Have to spend money for a higher chance to win the giveaway. I dont have that kind of money so no point in me even participating in such a fair giveaway.
@yammienoob I know if all things perfect and no money was an issue the Aprilia would seem a better choice, but you and I know the Kawasaki is a more sensible motorcycle for and average person
I bought the 500 SE and I'm so happy with it. All day riding is right. I rode on it for 7 hours the other day with no problem. Love the torque and smooth range that I enjoy in all types of twisties. It's also a great commuter. The perfect all-rounder for me.
It’s close but Kawasaki is actually fourth behind the other Japanese brands with Yamaha in first per consumer reports. Aprilia was not included although I’d almost guarantee it’s worse.
Yamahas in recent (within last few years) tests actually beat out Honda reliability. Was very surprised, albeit its so close I doubt it has much real world value
Yamaha as he said had a marginally better reliability record over the last few years. As in 1 percent difference between them, suzuki, and honda.@titancodm1098
Sup Yam! Big fan, been following your content for a minute now. I picked up the Rs457 back in Aug. it is legit everything you say it is, and because of you im learning even more about my bike. For a new rider, it is hands down thee perfect first bike. Best thing I ever did for myself. Bike has soo much personality. I just want to get an exhaust. I need it to scream, something that really lets you hear the 270 crank
The twins that Kawasaki uses in the 400 and 500 are very regular but still pretty interesting, I feel like they’re a great blend of thumpy mid range while still having a decent amount of top end pull
sadly the Aprilia is priced at (converted to usd from aud) $8,657 USD in Australia which really kills any competition in the beginner bike category here
My 500 SE is my first and loving it. Over 1100 miles on weekends over the last month. Can agree it can do the long rides and has plenty of pep on twisties.
As an Aprilia Tuono V4 owner and lover, I would take the kawasaki. The idea of having my commuter bike having possibly shaky reliability just can't stand.
I have had nothing but problems with my rs 457. Dealer support in my area is terrible. Not a good bike. Maybe for some but not for me. Going with the ninja 500 for reliability!!! The ninja is faster 0-60. It’s more like 4.5-4.8. I rode my friends 500 and definitely felt faster.
My co worker has the 457 and he keeps on having issues with his brakes not working correctly and the dealer told him its normal and there’s no fix. I let him ride my 500 and now he’s begging the dealer to trade.
At the end of the day buy what bike makes you happy. Beginner bikes are about putting smiles on the riders face. I would have bought either but Kawasaki had beautiful 40th anniversary and that was the only reason for my purchases literally
I just wanna say that I really respect the way you ride, I’m learning but this is my goal, having fun, safely in my lane, not making mistakes not speeding too much but enjoying the ride People should value this kind of riding more. Over crossing lanes and maxing out speed
I'm 5'10", can't tell you my inseam off the top of my head, but I own a Ninja 500. I rode it for about 6 hours straight, with just stopping for gas and a soda here and there and was super comfortable. I ride shorter typically, but it's so comfortable to sit on for a while.
You would be fine on either bike, I have a 28" inseam and ride a Tuono 660 with a 32.3" seat height. I struggle a little with moving the 660 around in parking spaces, but If I had a 30" inseam, I would be fine.
I’ve put 6,000 miles on my Ninja 500 se since picking it up in late April of this year. For the record I’m 6’0 and 220 pounds and this has been my first year riding a motorcycle. I can’t speak on how the ninja compares to other bikes as this has been the only motorcycle I’ve ridden. My goal on starting on a smaller bike is to learn how to ride safety and build on the fundamentals of riding before moving onto something bigger and faster. I just want to start by saying so far The ninja has been an amazing first bike. It’s been exactly what I was hoping for in a first motorcycle. My main concern was ergonomics, I wanted something comfortable so I could put the miles in. The ninja meets my expectations and then some. I won’t hesitate to take it on a few hour trip, knowing I’ll be feeling just fine afterwards. In terms of styling I’m a big fan, the only way you could tell it’s not a bigger bike in my opinion is the narrow tire width. Other than that it looks like a true sport bike. Performance wise the bikes met my expectations and then some. There’s plenty of power for the back twisty roads, and when you’re on the straights all the power is usable. It’s a blast revving the bike out to 11k rpm’s and it feels like it’ll take anything you throw at it. After 6 months, I’m still not bored and plan on keeping the bike another season to continue becoming a better rider. The bike handles well and rides smooth. I have no problem cruising on the highway at 75. The se package with the upgraded display and other accessories has been nice. I keep my phone charged while it’s on the quad lock, and the tft display works excellent, very responsive readings for rpms etc. Overall for the price of 8k OTD for the krt se model, I’m very pleased. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a comfortable smaller cc sport bike.
Thank you for this comment, it really helped me to make my final decisions. I will be buying next season, as it will be my first bike. I will be definitely getting a quick shifter as well, and throttle lock for my long rides. thank you again!
@@wetagentovač No problem at all! Glad I was able to help by sharing my experience so far. Those sound like some great upgrades. The throttle lock will be very nice - especially as a new rider, holding the throttle open on long rides can take its toll on your wrist. Quick shifter can only add to the experience I'd assume, best of luck!
That's awesome to hear your loving your 5000. I'm on 2300kms but I only got her in September (Australia gets everything later and literally only got the 2025 bikes a fortnight ago). I love the colours of the 40th anniversary bikes
@@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 Thanks a lot, it’s been a great bike. Hopefully you’ve been enjoying yours as well, the 40th anniversary color scheme does look good I agree!
Love City Park road! What a great driving road!!! I'm looking for my first bike and this road is a perfect drive for learners. Thanks for all the great content coming out of ATX
I'm a proud Aprilia RS457 owner from the capital of India. This is a single-bike garage setup, and I've been using and abusing this baby for the last 5k km around the town of Delhi NCR. This is a motorcycle GEM, and I have a factory-fitted taller windscreen, quick shifter, USB port and a rear cowl they are amazing products, especially the quick-shifter. If you somehow damage your bike then the replacement parts are quite pricy. Just remember that no products are absolutely perfect out of the factory, and YES, I ride my bike so that it brings me joy every time I swing my leg over it.
