlesslando]

Damn I was first comment what can I say I like your videos

[@oldcowbb]

same, i use it commute to school everyday, so much fun

[@georgehanson2978]

Sport tour light indeed! Reminds me a lot of my 04 ninja 500. 13 second quarter-mile & about 60 hp. The more things change…..

[@gucciiniko]

Never been this early to a Yammie vid

[@jaggerreid6794]

Such a beautiful bike! I picked up one about a month ago and love it!

[@cirrusgaming7078]

I put a deposit down on one after seeing how highly you thought of the 400, and then shortly after, you released a video criticizing the concept and spec of the 500. I was concerned I'd made a bad purchase for my first bike. 4 months later, this video comes out and It's on the nose. I want something I can learn on, but I don't want it to shout 'baby bike.' I want something with usable power in town. It's got that in spades. You never feel like you're in the wrong gear when you roll on the throttle. I didn't know it at the time, but after riding the thing every chance I got, I want a first bike that I can ride on for a couple hours without my back hurting. Yeah, a 180 twin isn't the most exciting sounding thing, but with a slip-on the 500 pops and burbles. It's got a bit of character. Does the 400 do the same?

[@tulioqcastroalves7870]

7:10 the truck slowly coming up on him lol

[@Maggieismydog]

Finally, a vid where papa Yam isn’t bagging Harley Davidson 😅

[@BlackArroToons]

I rode the 2008 250R Ninja for 15 years as it could handle everything I needed it to do on the highways, freeways and public roads, with no intentions of racetrack riding. Great on fuel and had a 4.8 gallon tank for long range. Sad how that was seen as too weak for the roads when the only limit I found was going up hills, where it levels out your approach speed, and slowly increases at full throttle, so not good at passing going up hills. But everywhere else, the bike could keep up with 80+ mph traffic, hit 100 mph+ downhill, and a good take off from 0 to 60 (about 6 seconds). In 2024, the 250cc engine is now 451 in the Ninja 500.

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

Kawasaki had a 454 back in the day and that was a great little cruiser. I had a friend that had one and he rode it every where on long trips.

[@low_e_music]

My mom bought one as a learner bike about 15 years ago. It was great for that purpose and actually had a quite a bit of get up and go. I think I rode it more than she did, such a fun bike.

[@MarcoGonzalez-jb1pd]

I just searched up this bike for a review and this was uploaded 4 hours ago… The universe must be telling me something

[@FullXThrottle]

Could you explain why you think the 400 is any better in the twistys than the 500? When the 500 can actually pick up speed quicker than the 400 with the lower power band. You kept speaking as if this is a boring bike for touring and the 400 is a more sporty better bike. I’ve raced a 400 and I smoke it off the line every single time. Not throwing shade just genuinely curious. Im sure im over looking something.

[@FrankFurther]

Weight

[@BillHinnoude]

ive been waiting for this video for about a week

[@fitgeek11]

Totally saving up for one of these! Can't wait to someday ride one.

[@Motoplugg]

The ninja 400/500 really do have some nuts on them. Acceleration is more than enough for a beginner

[@spronklez]

LOVE this bike. The only thing that is stopping me from getting this compared to a sv 650 is the price. Used ninja 400's and 500's are always spendy since they're in high demand. Something like an SV 650 is more viable for somebody like me who doesn't want to spend 4 grand on a bike.

[@Johnnyreengo]

i will warn you though, riding a modern bike will make you regret buying an SV. you get what you pay for

[@Playaflydre]

Must be talking about an older model SV650. Definitely not finding a newer one for less than a 400 or 500

[@maomekat2369]

@@Johnnyreengo yeah...sv650 AMAZING ....until you try any new 451...then its heavy, slow, unflickable, less fun...

[@spronklez]

@@maomekat2369 as my first bike I'm going with a sv 650. No doubt I'll end up getting a nicer bike but to start I would prefer not to spend 6-8k on a bike from a dealership

[@zandernapper4467]

I literally bought one today! 2 hours before post. Lmao

[@ryan.vasquez]

This is actually the bike I am looking to buy in the next 3 months, hopefully I don't get outrageous markups.

