The new Kawasaki Ninja 500 competes with popular sports bikes such as KTM RC390, Aprilia RS457, and Yamaha R3. This is an in-depth comparison of engine specifications.
The Aprilia RS457 and the latest model, the Kawasaki Ninja 500, are two new motorcycles that have added to the growing popularity of the sub 500cc bike market. Here are the features of the latest Japanese motorcycle compared to its rivals, including KTM and Yamaha.
Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs competition: Engine specifications
Within the segment, the KTM RC390 is the only bike with a single-cylinder powerhouse; The Kawasaki Ninja 500, Yamaha YZF-R3, and the Aprilia RS457 are all powered by liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engines. Still, KTM is no slouch and has raised the performance bar for other two-wheeler manufacturers since its launch in 2013.
| Specifications | Ninja 500 | R3 | RS457 | RC390 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 1995 mm | 2090 mm | 2020 mm | 2145 mm |
| Width | 730 mm | 730 mm | 745 mm | 760 mm |
| Height | 1120 mm | 1140 mm | 1130 mm | 1098 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1375 mm | 1380 mm | 1400 mm | 1355 mm |
| Seat Height | 785 mm | 780 mm | 810 mm | 835 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14-liters | 14-liters | 15-liters | 13.7-litres |
| Wheels (F/R) | 17-inch | 17-inch | 17-inch | 17-inch |
| Weight | 171 kg | 167 kg | 175 kg | 172 kg |
| Suspension – Front | Telescopic | Telescopic | USD | USD |
| Suspension – Rear | Monoshock | Monoshock | Monoshock | Monoshock |
Lean-sensitive ABS, traction control, and a bi-directional quick-shifter are among the electronics and features that differentiate the KTM RC390 from the other four motorcycles. However, an update for the RC390 is overdue.
With features like traction control, switchable ABS, riding modes, and adjustable suspension at both ends. An optional quick-shifter included in the accessory package, the Aprilia RS457 is almost identical to the contemporary RC390. Apart from dual-channel ABS and TFT dash with phone connectivity. The Ninja 500 is not equipped with any tech support, and the R3 follows the same.
| Engine Specs | Ninja 500 | R3 | RS457 | RC390 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 451 cc | 321 cc | 457 cc | 373 cc |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Power | 44.7 bhp | 41.4 bhp | 46.9 bhp | 42.9 bhp |
| Torque | 42.6 Nm | 29.5 Nm | 43.5 Nm | 37 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-Speed | 6-Speed | 6-Speed | 6-Speed |
Regarding specifications, the Aprilia RS457 has the most power on paper, followed by the Ninja 500, RC390, and R3. In contrast, the Aprilia has the most significant engine displacement, and the R3 has the smallest. Nevertheless, the bigger engine found in the 390 Duke, which produces 45.3 horsepower and 39 Nm of torque. It will now be fitted to the revised KTM RC390, making the race between Kawasaki, KTM, and Aprilia Bikes.