Well done bro and as you said it makes you happy. I bought ninja 500 due to the 40th anniversary colours reminded me of being young. Riding them makes me happy. I'd be happy to ride with you even on a Grom. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE SMILES AND NOTHING ELSE
Buying a beginner/small capacity European bike - with the respective price tag - makes no sense to me. IMO these kind of bikes are good for two things: to LEARN and to demolish on track. Therefore, I personally would not get something more expensive and less reliable.
YES, get a used turd Katana or Ninja 250 for $1500 bucks and destroy it or resell it for what you bought it for. Then buy a nice inline-4. Why spend so much on a beginner bike you will probably drop?! Otherwise, why spend so much on a boring beginner bike if you aren't a beginner?!
That super long throttle throw is pretty common on cable throttle bikes. My CB650R had a 90 degree throttle i.e. 1/4 turn which meant you would have to practically wrap your arm around the bar to get to full throttle. I upgraded to a G2 Ergonomics 10% quicker throttle tube/cam and it made a huge difference! Not just making it easier to hit full throttle, but even just in general riding the bike the bike feels way more responsive and "sporty". It just feels more eager. Definitely recommend that upgrade to anyone so long as you aren't a noob. If you are a noob, stick with the stock throttle until you get better with throttle control.
Nice video Yammie. Here in India, Ninja 500 comes in CBU mode from Indoensia or Thailand but it has only 45 bhp against 51 as u mentioned in ur video 😢. RS457 is manufactured here in India and it benefits a huge 1100USD price cheaper against N500. Kawasakis are known for their refined and reliable engines, but owning one here n india is not easy as they come in CBU mostly 😕
have my ninja 250r 7 years, not one issue with the bike whatsoever. They are just bulletproof. Going to be upgrading next year and was looking at the 600 series, but then seeing this review, has me thinking
My '72 Kawasaki H1-B 500 had no fuel gauge but it had reserve to give you a second chance. It had a trip odometer. One Hundred Miles per fill up. Don't forget. 20 MPG! That bike cruised so perfectly on the open roads at 80 MPH. No vibration or excess engine heat, just go on so nicely, even loaded down with all the stuff you want on your cross country holiday. I put a rack on the back for that and a clamp on windshield. The speed Limit was Sixty in Canada but the engine was not happy with that. Not the right revs.
I stand by the street use get the Ninja, track use get the Aprilia. Honestly though for the SE and its price I'd get the Aprilia all day. The SE just isnt worth the price increase over the base model. As for reliability I think the Aprilia being made in India is a plus for it. This bike is big in the Indian market and motorcycles over there are a main form of transportation which means they take bike reliability seriously. So far I love the crap out of my 457 and 1200 miles in not any sign of a single issue. This was the perfect choice, IMO, for my next season track bike.
I HAD Z650 BEFORE , GIVING APPRILIA 457 A SHOT NEXT . LOVE THE FULL FARING AND 270 CRANK ! THANK U FOR THIS REVIEW AND COMPARISON. GOING TO DEALER IF THEY HV ANY TOURING SET UP !
Bro even us indians consider Japanese vehicles as way more reliable than our own Indian products. You just can't beat the japs in making durable machines . The ninja 500 base model is 2000 dollar more expensive than aprilia 457 in India but still older experienced riders will prefer the ninja because it's a Japanese fully imported unit with an engine that will last 100,000 miles . Aprilia engine might not even last 20,000 miles just like ktm.
Yes all these bikes could do so much more but there’s so many regulations that the manufacturers have to comply with and that’s what’s making these bikes feel a little bit restricted.
As one of the first few owners of RS457 I would place on record that the riding dynamics (especially cornering control) are unparalleled in its league. Coming to service, well for a brand which has only sold scooters so far in India, they are doing a good job albeit they have a lot of ground to cover in terms of trained staff at service, but it’s just the beginning and the game is too long to be played. Coming to brakes, at a responsible speed, you’ll not face any issues, if you want to replicate what you saw in movies at your own risk, switch to racing brake pads. The stock setup works well for me at least on streets in India. So go ride one before assuming and sulking in the corner, you can only harp so much about brand, reliability, pricing and the yada yada yadas 😅
An important thing to remember is that you probably won't have your first motorcycle for very long. You will learn to ride, get used to it and then sell it and get something faster. If you go into motorcycling with this mindset, you can save yourself a tonne of money by buying a second-hand motorcycle maybe 1-2 years old with low km, ride it for 1 year to get your skills and then upgrade to something bigger like a CB650R, MT07 etc which will give you a lot more bike to grow into. Consider your first bike as a stepping stone to your second bike and try not to lose too much money on your first bike. I bought a second-hand Duke 390, 2 years old, from an old guy who had only done 1,200km on it which is like 800 miles. I got an awesome deal on it and then sold it 6,000km and 1.5 years later for more than I paid for it. I did put new tyres on it so it's not like I made money but at least I didn't lose anything. And I didn't put a single upgrade part on that bike since I didn't want to waste money on a bike that I knew I wasn't going to keep. Now I have a CB650R and it is three times the bike that the Duke 390 is. Way more grown up, way more powerful, fantastic chassis and suspension and I will be able to ride this bike for years and years and not outgrow it.
I have a ninja 500 SE would not change it for the world and anyone who want to start or like me lives in a country with restricted licenses (A2 for example) then I would highly recommend it for a first "bigger" bike too, in just 15 days of owning it I am close to clocking 1000 miles, just to prove how much I love it even further!
