[bf1983]

Originally Posted by Kashi053

I just wonder if Kawasaki can do it why not Honda for NX500. The NX500 at 5.2L would've been a really sweet deal.

Kawasaki has always positioned itself as a more budget-friendly of the Japanese manufacturers with the cheapest 650cc class, cheapest super sports class etc. Honda on the other hand has always charged a premium for its products. The 6.7l ex-showroom price for the original CB500x is a testament to that. 5.9l is definitely on the higher side but their cheaper service costs will reduce that price gap with the Ninja in the long run

[aravind.anand]

So this is a 451cc motorcycle that is called 500.
It makes the same power as the Ninja 400 too?
For India, the Ninja 500 makes lesser power than in other regions, and crucially it is less powerful than the stunning new Aprilia RS457.

Color options: RS457 - 3 > Ninja 500 - 1
Rated Power : RS457 > Ninja 500
Display : RS457 > Ninja 500
Rider aid electronics: RS457 >> Ninja 500
Price : RS457 >>> Ninja 500

Good luck Kawasaki India! While I do not like your high-headed attitude and pricing strategies, I admire your confidence of coming to a gun fight with a sword

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by aravind.anand

For India, the Ninja 500 makes lesser power than in other regions, and crucially it is less powerful than the stunning new Aprilia RS457.

Rated Power : RS457 > Ninja 500

I doubt any of us mortals would be able to split the power and torque differences between these two out on the road.

RS 457 does produce ~2hp and 0.9 Nm more than the Ninja 500, but the Ninja produces the peak power 400rpm lower and the torque 700 rpm lower. Calling one a winner over the other is heights of specsheet war IMHO.

That said, machine v/s machine- my preference would still be the RS457. Include 270° firing order and perceived exterior quality also as the reasons for that decision.

But then the Kawasaki brings two major elements into this fight that contributes a lot towards long term ownership - Japanese reliability and a much better (even though limited in itself) service network. In Bangalore especially, Kawasaki service is absolutely top-notch compared to Aprilia who has no clue how to handle customers so far.

Yes it is overpriced against the built-in-India products for sure- but I think there will be takers to pay the extra 1.14L for a Ninja 500 over the Aprilia RS 457 - same like there are takers to pay ~3L over the Himalayan 450 for a CBU Honda NX500.

[Nayra]

Originally Posted by aravind.anand

So this is a 451cc motorcycle that is called 500.
It makes the same power as the Ninja 400 too?
For India, the Ninja 500 makes lesser power than in other regions, and crucially it is less powerful than the stunning new Aprilia RS457:

The obsession with power figures is quite odd honestly considering 99% of people who buy these motorcycles will never be able to discern the difference between bikes with a hp difference of 2. The argument is absurd even more so because they are primarily adhering to the European A2 standards.

As for the comparison with the RS457, it is a shockingly good motorcycle with an incredible price but as great as localization is for the price, it perhaps might not be too good for the quality and reliability We just need to wait till these bikes are out on the road and have been marinated for a few months to actually form a proper comparison

As for the nomenclature, it is what it is, nomenclature of a company. While I would honestly prefer a Ninja 450 as a nice callback to the OG 250R, it also makes sense why they stuck with 500. For the segment they are making the bike for, it does not matter if it is a 450cc, 500cc or 1300cc. The power output will always be 46bhp regardless. It's farfetched to presume this was intentionally done out of malicious intent or misdirection of any sort.

Before I get called out for any bias, I have both a Kawasaki and an Aprilia in my stable. If Aprilia manages to keep the quality up, I might just bite the bullet and welcome it home but as things stand, just hold your horses. One company is known for making beautiful glass canons while the other is notorious for making bikes which can survive an apocalypse.

[Cresterk]

2L more, 1 cylinder more, 50cc more, yet less power than the KTM 390 twins. Why is it so hard for established manufacturers to win the horsepower/price wars in India?

[Senotrius]

Originally Posted by Cresterk

2L more, 1 cylinder more, 50cc more, yet less power than the KTM 390 twins. Why is it so hard for established manufacturers to win the horsepower/price wars in India?

It wasn't designed with India in mind. This is primarily to meet A2 license holders in UK/Europe with restricted power levels. Some models have detuned A2 versions, which can be unlocked to higher horsepower levels post the A2 phase. This model doesn't seem to be so.

Plus the usual Japanese apathy for the Indian market. Thank Bajaj for bringing KTM and Triumph to affordable levels. Could have done the same for Kawasaki again.

