Ninja 500 KRT. Bought one and love it, traded in my Harley Sportster in on it, got to heavy for my almost 70 year old body to handle. The ninja is a dream, This is my 3rd Ninja, two were 250 's. The new 500 way faster and better handling also runs at freeway speed no sweat. I have owned a lot of bikes in my life and they just keep getting better.
63 years old city boy here. i’ve rode many motorcycles since the mid-70s, and love my little salvaged Z 400. It’s great for around town, and from Concord to Yosemite, it only use 3 1/2 gallons. It’s definitely not the fastest bike I owned, But it’s a good bike for the money and for what it is
I was leaning toward the 2025 KRT ninja but my back is leaning towards the Z I need to ride both because I absolutely love ninjas that’s where my 59 yr old carcass started
I have been undecided for awhile now. I’m looking to get my first motorcycle and this helped me decide between the ninja and eliminator. I appreciate the video
You helped me decide on the bike I wanted. It was between the Z500, eliminator and the MT-03, and I chose the eliminator. I will be buying it in the spring.
Well, I didn't buy the Ninja. I bought the Eliminator SE but that is probably because I am 71 years old. If I were forty years younger I might have went with the Ninja. People say the Eliminator is a cruiser, but it reminds me more of an old standard bike due to the mid mount foot controls. Since my last four bikes were Harleys, the Eliminator seems like a real cornering machine, but I realize it is not a sport bike. I did change the front spocket from a 14 tooth to a 15 tooth to lower the RPM's a little at highway speeds. This changed lowereed the rpm about 500 at highway speeds. Might not be worth the trouble, but I've been riding V-Twins since the late 1990's' and I have been use to the lower RPM's. I bought my Eliminator late Summer and only have 1800 miles on it, but I am getting use to the higher Rpm's and can cruise at 80mph very easily. My wife and I have rode over 350,000 on motorcycles and camped out along our way. We enjoyed some great sites and met a lot of nice people. But all that is over now. My wife has battled cancer eight times and the last two surgeries crippled her to where she can no longer walk. I helped her on and off HD trikes for the last several years. Besides that all the radiation she's had has destroyed her bones to where they are very thin and very brittle. I am afraid a motorcycle ride would break her up inside. So my Eliminator SE is really just for me and I LOVE it. If my wife is ever able to ride again I believe the passenger seat and passenger foot peg position will be a lot more confortable for people our age than the Ninja or the Z.. There we go again, I'M OLD... but still riding. Thank you for this video and the commparision of the three bikes. Kawasakis are my favortie. Ride safely and enjoy every journey. Any ride where you return home safe and sound is a GOOD ride.
The Eliminator has a larger front wheel and the rear tire has a flatter profile. That can cause a slower lean. Maybe the rake is making it slower as well. Doesn't take much to change handling speed and a three combo like that could do it. Not meant to be a corner carver. More lean angle would be nice. Right now I've got a 1700 V twin that's 650 pounds and I miss the lighter bikes. Stable in cross winds and when passing trucks which is nice but a bitch at low speeds or when being pushed by hand. I would like the Eliminator, but a low mileage KZ 400 would serve the purpose very well at half the price. Can't really get my mind wrapped around 7000 out the door for a new 500.
Yes I was wondering why u were gonna go to the cruiser?!?!? But ya didn’t thank you!! It should be more fresh in ur mind as well,really should have started with ninja first. Next time though cause these shoot outs are gr8!!!
Great review! I’m a Ninja 400 owner and I love the new 500 variants…. I’ve moved up to the 1000sx because it has the same Sport Touring fit and feel that I have grown so accustomed to on the Ninja 400!
I came real close to the Ninja 1000 around 2015 before I ended up with a Multistrada 1200 because it had more bells and whistles at that time, but these days I'd take one over the new Multistradas that are just far too big.
@@DailyMotor I'm afraid of the 1000cc and now 1100cc bikes because I have a serious disconnect between my brain and my throttle hand. I had a 900cc once and it scared me three times with my wife on back. (high speed wobble) I sold it and went to a slower bike.
How would you say the 'twitchiness' of the Z500 compares to other light weight naked bikes like the CB500f or an MT-03? Similar or better/worse for a more novice rider?
Making me dizzy ! Lol. Looking at eighty , probably shouldn't be lusting like this anyways . Kawasaki always has covered the mid size bikes well . T/C/E
Nice review! Ninja 500 imho looks cooler than Z500 which looks cooler than Eliminator. Please also do a similar comparison style review of entry level sporty bikes N500, CBR500, Duke 390 and (when you can get hands on one) RS457. It's good too see the comparisons in the same video, on the same day, driven on the same loop.
