2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE Review | Daily Rider
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2024
- rvz.la/4baGw4h | Airbags Save! Learn more.
The Ninja 400 has become the Ninja 500. Does that mean it’s too big, too fast, and too fancy to be the excellent choice it’s always been? Zack hits the Daily Rider route to talk over the evolution of the baby Ninja.
SPECS:
MSRP: $6,400
Engine: 451 cc parallel twin
Measured weight: 381 lb. / 173 kg
Fuel capacity: 3.7 gal. / 14 liters
Seat height: 30.9 in. / 785 mm
Claimed power: 51 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Claimed torque: 31.7 foot-pounds @ 7,500 rpm
Read Zack’s article here: rvz.la/4dCRz7K
Zack’s gear:
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0:00 Intro
0:59 Airbags Save - rvz.la/4baGw4h
1:27 A quick walkaround the Ninja 500
5:21 On The Road!
7:48 Freeway Cruisin’
12:12 Urban Manners & Stop Sign Challenge
15:51 Lover’s Lane
19:17 At the Lights
23:42 Gettin’ Dirty
25:08 Will it Wheelie???
27:39 Instagram Questions!
33:05 On the Daily Rider Leaderboard - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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Read more about the Ninja 500 on Common Tread: rvz.la/4bveEr3
What airbag did you wear riding the 500?
The entry level motorcycle class is SO important. Simple, reliable, fun, and high value machines! I really hope manufacturers never lose sight of that.
I'm not sure entry level motorcycle is the right name for it. Maybe in the US it makes more sense because bikes are more weekend toys than an actual necessity, but in most of the world some people just prefer or have to use motorcycles. And I'm not just talking about the economics of this but choice. Not everyone expects to feel like Rossi. So yeah, entry level bikes are important and I hope they don't lose sight of them because in many cases they are axactly where some people will stop climbing. This is a mid sized engine bike without a lot of bells and whistles. That doesn't make it entry level precisely.
The biggest problem is pricing is getting too high... 600s used to be around $8k not too long ago. Bikes like this used to be $2500-4500
For $6500 I'm looking at much, much more capable bikes for a few thousand more.
@lucascarracedo7421 How I feel I'm not looking at running tracks so I'll never have the need for being able to go 120mph but once if I feel that it's too slow then I'll learn how to ride a track and advance my skills in a safe environment
@@lucascarracedo7421nobody gives a shit about the rest of the world keep your third world complaints in the third world
@@vtxgenie1$4500 in 2014 for a CBR250R is $6000 in 2024. This bike is much better equipped than my CBR250R overall.
It would be fun to see a Ninja 500 v. a 1980s era Ninja 500R (EX 500) review. Of course much has changed.
As far as power the old one would win. It was 500 cc's, this one is 451. Also this one is capped out at Euro A2 licensing whereas that wasn't around back then.
i had that older bike for years, as well as almost every other ninja. it was amazing but doesnt compare to a modern bike in my opinion. it would be fun tho, agreed!
i agree
@@sirosisofliverr The EU A2 regulation is 35kw/47.5hp at the crank (+ a certain power to weigh ratio). So if this 500(451) is making 51hp, it is, in fact NOT capped by EU regulations.
I still have my 02 500r... still a great fun ride.
One of the most fun bikes I've ever ridden was the Ninja 300. The og Ninja 250, 300, and 350 even were so easy and fun to ride. They were a perfect size, lightweight, handled amazingly, and never had the power to get away from you really. They couldn't wheelie without you actively putting in effort. My brothers first bike was the Ninja 300, and even though I'd had a 650 for a while, the 300 was more fun, even he has an R6 now and still says sometimes he misses his old 300. It was everything you could want. It was a motorcycle, faster than a car, but small and easy to work with. Even if you were tired it was so easy to pull out of the garage and hop on. Going 160mph is fun, but how often do you need that, you're paying 3x the price so you can once in a while blast off. Beginner bikes get a bad rap, they're honestly a blast. It's why people love the Grom.
