NEW 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE: In-Depth Feature Review!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 มิ.ย. 2024
- The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 has arrived, and it's very good! In this video I talk about the upgrades that are part of this new generation vehicle. Check it out for yourself by connecting with the great people at Jim Gilbert's PowerSports here: powersports.wheelsanddeals.ca
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Yay the Ninja 500 content is starting!! My 500 ABS just arrived at the dealer today, so I’m consuming all the 500 content I can find. This is my first (non-mini) bike, so I’m very hyped!
Same for me, will arrive tomorrow at the dealer
Fvck!!, Nice dude!!!!, I'm getting a lil bit impatient waiting for my 500 SE ABS (put money down for it since the first week of march) so I'm glad they are starting to arrive at the different kawasaki dealerships
Woohoo for the Ninja 500 Club🎉
Congrats! What do you think about it?
@@derc5284 really enjoying the bike so far. It’s light, comfortable, and easy to shift.
Great video Peter. Thank you so much for doing it. I originally had ordered the Ninja 400. The dealer disappointed me in telling me that they could not fulfill my order as the 400 was no longer being shipped to them. Darn! I thought. So they are providing me the 500 krt se. I was still disappointed until seeing your great video. This is a much better choice for this 74 year old first time rider. The seat, the windscreen and the idea of “sport touring” is exactly what I want and need. This will be my one and only bike. And your great video was a perfect explanation for me about the motorcycle. Thank you!
Damn just churning out the content. Love to see it!
Just got mine! It’s getting delivered tomorrow evening!
Just picked up my 500 KRT SE. Loving it so much 🏍️ Not a ton of English vids on this model yet so I was happy to see this one.
@@vader1723 I have a couple shorts and one video it now. I plan to make another longer video when I get more seat time in.
@@Sheldonette Yeah you shuld mate, here in México there is no freaking release date so I´m just eating my nails for this bike to come lmao
do you feel like the SE version is worth the price difference ?
I still have my ninja 300, recently picked up a zx4rr.
Just picked up the SE KRT w ABS for $7500 out the door. Your video helped me make an informed decision and was much appreciated. Keep up the great work and this is such a great bike and great value.
So what was the msrp for it at first and did you give them 7500 cash for you to get that good of deal ?
@@notguiinz Really only got $250 off for military and I did pay it off cash.
@@notguiinzmine was about $8000
Just bought mine picking it up Saturday super excited
Nice! You're going to love it!
How much did you end up paying? I’m trying to get one and was excited it’s listed for $6399, but most people are saying they paid $8-8.3k out the door 😢
@@amisfitpuivk I personally payed 6k for mine
I was considering the R3, but after discovering this one, it makes way more sense.
After never having owned anything but 80's and 90's 250's ('86 CB 250 RS, '91GSX-R 250, '85 GSX 250 ES) and not having had any since 2006, I think this one is the perfect bike for me.
Great review of the new 2024 Ninja 500 SE! Thanks. Cool design and colors for both bikes. Specs from Kawasaki: Base Ninja 500 2024:
451 cc Engine
11.3:1 compression
51 Horsepower at 10,000 RPM
Torque: 31.7 lb-ft @ 7,500 rpm
Front Tire: 110/70-17
Rear Tire: 150/60-17
Seat Height: 30.9 in
Fuel Tank: 3.7 gal
I see the SE is $1100 more in the US at $6399 over the base $5299 version + dealer fees.
Smaller to medium twin cylinder engine bikes are fun, comfortable and very flickable too. I kept my last Ninja 250R for 15 years before trading it in, and that was capable on the freeways too, top speed 105 mph. That bike only had about 27 to 32 hp. This new 451cc with 51 hp. My '21 Ninja 650 with 68 hp, but all fun bikes no doubt and capable for all public road riding with the looks of a high speed racing sportbike.
Do they even still sell Ninja 250s? I am looking for a good introduction to a motorbike.
