Kawasaki has listed the 2027 Ninja 500 ABS and Ninja 500 SE ABS on its official United States website, with starting manufacturer suggested retail prices of $5,899 and $6,599, respectively. Both motorcycles retain the 451cc parallel-twin engine, six-speed transmission and Assist & Slipper clutch, while the SE version adds premium equipment including a full-colour TFT instrument display, a proximity-based key system and a USB-C outlet.
The 2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500 ABS carries a $650 destination charge, bringing its starting price to $6,549 before taxes, title, registration and dealer fees. The Ninja 500 SE ABS costs $7,249, including the same destination charge. Kawasaki's standard-model listing also shows certain colour configurations at $6,099 before destination charges.
2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500 ABS and SE ABS: Pricing
The Ninja 500 range targets riders looking for a road-focused sportbike with a larger engine than entry-level 300cc-class motorcycles. Both versions share the same engine and fundamental chassis specifications, while their instrumentation, convenience equipment and styling details distinguish the SE variant.
| Specification | Ninja 500 ABS | Ninja 500 SE ABS |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2027 | 2027 |
| Engine displacement | 451cc | 451cc |
| Engine configuration | Liquid-cooled, four-stroke parallel twin, DOHC | Liquid-cooled, four-stroke parallel twin, DOHC |
| Maximum power | 51.0 hp at 10,000 rpm | 51.0 hp at 10,000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 31.7 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm | 31.7 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm |
| Transmission | Six-speed | Six-speed |
| Clutch | Assist & Slipper clutch | Assist & Slipper clutch |
| Front suspension | 41mm telescopic fork | 41mm telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal back-link with adjustable spring preload | Horizontal back-link with adjustable spring preload |
| Front brake | 310mm disc with two-piston caliper and ABS | 310mm disc with two-piston caliper and ABS |
| Rear brake | 220mm disc with single-piston caliper and ABS | 220mm disc with single-piston caliper and ABS |
| Instrumentation | LCD display with smartphone connectivity | Full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity |
| Additional equipment | ERGO-FIT system and RIDEOLOGY smartphone connectivity | KIPASS proximity-based key system, USB-C outlet and RIDEOLOGY smartphone connectivity |
| Starting MSRP | $5,899 | $6,599 |
| Destination charge | $650 | $650 |
| Starting MSRP including destination | $6,549 | $7,249 |
Kawasaki states that specifications and pricing may change. The advertised MSRP excludes destination charges, optional equipment, taxes, title and licensing costs, and dealer fees. The final retail price is determined by the dealer.
451cc Parallel-Twin Engine Continues
Both 2027 Ninja 500 variants use a 451cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC parallel-twin engine. Kawasaki lists maximum power at 51.0 hp at 10,000 rpm and maximum torque of 31.7 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm. The manufacturer measures horsepower according to ISO 4106, so the figure should be understood in the context of that measurement standard.
The engine uses digital fuel injection with dual 32mm throttle bodies and is paired with a six-speed transmission. Final drive is through a sealed chain. The combination is designed to provide usable performance for everyday road riding while retaining the sporty character associated with the Ninja range.
An Assist & Slipper clutch is standard on both models. The assist mechanism helps reduce clutch lever effort, while the slipper function helps manage excessive back-torque during downshifts. Both motorcycles also feature an Economical Riding Indicator to help riders identify riding conditions that favour fuel efficiency.
Chassis, Suspension and Braking
The two motorcycles share a high-tensile steel trellis frame, a 41mm hydraulic telescopic front fork and a horizontal back-link rear suspension system with adjustable spring preload. The front suspension provides 4.7 inches of wheel travel, while the rear offers 5.1 inches.
Braking hardware consists of a single 310mm semi-floating front disc with a two-piston caliper and a single 220mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper. Anti-lock braking is included on both variants.
The motorcycles use a 110/70-17 front tyre and a 150/60-17 rear tyre. Both have a 30.9-inch seat height, a 54.1-inch wheelbase and 5.7 inches of ground clearance, according to Kawasaki's specifications.
Listed curb weight differs slightly between the standard and SE versions. For the 50-state models, Kawasaki specifies 377.1 lb for the Ninja 500 ABS and 381.5 lb for the Ninja 500 SE ABS. The corresponding 49-state models are listed at 374.9 lb and 379.3 lb, respectively. These figures include the fluids and equipment required for operation.
Ninja 500 SE ABS Gets Premium Technology
The main equipment difference between the two variants is the instrument display. The standard Ninja 500 ABS uses an LCD instrument panel with smartphone connectivity through RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE. The Ninja 500 SE ABS upgrades to a full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity through the same application.
The SE also includes Kawasaki's Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System, known as KIPASS, which enables proximity-based key operation. A USB-C outlet provides an additional convenience feature for compatible devices.
Both versions retain Kawasaki's ERGO-FIT system, which is designed to help riders find a suitable riding position through model-specific adjustable or interchangeable components where available. The standard and SE models also share the same fundamental engine, transmission and suspension layout, so the SE's higher price primarily reflects its additional equipment and trim-specific features.
Colour Options and US Market Positioning
Kawasaki lists the 2027 Ninja 500 ABS in Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Yellowish Green/Ebony, and Galaxy Silver/Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray. The SE version is listed in Lime Green, Metallic Yellowish Green/Ebony, and Galaxy Silver/Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray.
The standard model's listed price varies by colour configuration on Kawasaki's website, with the starting version at $5,899 and certain other configurations at $6,099. The SE is listed at $6,599 across its displayed colour choices. Buyers should confirm the price and availability of their preferred colour with an authorised Kawasaki dealer.
The prices and equipment described here relate specifically to the US-market motorcycles. Kawasaki's listings do not establish pricing or availability in other countries.
AkulRide Verdict
The 2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500 ABS and Ninja 500 SE ABS continue with the same 451cc parallel-twin platform, 51.0 hp maximum output and six-speed transmission. Standard ABS and an Assist & Slipper clutch feature on both versions, while the SE adds a TFT display, KIPASS proximity-based starting and a USB-C outlet.
With starting prices of $5,899 for the Ninja 500 ABS and $6,599 for the Ninja 500 SE ABS in the United States, the two variants offer different equipment levels within the same sportbike family. The standard model provides the core mechanical package at a lower price, while the SE adds convenience and instrumentation upgrades for riders who value those features. Destination charges and other dealer-related costs should be included when comparing final purchase prices.
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