Love my ninja 500, I have the exact same one show in this video… that being said, my bike has now been in the shop for about 8 weeks and will be there for another 12 because after 1200 miles the clutch forks went bad, every single gear 1-6 had pieces and chips in the gears. I bought this bike brand new. It began dropping gears randomly while riding without me shifting and did it when I was going into a corner at 70 and locked my rear wheel because the engine and wheel speed didn’t match. Love the bike but the transmission is a problem and cut my riding season very very short
people rave about aprilias but where tf am i gonna get one serviced in bumfuck nowhere. Meanwhile kawasaki is reliable af and you can get it serviced anywhere/get parts easily
I haven't ridden anything Aprilia, but have ridden a number of Kawi's including starting on a Ninja 400, and a Eliminator 500. IDK I've grown to hate the sound of Kawasaki's twins, and although the initial acceleration is great, seems like after about 60mph it just falls right on it's face. Hated riding the 400 on the highway because of how light it was, and how easy the wind or even large trucks wold unsettle the bike. But I will say some positives about it too. Great looking bikes, great starters bikes if not the perfect starter bikes. They are selling like crazy in my area for the price point of a brand new bike, being a little cheaper than a used 600 of most other brands, plus the availability of ABS. I'm glad I learned on one, as it never gave me a single issues and was very easy to learn on. The one time I got nervous and made a rookie mistake (full throttle clutch dump basically from a stop) it didn't have enough umph to loop it. Where as if I was on a used 600, the bike would have went further than me. Although I haven't been able to ride my beloved Suzuki 8R in a month since it's been in the shop getting repaired from being side swiped, I'm still more sold on Suzuki than Kawasaki now. Just feels like a better bike. Next stop for me is a Suzuki GSX-R600 or R700.
Not in the market for these bikes but inverted forks and the aluminum frame alone I would go RS457. Don't get me started on looks. Bike looks as good as any 600 super-sport I've seen.
The ONLY part of the Aprilia that tops the Ninja, is the 270 degree crank. The Ninja, on the other hand, have tons of aftermarket equipment, that can make it a beast (they dominate WSSP300). IRC up-and-down QS with auto-blip and a full titanium pipe. I'm willing to put my head on a block, that any form of "tuning" to the 457 would have it in the workshop for repairs more often than any other "300" class sportbike. What's the use of buying a bike that would be in for repairs more often than it is being ridden?
LOL WTF tuning doesn't make your bike more unreliable. On the contrary, an aftermarket tune can improve the fueling so that the bike will be more performant and not run lean.
Not only does the 457 have a better engine, its more rigid, has a sportier position, better brakes, better suspension and if tested on track the 457 would definitely take the lead. Im not sure how the ninja 500 stacks up on track but the lighter rc390 was compared to the 457 on track and the rider despite having lots of experience with the 390, went around 3 seconds faster with the 457.
I have a Ninja 500. I love it. So nice and zippy and very forgiving. I could ride it for hours... in fact, I did ride it for 6 hours straight one day. My next bike might be an Aprilia RS660.
I get my rs457 on down here in New Zealand. Mine came with a quickshifter and the turn signals are integrated. Il post a half assed video recorded from my phone when I get it. The rs457 is the bike I've been waiting for since I started watching yam about 18 months ago.
Aprilia's bikes handle on a different level than Japanese bikes. It's a very hard thing to explain and best experienced. If you're buying a "sport bike", then you've already accepted it's not ideal for commuting. There are MUCH better "starting bikes" for commuting than the Ninja 500 (look into naked bikes)! If you are torn between these two bikes, the real question you need to ask is: Is there an Aprilia dealership near me? If the answer is "no" than go with the Kawasaki, if the answer is "yes" than go with the Aprilia. The biggest downside to Aprilia is the limited dealership network in the USA.
It's been a dream of mine to get a Kawasaki Ninja when they first came out with the 250's, come spring of 2025 I will finally be able to afford one, after I get my motorcycle license, I'm going to buy a 2024 or a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE KRT Edition, comes with Tank pad, knee pads, frame sliders & radiator screen, starting at $7,999 here in Canada, this will be my first bike finally. I'm over 50 and 5'7 will I be able to flat foot this bike? Thanks, Yammie Noob 😀
No. In person, that 457 sounds like a toy. It’s hard to explain but it just sounds small and weak. Kawi’s engine on the other hand sounds and feels strong, especially while riding. Plus in the high rpm’s it starts to feel almost in line 4 like.
@@lukas6485 an aftermarket exhaust changes everything. However bone stock the 457 does sound awful imo. Kawi’s engine with 180 degree crank is smoother and yes I prefer the sound of the Kawi at 9-10k vs the 457. 180 degree cranks are happier to rev
Here in India, the Ninja 500 is priced 25% more than the RS 457. All because Aprilia is manufacturing RS 457 locally, while for Kawasaki they need to import the Ninja 500. I want to have an allrounder like the Ninja but, the pricing is kind of suggesting to move towards Aprilia. I already ride a Japanese bike so I know its reliability, but the pricing is too much for me to bear.
If you have extra money to spend, invest on YSS suspensions front and rear + steering damper, and the Ninja 500 will give a run for money on track, against the RS 457. Just my humble opinion.
Saving up money for a Ninja 500 or Z500. I eventually want to pick up a Ninja 650. People say I should buy used for my first bike, but Ninja owners seems to be on some serious copium when selling their bike. I see them listed for 5-6K for a 2020+. I get that they probably paid close to 8 or 9K from a dealer, but that's not my issue. I see dealers with sales on the Z500, and even after taxes and fees, I see no reason to not just spend the extra 1-2k over a used. A brand new Z500 for ~6.5k, or a used for 5k?
This is a big issue in motorcycling in general. People making impulse buys and selling their bikes right away. As you say, people are trying to sell 2020-2021 bikes for almost the same price as brand new models. Like just because you saw fit to install a full exhaust + full accessories on a 650 does not give you the right to resell the bike for this sort of cash.