@@ellestar2306 In the US, a Kawsaki Ninja 250R or Ninja 300 used would be an option to start with, but easiest through a dealership as they handle the title transfer and paperwork, license plate, etc right there. Otherwise, Ninja 400, 450/500 in 2024 as the only option but a great one IMO. I really enjoyed the 2008 Ninja 250R for 15+ years, 36,000+ miles. More capable than some would give it credit for.
@@BlackArroToons as an Ebike rider wanting to convert to a motorbike, I appreciate the thorough advice! Def put some things in perspective.
In the mean time, I better get around to taking a bike safety course and get my license for it first. I'm simply in the dreaming state of riding
@@ellestar2306 Cool, thanks.
A fun state to be at, dreaming of a new motorcycle. For me, motorcycling is like taking bicycle riding to the most fun next step. Good to hear you enjoy electric bike riding. A good first step.
What is nice is the weight on sportbikes is not a big factor like it is on a cruiser bike weighing 600+ pounds. My 2008 Ninja 250R weighed only 375 pounds with a full tank of fuel, which was 4.8 gallons. While riding, 375 pounds feels like 50 pounds.
My current Ninja '21 650 (non abs/non traction control) weighs 419 with 4 gallons full tank, which also feels flickable and agile just like my 250R was. I was surprised by that. Kawasaki knows how to balance the engine weight so the bikes feel lightweight when riding. Best of luck.
Love these reviews, hopefully we'll get to see an Aprilia RS 457 there soon.
Will this be able to be lowered? I sat on one today and I didnt feel too comfortable tiptoeing. I definitely plan on buying the krt se in a few month's
They made a stroker out of the 400, that’s fun. Not sure I would want it tagged ninja 450 just doesn’t sing. Tail tidy immediately while optioning a slip on, gotta look at windscreen options also. Not sold on the keyless idea.
Just wanted to say you did a great job presenting this bike. I'm looking at this exact model and this is the most informative and in-depth video out there. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much for your kind words!
Love your review ps, Pete!
6’2” 225lbs
Will I fit this rig?
And when will they have the 650 versys?
You'll fit. I love the Versys 650 for taller or heavier riders, so if you're considering that, it's going to fit you even better. The Versys 650 is already out. I've filmed a 2024 for this channel already.
Considering in my country mi R3 is worth 8k USD, and this ninja is somewhere in the 14k USD (Argentina) we probably have the most insane prices, 60% taxes in total of the bike's worth.
This is the only bike that is making me think to sell my 2018 R3, I won't be making a big leap in cc but I could keep a newer bike. A new 600cc is 21k up.
Could you do a z500 vs duke390 or ninja500 vs Aprilia rs457
Thank you for the video. How tall are you?
About 6 feet tall. Sorry, I forgot to mention that.
@@PeterLoweOne you seem to fit just fine on the motorcycle. Did you already tried the Ninja 300 and the Ninja 400?
Really good, in depth review. Still would like to see you do ride reviews, but well done otherwise! Thank you for putting this bike into a clear, positive perspective! The SE model (or this new 451 model in general) is a really attractive bike. Would a 6', 200lb. man find the bike a bit too small, more "toy like", or no? And about how many miles to a tank do it get, if considered for touring purposes? Thanks in advance!
I will be doing riding reviews, but there's still a bunch of snow on the ground here, so these will always be a staple of this channel. I think you'd be fine. I'm 6 feet and 180. So 200 isn't a huge stretch from where I am.
I have a 2024 500J (40th SE), owned it for over two weeks. The bike has a rider weight limit of 397 lbs. You should be just fine with your stats.
I get roughly 55-58 mpg average, sometimes up to around 60 and it's a 3.7 gallon tank. You should be able to get an average of about 180 miles per tank depending on how often you fill and how crazy you are with the throttle and where you do most of your miles. I'm in a city commuting mostly. It takes 91 octane (87+ according to the manual).