[aravind.anand]

Originally Posted by Nayra

The obsession with power figures is quite odd honestly considering 99% of people who buy these motorcycles will never be able to discern the difference between bikes with a hp difference of 2. The argument is absurd even more so because they are primarily adhering to the European A2 standards.

Point I was making was different - They already have a Ninja 500 with 51 hp output on sale, and India does not have A2 license, and the Ninja is anyway a CBU, so why not go for the 51 bhp variant was what I was asking.

Originally Posted by Nayra

and as for the nomenclature, it is what it is, nomenclature of a company.
While I would honestly prefer a Ninja 450 as a nice callback to the OG 250R, it also makes sense why they stuck with 500.
For the segment they are making the bike for, it does not matter if it is a 450cc, 500cc or 1300cc. The power output will always be 46bhp regardless.
Unless you're 8 years old in 2008 and telling your friends how the R1 is a 1000cc so obviously the R15 is a 1500cc, duh? (totally not me), It's farfetched to presume this was intentionally done out of malicious intent or misdirection of any sort.

I do not like the tone of the R1 - R15 example. So I will stop here and refrain from commenting any further.

[Starfire]

Originally Posted by aravind.anand

Good luck Kawasaki India! While I do not like your high-headed attitude and pricing strategies, I admire your confidence of coming to a gun fight with a sword

Kawasaki’s high-headed attitude can probably be compared to Toyota. Yes the Ninja 500 does demand a premium over the Aprilia 457, just like how the Toyota Fortuner does the same with the MG Gloster despite the latter being more beautiful, comfortable and feature packed. But where Toyota shines (just like Kawasaki) is selling a tried and tested, robustly reliable product. The RS457 is new and everything about it right from reliability to parts and after sales remains a question mark. We have heard Aprilia horror stories in the past, and while Kawasaki’s are not completely immune, the Japanese heritage has a lot going for it.

I’m really optimistic about the Aprilia just like you and too consider that Kawasaki has brought a sword to a gun fight, however at this point, Aprilia’s gun as no ammunition in it considering how new the product is. Only time will tell whether they manage to load their gun before Kawasaki’s samurai sword reaches their neck. This should be interesting

[Sebring]

The 500 N is a new product that way. Need to ride it and see (Of course if TD is available in Bengaluru)

Originally Posted by Starfire

But where Toyota shines (just like Kawasaki) is selling a tried and tested, robustly reliable product. The RS457 is new and everything about it right from reliability to parts and after sales remains a question mark. We have heard Aprilia horror stories in the past, and while Kawasaki’s are not completely immune, the Japanese heritage has a lot going for it.

[Starfire]

Originally Posted by Sebring

The 500 N is a new product that way. Need to ride it and see (Of course if TD is available in Bengaluru)

Agreed but nothing thats completely never seen before to what already existed. Considering Kawasaki in India has been a player in the same segment since many years, its safe to assume they may have already learnt from their past experiences, giving them the confidence to launch a product since they should have by now become well versed with how their products react to our Indian roads, climate, traffic and fuel.

Furthermore, I’m sure that Kawasaki technicians in India have already gained an expertise to fix something like this if anything goes wrong. I anyway doubt that it should be an offence to consider that many of its internal parts must be shared with the 400.

[RT13]

The Aprilia looks great.

On paper.

Nobody has any clue how Aprilia will support you and/or its products here in the medium, let alone long, term.

The Kawasaki is a shade below on spec and a smidge above on price.

But will allow you to sleep at night with as close to zero doubt as is possible.

Only you as a customer can decide what you value more. And how much.

Me?

I’ll always choose peace of mind every day, and twice on Sunday.

And pay a premium for it.

[coolmel]

The moment they launched this baby, I happened to witness it and got a great gut feeling. Kawi have nailed the pricing and this will make for a great sports tourer. My only gripe is the negative display. Positive one would have done wonders esp in our sunny climate. Whoever gets this, won't go wrong. At the same time, keenly awaiting the Honda CBR400Rs landing here.

[Mach_1590]

The pricing is definitely on the higher side since this space is going to get hot and crowded in the upcoming years. Also, a 500cc - 45HP sports tourer is more than enough in this country. I still remember how good CBR250 was back in early last decade on our roads. Only thing I wanted in this package was that 17L tank from Ninja 300.

[Formula1]

I love stripped down motorcycles like the Ninja300, but that feature list is pure comedy.

Ninja face? Flowing layered body? High class, intense design?

It has BRAKES?

Reminds me of the Monty Python skit that describes a dead parrot in a dozen ways.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

One of the first Indian reviews is out, and it is from Sarge nevertheless-

https://youtu.be/QDcoRm598Nw?si=ehzsZg-gv9n99qUz