Ninja is a name that no motorcycle fan can ignore. Born exactly 40 years ago, Kawasaki’s legendary sports bike has evolved well over these four decades of life, and today it has versions in different displacement segments, from 400cc to 1000cc, and also more radical versions such as the extraordinary H2 range.
Today, the new Ninja 500 arrives in Chile, replacing the Ninja 400 in the catalog and positioning itself as a new entry to the Kawasaki brand, with all the radical style that crosses the Ninja range, but with greater usability to captivate beginners in this segment.
The Ninja 500 will be offered in Chile in three versions, differentiated by equipment and aesthetics.
- Ninja 500 ABS: $6,990,000
- Ninja 500 SE KRT: $7,390,000
- Ninja 500 SE 40th Anniversary Edition: $7,690,000
They all include a new parallel twin engine of 451cc Liquid-cooled, with four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts, capable of generating 51 Hp at 9,000 rpm and 43 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, which is managed through a quick-shifting six-speed transmission and features an assisted and slipper clutch.
It also features a lightweight steel trellis frame with the engine as part of the structure. Up front, it sports a telescopic fork with traditional 41mm travel bars, and at the back it has a UniTrak suspension that is adjustable for preload, and which the brand says is capable of providing “high stability and maneuverability to master any challenge on the road.”
As for the braking system, it offers a single 310 mm diameter disc at the front, with a two-piston caliper, and a 220 mm single-piston disc at the rear, both with ABS system.
The Kawasaki Ninja 500 is 1,995 mm long, has a wheelbase of 1,375 mm and a seat height of 785 mm. In weight it is 172 kilos.
The new Ninja 500 continues the tradition of aggressive design of the Ninja range, including LED headlights and taillights, a lower or higher windscreen, depending on the version, and a sporty tail that can be replaced with a passenger seat.
The technology is given by the keyless system and its new LCD digital interface with smartphone connectivity, which in the highest versions is replaced by a 4.3″ TFT screen and adds a USB-C charging port.
All versions will be offered in three color schemes, but the KRT (Kawasaki Racing Team) versions add a special aesthetic kit, the TFT cluster with USB port, the higher windshield, some fall stops, among others.
Ninja 500 40th Anniversary version.
Of the 40th Anniversary variant, which features the SE package and adds graphics directly inspired by Ninjas from the last century, only a few units will be available.
