Cool-Motorcycles reviews Kawasaki Ninja 500R
Exciting two-wheel fun, practical two-wheel efficiency

Practicality is the Kawasaki’s Ninja® 500R’s biggest asset as it strikes an ideal balance between function, form and budget that’s rarely achieved in the sport bike world. A sensible sportbike, the 500R is ready to rip, yet remains friendly enough for beginners to feel confident in its manners.

At the heart of this excellent platform is the Ninja 500R’s 498cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder four-stroke engine. With dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, the robust motor is both beginner-friendly and rousing to expert riders. No slouch, this half-liter engine has enough gusto to let novices expand their skills and keep even the most seasoned riders quite happy exploring the upper end of its rev range.

Letting the high-performance engine live to its full potential is a lightweight and compact design. One of the major selling points for the Ninja 500R is its great-handling enabled by its large-diameter 37mm fork tubes and UNI-TRAK® rear suspension system utilizing a progressive linkage similar to the larger-displacement Ninja models. With the motor and chassis combo, the bike begs to be taken out on twisty back roads.

And the Ninja 500R also shares the same sporty styling of its bigger siblings, with an aerodynamic half-fairing that provides wind protection for the rider and is stylishly complemented by a lower fairing.

FEATURES

Liquid Cooled Twin-Cylinder 498CC Engine

• Compact parallel-twin design
• Superior engineering produces sport bike power with broad usable torque
• Good mass centralization for superior handling
• Liquid cooling provides consistent engine temperatures and allows closer engine tolerances for more horsepower and long engine life
• Auxiliary cooling fan maintains optimum temperature for best performance, fuel economy and reliability

Four Valves Per Cylinder

• Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow
• Better flow for more power at high rpm and strong low-end torque
• Compact combustion chamber for increased compression ratio without detonation on today’s gasolines

34MM CVK Semi-Flat Slide Carburetors

• Precise fuel metering provides uniform power delivery at all engine speeds
• Quick throttle response

Digital Ignition

• Microprocessor-controlled timing never needs adjustment
• Ultra-responsive to engine needs

Six-Speed Transmission

• Translates into a gear for all speeds, excellent acceleration and relaxed highway cruising
• Has a Kawasaki exclusive, the Positive Neutral Finder, which means riders can find neutral easily, every time at a stop with just a lift of the shift pedal from first gear

Standard Half Fairing

• Offers rider wind protection for more comfort
• Incorporates large, easy-to-read instruments with two resettable trip meters
• Stylish lower fairing completes the Ninja® image

Double-Cradle Steel Box-Section Frame

• High-tensile steel perimeter frame
• Lightweight, with superior rigidity for more precise handling and better control

37MM Front Fork

• Large-diameter fork tubes with thin walls for light weight and exceptional rigidity

Bottom-Link Uni-Trak Rear Suspension

• Progressive rate provides a smoother, more controlled ride
• Lightweight aluminum components provide quick suspension response
• Lower center of gravity for better handling

17-Inch Wheels

• Wide, modern 17-inch rims fit low-profile, high-performance tires

Front Disc Brake

• Disc is drilled for better cooling and reduced unsprung weight
• Dual-piston caliper for increased braking effectiveness

Rear Disc Brake

• Powerful and controllable
• Single-piston caliper

Sidestand and Centerstand

• Sidestand permits easy parking, while centerstand makes for easy cleaning or servicing

Budget Friendly

• Affordable suggested retail price

SPECIFICATIONS

• Engine : Four-stroke, DOHC, parallel twin
• Displacement : 498cc
• Starting : Electric
• Bore x stroke : 74.0 x 58.0mm
• Compression ratio : 10.8:1
• Cooling : Liquid
• Carburetion : Keihin CVK34 x 2
• Ignition : TCBI with digital advance
• Transmission : Six-speed
• Final drive : Chain
• Frame : High-tensile steel, perimeter design
• Rake / trail : 27 degrees / 3.6 in.
• Front suspension / wheel travel : 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.1 in.
• Rear suspension / wheel travel : UNI-TRAK® system with single shock / 3.9 in.
• Front tire : 110/70-17 tubeless
• Rear tire : 130/70×17 tubeless
• Front brake / rear brake : Hydraulic disc / Disc
• Overall length : 82.5 in.
• Overall width : 27.6 in.
• Overall height : 45.7 in.
• Ground clearance : 4.7 in.
• Seat height : 30.5 in.
• Curb weight : 434.4 lbs.
• Fuel capacity : 4.8 gal.
• Wheelbase : 56.5 in.
• Color : Metallic Diablo Black, Candy Plasma Blue
• Good Times™ Protection Plan : 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
• Warranty : 12 Months

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Cool-Motorcycles reviews Kawasaki Ninja 500R