Smaller bikes are more fun agreed I started with 250cc ninja it's where I learned most of my skills.Never underestimate that little power though any 250cc up at full throttle in the first can get you off the bike in a second.
Got mine on 4/20 😎 this year. My first bike, been wanting a ninja since high school. Know at 28 finally got mine. KRT. Love it.
I'm 28 as well and just got my first bike too. It's a CB300R though. Congrats 👏
Good on you! I've been wanting a 250, 300 then 400 & now 500 for way too long 😂
Financing is available and cheaper than u think @@EverythingisFire
Wow, maybe they should have held you back a few years in high school, so that you would learn grammar and spelling. LOL.
@@user-rl4ow4kh1s urs too 'should have' should be abbreviated to should've, also no comma between school and so. Should be period.
Love it when Zack calls us “ Two Wheeled Friends “ !
Another video that starts with "A quick walkaround the 890 SMT".
I was wondering about that, lol
Of course a 500 can be a mini sport tourer! My 2015 CB500F has a full suite of luggage installed and coming up on 165,000 miles, the only comfort modification I made was a Corbin seat and I've made my fair share of long hauls with her. I went 16/39 sprockets to reduce highway vibes and engine stress since I spend most of my time between 70-80mph on that bike, and the whole 42hp is plenty still. I strongly believe smaller bikes are underrated 😁
Damn that’s impressive!
Yep, I agree. I have much more fun riding the playful smaller bikes.
I had a 2019 CB500F and also did a couple trips on it. It was great. Comfort, Power, Range
Everything was good
But still upgraded to a 2018 Street Triple RS
After owning numerous bikes, such as a Vmax, Indian FTR, 1200 S Honda, 919 and numerous 70s bikes I can verify that small Bikes, although gutless, are quite fun around town and small trips. To me they are more of a real world bike. They are perfect for avoiding traffic tickets and hospital bills
@@karlfonner7589 yep, I current own a collection of bikes and I tend to grab a smaller CC bike more often than not. There’s also costs of fuel consumption, initial purchase, insurance, wear and tear etc. great for filtering, less heat and more engaging. I like working for power. Personally I like taking smaller bikes on longer trips too, it’s more of an adventure in my mind.
No better way to spend time on a Saturday morning eating French toast and a cup of coffee taking in another episode of the daily rider !!
Kick flips and bong rips. Famous quotes by Zac..
Glad you didn’t pigeon hole it into the whole “beginner bike” thing. I had a Z400 for 3 years, and it was an intermediate step for me and not my first bike. I happily moved up to my MT-07 after those 3 years, however I really thought the 400 (and by proxy I’m assuming the 500 applies too) was more than just a “beginner” bike.
Always pleasant and informative reviews, Zack!
I like how you describe the engine configuration, specs, options and prices.
As a fan of quiet exhaust, the most-anticipated part of each episode for me is hearing the post-start-up idle before the throttle is blipped. That alone is what makes me want to take each model for a test ride. It's the sound of anticipation becoming reality...what a rider hears after pushing their bike out of the garage, while pulling on a helmet, adjusting the visor and cinching the chinstrap before swinging a leg over the seat.
Your descriptions of highway-speed vibration level, a bike's overall balance, wind/debris protection, seat height, etc, enhance my estimation of where the motorcycle being tested might find a niche in my riding world.
Thanks - and best wishes for your ongoing road safety & riding enjoyment.
This is a great first bike! Now that it's been modestly updated, the 400 being even cheaper second hand makes that the perfect first bike.
Patiently waiting on a rebel 1100 daily ride...
Yeah!
Honda made an impressive bike, but i wonder why they don’t fix the seat issue and basically have a perfect bike for the price.