There's an "eco" indicator feature that lights up to tell you when you're riding economically. It's a lot of fun, but there's not much space on the bike to store anything. A small tire patch kit, wiping cloth, and a Leatherman tool fits under the seat, but barely.
With only one USB-C outlet, I can currently either charge my phone or power my dash cam, but not both (no USB-C to C charger splitters on the market). I might try out a USB-C to a single white USB-A female outlet and then use an A to A splitter outlet. I'll see if that works.
Probably not the best for touring... depends on your ultimate intended use. From Point A to Point B it shines. I have a lot of fun getting from Point A to Point B.
One of the most attractive features of the bike is the price point. Lots of fun at 451 CCs. It's a big price jump between the 500 and the 650. I'm glad I stuck with the 500, but wouldn't have been upset to get more bike. But they didn't offer the 650 in the 40th Anniversary scheme.
As to your question if it is too small, best way to know is visit a show room and sit on one!
Like the red and black more it in a way matches my 1985 600r which is mostly red and black. It would make a great picture with them together even though there are many differences.
Wondering if that keyless ignition will be added to other models in 2025, the Ninja 1000sx comes to mind
It blows my mind how Peter Lowe gets access to all the latest bikes faster than almost everyone on TH-cam.
Fredericton is a small city of 60,000 that's freezing 8 months of the year. It has a stagnant economy with chronically high unemployment rate typically around 10%. It has an aging population getting past there motorcycle years. Yet, somehow it has a massive inventory of awesome bikes. 🤔
I think your view of Fredericton is dated... But as far as access to bikes go, the Kawasaki Dealer is the number one volume Kawasaki dealer in the country, and the other dealers are all very successful as well. The population might not be that high, but the area is full of enthusiasts! It's a great place to live with a laid back pace, but plenty of growth happening too!
My 2010 Kawi Concours 14 has almost an identical keyless system and it is one of the most hated and maligned features of the bike due to poor reliability with a sticking microswitch in the lock cylinder. Hopefully this new one is more robust.
I've got the 40th anniversary on order. We've had a couple of 400's, still have one. We have much bigger and faster bikes, but I like these little ones...even down to 300's.
Im sold on the keyless. I just wish this feature was on the 650krt 2024😅
How tall are you?
Bought the red one today
Gonna tear up some asphalt
Will it launch in India?
Peter can you please make an in-depth comparison video of The NEW Ninja 500 SE KRT vs Ninja 650 KRT 2024.
thank you!
I don't know if there is a 650 KRT in stock right now, But that's just a paint scheme on the 650. This is a video that I want to make, so I'll definitely make one soon. Stay tuned.
Does the 24 500se 40th anniversary have Bluetooth connectivity like the 650s ?
They should. My brother has one with it
I am torn between the Ninja 500 KRT/ABS and the CF Moto 450SS. I will be getting one or the other. I love both though
I love the Kawasaki, but I haven't reviewed the CF Moto yet.
Have you done a video on the Z500?
The SE model, yes. Here's the link. th-cam.com/video/RmGJSQQcX0I/w-d-xo.html
does the non-se version have the same key
No. It has a regular key. Great question. I'll review that bike as soon as I get the chance.
I love my Ninja 400 except for the comfort of the seat. it's hard and has me squirming in a half an hour of riding. and it also slants forward which makes me slide up against the tank which I don't like. I have been thinking about adding some cushion into the front to level it out and make it also softer and more comfortable. it seems like the 500 seat might be more level. but I wonder if it's any softer. by the way I bought my Ninja 400 even though I already owned a Ducati 939 Supersport. but I always really liked the little Ninja 400 because I test road it one time and really liked it. and then I came across a deal on a second hand one I could not pass up with only 288 km on it. and after owning it I thought to myself this would be close to a perfect bike with a little more low end and midrange power. and a more comfortable seat. and shortly after buying it this 451cc comes out. and personally I wish they called it a 451. or a 450. just like I wish they called their Z900 rs a 948 or 950. I don't get why manufacturers don't just call the bike what it is.