[@danswizzle4113]

writing this before i actually watch the video. its a great starter bike. ive had mine since april. been loving it since day one. i can see myself getting a bigger bike soon, but im still keeping this one for local rides and around town. i can easily do highway speeds and i [jokingly] can leave my buddy on his 300 easily. but its still a small bike and has its limits. 7/10 imo. edit: after watching the video, yeah. its great all around bike. its nothing special in in racing vs cruising, but for a bike thats fun to cruise around on but can still "get it" when you want to, this is the bike for you. also hell yeah, props for having the same 7/10 for rating. lol.

[@maomekat2369]

yup so limited for twice a week 9-5 job rider . better buy a 12k$ 1000 or 636 with cramped riding position , high insurance while literally still having same 0-60 on street...but hey man points when your friend asks is that a 600cc...

[@ravengaming4143]

Some would say this is "slow" bike but most highways in Europe are limited to 130 kph, it's not even legal to speed 200 kph, outside of the German Autobahn (some sections of it have no speed limit). Sports bikes that hit 300 kph should only be used to full potential on race tracks, public roads are unsafe for such.

[@jonathandayne]

I have this 40th edition bike. I also have the new Eliminator and a V-Max. This bike will do 60 mph in right about five seconds, without needing a pro to do it. And from there it will cruise steadily right up to 100 smoothly. Easily faster than the majority of cars on the road. And it feels solid doing it. Slices through the air and feels planted the entire time. The Eliminator climbs very slowly above 75 and doesn't feel nearly as planted. So the bike is plenty fast by any normal riding standard. Can my V-Max technically beat it? Of course, but by how much realistically for normal people riding normal roads? And only then in a straight line. So it's tiring to hear people talking about what bikes are 'faster', when 95 percent of people will never require anything faster, and couldn't even begin to push this bike to it's true limits through the twisties. More bike than most normal people shopping this class will ever need. Imho.

[@DasAmerican]

I’m planning on getting the Ninja 500 KRT. What parts would you recommend for it?

[@jonobester5817]

Any better colors available?

[@bobert866]

Thanks for reviewing the ninja 451!

[@rvoykin]

They always make euro versions on the high end bikes that are better than ours. Why not make a US version on the entry level likes for the US that don’t have to meet A2 so at least can have a little something special on the smaller motors 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@yungednoliasquad]

if you no clutch you can get it under 5 seconds 0-60

[@blkstang46]

I love bikes 😊

[@bilboslaughter2229]

Been looking at this bike for my first bike, been doing dirtbike for abit but I can't wait till spring 😊 might have to fly to pick the bike up bit it's all good

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Bro I paid extra $1350 interstate delivery on a 500 and $950 interstate delivery on my other 500. If you really want the bike then don't let anything or anyone stop you I don't have any regrets and now wife got licence and is riding one of the 40th 500 bikes (she has airbag clothes for both of our peace of mind 😂). Hopefully you get your bike soon 👍 from Australia

[@kennethmiller81]

I love my black 24 500, first bike

[@coreyryan97]

I’ve been trying to decide between a CBR500R and a Ninja 500, you really can read minds Mr. Yammie Noob

[@georgesdakkak1]

Havent watched the video yet, but id say the ninja is a better option.

[@TalooshDaBoss]

ninja is so much lighter, actually the cbr is just really heavy cuz the cfmoto and aprilia are lighter too

[@Stephan77645]

Ninja 500 👌

[@Scooterdude01]

The ninja 400 will run circles around the CBR 500, Honda needs to up it's game

[@evilminion8825]

The CBR500R is not worth it

[@ashleyhawkins4113]

literally watched a vid yesterday where you said the 500 market was just a scam and that the 400s were much better and cheaper.

[@newearth9027]

This guy's is definitely one of the worst moto KZbinrs

[@sprocketrocketmt09]

OOOOFFFFFF he got the BEST COLOUR WAY!!! I want that! I will be straight up, doesn't matter how advance these displays are getting, I still wobble the bike to check the fuel level to this day! LOL it's a habbit

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Literally just had Oxford heated grips fitted and has it made a difference with night rides. (I'll be fitting same to other bike instead of trying a different brand.) Oxford get hot enough that you can't hold grips on full heat I've ridden both 400 vs 500 and I prefer the 500. I have never raced on track though. For the streets in Australia the 500 (451) is quicker especially off the line. Some how I'm over 6kmh more on top end than friend with 400. 500 also feels little smoother when changing gears. No complaints from myself on the SE 500

[@allo4453]

This bike makes the MT-09 that much better

[@ArthurDelmeire]

5:03 You say that this is a bike for smaller riders. Now I am 1,95m (6'4ft I think) and I want to start riding, does this mean that this bike, for me, is a bad beginners bike?