I like the sportiness of the Z500 & the upright riding position! From when I'm looking it's hard to find the Z500 SE in green, only that red color SE 🎨... If it's Kawasaki it's gotta be green! They got one at my local dealer for 5K but they want to try to mark it up to 7K OTD🤦 tell them no more than $6,400 I might get 1 but I'm NOT going to pay a fee for "assembly" nor "destination" & bullshit they add...
I like the z500 and the ninja 500 for the power, the eliminator for the style, oh yeah and for not havinga diving board in the back😂I think I kinda want the eliminator tbh for my first bike
Don't get me wrong as much as I have given up on getting 40th Anniversary 500 I already own one but Mrs has claimed it ( even booked in her learners ❤) and i also own 40th zx4rr 40th zx6r and did have 40th 500 for a day or two lol (they will look good in garage with my air mattress between them ❤🎉
Man, I didn't realize how much cheaper the Ninja and Z are compared to the eliminator. Kawasaki trying to get one over on us, just because it's got a vulcan tank doesn't make it worth 7k+
Great Comparison Video! well Done! Huge fan of your channel…. Please do the Honda E-Clutch when you get access to one of the 650’s! Keep up the great work!
@@DailyMotor CB650 for beginners-ishslightly edges out the sexy CBR…. Only reason I say that is that insurance is higher for fully faired bikes and everyone is doing the CBR….. A CB650 review really focuses on the beginner market with its slightly more upright riding position and cheaper insurance.
I've given up on finding a new 500 40th Anniversary in Australia. I'm over it either i have to pay extra extra $1350 from interstate and here's the nightmare its also over 30 days estimated delivery. Only 1600/1700 cheaper than the 25 650 krt so I don't know what to do?
You can ship your ECU out to get flashed..probably pick up at least 10hp..some are claiming huge gains of 21hp on top the 51hp with $2k in parts..exhaust system, cat delete, emissions air delete/ blocked off, air box mods and new velocity stacks with an ecu flash and tune..I think 21hp is a stretch but 15 hp should be in reach..most just go with exhaust system and ecu flash and tune for 6hp on top of the 51hp..remapping the the throttle to give 100% vs 60 to 80% at wide open at all rpms makes a huge difference as the stock bike rarely gives 100% throttle output..
@agentcovert thanks heaps. I'll leave it for now (2 years unlimited Km warranty) plus I literally paid for x2 40th bikes the zx4rr zx6r luckily showed up Saturday at dealership and he gave me a call (1hr later both were fully paid for 🎉) now either te300 (preferred) or 450 rl but 30 day warranty on husqvarna te300 with 1 year road road reg pisses me off (there went that idea). 1 yr warranty 450rl $13k Aud but higher maintenance than I want to dealwith (owned crf300la and REALLY hated it off road unless riding slow as fk)
@@nicolewalker8495Wow..in North America most bike manufacturers only give 1yr of limited mileage at that..Kawasaki gives only 1 yr of warranty..but the bike mechanics at the Stealership claim they never have seen major engine damage that wasn't the customers fault..like pegging the redline doing an extended wheelie etc..
Kawasaki overpriced the Eliminator. I think they're seeing this now based on current discounts they're offering. They should have priced it the same as the Ninja.
Ninja 500 KRT. Bought one and love it, traded in my Harley Sportster in on it, got to heavy for my almost 70 year old body to handle. The ninja is a dream, This is my 3rd Ninja, two were 250 's. The new 500 way faster and better handling also runs at freeway speed no sweat. I have owned a lot of bikes in my life and they just keep getting better.
63 years old city boy here. i’ve rode many motorcycles since the mid-70s, and love my little salvaged Z 400. It’s great for around town, and from Concord to Yosemite, it only use 3 1/2 gallons. It’s definitely not the fastest bike I owned, But it’s a good bike for the money and for what it is
I was leaning toward the 2025 KRT ninja but my back is leaning towards the Z I need to ride both because I absolutely love ninjas that’s where my 59 yr old carcass started
I have been undecided for awhile now. I’m looking to get my first motorcycle and this helped me decide between the ninja and eliminator. I appreciate the video
What bike you going with ?
Genius to get this organised and video out. First I’ve seen with them all next to each other.
damn that Eliminator looks good
It's a fantastic ride!
You helped me decide on the bike I wanted. It was between the Z500, eliminator and the MT-03, and I chose the eliminator. I will be buying it in the spring.
Rock on! Ride safe and have fun!
Havent even watched this yet and had to give it a thumbs up! What a great idea! Thank you, Let the good times roll!!!!!!!
Well, I didn't buy the Ninja. I bought the Eliminator SE but that is probably because I am 71 years old. If I were forty years younger I might have went with the Ninja.
