2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE vs KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR

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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 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
15 pts
Top on paper
KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR
85 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 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
62.6 pts
KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR
44.2 pts

Touring / long rides

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
17.7 pts
Best fit here
KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR
88.3 pts

Sporty riding

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
19.8 pts
Best fit here
KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR
99 pts

New rider friendly

Best fit here
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
69.6 pts
KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR
27.8 pts

Seat height (cm)

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

  • 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE 78.5 cm Lowest seat here
  • KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR 80 cm Tallest seat here

Spread in this comparison: about 1.5 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 52 hp (2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE) up to 79.1 hp (KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR).
  • Torque spans 42.6 Nm (2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE) up to 76.4 Nm (KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR).
  • Weight spans 184 kg (2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE) to 188 kg (KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR).
  • Displacement spans 400 cc (KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR) to 500 cc (2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE).
Specification Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR
Brand KAWASAKI KAWASAKI
Model Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR
Engine size 500cc 400cc
Power 52hp 79.1hp
Torque 42.6nm. 76.4nm.
Cylinders / valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves 4 cylinders, 16 valves
Weight 184kg 188kg
Front brake Balanced actuation double piston Ø310mm Twin 290 mm discs, ABS
Rear brake Balanced actuation double piston Single Disc Ø220mm Single 220 mm disc, ABS
Seat height (cm) 78.5cm 80cm
Front tyre 110/70R17 M/K 54H 110/70-17
Rear tyre 150/60R17 M/K 66H 150/60-17
Cooling Liquid cooling Liquid cooling
Front suspension Telescopic fork Ø41mm SFF-BP internal parts and adjustable spring preload/4.7 inches, 37 mm inverted fork
Rear suspension Uni-Trak with lower link, gas-charged shock and spring preload adjustability Horizontal Back-link, BFRC lite gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, adjustable compression, rebound, and spring preload/4.9 inches
Motorcycle type Naked Supersport
Top speed 195km/h 235km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 14 L – 3.8 L/100km 15 L – 6 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $6399 $9399
Brand price lists View KAWASAKI price list View KAWASAKI price list
Extra features

Electronic Riding Aids

Economical Riding Indicator, Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) (3 modes), Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) (dual-direction), Power Modes

Special Features

4.3" Full-color TFT Display, Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP

-Power Modes

-Smartphone Connectivity

-Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension

Opinions

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2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE vs 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR: Which One is Better for You?

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE and 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR are very similar in terms of engine capacity and power. In this case, design, driving comfort, and personal preferences may take precedence. Additionally, 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR, with its 79.1hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.

1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE and 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR 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.2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE, with its 500cc engine capacity, is ideal for users seeking high performance and acceleration. Experienced riders may prefer it for long-distance journeys.

2. Torque Power

2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR, with its 76.4Nm torque, delivers powerful performance. A high torque value ensures superior acceleration and advantage on steep inclines. 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE, with its 42.6Nm torque, offers a more balanced ride for city use. 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR is ideal for users requiring rapid acceleration. Moderate torque power is suitable for both city use and short-distance trips.

3. Top Speed

2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR, as a Süpersport, can reach a maximum speed of 235 km/h. This speed feature can be considered an extra advantage for a motorcycle of this type. 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE, as a Naked, offers a lower maximum speed of 195 km/h, but this does not overshadow its other features.

4. Cooling System

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.

5. Design and Comfort

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE and 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Additionally, 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR, with a seat height of 80cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE, with a seat height of 78.5cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.

Conclusion

2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE and 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR have nearly identical engine capacities. 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR, with higher torque, excels in rapid acceleration and steep climbs. 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR, with a top speed of 235 km/h, stands out for speed enthusiasts. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR 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 Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE vs KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR?

KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR is listed at 235 km/h vs 195 km/h for Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE.

Which has more horsepower, Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE or KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR?

KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR has 79 hp compared with 52 hp on the Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE.

Which is better, Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE or KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-4RR?

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.