@ManoCharlie I can agree with that. After about an hour on the bike the stock seat gets a little irritating. I can't fault the bike itself tho. It's almost like the budget ran low for the seat lol
Why..... ? Its lame and uncomfortable
@ellwoodwolf So is the Navi and they did one for that lmao
I'm 6'2" 345lbs. I've lost just over 50 since autumn. Can't wait for the day I'm 100lbs lighter than I am now so I can get a motorcycle, and ride it safely without botched suspension. Can't find a beginner bike that'll hold me AND be safe while doing it, and idk if any aftermarket suspension is beefy enough to solve that problem. To anyone that rides, don't take it for granted. I'd love to be able to learn how to ride. One day!
Dr650
I was in the same boat as you when I took my MSF. The Yamaha 250 I learned on was like a toy for someone my size. I've since lost 160lbs and ride whenever I can. Don't give up its worth the wait and the effort. If I may offer a suggestion for a first bike I think a KLR 650 might be a solid choice for you. Its not much on looks but its physically big, very torquey, reliable, cheap, and not too powerful. There are some good vids about the KLR over on the Spites Corner channel. Keep it up and see you on the road!
Klr 650
@@theprodigalstranger5259 ill definitely look into it. All of these seem like good options for around town, and camping! Kinda does everything I want. Can always get a second bike later for track/speed when I'm down on weight.
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll look into both bikes and try them out. Plan on taking the MSF before I hop on a bike. Gives me time to make a decision
My first bike 25yrs ago was a Ninja EX500. I’ve had Ninjas of various sizes over the years, but I wouldn’t mind just going back to a 500 now. Don’t need any more tickets. Just love to ride and the 500 will do everything I need it to do.
Thank you for doing the vid on the 500. I watch them all and currently own 10 bikes. My leaderboard would not be the same as yours... I think the 500 rates higher and some of your choices at the top I would never even own especially for a daily rider. Don't forget the basic meaning of "daily rider" = fun, enjoyable and easy to ride. I had a new Ninja 400 and sold for a new ZX6R and then the Ninja 650... None of those in my garage currently, was thinking last year to get another 400 because of the smiles it gave me while i had it and kept thinking I wanted more horses again... Now I would rather just have the smiles, but before my purchase I caught wind the 500 was coming and waited. Now I will be looking to pick up the 500, probably the SE based on your video. One day when you are in the shop with nothing better to do, and ponder again the true meaning of Daily Rider, also I think you have to factor in how many people actually buy that particular bike as well. Have a great day and keep the videos coming.
Nobody does this better than Zack !
Man, for the third time already, this is still "a quick walkaround the 890 SMT" 😆
You have the best reviews
Zack Courts, thank you for everything that you do =)
Ohh yes!!! Been waiting for you to review this one... thanks!!
My and most Kawis will only shift into 1st and neutral when not in motion. It is as simple as that.
It’s a feature called the “Positive Neutral Finder.” People who get caught off guard by it didn’t read the manual. ;)
Another awesome episode. Thank you!
Fantastic review as always! Really appreciate your reviews as you never fail to answer the most important question:
Is it FUN? 👍🏻
Got mine a few weeks back, it's been a blast so far! I wish I had gotten the SE or at least purchased some frame sliders earlier on, I've got to fix the farings, readjust the clutch lever, and grab a new mirror. Runs fine still, can't wait to get back on it
I'm just about to sell my ninja 400 and this is bringing me a lil nostalgia and making me miss my lil baby
Sometimes you just have to find a new home for the little guy but that just means you can bring home a new partner.
How much you selling it for?
These are great starter bikes! I had one for my girlfriend and loved it myself... You could do anything on that bike. Thumbs up on this one....
Another great ride to work, another great video. 🏍️
Great as usual Zack.
I am almost in love with the 40y paint scheme, pity you didn't get that one.
As for the displacement creep, that's been going on for decades, you just need to be old enough...
Thanks for the test!
Beautiful review. The slightly lower camera angle, although features the bike more prominently, did cause some sort of Pavlovian response in me. I found myself subcontiouly bending my head back in hopes of improving the video's line of sight. Odd that. PS: You made me do the math in my head to just see if I could swing buying this one. Fun that.
