Kawasaki Ninja 500 Launched At Rs 5.24 Lakh – Likely To Replace Ninja 400 In India

Updated: Friday, February 23, 2024, 16:49 [IST]

Kawasaki has officially launched the much-anticipated Ninja 500 in India with a price tag of Rs 5.24 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom). That being said, the Ninja 500 matches the cost of the Ninja 400, which is currently available with a Rs 40,000 discount on the manufacturer's website.

Given the pricing on the newly launched Kawasaki Ninja 500, we expect this new motorcycle to eventually take over the Ninja 400's spot in the Indian market. However, there is a possibility that the Ninja 400 could be sold alongside the Ninja 500 for a few more years.

Kawasaki Ninja 500: Power and Features

The Ninja 500 is powered by a new 451cc, parallel-twin engine, liquid-cooled engine with 45bhp at 9,000rpm and 42.6Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. This engine is a familiar powertrain and is also used in the Eliminator 500 cruiser and the innovative Ninja 7 hybrid motorcycle.

Despite weighing slightly more than the Ninja 400 at 171kg, the Ninja 500 maintains a competitive edge with its weight being less than that of the Aprilia RS 457 and the KTM RC 390.

The motorcycle also comes equipped with dual-channel ABS and the seat height stands at a comfortable 785mm, making it accessible for shorter riders (an optional tall seat available as an accessory).

Kawasaki Ninja 500: Design and Connectivity

The Ninja 500 introduces a new face that aligns with the latest Kawasaki sport bikes, including the ZX-6R and the Ninja 7 Hybrid. The motorcycle launched in India is the standard model, featuring a negative LCD dash with Bluetooth connectivity and an all-black colour scheme. However, it does not include keyless ignition, a feature reserved for the up-spec SE variant.

With its pricing, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 stands out amongst its rivals, such as the Yamaha R3, Aprilia RS 457, and the KTM RC 390, all of which are priced lower. Whether the Ninja 500's advanced features and brand value will sway buyers in its favour remains to be seen. Kawasaki dealerships across India are now accepting bookings for the Ninja 500, with deliveries expected to commence by the end of the month.

The launch of the Ninja 500 marks an interesting phase for Kawasaki in India, as it seeks to capture a larger share of the premium motorcycle market with a bike that balances power, design, and accessibility. Only time will reveal the impact of this strategic launch on the competitive dynamics of the segment and the preferences of Indian motorcycling enthusiasts.