I don't know for sure, but I wonder if this new seat from the 451 😉(500) might fit your 400. It might! Just a thought.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Hi Peter 😊
everything but the keyless entry is great. KIA Boys have discouraged me from digital keys.
The funny thing about the Kia thing is that it's a very American thing. Kia's in Canada and in other parts of the world couldn't be stolen in that way. Kia America decided to equip those cars without the full theft resistant system that was available to them. Kia Canada put the full system on their cars and it was never an issue here. I have good confidence that Kawasaki has a decent system on this, in fact, I would think it's easier to steal a bike with a key than with this system, but I still fully understand if the feature isn't for everyone. You could get the lower spec version of the Ninja 500 and get it with a key.
Im sticking with my Ninja 400
Can you wheelie ?
@@leeinwis of course…
I will be at jim Gilbert's on Saturday. Will you be there
Was he ?
@@toprtelejoo5460 no 😭
❤
I’m still holding out for the zx-4rr 40th anniversary. 👍🏻
Here you go: th-cam.com/video/MaUtQXTJPh8/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
@@PeterLoweOne lol thanks, watched that already the day you upload it 👍🏻
Does rhe SE come with a spare key?
You mean a second fob? I assumed it did, but I never actually checked. I'll have to look into that to be sure.
The 40th Anniversary Edition comes with one switchblade style FOB/key and a valet style gray stick key.
They both do the same thing; start the bike and access the lock points (gas tank, helmet lock, and rear seat compartment).
As is standard for the industry, new keys can be encoded, but all keys must be present to do so and if original keys are lost, the ECU must be replaced to pair new keys.
is this faster than a 650 in terms of torque or top speed?
It's 44 horse vs the 650's 67 horse
But it weighs 377 lbs instead of the 650s 419.
This isn't gong to be taking down any 600s. It's more in line with the 300+400s.
Faster top speed? Quicker to 60mph? You can look at horsepower numbers, but gearing also plays a big role in speed. The 650's are going to be quicker and faster, but the gap in acceleration isn't as big as some would assume. The biggest different isn't always in PEAK horsepower, but in the overall power curve. In other words, some bikes have a very broad power curve (like my Z900RS SE) and some bikes have a great peak horsepower number, but not as much mid-range power (as an example) so I would say the 650 feels like it has more torque over a wider spread of the powertrain, but the 500 is still VERY fun. If you only equate fun to speed, then get a supersport, but both the 650 and 500 deliver a lot of smiles per mile. I'll do a Ninja 650 vs. Ninja 500 video soon.
Does the Ninja 500 ABS have the same LED lights compared to the SE models?
There is some indication that it may not have LED signal lights but I don't know for sure yet.
Thinking about starting a TH-cam channel. Just bought a 2024 Ninja SE abs. I’m not seeing enough content about the bike and want to contribute
That's awesome! The more motorcycle content on TH-cam the better! I say go for it!!
Does this bike have riding modes?
No, but I don't think you need them.
@@PeterLoweOne you mean riding modes are generally useless or that a useless in this bike?
Is it worth it to spend little more money and purchase a 2024 Ninja 650? I am about 260 LBS.
Probably, also maybe lose weight ? Not bein a dick , I myself am tryin to lose some.
@@leeinwis I was 295 about two years ago. I was wondering if Ninja 500 or 650 is enough to carry me on a highway speed plus passenger on rare occasion.
I orded one se model
In Germany is just SE Model....
A thought experiment; I have always thought if I was beginning again, why would I buy one of these instead of the 650 ASSUMING, that the price difference was not a factor. It's good that this exists for different budgets, but if a $3K difference, or a little bit of weight difference, does not influence you (many people have no trouble affording the difference) what would be the incentive to buy this 500? It MAY (I emphasize that word) be something I want to upgrade sooner than if I just went to the 650 which is quite manageable. And, if I went directly for the 650 for longevity (as in this case), it should be cheaper in the long run and I may never want another bike.