I love you bro I was just watching ninja 500 videos and you upload
Something that I felt was almost sabotage to new riders like myself was the factory shift light being set SUPER low, like 4500 rpm. I was confused at first, I'm in 6th gear going like 45mph and the screen is screaming to shift up shift up, orange flashing all over....then I read how to dig into the menu and set it more appropriately at like 10k rpm. NOW it makes more sense.
I noticed that on a test ride today of the 500SE 40th. 40mph in 5th and felt like it wanted to stall but it was flashing at me for 6th. Glad that can be changed or better yet, turned off.
Kick flips and bong hits? Welp. There goes my childhood.
Good job, Zack. Thank you.
i was waiting on a review on this from my favorite daily rider!
Leonardo (leader) - ninja 500
Donatello (brainiac) - cbr500r
Michelangelo (bro) - R3
Rafael (depressed) - GSX250R
Who are Splinter and April?
@@katbercar Splinter - Black R6 with no plates.
April - 125cc Honda scooter with a big trunk.
i think Mikey is a dual sport... DRZ400? Splinter is a clapped out "rat bike", April is a honda monkey... Cassey Jones is a Maeco 500 2stroke
@@SantinoDeluxe I respect your carefully considered contributions. I'm glad we agree that April is obviously a scooter chick of some variety. Didn't she have one in the show or something?
@@kleinbottled79 I tried to post links of the 1987 cartoon, i think YT ate my comment. but Yeah she did! a silver bike with leather seat and bags. she could've easily been a Goldwing, she could handle the news van, the turtle van... a forklift... possibly a news helicopter? idk its foggy... shes a badass tho, if shes a Monkey its cuz shes all about that fun life now-a-days.
also, Raph is a "Gixxer bro", off the chain out all night screaming at the city being a menace.
The ninja 500 SE is definitely on the list as a possible next bike for me when I move up from my CBR250R. Similar weight, more power more torque... so much to love.
thanks Zach!
Great review, I'm in the hunt for a new bike and the 500 SE has peaked my interest. How is the TFT in direct sunlight? What steps to open the gas cap since you have a keyless start?
In Australia we would cop the biggest fine if we crossed the boom gate like that 🤣
Great video. If i heard right you are 6’2 same as me. Do you felt it to cramped? I rode the new Suzuki 8R in the weekend and loved the roomy riding postion not to lent forward to much. Very comfy and handled great. The downside i felt it a little quirky in lower revs and not sure about the front. Kawa looks better. Its hard to find that comfy not to much lent forward bike if you dont go for a sporttourer. They are to pricey for me. Dont want a naked bike. Maybe wait for a new upgrade ninja 650 (maybe 650 se) or even better 750.
Nice take on the 500 👍
I'm really curious to see your take on the latest gen of the ninja 1000sx, and if it feels relevant in an increasingly competitive 1000cc market.
Been loving this bike, been getting 58mpg breaking it in, I have no reason to redline it, 80mph is about 7800 rpm though. A good bit of vibration from the motor, but better than my 2015 Honda CB500F. The SE is the way to go.
I was astonished at the ABS, never liked ABS cars or motorcycles, but this bike feels more compliant to the rider. Braking on this bike feels like a dream compared to the MSF bikes and my old Honda 500. Been using a lot more rear brake on this bike too.
Full tuck on this bike was new to me, I've been wanting a GSXR-750, and they both feel comfortable but push into that full "shrimp" mode highway tuck.
I love the small bike fast of this class of bikes!
It’s nice to see that they included a power socket up front for your phone or navigation. It’s something that should be standard issue on all modern bikes.
Is the engine still as fun? I noticed the longer stroke and reduced rpm and whilst it should still be more lively than the cbr500r it is a step in that direction. Positive for street riding, but yeah in the twisties is it as fun?
Your love for that bike makes me want to try one. I’m classic guy HD, Triumph and Moto Guzzi.
