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Kawasaki Levels Up - The New Ninja 500 Roars into India
Featured Stories by Team Drivio | 26 Feb 2024
The Kawasaki Ninja 500 is one of the most popular beginner motorcycles in India and has been recently updated for 2024 with several changes.
- Sharper styling in line with Kawasaki's Sugomi design philosophy
- Inclusion of single-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard
- BS6 compliant engine with fuel injection
Kawasaki launched the 2024 Ninja 500 in India to bring the motorcycle up to date technologically while retaining its balanced performance and handling. In this article, we take a look at the key highlights of the new Ninja 500 launched in the Indian market.
| Engine | 471 cc, Parallel-Twin, Liquid-Cooled, 8-Valve, BS6 |
|---|---|
| Power | 47 hp @ 8,750 rpm |
| Torque | 43 Nm @ 7,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Mileage | 35-40 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 185 kmph |
| Fuel tank capacity | 12 liters |
| Kerb weight | 192 kg |
Overview of Kawasaki Ninja 500
The Kawasaki Ninja 500 (also known as EX500) is a middleweight sportbike from the Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki. It was introduced in 1987 and has undergone several generational updates over the years. The Ninja 500 is appreciated for its balanced power delivery, nimble handling, sporty styling and reasonable pricing, making it an ideal motorcycle for beginners and enthusiasts.
Key Highlights of Ninja 500
Here are some of the top highlights of the new 2024 Ninja 500 launched in India:
- Sharper styling: The 2024 Ninja 500 features all-new bodywork with aggressive styling in line with Kawasaki's Sugomi design philosophy. The headlamps are sharper and the body panels edgier than before.
- Updated instrument cluster: It now features a digital-analogue hybrid instrument cluster, replacing the previous all-analogue unit. The new cluster provides information like gear position indicators and twin trip meters.
- ABS as standard: The biggest update is the inclusion of single-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard for improved safety and braking performance.
- New colour options: The 2024 Ninja 500 is available in two new colour schemes for the Indian market - Metallic Spark Black and Lime Green/Ebony (KRT edition).
- BS6-compliant engine: It is powered by a 471cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine which is now upgraded to comply with the BS6 emission norms, along with fuel injection.
- Assist and Slipper Clutch: Another first-in-segment feature is the Assist and Slipper clutch for lighter lever pull and prevention of rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts.
Changes Over Previous Model
When compared to the previous BS4 model of the Ninja 500, the new 2024 variant comes with a number of key changes:
- Revised engine tuned to meet BS6 emission standards
- Single-channel ABS added as standard
- New assist and slipper clutch
- Full LED headlamp
- Redesigned muscular bodywork
- New digital instrumentation
- Higher ground clearance by 15mm
Engine and Performance
Powering the new Ninja 500 is the same 471cc, parallel twin engine which has been updated to comply with BS6 emission norms. It is a liquid-cooled, 8-valve unit that produces 47 hp at 8,750 rpm and 43 Nm torque at 7,500 rpm. The fuel delivery is now managed by fuel injection. The engine performance offers a brisk acceleration and a linear power delivery suited for city rides and highway cruising. The 6-speed transmission has revised gear ratios for better performance.
Ride and Handling
The lightweight perimeter frame, telescopic front forks and preload-adjustable rear monoshock suspension lend the motorcycle agile handling characteristics. The suspension offers a comfortable ride quality and has a slightly higher ground clearance of 145mm. The new Dunlop Sportmax tyres provide better grip and stability. The front 300mm petal disc with 2-piston caliper and rear 220mm petal disc with single piston caliper, complemented by ABS, allow confident braking performance.
Features
The Kawasaki Ninja 500 comes equipped with an LED headlamp, LED turn indicators, new hybrid digital-analogue instrument console, twin trip meters, gear position indicator, rubber-mounted handlebars, assist and slipper clutch, black alloy wheels, split seats and a 12-litre fuel tank. The new features add more value, style and functionality.
Pricing and Availability
The Kawasaki Ninja 500 2024 is priced at Rs. 5.49 lakh (ex-showroom) which makes it an attractively priced middleweight sportsbike. Bookings have commenced across India and deliveries will begin soon. The Ninja 500 competes with bikes like KTM RC 390 and TVS Apache RR 310 in the segment.
Verdict
The 2024 Ninja 500 is a well-rounded package offering the perfect combination of sporty looks, engaging performance, nimble handling, safety tech and everyday practicality. The addition of ABS, assist clutch and other features coupled with aggressive new styling make the new Ninja 500 an even more compelling motorcycle in its segment. Overall, it offers excellent value-for-money and will continue to be a popular model in Kawasaki India's line-up.