Just a perspective, it should be perceived as taking away from the good job you do on your videos or anyone else POV. I just don't see this being discussed very often in reviews.
I think where we differ is in the fact that I no longer see this as solely a beginner bike. This is more like a Subaru BRZ or a Mazda Miata in that, yes they're small, and yes there are more powerful options, but if you buy these bikes, much like those cars, they have a feeling that can't be replicated in bigger and heavier bikes. So while some people will always want the bigger bike, others will recognize these for the unique character that they have. These things are FUN! That's why people buy them and stick with them. Will everyone want to buy these? No, but more people who are purely looking to have a fun bike, should consider them.
@@PeterLoweOne Those are valid points for sure, especially the fun factor! When I started riding, there was no 300, no 4 or 500, there was a 250 and that was a "no thank you" for me.
I also think that much of this comes down to the individual (of course, lol), but what I mean is that if you're a bigger individual, regardless of more power and weight of an upgraded bike, these simply feel too small (totally subjective, but that's the point) for me. And then when I consider what I get for a bit more, it was an easy choice to go for the 650.
But to each their own; it's great to see more people riding, whatever they ride. I simply would like to see this conversation more often because for some individuals it should be a consideration as a 650 is plenty fun. :-)
Looking forward to the next one Peter!
@@Kwikasfuki007 that's a fair point. I hear you.
In the trailer, they are showing the modern TFT cluster/console.But in all places after launch, it has a digital cluster just like 400. It's a let down
Did you watch this video? There is an LCD display on the Ninja 500 and a TFT display on the bike in this video which is the Ninja 500 SE.
Lol, the classic heel hitting the exhaust that plagues the 400 as well. Kawasaki needs to fix that, cause the zx4rr does not have it. That annoyance alone is reason to get a slip-on on day 1.
It is interesting to me that they didn't address it in the redesign. It doesn't bother me, but it's an obvious thing that a number of people have mentioned, and you'd think it could have been tweaked in the redesign.
Was excited when I heard it was a 500 then disappointed that only has 451 cc dammit
They brought the 500 back, now they need to bring the 250 back.
Fun fact... This IS the 250. That original 250 evolved into the 300, then 400, then 451 (aka the 500). The 500 of decades ago never had that nimbleness of this 500. This bike has everything the 250 had with more pep.
Am I the only one that dislikes this insufferable trend of increasing weight for miniscule power and tech increases? The new zx6 weighs 432 lbs, 5 lbs heavier than a s1000rr. The ninja 500 se abs is 379 lbs, 18 lbs heavier than a ninja 400 non-abs which has 2 hp less. Yes, you may notice the power and torque increase, but you definitely will notice 18 lbs of weight, especially when you come into a corner slightly too fast and wreck the bike. It's simple physics that correlate directly to safety. Less weight is ALWAYS better than more power.
The 500 SE has aftermarket accessories that a Ninja 400 doesn't have. An apples to apples comparison is the non SE 500 which weighs 9 lbs more. It's a fair point, but not something that I have an answer to.
Cops can’t take the keys out anymore with this bike😂
I don't understand how they came up with the idea of Bluetooth showing me my emails. Who decided that one? No music control? And their app sucks. I just got the 24 zx6r and I love everything about it except the Bluetooth. I just turned it off
it's for marketing purpose i guess. The new N500 doesn't have any significant changes compared to the previous version so they added some useless technology to push the sales
I agree! Text messages and music control would have been ideal.
Man, I wish all these vehicle companies woud stop with the keyless entry! It's been shown time and time again how incredibly easy it is for people to cheat those systems and get full acess. I really don't get how it's considered good when it's barely any improvement in legitimate use and a larger risk when it comes to theft :') I get that bikes are pretty easy to steal anyway and as such we always take precautions like disc locks and chains but why add to the issues? So annoying
I don't think modern keyless entry is as unreliable as they've been in the past, but yeah, I'm not sure that this is a feature that people were asking for. I'm not going to deny that it's nice to have though. Motorcycle gear can make small keys hard to deal with, so being able to keep a fob in your riding gear is convenient. We'll see how things go with reliability. There is still a base model Ninja 500 with a traditional key for those who want this bike without the keyless system.