I test-ride both 500 and rs457. Guess what, the ninja was quite mellow compared to the smile I had throughout my test ride of the rs457+ quick-shifter on a 400cc bike is unheard of! I am adding one next to my rsv4
Yes, the sv is nearly double the power if these 2, these are a2 compliant bikes without restriction, the sv needs restriction or a full licence to ride, the sv is in the same class as the mt07, trident 660, ninja 650... all these bikes are bout 70-80hp, the 400 class are at about 42hp and feel smaller, I have an sv and love it 😂
I bought 2 500 40th anniversary (wife rides as of fortnight ago 🎉). Kawasaki dealership (Honda Kawasaki Husqvarna in one) is literally 3mins up the road vs I don't know where but I do know its not close lol. After hearing people with 100000miles on there ninjas I didn't hesitate going for my bikes (x2 500, zx4rr, zx6r all 40th anniversary bikes). Australia we get 2year unlimited mileage Kawasaki warranty also
Which one would you recommend for a 6-foot one Rider getting back into riding after about 30 years I don't want nothing super fast so 500 cc's are under women plenty. I'm more torso than legs on my inseam is only about 30 or 31 inches
Yammie knows his sht. As we all know. But something I realized after giving guitar lessons and talking to students is that teaching requires a lot more than being an expert on the subject. One being this uncanny ability to put yourself in the beginners shoes. Or the shoes you weer in when you started out. Not commonly found...but not saying its rare either. Im about to buy my first bike. Clicking on this video seemed like it would be helpful but the things hes saying about the bikes sound like stuff an experienced rider would say if he were teaching other experienced riders about these bikes. Make sense? Like his niche is really in the upper end of bikes like liter bikes. Unfortunately not a lot here is useful...and these are beginner bikes mind you. Yammie if you read this, here's how you do it. You actually have to sit down and close your eyes and imagine you were first riding again. What you were thinking. What you were worried or scared about most etc. It will not be super easy at first but keep sitting there thinking and it will start to come to you. Of course Im talking about going much deeper than what heights can flat foot the bike. Newbies want to know which one feels better balanced AKA wont want to fall over as much as the other one. WHich one feels like it takes corners better...brakes easier...idk sht Im a newbie lol. But you get the idea.
It depends on where you live. Kawasaki is cheaper here than the big 4 but the aprilla is cheaper with the rs457. Yamaha is so expensive and i will never choose that crap. The rs457 only deal breaker might be expensive parts and lack of availability
I am a yamaha r series lover...and love kawasakis and suzuki and hondas too...I would buy the ninja without any second thoughts...like if have the money right now...i would go to a kawasaki showroom and say to the sales person hey give me a ninja now
Keep your eyes peeled for the Ninja 500.... RS457 giveaway ending in just 3 days! Go to www.yammienoob.co/pages/giveaways
letsgoooooo
Have to spend money for a higher chance to win the giveaway. I dont have that kind of money so no point in me even participating in such a fair giveaway.
Have you taken the RS 457 to a track yet?
We need to know how it compares in that environment to really compare it.
@yammienoob I know if all things perfect and no money was an issue the Aprilia would seem a better choice, but you and I know the Kawasaki is a more sensible motorcycle for and average person
I bought the 500 SE and I'm so happy with it. All day riding is right. I rode on it for 7 hours the other day with no problem. Love the torque and smooth range that I enjoy in all types of twisties. It's also a great commuter. The perfect all-rounder for me.
It’s a great bike especially the SE u get so much more.
Kawasaki's reliability is second to none. From my personal experience of owning 4 Kawasaki's over 4 decades.
It’s close but Kawasaki is actually fourth behind the other Japanese brands with Yamaha in first per consumer reports. Aprilia was not included although I’d almost guarantee it’s worse.
@@walkertompkins1271 Honda shud be first. Yamaha last maybe
Yamahas in recent (within last few years) tests actually beat out Honda reliability. Was very surprised, albeit its so close I doubt it has much real world value
Yamaha as he said had a marginally better reliability record over the last few years. As in 1 percent difference between them, suzuki, and honda.@titancodm1098
The question is though. Is it enough to make me want one over an Aprilia.
The paint scheme on the kawa is very cool
I love these deep dives. Well done Yammie!!!
This video will hopefully blow up for you. I feel like everyone I talk to is asking this question.
Sup Yam! Big fan, been following your content for a minute now. I picked up the Rs457 back in Aug. it is legit everything you say it is, and because of you im learning even more about my bike. For a new rider, it is hands down thee perfect first bike. Best thing I ever did for myself. Bike has soo much personality. I just want to get an exhaust. I need it to scream, something that really lets you hear the 270 crank
How is the reliability
The twins that Kawasaki uses in the 400 and 500 are very regular but still pretty interesting, I feel like they’re a great blend of thumpy mid range while still having a decent amount of top end pull
sadly the Aprilia is priced at (converted to usd from aud) $8,657 USD in Australia which really kills any competition in the beginner bike category here
Damn, I Was really keen on the apprilia, but 13k is a big much, u can get 2 used ninja 400s for that price
@@jakobmanton6889 I think you misread.
@@spr5033 oh, it being priced at 13k is a good thing??
@@jakobmanton6889 ??????? The 500 nor the 457 are $13k. The zx6r and 660 are 13k.
Great review, YN. Great balance of emocional and practical. 👍🙏. .... 457 all the way 🤣
My 500 SE is my first and loving it. Over 1100 miles on weekends over the last month. Can agree it can do the long rides and has plenty of pep on twisties.
I'm not interested in either bike but I still watch yam :)
As an Aprilia Tuono V4 owner and lover, I would take the kawasaki. The idea of having my commuter bike having possibly shaky reliability just can't stand.
I want a more all rounder like the ninja but I loooooooove the way the aprilia looks and the philosophy behind the design
Definitely getting the aprilla
Finally a youtuber who hasn't taken bribery from cf moto to hype their bike and speaks straight up facts
I mean he talked up the 450ss last year.
I was so curious about the 500. Thank you!
I have had nothing but problems with my rs 457. Dealer support in my area is terrible. Not a good bike. Maybe for some but not for me. Going with the ninja 500 for reliability!!! The ninja is faster 0-60. It’s more like 4.5-4.8. I rode my friends 500 and definitely felt faster.
My co worker has the 457 and he keeps on having issues with his brakes not working correctly and the dealer told him its normal and there’s no fix. I let him ride my 500 and now he’s begging the dealer to trade.
@@2008gueloAsk ur mate to get the brake pads replaced with a suitable one.that will do the job just fine.
