The sub 500cc sportbike segment is gaining popularity with new motorcycles, which include two new launches — the Aprilia RS457 and the newest entrant, the Kawasaki Ninja 500. The latest Japanese motorcycle takes on several other competitors in the segment from KTM and Yamaha, and here’s how it compares against its competition in terms of specifications.
Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs competition: Engine specifications
In the segment, the Kawasaki Ninja 500, Yamaha YZF-R3, and Aprilia RS457 are powered by liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engines, while the KTM RC390 is the only one to get a single-cylinder powerhouse. That said, the KTM is no slouch and set the performance benchmark really high for other two-wheeler makers when it was launched, back 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 | — |
| Wheelbase | 1375 mm | 1380 mm | 1400 mm | 1355 mm |
| Seat Height | 785 mm | 780 mm | 810 mm | 835 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14-litres | 14-litres | 15-litres | 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 |
Also, amongst the four motorcycles, the KTM RC390 is the most equipped in terms of electronics and features, as it gets lean-sensitive ABS, traction control, and a bi-directional quickshifter. However, the RC390 is due for an update.
The Aprilia RS457 is almost on par with the current RC390 with traction control, switchable ABS, ride modes, adjustable suspension at both ends and an optional quickshifter which is part of the accessories package. The Ninja 500 gets no electronic aids apart from dual-channel ABS and a TFT dash with phone connectivity, while the R3 is on similar lines.
| 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 |
When comparing the specifications, the Alrilia RS457 makes the most power on paper, followed by the Ninja 500, RC390, and the R3, however, the R3 has the smallest displacement engine amongst the four motorcycles, while the Aprilia has the largest. That said, the updated KTM RC390 will get the larger engine that currently powers the 390 Duke, which makes 45.3bhp and 39Nm of torque, making the competition between the Aprilia, Kawasaki, and KTM even tighter.
