I like to see these vids but can you get the speech to music sound levels matched up a bit better please. I turn up to hear speech then I get my head blown off when the music starts! Better still, no music.
After years of this feedback and almost as many years of good CZcams content from independent creators I’m amazed they still use this format from decades ago.
Another thing, everyone speaks about these being beginner bikes.....no one refers to the fact that they will still go up to around 180-200kmh and you don't need that amount of speed on the street anyway. Further to that we don't actually need 70+ HP on a bike for street use, so 45 odd on a bike like this is realistically all you need, another reason why people stick with this level of bike.
I agree. To a point. We don't need/never needed 200mph supercars either. They were stiill on my bedroom wall. I still lusted after them. Same with bikes. Is even 100hp way too much? Yes. It's about capability. The unsaid. The unused. Plus, it's mostly about acceleration anyway. My CB125R takes 8 seconds to 60. Have I sh£t myself on occasion because it was too fast? Oh yes😅
@@English_MoFo Well nobody would expect them to call it a Ninja 451, just like the older model wasn’t the Ninja 299, but rounding it up from 451 to 500 is a bit cheeky.
I think they do that in india. must be a marketing thing. or maybe that's only the eliminator? anyway, i agree, use the real numbers, to me it makes it even more impressive that it puts out 47hp.
I weigh 68 kilos and loved my 250 ninja. I never felt underpowered, even travelling 1000 km a day on fast expressway trips. I have no doubt that the 500 will be the last bike i ever need, though I think i'll switch to the eliminator.
The 400 to me is iconic and basically perfection. The fact it had good torque and was high revving makes it so engaging and fun to ride on the everyday road. I’m starting to think too much torque is beginning to come in these bikes now to not allow one to use the full rev range. I enjoy letting my N400 sing. I don’t want to short shift. But until I ride this new one how can I have an actual opinion worth anything.
As you can see and hear in the video, you can still use the full rev range and the new 451cc really does have a wide spread of power. But the extra torque is really forgiving, especially for new riders.
I've seen a number of these comparison videos between the z500 and the Ninja 500 and most of the riders end up choosing the Z500 over the Ninja. Does that all boil down to comfort?? A Salesman told me that the difference between the two bikes in terms of handlebar placement is only one inch difference, so you will lean forward 1 in with the ninja 500, it looks more than that to me.
One category of riders you're not mentioning is experienced ones who are looking for a bike whose engine they can thrash without doing silly speeds. I'm looking for a small capacity bike as my third in a three-bike garage, the others being twins where going for high RPMS doesn't add anything (1250RT and Scrambler 900). Used to have an MT10, and could have opted for anything in that category, but I've grown to really like the light is right approach, where fun is in pushing, not going fast. Anyway, personal choices etc.
Hello, I did mention that in the beginning of the video and is focussed on more in the written articles. My 70-year old dad is considering the Z500! But these bikes are loads of fun for experienced riders, but as mentoned in the reviews, it will be the suspension and brakes that hold back harder riding for those really giving them some stick. Hope that helps.
Don't lie to yourself. I'm similar height and the bike has way to little legroom for anyone above 180cm to be comfortable on a longer ride. This bike is asian-sized = optimal for rider height 170cm.
Blimey this was hard going. Perhaps I could simplify a bit. The new z500 has got a bigger engine to help with emissions and a long overdue improved dash. The Kawasakis are smaller, lighter and more exciting than the Hornet which in turn is more chilled, grown up and with unrivalled longevity already proven. You’re welcome.
Yes. I see where Kawasaki are coming from, but where is the new kle500 or Versys? This is what the market wants. I think. Look at all the interest in the new CF Moto 450 MT. Or the new Himalayan. Ride safe 👍
My local dealer hasn’t had a Ninja 400 or Z400 last more than a few days on the lot in the past two years. Meanwhile they have 2023 Versys’ that have been sitting there for months. But same as you, it’s ’I think’ for me too! Anecdotal evidence is all I’ve got.
Can't believe I'm saying this but... ...the naked actually looks better! Absolutely loath modern, futuristic looks but this one, they have somehow nailed it. The US market that does not have the A2 compliance failed to understand the new 500 because it doesn't add HPs, they think it was made because of emission regulations and they made the engine bigger trying to preserve performance, when it's just good made better by adding ccs and channeling them all to torque due to the HP restrictions of the catergory elsewhere in the world.
That z500 looks like a good time for me although I’d love a sport bike and the cbr600rr has my eye I’ll have to consider the more comfortable option here
Velocity stacks, a new exhaust, and a tune. Should do wonders! Graves has already posted the HP and torque increases on a 500 with that setup (vs stock), and it’s a pretty big jump.
Dreadful audio mix, shallow content. Basically, if you're not going to tell me anything more than wikipedia, why am I going to endure the god-awful music?