Ninja 500 should be more like 5.0 0-60. Ninja 400 did it in 4.1-4.3
@@SayanSaha-nc6mv thanks I just told him he’s ordering the brakes now🙏🏽
@@2008guelo yeah gotta get sintered breakpads tho
At the end of the day buy what bike makes you happy. Beginner bikes are about putting smiles on the riders face. I would have bought either but Kawasaki had beautiful 40th anniversary and that was the only reason for my purchases literally
I just wanna say that I really respect the way you ride, I’m learning but this is my goal, having fun, safely in my lane, not making mistakes not speeding too much but enjoying the ride
People should value this kind of riding more. Over crossing lanes and maxing out speed
Im looking at getting the Ninja 500 for ergo and comfort. Im 5'6", inseam 30".
I'm 5'10", can't tell you my inseam off the top of my head, but I own a Ninja 500. I rode it for about 6 hours straight, with just stopping for gas and a soda here and there and was super comfortable. I ride shorter typically, but it's so comfortable to sit on for a while.
You would be fine on either bike, I have a 28" inseam and ride a Tuono 660 with a 32.3" seat height. I struggle a little with moving the 660 around in parking spaces, but If I had a 30" inseam, I would be fine.
@@matt8530 Yeah, but as a beginner rider. I don't want to push skill set yet.
I’ve put 6,000 miles on my Ninja 500 se since picking it up in late April of this year. For the record I’m 6’0 and 220 pounds and this has been my first year riding a motorcycle. I can’t speak on how the ninja compares to other bikes as this has been the only motorcycle I’ve ridden. My goal on starting on a smaller bike is to learn how to ride safety and build on the fundamentals of riding before moving onto something bigger and faster. I just want to start by saying so far The ninja has been an amazing first bike. It’s been exactly what I was hoping for in a first motorcycle. My main concern was ergonomics, I wanted something comfortable so I could put the miles in. The ninja meets my expectations and then some. I won’t hesitate to take it on a few hour trip, knowing I’ll be feeling just fine afterwards. In terms of styling I’m a big fan, the only way you could tell it’s not a bigger bike in my opinion is the narrow tire width. Other than that it looks like a true sport bike. Performance wise the bikes met my expectations and then some. There’s plenty of power for the back twisty roads, and when you’re on the straights all the power is usable. It’s a blast revving the bike out to 11k rpm’s and it feels like it’ll take anything you throw at it. After 6 months, I’m still not bored and plan on keeping the bike another season to continue becoming a better rider. The bike handles well and rides smooth. I have no problem cruising on the highway at 75. The se package with the upgraded display and other accessories has been nice. I keep my phone charged while it’s on the quad lock, and the tft display works excellent, very responsive readings for rpms etc. Overall for the price of 8k OTD for the krt se model, I’m very pleased. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a comfortable smaller cc sport bike.
Thank you for this comment, it really helped me to make my final decisions. I will be buying next season, as it will be my first bike.
I will be definitely getting a quick shifter as well, and throttle lock for my long rides.
thank you again!
@@wetagentovač No problem at all! Glad I was able to help by sharing my experience so far. Those sound like some great upgrades. The throttle lock will be very nice - especially as a new rider, holding the throttle open on long rides can take its toll on your wrist. Quick shifter can only add to the experience I'd assume, best of luck!
@@rsclayy Oh, good to know about the quick shifter. I will keep that on mind, and wait for my own experience, before I jump in.
That's awesome to hear your loving your 5000. I'm on 2300kms but I only got her in September (Australia gets everything later and literally only got the 2025 bikes a fortnight ago). I love the colours of the 40th anniversary bikes
@@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 Thanks a lot, it’s been a great bike. Hopefully you’ve been enjoying yours as well, the 40th anniversary color scheme does look good I agree!
For me, it's the integrated blinkers. Those things snap off in every tip over you ever see, no matter how gentle the tip. I love my 500.
Love City Park road! What a great driving road!!! I'm looking for my first bike and this road is a perfect drive for learners. Thanks for all the great content coming out of ATX
I have really been considering both bikes and think you have talked me into the Aprilia
I'm a proud Aprilia RS457 owner from the capital of India. This is a single-bike garage setup, and I've been using and abusing this baby for the last 5k km around the town of Delhi NCR. This is a motorcycle GEM, and I have a factory-fitted taller windscreen, quick shifter, USB port and a rear cowl they are amazing products, especially the quick-shifter. If you somehow damage your bike then the replacement parts are quite pricy. Just remember that no products are absolutely perfect out of the factory, and YES, I ride my bike so that it brings me joy every time I swing my leg over it.
What are the prices of spare parts?
How is the service experience?
@@AarvETk Aprilia India is trying to listen to their customers, but sadly, only in Tier 1 cities. Some may say it is not good in India right now.
Well done bro and as you said it makes you happy. I bought ninja 500 due to the 40th anniversary colours reminded me of being young. Riding them makes me happy. I'd be happy to ride with you even on a Grom. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE SMILES AND NOTHING ELSE
I prefer the 500 though I am troubled by the keyless start.
SE Ninja 500 does have keyless but you can get base or base ABS and they have key ignition
Oh my god, my prayers have been answered, literally the two bikes I'm torn between
Get the ninja
Get the Aprilia
Ninja
aprilia >
Aprilia for the sound
Ninja for reliability
Ninja 500 would look godly with some gold usd fork and fully adjustable suspensions.
Color scheme on the Ninja is killer!
Buying a beginner/small capacity European bike - with the respective price tag - makes no sense to me. IMO these kind of bikes are good for two things: to LEARN and to demolish on track. Therefore, I personally would not get something more expensive and less reliable.
Aprilias are as reliable as most other brands. Only issue is dealer network
YES, get a used turd Katana or Ninja 250 for $1500 bucks and destroy it or resell it for what you bought it for. Then buy a nice inline-4. Why spend so much on a beginner bike you will probably drop?! Otherwise, why spend so much on a boring beginner bike if you aren't a beginner?!