[@kseriesdan9722]

I'm thinking getting the SE z500 as a 5ft6 49 year old. I didn't want to get bored with under powered 250cc. Or I'm thinking the mt03

[@SMGxEnWHYc46]

After doing research I've learned that my 08 ninja 500r is still a better bike despite still being carbureted

[@pinoygal6232]

Color-Way reminds me of a CBR 600 from the late 80's. I like it.

[@BinMan-p6b]

Because that is the 40th anniversary edition variant of the n500.

[@pinoygal6232]

@@BinMan-p6b cool.

[@BinMan-p6b]

@@pinoygal6232 Pinoy ka pala

[@pinoygal6232]

@@BinMan-p6b Fil-Am

[@KudoYoung]

Im a smol guy maybe 5'5''. This is the bike I've been looking at as a first bike alas I won't be able to do anything bike related for a year or two and who knows what'll be on the market then.

[@Lucas-en8vp]

We lost a squid in our community, barely 21. If you drop your phone, forget it, those nudes and other pictures you have are not worth a fatality

[@FullXThrottle]

Did the squid drop the phone or what happened?

[@ThaKenMan]

Did they try to catch a falling phone? Check the mount before you ride, backup data often. If you’re on a long trip buy an unlocked old phone from marketplace and keep it under the seat or something.

[@jucamorais7042]

Do you know if 2025 comes ninja 125cc new model because this 2024 need some changes like new front and led lights

[@cheto794]

Yammie my guy I need to know the best beginner naked bikes. I’m new and taking the MSF this month. I’m thinking either the KTM Duke 390 or to avoid the urge/need to upgrade later im considering the Yamaha MT-07. HELP PLEASE BIG YAMSTERR 🔥🙏🏼

[@djangowolf]

As a beginner rider at 6'4 230 lbs should i start on 2024 SUZUKI GXS 8R OR ninja 500

[@nevillekettle1823]

I think the best word to describe the Kwaka 180 degree twin is Agricultural. They sound like a worn out chaff cutter.

[@jonobester5817]

I just checked Kawasaki/ They have 3 categories in this area: Sport, Supersport, and Hypersport. The 500 is in the Sport category. The 400 is in the Supersport category

[@High_Octane]

the 400RR silly.

[@IceBoNeZ]

So it's a less powerful & slower version of the GPz500..?

[@angelmontoya7526]

hopefully we win this one bois!!!

[@lilt7144]

What bike would you recommend for me I’m 6’4 180lbs

[@issackoester8504]

would you say that the 500 is a good entrance bike into the street bike because I've ridden dirt bikes a lot

[@itzerisadomeeiot4980]

boi this is just basic if you ride dirt bikes 😂😂😂

[@ChowC67]

What do think about the 2025 r3

[@danlford]

Ok at 7:41 what is that suv doing in the median? I was waiting on you to mention it but I guess that is a Texas thing and not worth mentioning

[@sohamkhatavkar9669]

It makes Engine start sound like Yamaha 😮

[@zelcpavle5494]

I cant decide for what to buy the Kaw 500 or the Kawasaki 650 ?! Didnt ride a long time and...what your opinion ?

[@williamlu4394]

They're both touring bikes with 2 cyl, if that's what you want. In that price range I'd get an old Daytona, Striple or cbr650 or literally anything with more than 2 cyl on the used market.

[@zelcpavle5494]

@@williamlu4394 ok thanks for answering 💪

[@mannybrar7501]

Same boat as I'm on a Ninja 300 still. Definitely going to go for the Ninja 650, as you probably should too. It's more comfortable, has more torque, the ergos are great, barely a little more than the 500, and it'll make for a better experience for longer rides on the highway. Plus they sound good above 5k rpms, the 500 sounds like my 300. You just get a little better.. everything with the 650. Plus you're definitely more likely to keep it much longer than the 400/500cc bikes. Just my humble opinion.

[@zelcpavle5494]

@@mannybrar7501 yes i agree, i am more on the 650 ...and thanks

[@benbarnett2247]

So this is faster than the ninja h2? Trying to decide on a beginner bike but don’t want to be stuck with something slow

[@alexgardner3264]

😂😂😂😂

[@freepie1143]

Yes

[@lamonta9996]

Hey why aren’t there extension parts for these newer bikes?

