2024 Honda SCL500 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 SCL500
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 SCL500
70.3 pts
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
44.3 pts

Touring / long rides

2024 Honda SCL500
54.2 pts
Best fit here
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
55.2 pts

Sporty riding

2024 Honda SCL500
33.5 pts
Best fit here
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
80 pts

New rider friendly

2024 Honda SCL500
47 pts
Best fit here
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
59.3 pts

Seat height (cm)

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

  • 2024 Honda SCL500 78.9 cm Tallest seat here
  • 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE 78.5 cm Lowest seat here

Spread in this comparison: about 0.4 cm.

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 46 hp (2024 Honda SCL500) 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 SCL500).
  • Weight spans 184 kg (2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE) to 191 kg (2024 Honda SCL500).
  • Engine sizes are very close.

Reader votes so far — total 1: 2024 Honda SCL500 (0); 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE (1).

Specification Honda SCL500 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
Brand HONDA KAWASAKI
Model Honda SCL500 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
Engine size 500cc 500cc
Power 46hp 52hp
Torque 43nm. 42.6nm.
Cylinders / valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves
Weight 191kg 184kg
Front brake Single 310mm disc with two-piston calipers; ABS Balanced actuation double piston Ø310mm
Rear brake Single 240mm disc, ABS Balanced actuation double piston Single Disc Ø220mm
Seat height (cm) 78.9cm 78.5cm
Front tyre 110/80-19 110/70R17 M/K 54H
Rear tyre 150/70-17 150/60R17 M/K 66H
Cooling Liquid cooling Liquid cooling
Front suspension 41mm fork; 5.9-inch travel Telescopic fork Ø41mm
Rear suspension Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability; 5.7-inch travel Uni-Trak with lower link, gas-charged shock and spring preload adjustability
Motorcycle type Naked Naked
Top speed 158km/h 195km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 12 L – 4 L/100km 14 L – 3.8 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $6799 $6399
Brand price lists View HONDA price list View KAWASAKI price list
Extra features

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2024 Honda SCL500 vs 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE: listed specifications

The 2024 Honda SCL500 and 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE are closely matched in torque and displacement, while the Ninja 500 SE has more peak power, and the higher listed top speed and a lower listed weight.

Engine displacement

SCL500 and Ninja 500 SE have very similar engine displacement (500 cc vs 500 cc).

Peak power

Ninja 500 SE has a modest listed power advantage (52 hp vs 46 hp).

Torque

SCL500 and Ninja 500 SE have very similar listed torque (43 Nm vs 42.6 Nm).

Listed top speed

Ninja 500 SE has a clear listed top-speed advantage (195 km/h vs 158 km/h).

Cooling

Both motorcycles are listed as liquid-cooled.

Weight and seat height

Ninja 500 SE has a modest listed weight advantage (184 kg vs 191 kg). SCL500 and Ninja 500 SE have very similar seat heights (78.9 cm vs 78.5 cm).

Conclusion

The measurable differences are therefore concentrated in peak power, listed top speed and weight, while displacement, torque and seat height remain relatively close.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of Honda SCL500 vs Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE?

Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE is listed at 195 km/h (121 mph) vs 158 km/h (98 mph) for Honda SCL500.

Which has more horsepower, Honda SCL500 or Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE?

Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE has 52 hp compared with 46 hp on the Honda SCL500.

Which is lighter, Honda SCL500 or Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE?

Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE is lighter at 184 kg vs 191 kg for Honda SCL500.

Which is better, Honda SCL500 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.