I hate to say it as a Kawasaki fan and owning 5 of them, but I would rather have a CFmoto 450ss. I personally own a 450ss and actually sold my zh2 because I had more fun on the 450. Then after riding my friends ninja 400 I released that the 180 crank is exactly lifeless and boring. Also the tech isn’t near as intriguing as the CFmoto. It’s sad when you spend over 16,000 on one of Kawasakis top line bike and a Chinese 450 gave way more information on a ride app than the zh2 app. The CFmoto app is a leaps better than the Kawasaki app. I would also like to add because everyone always go to this question, “I bet the ninja 500 will last longer” and I’m not so sure about that. I’ve definitely never questioned the reliability of my 450. I’ve definitely had sketchier Japanese bikes. I have over 3000 HARD miles on my 450 and it absolutely loves it. I’ll have to ride the new 500 but I have a feeling it’s not going to feel as good as the CFmoto 450. But time will tell.
I like the look of the Z500 better, and I'm a little bias towards it cause I have an 03 Z1000 and I love it. I am a bit curious why they don't have USD forks though 🫤🤷🏻♂️
Just bought the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 as my first bike. It’s awesome!
I like to see these vids but can you get the speech to music sound levels matched up a bit better please. I turn up to hear speech then I get my head blown off when the music starts! Better still, no music.
💯
After years of this feedback and almost as many years of good CZcams content from independent creators I’m amazed they still use this format from decades ago.
Hahaa 0.37 seconds 💥
Another thing, everyone speaks about these being beginner bikes.....no one refers to the fact that they will still go up to around 180-200kmh and you don't need that amount of speed on the street anyway.
Further to that we don't actually need 70+ HP on a bike for street use, so 45 odd on a bike like this is realistically all you need, another reason why people stick with this level of bike.
I agree. To a point. We don't need/never needed 200mph supercars either. They were stiill on my bedroom wall. I still lusted after them. Same with bikes. Is even 100hp way too much? Yes. It's about capability. The unsaid. The unused. Plus, it's mostly about acceleration anyway. My CB125R takes 8 seconds to 60. Have I sh£t myself on occasion because it was too fast? Oh yes😅
The music on this video is really annoying.
This really should be called the Ninja 450.
And Ninja 450 doesn't sound bad either. Typically manufacturers will choose a number that sounds good but 450 works.
*451
@@English_MoFo Well nobody would expect them to call it a Ninja 451, just like the older model wasn’t the Ninja 299, but rounding it up from 451 to 500 is a bit cheeky.
I think they do that in india. must be a marketing thing. or maybe that's only the eliminator? anyway, i agree, use the real numbers, to me it makes it even more impressive that it puts out 47hp.
@@trailguy 51* and atleast kawi isnt the only one lying in the name, the honda cbr500rr is only a 453
I just recently bought myself the new 2024 Ninja 500 and ♥️ it. Great vid!
Nice bikes. I've had a few Kawasaki's since my Z1000J in 1981. They've all be completely reliable, always liked the brand.💚
I love my 03 Z1000
I weigh 68 kilos and loved my 250 ninja. I never felt underpowered, even travelling 1000 km a day on fast expressway trips. I have no doubt that the 500 will be the last bike i ever need, though I think i'll switch to the eliminator.
Dear Kawasaki, we need 3 changes: usd fork, nice&light alu rear arm, more legroom (lower pegs+higher seat).
Nice review. I like them both. Look like great prospects in this sector.
The 400 to me is iconic and basically perfection. The fact it had good torque and was high revving makes it so engaging and fun to ride on the everyday road. I’m starting to think too much torque is beginning to come in these bikes now to not allow one to use the full rev range. I enjoy letting my N400 sing. I don’t want to short shift. But until I ride this new one how can I have an actual opinion worth anything.
As you can see and hear in the video, you can still use the full rev range and the new 451cc really does have a wide spread of power. But the extra torque is really forgiving, especially for new riders.
100% agree. I wonder could you add a cam to raise the redline?
I've seen a number of these comparison videos between the z500 and the Ninja 500 and most of the riders end up choosing the Z500 over the Ninja.
Does that all boil down to comfort??
A Salesman told me that the difference between the two bikes in terms of handlebar placement is only one inch difference, so you will lean forward 1 in with the ninja 500, it looks more than that to me.
I think I have just about decided that my next bike will be a Z500. My last new bike was a 2012 V Strom 650. I am looking for something a lot lighter.
You will have a lot of fun on it
Just bought the ninja se Krt edition yesterday.For my first bike. Loving it thanks for your review
These look sick! Great riding and I dig the music
One category of riders you're not mentioning is experienced ones who are looking for a bike whose engine they can thrash without doing silly speeds. I'm looking for a small capacity bike as my third in a three-bike garage, the others being twins where going for high RPMS doesn't add anything (1250RT and Scrambler 900). Used to have an MT10, and could have opted for anything in that category, but I've grown to really like the light is right approach, where fun is in pushing, not going fast. Anyway, personal choices etc.