[@ChainxBlaze]

So nothing changed from the 2024 500 or am I crazy?

[@aaronwheat5727]

Seating position rider triangle compared to the zx4rr?

[@DaneJohnston02]

Yam have you heard of the ZX-25? It’s from Europe, 250 cc, 4 cylinder, making 40 something hp

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

That's the perfect little fun bike if you can get one in your country. Unfortunately Australia doesn't get zx25 only zx4rr zx6r

[@DaneJohnston02]

@@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 same here I’m in canada and I’m stuck with the 4r, 6r, and 10r. I’m just amazed it exists😂

[@Itz_Wojtek]

Does anyone have any recommendations for how to store your gear, helmet, jacket, etc. when going to class?

[@stonecold5373]

This is a 2024 Ninja 500 SE 40th Anniversary Edition, not a 2025 :) Just wanted to point that out for correction.

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

now that it grown to 500 i hope they bring the japanese 250 here lol...its 39hp and rev to 14k. i have the fetish for those 250cc twin they have in japan.i really wish i could get one here. the kawi or the cb250r

[@alex81sg90]

Is your tachymeter in this video in mph or kmh?

[@Scooterdude01]

I hope Honda gets the message and gives their CBR 500 some voom voom😅

[@Michaelis_]

Can you please make a traffic video with ninja 500

[@jerimiah_y]

I just saw your video frowning on keyless. Heh

[@revmatchproductions]

Swap a slip to hear that amazing 180 crank, yeah no thanks 😂

[@austinansel7014]

Isn't this a 2024 the 2025 has different colorway that was just for 40th aniversary. I could be wrong but had to ask.

[@luthertheg1781]

Yamaha Mt 03 or 07 next giveaway PLEASEEE 🙏‼️

[@cosmicbody]

Isn’t this a 2024 model? Not 2025

[@mikemalcom2112]

This proves I'm not using nearly enough RPMs in each gear. I have the same bike.

[@HODL_PAPI]

Bro SAME. It’s my first bike and I really don’t know when to shift but I found myself shifting around 6-7k RPM😅

[@mikemalcom2112]

@HODL_PAPI same that's what the book recommends. I'm listening to the engine like a stick shift. Lol

[@HODL_PAPI]

@@mikemalcom2112 after watching this, I tried shifted later around 9-10k and shifting was a lot smoother so that was cool

[@mikemalcom2112]

@@HODL_PAPI thanks! I'll try it tomorrow!

[@ADingoTookMyDasco]

$8,200 OTD? Here in Sydney the same bike is $10,314 Aussie dollars, or around $6,940 in Freedom bucks. And this is one of the most expensive States in Australia to buy a new vehicle. Only Darwin is more expensive at $10,535 ($7,086 USD). You can get the Ninja 500 SE 40th Anniversary Edition for as little as $9,976 ($6,710 USD) if you're willing to live in Adelaide. Yes, we're a little closer to Thailand, but I don't think that shipping to the US is over $1,200 USD more than shipping to Australia.

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Have you actually tried buying one lol. I paid extra $1300 delivery on one and $950 on the other one. $10350 min and good luck buying one Team Moto Epping added $2000 for tail tidy and a slip on

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Also I'm Victoria (not a single one available here) I own four 40th anniversary bikes and trust me they weren't easy or cheap to buy

[@ADingoTookMyDasco]

@@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 I did look at buying one here in Sydney. The dealers I contacted here had stock but wouldn't budge on the $10,314 asking price, but they certainly weren't asking for more than Kawasaki's advertised ride away price. If you paid more than the ride away price listed on Kawasaki's website for your area then I'd be contacting Fair Trading in your State because that's illegal, at least here in NSW it is. I ended up getting a run out deal on the 2023 Svartpilen 401 instead. Brand new for $6,771 ride away. I couldn't resist at that price.

[@trillmixin6999]

that 0-60 was rough, omni moto was able to do 4.1

[@ralfybaby]

$5299 at my local dealer. Wow what a deal.

[@pdublt3d]

How to call a bike boring, but still sell entries. 😂

[@samueldtang]

Great all around review and glad I bought the z500 as a new rider.

[@T3hn00bz0r]

This should be a 2024. Thats the 40th anniversary model.