Honda cbr 500 r vs kawasaki ninja 400: battle of the middleweight titans

The Honda CBR500R and the Kawasaki Ninja 400 are two of the most popular mid-weight sportbikes on the market. They both offer a great balance of performance, handling, and affordability. But which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll compare the Honda CBR500R vs. Kawasaki Ninja 400 to help you make an informed decision.

Engine Performance

The Honda CBR500R is powered by a 471cc parallel-twin engine that produces 47 horsepower and 32 pound-feet of torque. The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is powered by a 399cc parallel-twin engine that produces 44 horsepower and 28 pound-feet of torque.

On paper, the Honda CBR500R has a slight edge in terms of power and torque. However, in real-world riding, the difference between the two engines is negligible. Both bikes are capable of providing plenty of power for commuting, canyon carving, and even track days.

Handling

The Honda CBR500R and the Kawasaki Ninja 400 both handle extremely well. They’re both agile and responsive, making them a joy to ride on twisty roads. The CBR500R has a slightly longer wheelbase than the Ninja 400, which gives it a bit more stability at high speeds. However, the Ninja 400 is slightly lighter than the CBR500R, which makes it easier to flick around in corners.

Brakes

The Honda CBR500R and the Kawasaki Ninja 400 both have excellent brakes. They both have dual front discs and a single rear disc, and they provide plenty of stopping power. The CBR500R has slightly larger front discs than the Ninja 400, which gives it a bit more stopping power. However, the difference is negligible, and both bikes are more than capable of stopping safely in all conditions.

Suspension

The Honda CBR500R and the Kawasaki Ninja 400 both have non-adjustable suspension. The CBR500R has a 41mm front fork and a Pro-Link rear shock, while the Ninja 400 has a 41mm front fork and a Uni-Trak rear shock.

The suspension on both bikes is adequate for most riders. However, if you’re planning on doing a lot of track riding or riding on rough roads, you may want to consider upgrading to aftermarket suspension components.

Features

The Honda CBR500R and the Kawasaki Ninja 400 both come with a variety of features, including:

• ABS
• LED headlights
• Digital instrument cluster
• Adjustable levers
• Gear indicator

The CBR500R has a few additional features that the Ninja 400 does not, including:

• Slipper clutch
• Traction control
• Throttle-by-wire

Price

The Honda CBR500R has a starting price of $6,999, while the Kawasaki Ninja 400 has a starting price of $4,999. The Ninja 400 is significantly cheaper than the CBR500R, but it also has fewer features.

Which Bike is Right for You?

The Honda CBR500R and the Kawasaki Ninja 400 are both excellent mid-weight sportbikes. The CBR500R has a slight edge in terms of power, torque, and features, but it’s also more expensive. The Ninja 400 is more affordable and has a slightly better power-to-weight ratio.

Ultimately, the best bike for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a bike with the most power and features, the Honda CBR500R is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable bike with a better power-to-weight ratio, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is the better choice.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which bike is faster, the Honda CBR500R or the Kawasaki Ninja 400?
A: The Honda CBR500R has a slight edge in terms of top speed and acceleration.

Q: Which bike is more fuel-efficient, the Honda CBR500R or the Kawasaki Ninja 400?
A: The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Honda CBR500R.

Q: Which bike is more comfortable for long rides, the Honda CBR500R or the Kawasaki Ninja 400?
A: The Honda CBR500R is slightly more comfortable for long rides, thanks to its more upright riding position and wider seat.

Q: Which bike is better for track riding, the Honda CBR500R or the Kawasaki Ninja 400?
A: The Honda CBR500R is better for track riding, thanks to its more powerful engine and better suspension.

Q: Which bike is better for commuting, the Honda CBR500R or the Kawasaki Ninja 400?
A: The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is better for commuting, thanks to its lower price and better fuel economy.