People say the Eliminator is a cruiser, but it reminds me more of an old standard bike due to the mid mount foot controls.
Since my last four bikes were Harleys, the Eliminator seems like a real cornering machine, but I realize it is not a sport bike.
I did change the front spocket from a 14 tooth to a 15 tooth to lower the RPM's a little at highway speeds. This changed lowereed the rpm about 500 at highway speeds. Might not be worth the trouble, but I've been riding V-Twins since the late 1990's' and I have been use to the lower RPM's.
I bought my Eliminator late Summer and only have 1800 miles on it, but I am getting use to the higher Rpm's and can cruise at 80mph very easily.
My wife and I have rode over 350,000 on motorcycles and camped out along our way. We enjoyed some great sites and met a lot of nice people. But all that is over now. My wife has battled cancer eight times and the last two surgeries crippled her to where she can no longer walk. I helped her on and off HD trikes for the last several years. Besides that all the radiation she's had has destroyed her bones to where they are very thin and very brittle. I am afraid a motorcycle ride would break her up inside.
So my Eliminator SE is really just for me and I LOVE it. If my wife is ever able to ride again I believe the passenger seat and passenger foot peg position will be a lot more confortable for people our age than the Ninja or the Z.. There we go again, I'M OLD... but still riding.
Thank you for this video and the commparision of the three bikes. Kawasakis are my favortie. Ride safely and enjoy every journey. Any ride where you return home safe and sound is a GOOD ride.
I was literally debating between all 3 of these omg. I think im rooting more for the N500, we'll see how it goes.
I got the z500SE, and it's amazingly fun and easy to control
The Eliminator has a larger front wheel and the rear tire has a flatter profile. That can cause a slower lean. Maybe the rake is making it slower as well. Doesn't take much to change handling speed and a three combo like that could do it. Not meant to be a corner carver. More lean angle would be nice. Right now I've got a 1700 V twin that's 650 pounds and I miss the lighter bikes. Stable in cross winds and when passing trucks which is nice but a bitch at low speeds or when being pushed by hand. I would like the Eliminator, but a low mileage KZ 400 would serve the purpose very well at half the price. Can't really get my mind wrapped around 7000 out the door for a new 500.
Yes I was wondering why u were gonna go to the cruiser?!?!?
But ya didn’t thank you!!
It should be more fresh in ur mind as well,really should have started with ninja first.
Next time though cause these shoot outs are gr8!!!
Great review! I’m a Ninja 400 owner and I love the new 500 variants…. I’ve moved up to the 1000sx because it has the same Sport Touring fit and feel that I have grown so accustomed to on the Ninja 400!
I'm afraid of trying the 1000SX because I'm worried I might have to own one afterward
@@DailyMotorit is AMAZING!
I came real close to the Ninja 1000 around 2015 before I ended up with a Multistrada 1200 because it had more bells and whistles at that time, but these days I'd take one over the new Multistradas that are just far too big.
@@DailyMotor I'm afraid of the 1000cc and now 1100cc bikes because I have a serious disconnect between my brain and my throttle hand. I had a 900cc once and it scared me three times with my wife on back. (high speed wobble) I sold it and went to a slower bike.
Great review I love the Z500.
I’m trying to choose the one that doesn’t mess up my back which is the only thing not messes up on my old body… thinking standard Z500 vs CBR300R
I think I'd like the Z better. I have a Multistrada 1200. It's a big, serious bike. The Z is so nimble and easy the contrast would be fun.
Agree, having a bike that I would begin on next to my more serious bike always makes me appreciate both more. Compliments each other.
I think the z500 has better updated style than the ninja. Ninja still looks the best IMO.
How would you say the 'twitchiness' of the Z500 compares to other light weight naked bikes like the CB500f or an MT-03? Similar or better/worse for a more novice rider?
Making me dizzy ! Lol. Looking at eighty , probably shouldn't be lusting like this anyways . Kawasaki always has covered the mid size bikes well . T/C/E
Hey Charlie, when's the new E-Class coming by for a review?
Good question! I'll reach out to MB and see if I can get one scheduled
@@DailyMotor Great, thanks!
Nice review! Ninja 500 imho looks cooler than Z500 which looks cooler than Eliminator. Please also do a similar comparison style review of entry level sporty bikes N500, CBR500, Duke 390 and (when you can get hands on one) RS457. It's good too see the comparisons in the same video, on the same day, driven on the same loop.
I like the sportiness of the Z500 & the upright riding position! From when I'm looking it's hard to find the Z500 SE in green, only that red color SE 🎨... If it's Kawasaki it's gotta be green! They got one at my local dealer for 5K but they want to try to mark it up to 7K OTD🤦 tell them no more than $6,400 I might get 1 but I'm NOT going to pay a fee for "assembly" nor "destination" & bullshit they add...