I know you’ve done a daily rider for the scrambler 400x but can you please do one for the Speed 400 now that they have been around a few months? Would love to hear your thoughts and comparisons to the scrambler
On the topic of gas mileage: My 500 KRT came from the dealer with a full tank, shoutout to Big St Charles Motorsports, Missouri, at least that $200 dealer prep charge wasn't wasted lol...I've put 230 miles on it, filled the tank back up, I've put 4.5 gallons in it total, roughly. $18 worth of 93 so far. I'm very impressed with that economy.
Any chance we see the road version of the Suzuki V-STROM 800 review?
Well laid out review as always. At my size, 6’3, I tend to ignore bikes under 600cc. Maybe I need to rethink that.
You may not like the sound. But I LOVE it.
Just a heads up, the timestamp at 1:29 to 5:19 says "A quick walkaround the *890 SMT*" instead of Ninja 500 SE
Funny, was same for the ducati monoretard
lol again
AGAIN? This is the third time isn't it?
they should just keep doing that
I'm 5'9" and step one after I went on the highway the first time was to order a Zero Gravity Corsa windscreen (from RevZilla, of course!) that's taller than the stock on my 500 KRT. Even the taller stock OEM piece blasts me with wind.
Shoutout to that squirrel. Alright! 👊🏽✊🏽👊🏽✊🏽
I have a ninja 650 and I do love it but there are so many aspects of the 4/500 that I wish they transferred over and just made the 650 a "bigger" bike. The seating position, the clip ons, even the ignition location. This bike is styled so much sportier but I like the little bit of extra torque and power from the bigger engine
How is the zx4rr doing?
Thank you Zack although I would appreciate a comparison between ninja 500 and Cfmoto 450SS rather than what the new engine adds to the 400.
Are people really gonna be surprised when the 650 because an 800, this becomes the 650 and then they reintroduce a 250 and the whole charade starts again lmao
Naw, the cycle this time will be the 250cc bike will be an EV equivalent. The Ninja 400 will become the intro for everyone into electric sportbikes, that's my prediction.
I'm going to be setting mine up as a mini tourer.. one of my trips will be florida to maine, I weight 165, 5'10" what's your thoughts?
Never ever ridden a bike or owned one and got the new 500 2 months ago, only put it about 550 miles but I love it so much. I'm glad I got that instead of the 636 because I've made plenty of mistakes so far and if I was on a 636 I probably would've been punished way more harshly.
great review. Anyway to submit a bike review request? I don't see a Ryvid Anthem / Outset review on your page. Would love to see your opinions. Thanks for the cool videos!
Long Beach CA!! My hometown!!
I think it fits into the category of "it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow." You will definitely spend more time wringing out this bike than an open sport bike on an average commute, and that may result in a bigger grin.
Sniff, sniff....I miss you Ninja 250R. But looks like another winner from Kawasaki.
I am assuming they reused the frame from the other model but you gotta love the passenger pegs with no passenger seat.
So I just went through 4 years worth of your Vids and I find there are many motorcycles that you have not looked at.
I'm wanting to upgrade, but not going too much higher in performance, just New!
And at 187cm tall, I found an issue with the Gixxer250's and that is my knees are too high, and the wings on the tank stop me from moving my feet around the pegs and work the levers, and then there is the Muffler in the way of my boot. Do you think you could do a feature on the Gixxer250? and address these problems and how to work around it if it's possible?
And changing frames to the V-Strom 250 SX, a heap less street cred, but more versatile and a little safer given the extra 30mm in seat height and then rock hard rear suspension with no sag at all means quite a bit more elevation and a better view in traffic (and a sore butt) This is basically a commuter bike with the ability to go down roads where you wouldn't dare take a sportbike, even if that doesn't include a forest trail. but I do have concerns about the 880mm wide handle bars and filtering (the number one reason to get a bike and work around and reduce congestion for everybody! I would like to know how that affects daily use as well, but not on mile wide American roads, I'm talking roads that are not wide enough for American vehicles even though there are multiple lanes.
Do aftermarket 2023 ninja 400 parts fit on this new 500?
