The 2026 Ninja 500, being E20 fuel-ready, is around Rs 10,000 more expensive than the preceding model
Kawasaki India has launched the 2026 Ninja 500 at a sticker price of Rs 5.76 lakh (ex-showroom) in the country. Retailed via the CBU route, it is around Rs 10,000 more expensive than the preceding model. The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 has been presented in a new Lime Green colour scheme while it retains the features and engine specs of its predecessor. The fully-faired sportsbike directly rivals Aprilia RS 457 in the Indian market.
The introduction of the E20 fuel compliant model of the Ninja 500 outrightly dismisses all the rumours that it could be phased out from our country very soon due to non-compliance with E20 fuel regulations. Sitting on a trellis frame as the flagship Ninja H2, it tips the weighing scale at just 157 kg. It boasts of a short wheelbase, long swingarm and optimised trail settings.
Some of the main highlights of the 2026 Ninja 500 include a relaxed riding triangle, elevated handlebar position, slightly foot-forward footpegs and thick cushioned seats. Flaunting the latest-design Ninja “face”, the sportsbike gets twin headlamp setup at the front. It also comes with a non-switchable dual-channel ABS as standard safety feature. The bike has a saddle height of 785 mm.
Riding on 17-inch front and rear wheels, the 2026 Ninja 500 comes fitted with 110/70 section front and 150/60 section rear Dunlop Sportmax tyres. The suspension duties are helmed by telescopic front forks and monoshock rear absorber with preload adjustability. As for braking, Kawasaki has used 310 mm single front disc and 220 mm single rear disc units in the bike.
Mechanically, the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 is equipped with a 451 cc twin-cylinder liquid-cooled petrol engine which generates top power of 51 bhp at 10,000 rpm and peak torque of 43 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The engine is linked to a 6-speed gearbox and slip/assist clutch. The bike runs on a chain final drive setup while the mileage is rated at 25-26 kmpl.
Despite being a highly expensive motorcycle, the 2026 Ninja 500 misses out on multiple crucial features which are generally available in the rival models in this segment. It loses out on cruise control, bidirectional quick-shifter, tyre pressure monitoring, five ride modes, wheelie control, slide control etc. to name a few. The only good thing is LCD console with smartphone connectivity and all-LED lighting.