@@PeterLoweOne it's not about reliability in use, it's about stealability being increased. And if you get that base model without it you miss out on all the actually good upgrades ^^
@@Wolfer1OOO I hear what you're saying, but I still think that people have to realize that a LOT of companies cut corners with their encoding of these systems. I think you may be oversimplifying the category based on some poor systems. My understanding is that this was made in partnership with Mitsubishi. I expect it to be difficult to tamper with. Not all systems are created equal, and this system isn't the same as older systems where manufacturers didn't expect the systems to be so easily tampered with.
@@PeterLoweOne maybe, maybe I'm running on outdated info! All I know is I still see videos and newsreports every now and then about keyless entry vehicles, even from well regarded manufacturers, being spoofed or range extended resulting in the vehicles just being driven away without any issues usually in under 2 minutes sometimes in under 1 minute! Yes it requires the thief to come prepared with that tool usually a laptop) however if they have it that bike is gone way further than your average 'snap the steering lock push away' steal and you're way less likely to see it again. And no-one is putting their keyless entry keys in a Faraday cage every single time they put them away are they, and if they do...well suddenly you lose half the supposed convenience of being able to just walk up to your bike and start it ^^ It just seems silly. OK maybe keys can be a tiny bit of a fiddle with gloves on, but in reality we've all dealt with that our entire lives and really, any biker knows how to order putting on their gear and starting the bike. Is it really an issue that needed fixing? Or is this a case of changing technology for the sake of changing technology regardless of the impact it actually has? Personally I see it as a 90% negative and 10% positive
Kawasaki by ridding themselves of the 300, 400, in favor of the 451cc (aka) the 500. Is kinda getting away from the entry level bikes. Not everyone can handle a bigger bike, or more power.
Yup. It's definitely an interesting strategy. While I won't stop recommending these bikes to beginners, they have a LOT more power than the bikes that I learned to ride on. I'll talk more about this in future reviews.
Meh I think spec wise not much it's a ninja 400 with the electronics which we have been asking for 😢
And more power everywhere in the rev range, and a more comfortable seat, and better styling, and a better headlight, and a better dash, and new features like available keyless entry. This is a big jump for a bike that was already considered a class leader by many people.
@@PeterLoweOne well that is what i said... Its a ninja 400v2 not a 500.
@@entername3840 haha. I'm not sure if what I said is the same as what you said. But I hear you. 😃👍
Kwikasfuki
I went and looked at one and never seen a aux plug like it comes with.
kinda pissed how the there is no simple black color for the SE versions. I want to be lowkey and not have these awful paint schemes especially for a beginner bike.
I disagree...I have never had a bike but want the green one
@@W0RLDSSMALLESTVI0LIN sure but for highscool i dont wanna be riding around in a flashy neon green moterycle when it produces only 50 hp
Why do you keep saying Zed?
lol in Canada, the UK and Australia (and any other countries that teach their english) the letter Z is Zed instead of Zee. This is a Canadian motorcycle dealership btw.
@@AtomicBoopoor person like so many other Americans just got their minds blown. There’s a whole world outside USA.
Top of the line? Bro it’s a 449 cc bike. Guys never heard of 1000s or the h2
You need to pause before you comment and think about the context that I said that. 🤷♂️
500 have no more power 👌🏻 its biger dispalcement and biger torque give only this more relax lower rpm riding experiency nothing more 500 cos of no more topend power no lower weight asf similar drag asf will be no faster than 400 😎you have basically the sameboke which do egzacly the same job in the same time just on lower rpm thats it 👌🏻😎so as ninja 400 very good and fastest a2 bike with aprilia 457 and cf moto 450 s👌🏻☕️