Hate the fact that its a 451 and they're calling it a 500. I get rounding up a little, but that feels a bit disingenuous.
I need to see a head to head between the ninja and the Aprilia 457
Are yall doing a review for the Z500?
Hi rev, quick question! Does this come with the passenger seat or you have to purchase this after the fact.
Nice review man. Looking to have this one as an upgrade from a 250cc. Looks nice, but What I dont like is that SE thing. Could have been the base model.
So which one is the better freeway commuter, the "500" or the 650?
Very much looking forward to your review of the 2024 Triumph Speed 400. Hopefully...
I bought my 450ss recently, I was caught between the 2 but thought the 450 looked and sounded better.
And the model name is more accurate 😆
@@magellanicspaceclouds Quite a bit so, looking forward to the 450sr-s (or maybe 450ss-s) blowing the ninja out of the water entirety once it hits the US market.
Communist
I rode both, and bought a Ninja 500. The 450SS is good if you want an aggressive riding position, AND you plan to take it to track days. But if you’re part of the 99% of riders who will never take it to a track, then the Ninja 500 is the better choice: Probably 20x the aftermarket parts, hundreds of dealers across the country, and has proven reliability. Plus, Kawasaki’s have strong resale value, while people are unloading 450SS’s near me for $4,500-ish.
The 450SS is more rare/unique though, and I’d wager most people agree that it looks sportier!
Great review, I hope he can get his hands on the 24’ MT09. Very curious about that.
Was the MT-09 updated for ‘24?
The MT09 is updated, I believe chassis, suspension and electronics. Engine stays the same
I did SF to Portland on a Ninja 300 with some panniers and a backpack. You can tour on anything, dunno why people would be upset. I'm waiting for the day where they just bump the displacement to be the same with the 650, then kawi can just tell people to start on the 650.
What would I do to it? Suspension. Brakes. Full exhaust with a tune.
Man i kinda want one of these for when i don’t want to play with the liter bike
Thank you for this one, I was waiting for it! Now, could you please review the new Honda Hornet? 750cc would do, but 500cc would be ideal!
So having the Ninja 400 available, was this bike necessary?
I have 07 ninja 500 and the 10+ ft/lb of torque it has over the new one is really noticeable!
A true 500!
Zach I would love to see a daily rider on the returned new cbr600rr to see how it competes with the others in the 600 class.
Started on the 250.
I thought the SE model only came in black/red and the screen was an LED color one?
How is the sitting position on the ninja 500 compared to the z500
I would love to see a “best of the best” leaderboard where you compare the top 3-5 of each year and place them all in one ranking list.
Isn't this at leas the third time the timeline says "A quick walk around the 890 SMT?" The Ducati Hypermotard mono whatever video said that too.
good eye
Would love to see you test a 650. Thinking about getting one for my gf sense she is short and it’s easy to lower it.
5:48 bro are you in long beach, lol i recognize that area around the metro blueline
26:02 isnt a slipper clutch supposed to prevent rear wheel lockup?
I feel like a 451cc being marketed as a 500 is pushing it juuuuust a bit much. Lol
I really wish manufacturers would shroud the instrument panel a bit. I can only occasionally see what's on the dashboard through your chin camera, which is pretty close to what your eyes would see...and I can only imagine that it would be worse in full summer sunshine. At least on an old '70s Honda I can add a cafe fairing to get the sun off the clocks - but not really an option here. This is the main thing that prevents me from buying anything new - or at least, anything with a screen instead of 3-dimentional gauges.
What about the Aprilla 457 RS ??
I can only seem to find the SE with ABS for a $900 price difference, where is this one at a $500 difference?
Hi im looking for my first bike I'm mid aged so I'm a bit subdued will this be good for 25 mile motorway commute daily?
One point and it's probably region specific. Our insurance pricing is based on displacement. (E bikes power output) So the Insurance on a Ninja 400 would be cheaper than a Ninja 500. However, it seems the 500 is a little more comfy, and a little better all around?