That super long throttle throw is pretty common on cable throttle bikes. My CB650R had a 90 degree throttle i.e. 1/4 turn which meant you would have to practically wrap your arm around the bar to get to full throttle. I upgraded to a G2 Ergonomics 10% quicker throttle tube/cam and it made a huge difference! Not just making it easier to hit full throttle, but even just in general riding the bike the bike feels way more responsive and "sporty". It just feels more eager. Definitely recommend that upgrade to anyone so long as you aren't a noob. If you are a noob, stick with the stock throttle until you get better with throttle control.
It might be outclassed but you wont regret ol'reliable team green
Nice video Yammie. Here in India, Ninja 500 comes in CBU mode from Indoensia or Thailand but it has only 45 bhp against 51 as u mentioned in ur video 😢.
RS457 is manufactured here in India and it benefits a huge 1100USD price cheaper against N500.
Kawasakis are known for their refined and reliable engines, but owning one here n india is not easy as they come in CBU mostly 😕
have my ninja 250r 7 years, not one issue with the bike whatsoever. They are just bulletproof.
Going to be upgrading next year and was looking at the 600 series, but then seeing this review, has me thinking
Love my 500 the only thing I don’t like is how far you have to twist that throttle to go wide open
I love the addition of the blue on this ninja 500. I hope Kawasaki start using more than just black/grey/green
24:24 honestly all I needed to hear😂🗣️
My '72 Kawasaki H1-B 500 had no fuel gauge but it had reserve to give you a second chance.
It had a trip odometer. One Hundred Miles per fill up. Don't forget. 20 MPG! That bike cruised so perfectly on the open roads at 80 MPH. No vibration or excess engine heat, just go on so nicely, even loaded down with all the stuff you want on your cross country holiday. I put a rack on the back for that and a clamp on windshield. The speed Limit was Sixty in Canada but the engine was not happy with that. Not the right revs.
I stand by the street use get the Ninja, track use get the Aprilia.
Honestly though for the SE and its price I'd get the Aprilia all day. The SE just isnt worth the price increase over the base model.
As for reliability I think the Aprilia being made in India is a plus for it.
This bike is big in the Indian market and motorcycles over there are a main form of transportation which means they take bike reliability seriously.
So far I love the crap out of my 457 and 1200 miles in not any sign of a single issue.
This was the perfect choice, IMO, for my next season track bike.
Good to read your thoughts! For whatever reason I am only able to buy the SE variant of the 500, which makes it roughly the same price as the Aprilia.
Awesome response. Thanks for your input
I HAD Z650 BEFORE , GIVING APPRILIA 457 A SHOT NEXT . LOVE THE FULL FARING AND 270 CRANK ! THANK U FOR THIS REVIEW AND COMPARISON. GOING TO DEALER IF THEY HV ANY TOURING SET UP !
Bro even us indians consider Japanese vehicles as way more reliable than our own Indian products. You just can't beat the japs in making durable machines . The ninja 500 base model is 2000 dollar more expensive than aprilia 457 in India but still older experienced riders will prefer the ninja because it's a Japanese fully imported unit with an engine that will last 100,000 miles . Aprilia engine might not even last 20,000 miles just like ktm.
@marcoensmits I may be biased get the Aprilia!
I imagine an ECU flash could help with the power band issues on the RS457?
Yes all these bikes could do so much more but there’s so many regulations that the manufacturers have to comply with and that’s what’s making these bikes feel a little bit restricted.
As one of the first few owners of RS457 I would place on record that the riding dynamics (especially cornering control) are unparalleled in its league.
Coming to service, well for a brand which has only sold scooters so far in India, they are doing a good job albeit they have a lot of ground to cover in terms of trained staff at service, but it’s just the beginning and the game is too long to be played.
Coming to brakes, at a responsible speed, you’ll not face any issues, if you want to replicate what you saw in movies at your own risk, switch to racing brake pads. The stock setup works well for me at least on streets in India.
So go ride one before assuming and sulking in the corner, you can only harp so much about brand, reliability, pricing and the yada yada yadas 😅
An important thing to remember is that you probably won't have your first motorcycle for very long. You will learn to ride, get used to it and then sell it and get something faster. If you go into motorcycling with this mindset, you can save yourself a tonne of money by buying a second-hand motorcycle maybe 1-2 years old with low km, ride it for 1 year to get your skills and then upgrade to something bigger like a CB650R, MT07 etc which will give you a lot more bike to grow into. Consider your first bike as a stepping stone to your second bike and try not to lose too much money on your first bike. I bought a second-hand Duke 390, 2 years old, from an old guy who had only done 1,200km on it which is like 800 miles. I got an awesome deal on it and then sold it 6,000km and 1.5 years later for more than I paid for it. I did put new tyres on it so it's not like I made money but at least I didn't lose anything. And I didn't put a single upgrade part on that bike since I didn't want to waste money on a bike that I knew I wasn't going to keep. Now I have a CB650R and it is three times the bike that the Duke 390 is. Way more grown up, way more powerful, fantastic chassis and suspension and I will be able to ride this bike for years and years and not outgrow it.
I have a ninja 500 SE would not change it for the world and anyone who want to start or like me lives in a country with restricted licenses (A2 for example) then I would highly recommend it for a first "bigger" bike too, in just 15 days of owning it I am close to clocking 1000 miles, just to prove how much I love it even further!
Love my ninja 500, I have the exact same one show in this video… that being said, my bike has now been in the shop for about 8 weeks and will be there for another 12 because after 1200 miles the clutch forks went bad, every single gear 1-6 had pieces and chips in the gears. I bought this bike brand new. It began dropping gears randomly while riding without me shifting and did it when I was going into a corner at 70 and locked my rear wheel because the engine and wheel speed didn’t match. Love the bike but the transmission is a problem and cut my riding season very very short
people rave about aprilias but where tf am i gonna get one serviced in bumfuck nowhere. Meanwhile kawasaki is reliable af and you can get it serviced anywhere/get parts easily
Great video 🎉
That kawi absolutely pulls harder especially up top than the 457. I have ridden both
It does I also test drove both I ended up buying the 500 and I just love it it’s my 3rd bike, in the end they’re both great bikes .
