Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 is the clearer choice if you prioritize lower listed weight and original U.S. MSRP: its ABS versions are about 44–46 pounds lighter than the Honda CBR500R and started at a lower price. The Honda makes a case with standard traction control, a 5-inch TFT with smartphone connectivity, a larger fuel tank and dual front brake discs. Their seat heights differ by just 0.2 inch, so fit should be judged in person rather than from the spec sheet alone.
2024 CBR500R vs. Ninja 500: key specifications
These figures are for U.S. 2024 models. Kawasaki offers multiple Ninja 500 versions, so its weight, price and equipment depend on trim. Honda’s U.S. specifications list the CBR500R as an ABS model.
| Specification | Honda CBR500R | Kawasaki Ninja 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 471cc liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel twin; four valves per cylinder | 451cc liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel twin |
| Published output | Honda’s cited U.S. pages do not state a directly comparable horsepower-and-torque pair. | 51.0 hp at 10,000 rpm and 31.7 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm. Kawasaki says its horsepower figure uses ISO 4106 measurement, which differs from SAE measurement. |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual; Honda describes an assist/slipper clutch. | Six-speed manual |
| Curb weight | 421 lb, with fuel and fluids, per Honda’s 2024 specifications. | 370.4 lb non-ABS; 372.6 lb non-ABS 50-state; 374.9 lb ABS; 377.1 lb ABS 50-state, per Kawasaki’s 2024 specifications. |
| Seat height | 31.1 in | 30.9 in |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 U.S. gal | 3.7 U.S. gal |
| Published fuel economy | 72 mpg estimate; Honda says actual mileage varies. | Not stated in the cited Kawasaki specification sheet. |
| Front brakes | Two 296 mm discs with four-piston calipers | One 310 mm disc with a two-piston caliper |
| ABS | Listed as standard in Honda’s specifications | Trim-dependent; Kawasaki lists ABS and non-ABS versions. |
| Rider aids and display | Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and a 5-inch TFT with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity | Base specification lists an LCD with RIDEOLOGY app connectivity; equipment varies by version. |
| Original U.S. MSRP | $7,399 | $5,299 non-ABS; $5,699–$5,899 ABS |
Sources: American Honda’s 2024 CBR500R features and benefits release, Honda’s 2024 CBR500R specifications and Kawasaki’s 2024 Ninja 500 specifications.
Which is lighter, and what does the difference mean?
Kawasaki lists the Ninja 500 at 370.4 to 377.1 lb, depending on ABS and 50-state configuration. Against Honda’s 421-lb curb figure, the Ninja is roughly 44–51 lb lighter across those listed versions; comparing ABS models specifically, it is about 44–46 lb lighter. These are manufacturer-listed curb weights, not independent scale measurements.
#1 Best Overall
- Fitment: 2013-2023 CBR500R
- CONTENTS: Contains 3 Quarts Genuine OEM GN4 Standard 10W-30 Motorcycle Oil, 1 Genuine OEM Honda 15410-MFJ-D02 Oil Filter, 1 12MM Washer and 1 Convenient Disposable Funnel.
- QUALITY GUARANTEED: Keep your Honda CBR500R running at MAX power with this Cyclemax Standard OEM Oil Change Kit, tailored specifically to have everything you need for models produced from 2013 to 2023! Experience worry-free riding with our expert fitment. Have questions? Our eager staff will gladly help you find the right kit for your ride!
- PROPER FITMENT RESEARCHED BY PROFESSIONALS: Our team of powersports professionals has done the research to make sure this kit fits the models listed. If there are any issues with your product please contact us for prompt and friendly customer service.
A lower listed weight is a meaningful spec-sheet advantage, but it does not by itself establish which motorcycle is easier to handle in every situation. Balance, riding position, rider confidence and the bike’s feel at low speed also matter. If maneuvering or parking is a concern, sit on both and, if possible, try a controlled test ride.
Price: compare the original MSRP by trim
For the 2024 U.S. model year, Honda reported a $7,399 MSRP for the CBR500R. Kawasaki listed the Ninja 500 at $5,299 without ABS and $5,699–$5,899 for ABS versions. On those original MSRPs, the Ninja was less expensive, but its exact price depended on version.
Rank #2
- Genuine Honda part that fits your specific vehicle
- Oil Change Kit
- Part Number: 08C35-A131M02
- Manufactured to meet specifications for fit, form, and function
These are historical model-year MSRPs, not current dealer quotes or out-the-door totals. They exclude freight or destination, setup, taxes and registration, and do not account for discounts, incentives, remaining new inventory or used-bike prices. Confirm the exact Ninja version and request a local written quote before comparing what you would pay now.
