2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet vs 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE

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Scores, summary & seat (optional) Estimates and auto text from specs — open if you want them.

Technical score (estimate)

Weighted mix of power, torque, power-to-weight, top speed and lighter weight within this comparison only. Not a real-world verdict — riding style and roads matter.

2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet
22 pts
Top on paper
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
78 pts

Usage fit (estimate)

Rough scores for city riding, touring, sporty riding and new riders — mix of specs and bike category. Same caveats as the technical score: traffic, skill and tyres matter.

City / commute

Best fit here
2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet
70.3 pts
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
44.3 pts

Touring / long rides

2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet
54.2 pts
Best fit here
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
55.2 pts

Sporty riding

2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet
33.5 pts
Best fit here
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
80 pts

New rider friendly

Best fit here
2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet
55.7 pts
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
50.6 pts

Seat height (cm)

Figures are as in the database; boots, suspension sag and road surface change how tall the bike feels.

  • 2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet 78.5 cm Lowest seat here
  • 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE 78.5 cm Lowest seat here

Rough guide: comfortable flat-foot reach often needs inseam roughly in the same ballpark as seat height (varies a lot by ergonomics).

Auto summary from specs

Generated from the numbers in the comparison — not a review.

  • Power spans 47 hp (2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet) up to 52 hp (2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE).
  • Torque spans 42.6 Nm (2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE) up to 43 Nm (2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet).
  • Weight spans 184 kg (2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE) to 188 kg (2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet).
  • Engine sizes are very close.
Specification HONDA CB500 Hornet Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
Brand HONDA KAWASAKI
Model HONDA CB500 Hornet Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
Engine size 500cc 500cc
Power 47hp 52hp
Torque 43nm. 42.6nm.
Cylinders / valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves
Weight 188kg 184kg
Front brake Dual 296mm x 4mm disc with Nissin radial-mount four piston calipers Balanced actuation double piston Ø310mm
Rear brake Single 240mm x 5mm disc with single piston caliper Balanced actuation double piston Single Disc Ø220mm
Seat height (cm) 78.5cm 78.5cm
Front tyre 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) 110/70R17 M/K 54H
Rear tyre 160/60ZR17M/C (69W) 150/60R17 M/K 66H
Cooling Liquid cooling Liquid cooling
Front suspension Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, Telescopic fork Ø41mm
Rear suspension Prolink mono with 5 stage pre-load adjuster, Steel hollow cross swingarm Uni-Trak with lower link, gas-charged shock and spring preload adjustability
Motorcycle type Naked Naked
Top speed 188km/h 195km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 17.7 L – 4 L/100km 14 L – 3.8 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $6399 $6399
Brand price lists View HONDA price list View KAWASAKI price list
Extra features

-Assist/slipper clutch , 5-inch full colour TFT, Honda RoadSync

-HISS (Honda Intelligent Security System), Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)

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2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet vs 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE: Which One is Better for You?

2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet and 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE are very similar in terms of engine capacity and power. In this case, design, driving comfort, and personal preferences may take precedence. Additionally, 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE, with its 52hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.

1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance

2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet and 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE have almost identical engine capacities, offering similar performance. In this case, design, driving comfort, and other features will play a more significant role in your choice.Both models have an engine capacity of 500cc. Experienced riders may prefer it for long-distance journeys.

2. Torque Power

2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet and 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE have almost identical torque values, offering similar traction power. This suggests that other features might play a more significant role in your choice regarding performance. 2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet is ideal for users requiring rapid acceleration. This torque value provides economical and sufficient power for city use.

3. Top Speed

2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet (Naked) and 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE (Naked) have very similar maximum speed values. 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE offers a slight advantage with a top speed of 195 km/h. However, this difference might not be noticeable for most users.

4. Cooling System

2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.

5. Design and Comfort

2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet and 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Both models feature the same seat height, offering similar comfort for riders of different heights.

Conclusion

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet and 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE have nearly identical engine capacities. 2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet and 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE have nearly identical torque values. 2024 HONDA CB500 Hornet and 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE offer very similar top speed values. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE stands out in terms of technical specifications and overall performance. However, depending on your riding preferences and usage needs, both models offer unique advantages.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of HONDA CB500 Hornet vs Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE?

Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE is listed at 195 km/h vs 188 km/h for HONDA CB500 Hornet.

Which has more horsepower, HONDA CB500 Hornet or Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE?

Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE has 52 hp compared with 47 hp on the HONDA CB500 Hornet.

Which is better, HONDA CB500 Hornet or Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE?

It depends on your riding style. Compare top speed, weight, fuel use and price in the table on this page, then vote for the bike you prefer.