For me it was the 40th anniversary colour. I'm a 90's teen remembering the zx7r as a kid
I haven't ridden anything Aprilia, but have ridden a number of Kawi's including starting on a Ninja 400, and a Eliminator 500. IDK I've grown to hate the sound of Kawasaki's twins, and although the initial acceleration is great, seems like after about 60mph it just falls right on it's face. Hated riding the 400 on the highway because of how light it was, and how easy the wind or even large trucks wold unsettle the bike. But I will say some positives about it too. Great looking bikes, great starters bikes if not the perfect starter bikes. They are selling like crazy in my area for the price point of a brand new bike, being a little cheaper than a used 600 of most other brands, plus the availability of ABS. I'm glad I learned on one, as it never gave me a single issues and was very easy to learn on. The one time I got nervous and made a rookie mistake (full throttle clutch dump basically from a stop) it didn't have enough umph to loop it. Where as if I was on a used 600, the bike would have went further than me. Although I haven't been able to ride my beloved Suzuki 8R in a month since it's been in the shop getting repaired from being side swiped, I'm still more sold on Suzuki than Kawasaki now. Just feels like a better bike. Next stop for me is a Suzuki GSX-R600 or R700.
yammi...going to FOURTH GEAR...for 0-60 test....mindblown...
Yam’s previous video..”keyless ignitions are stupid”
Next giveaway bike has keyless ignition 😏
😂 just having a laugh…love ya Noob!
Not in the market for these bikes but inverted forks and the aluminum frame alone I would go RS457. Don't get me started on looks. Bike looks as good as any 600 super-sport I've seen.
Yami its time to upgrade your camera equipment to 4k bud. How are you still rockin 1080p in 2024?
i don't want to change my mind getting the kawasaki 500... i love it this
The ONLY part of the Aprilia that tops the Ninja, is the 270 degree crank. The Ninja, on the other hand, have tons of aftermarket equipment, that can make it a beast (they dominate WSSP300). IRC up-and-down QS with auto-blip and a full titanium pipe.
I'm willing to put my head on a block, that any form of "tuning" to the 457 would have it in the workshop for repairs more often than any other "300" class sportbike. What's the use of buying a bike that would be in for repairs more often than it is being ridden?
How exactly 270 top an 180?
LOL WTF tuning doesn't make your bike more unreliable. On the contrary, an aftermarket tune can improve the fueling so that the bike will be more performant and not run lean.
Not only does the 457 have a better engine, its more rigid, has a sportier position, better brakes, better suspension and if tested on track the 457 would definitely take the lead. Im not sure how the ninja 500 stacks up on track but the lighter rc390 was compared to the 457 on track and the rider despite having lots of experience with the 390, went around 3 seconds faster with the 457.
I wonder if this guy regrets getting the arm tats!😂😂
The new black and silver ZX4RR seems like a good giveaway bike 👀
I am mad it looks that good bc I already bought a '24
The new zx4rr looks so clean, it makes me want to buy it but I know I don’t need it
What? Where are you seeing these new colorways? I didn’t see any silver zx4rr
457 has a nicer paint job on it for sure. Both are great bikes
Ninja 500 with that 180 degree parallel can hold higher rpm ? Then the 270 degree parallel on Aprilia? So both are different in terms of engine ..
Yes, the 180 is happier to rev and imo makes it feel more sport bike appropriate
180 cranks are true flat plane in design, which tend to be more eager to rev out.
@@brandonzm1122 thanks 👍
@@sleeper.simulant7327 thanks 👍
Yep, the twin in the 400 and 500 are surprisingly rev happy for twins
I have a Ninja 500. I love it. So nice and zippy and very forgiving. I could ride it for hours... in fact, I did ride it for 6 hours straight one day. My next bike might be an Aprilia RS660.
I get my rs457 on down here in New Zealand. Mine came with a quickshifter and the turn signals are integrated. Il post a half assed video recorded from my phone when I get it. The rs457 is the bike I've been waiting for since I started watching yam about 18 months ago.
I choose RS 457 over all & I’m loving it…
Aprilia's bikes handle on a different level than Japanese bikes. It's a very hard thing to explain and best experienced. If you're buying a "sport bike", then you've already accepted it's not ideal for commuting. There are MUCH better "starting bikes" for commuting than the Ninja 500 (look into naked bikes)! If you are torn between these two bikes, the real question you need to ask is: Is there an Aprilia dealership near me? If the answer is "no" than go with the Kawasaki, if the answer is "yes" than go with the Aprilia. The biggest downside to Aprilia is the limited dealership network in the USA.
Just curious why does your rs 457 have turn signals on the fairing on front? Arent they integrated in the headlights itself?
United States DOT regulations
@@brandonzm1122 flash the ecu with a euro map and ur good
It's been a dream of mine to get a Kawasaki Ninja when they first came out with the 250's, come spring of 2025 I will finally be able to afford one, after I get my motorcycle license, I'm going to buy a 2024 or a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE KRT Edition, comes with Tank pad, knee pads, frame sliders & radiator screen, starting at $7,999 here in Canada, this will be my first bike finally.
I'm over 50 and 5'7 will I be able to flat foot this bike? Thanks, Yammie Noob 😀
How about that hole in second gear on the 457?
Sounds like an American problem courtesy of the regulations. You guys also get the stupid looking indicators. Just flash out the dead spot.
Good video. Kawasaki for me.
At this point, I'll have to win a bike to get a bike.
Gotta put in the work and effort man.
The Indian 457 has blinkers integrated in headlamps.
Am i weird for liking the basic sound of the ninja 500 and 650?
No. In person, that 457 sounds like a toy. It’s hard to explain but it just sounds small and weak. Kawi’s engine on the other hand sounds and feels strong, especially while riding. Plus in the high rpm’s it starts to feel almost in line 4 like.
@brandonzm1122 it's funny, I was thinking i would rather just start on the ninja 500, and later upgrade to the rs 660.