Ninja 40th anniversary SE 500 is the bike for me
I like the z500 and the ninja 500 for the power, the eliminator for the style, oh yeah and for not havinga diving board in the back😂I think I kinda want the eliminator tbh for my first bike
Don't get me wrong as much as I have given up on getting 40th Anniversary 500 I already own one but Mrs has claimed it ( even booked in her learners ❤) and i also own 40th zx4rr 40th zx6r and did have 40th 500 for a day or two lol (they will look good in garage with my air mattress between them ❤🎉
On Eli - on sharp corners I always lean my body leaving the bike in more vertical position. No any footpeg scrapping so far :)
Man, I didn't realize how much cheaper the Ninja and Z are compared to the eliminator.
Kawasaki trying to get one over on us, just because it's got a vulcan tank doesn't make it worth 7k+
Great comparison! N500 is the easy winner out of these!
Great Comparison Video! well Done! Huge fan of your channel…. Please do the Honda E-Clutch when you get access to one of the 650’s! Keep up the great work!
Thanks! Yup, already working on dates with Honda. Which do you think is better to get, CB or CBR?
@@DailyMotor CB650 for beginners-ishslightly edges out the sexy CBR…. Only reason I say that is that insurance is higher for fully faired bikes and everyone is doing the CBR….. A CB650 review really focuses on the beginner market with its slightly more upright riding position and cheaper insurance.
Why include the Eliminator when you waited until last minute?I was looking for info on Eliminator.
I am doing copious amounts of research as I want to get a motorcycle. I need a patient friend who rides to help me out.
During testing, did you feel that any of the bike seats caused you to slide forward toward the tank? Thanks for the review.
Yes, mostly the Z
@@DailyMotor 👍thanks
The reoccurring issue that I been hearing is the cluster isn’t visible when it’s in the sunlight
I've given up on finding a new 500 40th Anniversary in Australia. I'm over it either i have to pay extra extra $1350 from interstate and here's the nightmare its also over 30 days estimated delivery. Only 1600/1700 cheaper than the 25 650 krt so I don't know what to do?
Ooof! Yeah Kawi does make it tough to decide with pricing so close. I'd probably jump to the 650 at that point. Or the ZX-4 :P
I’m 5’10” with a 31” inseam and can flat foot in barefoot shoes on the Z500.
Do any of them has a traction control?
Advantage N500, because of the highway ride.
Australia got the 45HP version
You can ship your ECU out to get flashed..probably pick up at least 10hp..some are claiming huge gains of 21hp on top the 51hp with $2k in parts..exhaust system, cat delete, emissions air delete/ blocked off, air box mods and new velocity stacks with an ecu flash and tune..I think 21hp is a stretch but 15 hp should be in reach..most just go with exhaust system and ecu flash and tune for 6hp on top of the 51hp..remapping the the throttle to give 100% vs 60 to 80% at wide open at all rpms makes a huge difference as the stock bike rarely gives 100% throttle output..
@agentcovert thanks heaps. I'll leave it for now (2 years unlimited Km warranty) plus I literally paid for x2 40th bikes the zx4rr zx6r luckily showed up Saturday at dealership and he gave me a call (1hr later both were fully paid for 🎉) now either te300 (preferred) or 450 rl but 30 day warranty on husqvarna te300 with 1 year road road reg pisses me off (there went that idea). 1 yr warranty 450rl $13k Aud but higher maintenance than I want to dealwith (owned crf300la and REALLY hated it off road unless riding slow as fk)
@@nicolewalker8495Wow..in North America most bike manufacturers only give 1yr of limited mileage at that..Kawasaki gives only 1 yr of warranty..but the bike mechanics at the Stealership claim they never have seen major engine damage that wasn't the customers fault..like pegging the redline doing an extended wheelie etc..
Either the ninja or the Z I owned an eliminator and that’s not even close
Kawasaki overpriced the Eliminator. I think they're seeing this now based on current discounts they're offering. They should have priced it the same as the Ninja.
low top speed no match to aprilia 457 haay
than buy zxr 4.....what a argument.....top speed....you sayed eveything...little boy
Resale value alone was enough to avoid the Aprilia and not to mention FK all dealer network here in Australia. Maybe it's different where you are?
@@TommyMakaleleI agree if it's only about speed I'd get the zx4rr but some people don't understand why the ninja is still King
@@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 i have 500se...Drive Like Dream
.....
Dudes going 90 in a 35.
Damn this guy's really doing 90 down live oak in the middle of the day lmfao