Engine and performance: what the published figures do—and don’t—show
The Honda has the larger displacement: a 471cc parallel twin versus the Ninja’s 451cc twin. Kawasaki publishes 51.0 hp at 10,000 rpm and 31.7 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm. It specifies that the horsepower figure was measured using ISO 4106, rather than SAE measurement.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- IMPORTANT NOTE - Please check "vehicle fitment list" or description to make sure this model and year work for your bike before ordering. Be sure to strictly follow the installation instructions to check and test before riding, recommended that professionals install (Not for 2022 UP+ CBR500R CB500X CB500F)
- UNIQUE DESIGN - MZS Clutch Brake Levers use modern CNC and laser techniques which ensure a long life of the product and a good visibility of the laser graved logo, shape and design of the lever follow ergonomic viewpoints
- ADJUSTABLE REACH - By simply adjusting a setscrew on the MZS brake clutch lever, the reach can be adjusted to accommodate the smallest to the largest hands and gives the best clutch or brake response
- UNBREAKABLE - The beautiful shiny finish with anodized treatment CNC short lever improves corrosion resistance and hardness, and prevents bending and damage at the time of crash. And it is covered with the skidproof stripe which can enhance the touch feel and friction, not easy to slip on
- PREMIUM MATERIAL - MZS Motorcycle levers use chrome steel precision sealed bearings, stainless steel pivot and bushing parts, chrome slicon cantilever springs, CNC billet 6061 aluminum and chromoly fasteners
Honda’s cited U.S. materials do not publish an equivalent horsepower-and-torque pair. The available figures therefore do not support a direct output ranking. Nor do the specifications establish a winner for acceleration, top speed, braking distance or handling: no independent head-to-head results for those measures are provided here.
Equipment: Honda’s traction control and TFT versus Kawasaki’s trim-dependent setup
Honda CBR500R
For 2024, Honda added standard HSTC, a 5-inch TFT with RoadSync smartphone connectivity, and a dual LED headlight. Honda also describes updated bodywork and an ECU update intended to improve acceleration feel; that is Honda’s stated aim, not independent test evidence. Honda’s materials also describe an assist/slipper clutch.
Rank #4
- Fitments: Our adjustable 360° rotating motorcycle stealth mirrors compatible with Honda CBR250R CBR250RR CBR300R CBR500R CBR600RR CBR1000RR etc, Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ninja 400 Ninja 650 ZX6R ZX10R etc, Suzuki GSXR600 GSXR750 GSXR1000 GSX1300R GSX650F etc, Yamaha R15 R25 R125 R3 R6S YZF600R etc. For more detailed models and years, see the detail description.
- Mirror Rotates 360 Degrees: Our racing motorcycle mirrors are designed to rotate 360 degrees to accommodate drivers of different heights to get the best view of the rear of the motorcycle. Greatly improve the safety of driving.
- Convex Mirror: This motorcycle side mirrors features a convex HD mirror, allowing a clear view further behind the driver than a regular mirror.
- Cool and Practical: Motorcycle rearview mirror wind wing style is mounted on the fairing of a sports motorcycle. The unique appearance design of the mirror can not only increase the eyes of the audience, but also minimize the resistance of the motorcycle during driving.
- Sturdy and Durable: It is made of strong aluminum alloy, with high hardness, wear resistance, oxidation resistance and other advantages. Even in all kinds of extreme weather underground, it can perform well.
Kawasaki Ninja 500
Kawasaki’s base specification lists an LCD and RIDEOLOGY app connectivity. ABS, price and equipment vary among Ninja 500 versions, including SE and special editions, so confirm the exact bike’s specification instead of assuming every Ninja 500 has the same package.
The Honda’s published feature list is the more specific fit if standard traction control and a TFT are priorities. The Kawasaki’s equipment should be assessed against the exact version and its quote.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteBest Value
- Compatible with Honda CBR500R CB500F 2016-2024
- Pressed in screws for easy installation, clean underside appearance
- With installation instructions.
- Retain OE license plate light and OE turn signal lights
- Rubber grommet included to protect wire
Brakes, ABS and fuel capacity
The CBR500R has two 296 mm front discs and four-piston calipers; Honda’s 2024 specification lists ABS. Kawasaki specifies one 310 mm front disc with a two-piston caliper, and offers both ABS and non-ABS versions. Disc count and caliper layout alone do not establish real-world stopping distance, so compare the exact trim and consider a test ride.
Honda lists a 4.5-gallon tank, compared with 3.7 gallons for the Ninja. Honda also estimates 72 mpg and cautions that actual mileage varies; the cited Kawasaki sheet does not state a comparable economy figure. A larger tank does not by itself prove greater riding range, and the available published figures are insufficient to name a fuel-economy winner.
Seat height and everyday fit
The CBR500R’s listed seat height is 31.1 inches; the Ninja 500’s is 30.9 inches. That 0.2-inch difference is small on paper. Seat width and shape, suspension sag, inseam, boots and confidence when stopping can affect how accessible either bike feels.
Honda describes the CBR500R riding position as sporty and aggressive. Specifications do not settle questions such as wrist pressure, knee bend, passenger comfort or wind protection. Sit on each motorcycle in the gear you plan to wear, and try a test ride where available; pay attention to stops and slow turns as well as comfort at speed.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhich 2024 model should you choose?
Choose the Ninja 500 if
- Lower manufacturer-listed curb weight is a priority.
- You want the lower original U.S. MSRP, after checking whether the bike is non-ABS or ABS and which version is being quoted.
- You prefer to decide among the Ninja’s trim and equipment options based on the specific bike available.
Consider the CBR500R if
- You value Honda’s listed standard HSTC and 5-inch TFT with RoadSync connectivity.
- You prefer its 4.5-gallon tank or dual front-disc setup.
- You sit on it and find its position and controls a better fit for your use.
For either bike, weigh fit, predictable control, training, insurance and protective gear alongside the spec sheet. Neither motorcycle can be called universally best for a new rider on these specifications alone. Kawasaki’s specification sheet advises: “Always wear a helmet, eye protection and proper apparel.”
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