@@brandonzm1122you're the only person I've ever seen saying that lmao
@@lukas6485 an aftermarket exhaust changes everything. However bone stock the 457 does sound awful imo. Kawi’s engine with 180 degree crank is smoother and yes I prefer the sound of the Kawi at 9-10k vs the 457. 180 degree cranks are happier to rev
Are these giveaways restricted to your local area?
I just saw a video of the zx’s keys work on each other 10-6-4 not good
thats not actually real
@@prokahn good to know
I'd rather have the ninja but winning the apprilia will be nice too
Here in India, the Ninja 500 is priced 25% more than the RS 457. All because Aprilia is manufacturing RS 457 locally, while for Kawasaki they need to import the Ninja 500. I want to have an allrounder like the Ninja but, the pricing is kind of suggesting to move towards Aprilia. I already ride a Japanese bike so I know its reliability, but the pricing is too much for me to bear.
does give away works in India As well?
If you have extra money to spend, invest on YSS suspensions front and rear + steering damper, and the Ninja 500 will give a run for money on track, against the RS 457. Just my humble opinion.
Can confirm the US spec bike is heavily restricted compared to the Indian models, IN spec bikes consistently does 0-62 in 5.3 secs
Yammie you sound a lil bias for the aprilla
too much bias lol....ninja 500 even more low range torque than 400...&only 360lb....city too much fun
Would love to see the Aprilia 457 compared to the KTM RC390, especially on track
finally....the low torque of 500 vs 400 is huge diff, 400 need to rev way higher
That pic of tft display on ninja 500 wasn't the correct picture for se.
Saving up money for a Ninja 500 or Z500. I eventually want to pick up a Ninja 650. People say I should buy used for my first bike, but Ninja owners seems to be on some serious copium when selling their bike. I see them listed for 5-6K for a 2020+. I get that they probably paid close to 8 or 9K from a dealer, but that's not my issue.
I see dealers with sales on the Z500, and even after taxes and fees, I see no reason to not just spend the extra 1-2k over a used. A brand new Z500 for ~6.5k, or a used for 5k?
Z500/ninja better bike than the 650 in my opinion anyway
This is a big issue in motorcycling in general. People making impulse buys and selling their bikes right away.
As you say, people are trying to sell 2020-2021 bikes for almost the same price as brand new models.
Like just because you saw fit to install a full exhaust + full accessories on a 650 does not give you the right to resell the bike for this sort of cash.
40th anniversary livery is amazing
is the giveaways us exclusive??
Folks who are thinking RS457 is better, please go watch Revzilla's recent review of the same.
I test-ride both 500 and rs457. Guess what, the ninja was quite mellow compared to the smile I had throughout my test ride of the rs457+ quick-shifter on a 400cc bike is unheard of! I am adding one next to my rsv4
Is kawasaki ninja 500 se is good for 196(6.4) rider? Like it seems to me a little bit small.
Is the SV650 totally different? In a different class?
Yes, the sv is nearly double the power if these 2, these are a2 compliant bikes without restriction, the sv needs restriction or a full licence to ride, the sv is in the same class as the mt07, trident 660, ninja 650... all these bikes are bout 70-80hp, the 400 class are at about 42hp and feel smaller, I have an sv and love it 😂
@@MrKillervincent what about handling? Are the smaller bikes better at handling?
Ninja 500 is what I predict you'll pick. It uses the 451cc Kawasaki Eliminator motor. The Aprilia is more race ergos
Do yall think Kawi would ever consider a 270 crank for their 500's?
Why turn signal is extra in Aprilia??
In Indian version its integrated in the DRL only
US Regulations
I bought 2 500 40th anniversary (wife rides as of fortnight ago 🎉). Kawasaki dealership (Honda Kawasaki Husqvarna in one) is literally 3mins up the road vs I don't know where but I do know its not close lol. After hearing people with 100000miles on there ninjas I didn't hesitate going for my bikes (x2 500, zx4rr, zx6r all 40th anniversary bikes). Australia we get 2year unlimited mileage Kawasaki warranty also
I would choose the Ninja 500 for sure.
Which one would you recommend for a 6-foot one Rider getting back into riding after about 30 years I don't want nothing super fast so 500 cc's are under women plenty. I'm more torso than legs on my inseam is only about 30 or 31 inches
Yammie knows his sht. As we all know. But something I realized after giving guitar lessons and talking to students is that teaching requires a lot more than being an expert on the subject.
One being this uncanny ability to put yourself in the beginners shoes. Or the shoes you weer in when you started out.
Not commonly found...but not saying its rare either.
Im about to buy my first bike. Clicking on this video seemed like it would be helpful but the things hes saying about the bikes sound like stuff an experienced rider would say if he were teaching other experienced riders about these bikes.
Make sense? Like his niche is really in the upper end of bikes like liter bikes.
Unfortunately not a lot here is useful...and these are beginner bikes mind you.
Yammie if you read this, here's how you do it. You actually have to sit down and close your eyes and imagine you were first riding again. What you were thinking. What you were worried or scared about most etc. It will not be super easy at first but keep sitting there thinking and it will start to come to you.
Of course Im talking about going much deeper than what heights can flat foot the bike.
Newbies want to know which one feels better balanced AKA wont want to fall over as much as the other one.
WHich one feels like it takes corners better...brakes easier...idk sht Im a newbie lol. But you get the idea.
Zx4rr vs rs457 is the real comparison 👀
Sorry bud but this makes no sense
How about a Ducati Monster 696 as a first bike ?
I would get the ninja base. Got everything you need and nothing you don't.
It depends on where you live. Kawasaki is cheaper here than the big 4 but the aprilla is cheaper with the rs457. Yamaha is so expensive and i will never choose that crap. The rs457 only deal breaker might be expensive parts and lack of availability
Aprilia finishing is on another level.
Speculation on the R9?
I am a yamaha r series lover...and love kawasakis and suzuki and hondas too...I would buy the ninja without any second thoughts...like if have the money right now...i would go to a kawasaki showroom and say to the sales person hey give me a ninja now