Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE

For starters, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE measures 1,995 mm in length, 730 mm in width, 1,120 mm in overall height, and 785 mm in seat height. This sportbike comes with a 1,375-mm wheelbase and a 145-mm ground clearance.

The Ninja 500 SE’s lightweight trellis frame, which is similar in design to the Ninja H2’s, significantly contributes to its approachable character on the road. At the front, it features the latest Ninja-design fascia flanked by two newly designed compact LED headlights. Its confident-looking fascia is further enhanced by two forward-protruding spoilers. A pair of LED signal lights are also integrated into this sportbike’s front side fairings for enhanced visibility, especially at night. And, it comes with a smoke windshield for a more premium look.

On the sides, its aggressive sportbike silhouette is accentuated by sharp fairings, blacked-out naked elements, as well as bright blue-violet decals. It runs on a pair of 17-inch wheels. A bulky two-toned exhaust pipe with a silver tip adds more sportiness to its overall appearance. Meanwhile, at the back, it sports a hypermodern-looking tail light assembly with multiple LED beads and another pair of LED signal lights.

Unlike its standard counterpart, which has a full LCD display, the Ninja 500 SE comes with the more premium TFT instrument panel. Its instrument panel offers smartphone connectivity, allowing riders to experience community features, HD display notifications, and riding logs. The SE trim also comes with a USB-C outlet and Kawasaki’s Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System (KIPASS) for more convenience. 

Aside from that, its dual-stepped seat offers a good balance of cushioning and ergonomics on city commutes and short-distance weekend rides. To make stop-and-go traffic more tolerable for the average Filipino rider, this sportbike is also equipped with foot-forward footpegs and mid-rise handlebars. 

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE is equipped with a Telescopic Fork suspension at the front and a Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with a gas-charged shock and spring preload adjustability at the rear. Thanks to this setup, you’ll enjoy riding this sportbike both inside and outside the city. It feels light and very nimble to maneuver through traffic and crowded areas. It handles sharp turns and challenging twisty roads with confidence and precision. Additionally, it also absorbs bumps and other minor road imperfections quite well, resulting in a supple riding experience for you and your pillion.

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE is powered by a 451cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, parallel twin engine that delivers 38.3 kW (52 PS) of maximum power and 42.6 Nm of maximum torque. This sportbike comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission gearbox.

Even at low revs, this sportbike already feels lively and eager to perform. It offers plenty of torque on tap, allowing you to effortlessly overtake slower vehicles on free-flowing expressways. Its transmission system is also very smooth and responsive even in stop-and-go traffic, thanks to its assist and slipper clutch feature. And, on top of this, it offers decent fuel economy for its class, making it a sensible ride for your daily work commute within Metro Manila.

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE comes with a single semi-floating disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear. Its front brake is also equipped with a dual-piston caliper. Its braking setup is supported by an anti-lock braking system. The SE trim also comes with a heel guard, side reflectors, and the aforementioned KIPASS, among others.

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE is a compelling option for discerning buyers seeking a sportbike that delivers exciting highway performance and sharp handling while remaining usable and very rider-friendly in the city.