Hello, I did mention that in the beginning of the video and is focussed on more in the written articles. My 70-year old dad is considering the Z500! But these bikes are loads of fun for experienced riders, but as mentoned in the reviews, it will be the suspension and brakes that hold back harder riding for those really giving them some stick. Hope that helps.
I'm 6"2 and fit perfectly on the Ninja 500, very comfortable.
Don't lie to yourself. I'm similar height and the bike has way to little legroom for anyone above 180cm to be comfortable on a longer ride. This bike is asian-sized = optimal for rider height 170cm.
@@OsirisPL i am 170cm....and is like tailored for me....
Would love to see a new inline 4 Z750
They're ok but not a patch on the old 60 BHP GPZ500S. So much for the 47 BHP regs ! The death of midrange fun.
Blimey this was hard going. Perhaps I could simplify a bit. The new z500 has got a bigger engine to help with emissions and a long overdue improved dash. The Kawasakis are smaller, lighter and more exciting than the Hornet which in turn is more chilled, grown up and with unrivalled longevity already proven. You’re welcome.
Great Review 😊
The eliminator 500 vs z500
Which would you pick and why?
Yes. I see where Kawasaki are coming from, but where is the new kle500 or Versys? This is what the market wants.
I think. Look at all the interest in the new CF Moto 450 MT. Or the new Himalayan.
Ride safe 👍
My local dealer hasn’t had a Ninja 400 or Z400 last more than a few days on the lot in the past two years. Meanwhile they have 2023 Versys’ that have been sitting there for months.
But same as you, it’s ’I think’ for me too! Anecdotal evidence is all I’ve got.
Got a 91, GPZ500s in the garage, 60bhp. Why would I want this one? I understand riders in the Uk who have to stick to a bhp limit being interested.
Great advert
Can't believe I'm saying this but...
...the naked actually looks better!
Absolutely loath modern, futuristic looks but this one, they have somehow nailed it.
The US market that does not have the A2 compliance failed to understand the new 500 because it doesn't add HPs, they think it was made because of emission regulations and they made the engine bigger trying to preserve performance, when it's just good made better by adding ccs and channeling them all to torque due to the HP restrictions of the catergory elsewhere in the world.
The Ninja looks better in black, imo.
That z500 looks like a good time for me although I’d love a sport bike and the cbr600rr has my eye I’ll have to consider the more comfortable option here
exactly my situation
Don't like OEMs raising power by name - if it's a Z450 call it that....
Uk roads with their speed cameras are a Kill Joy for testing fast bikes !
45bhp -perfect!
And only 377lbs!
D really like to see what I can modify on the z to squeeze a bit more out of it without going overboard.
Velocity stacks, a new exhaust, and a tune. Should do wonders! Graves has already posted the HP and torque increases on a 500 with that setup (vs stock), and it’s a pretty big jump.
Sell it, buy a bigger bike
In USA it has 51HP, just check the PN differences between UK and USA models and you will know how derestrict it.
KAWA 👑👑👑
Bring back the 800
Unfortunately, less power than the old ninja/GPz 500 but more modern style and features.
Dreadful audio mix, shallow content. Basically, if you're not going to tell me anything more than wikipedia, why am I going to endure the god-awful music?
Ask for a refund 🤣
More music!!!!!
I hate to say it as a Kawasaki fan and owning 5 of them, but I would rather have a CFmoto 450ss. I personally own a 450ss and actually sold my zh2 because I had more fun on the 450. Then after riding my friends ninja 400 I released that the 180 crank is exactly lifeless and boring. Also the tech isn’t near as intriguing as the CFmoto. It’s sad when you spend over 16,000 on one of Kawasakis top line bike and a Chinese 450 gave way more information on a ride app than the zh2 app. The CFmoto app is a leaps better than the Kawasaki app. I would also like to add because everyone always go to this question, “I bet the ninja 500 will last longer” and I’m not so sure about that. I’ve definitely never questioned the reliability of my 450. I’ve definitely had sketchier Japanese bikes. I have over 3000 HARD miles on my 450 and it absolutely loves it. I’ll have to ride the new 500 but I have a feeling it’s not going to feel as good as the CFmoto 450. But time will tell.
Kawi needs to give the z900 the looks of the z500.
How much fokkkking top speed?
Lol, these aren't 500s.
I like the look of the Z500 better, and I'm a little bias towards it cause I have an 03 Z1000 and I love it.
I am a bit curious why they don't have USD forks though 🫤🤷🏻♂️
*cough* Ninja 450 *cough*