Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE 2026 vs. Honda CB500 Hornet 2026

Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE 2026

Honda CB500 Hornet 2026
Technical Specifications Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE 2026 compared to Honda CB500 Hornet 2026
Engine and Drive Train
| Engine type | Engine type | In line | Engine type | In line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bore | Bore | 70 mm | Bore | 67 mm |
| Stroke | Stroke | 58.6 mm | Stroke | 66.8 mm |
| Engine power | Engine power | 45.4 HP | Engine power | 48 HP |
| Rpm at Max. Power | Rpm at Max. Power | 9,000 rpm | Rpm at Max. Power | 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | Torque | 42.6 Nm | Torque | 43 Nm |
| Compression Ratio | Compression Ratio | 11.3 | Compression Ratio | 10.7 |
| Fuel system | Fuel system | Injection | Fuel system | Injection |
| Starter | Starter | Electric | Starter | Electric |
| Clutch Type | Clutch Type | Multiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping | Clutch Type | Multiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping, Clutch systems |
| Ignition | Ignition | Digital | Ignition | Digital, Transistor |
| Transmission | Transmission | Chain | Transmission | Chain |
| Transmission Type | Transmission Type | Gearshift | Transmission Type | Gearshift |
| Number of gears | Number of gears | 6 | Number of gears | 6 |
| Cylinders | Cylinders | 2 | Cylinders | 2 |
| Strokes | Strokes | 4-Stroke | Strokes | 4-Stroke |
| Valves per cylinder | Valves per cylinder | 4 | Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Valves | Valves | DOHC | Valves | DOHC |
| Cooling | Cooling | liquid | Cooling | liquid |
| Displacement | Displacement | 451 ccm | Displacement | 471 ccm |
Suspension Front
| Front suspension | Front suspension | Telescopic fork | Front suspension | Upside-Down telescopic fork |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | Diameter | 41 mm | Diameter | 41 mm |
Suspension Rear
| Suspension | Suspension | Swing arm | Suspension | Swing arm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shock absorber | Shock absorber | Monoshock | Shock absorber | Monoshock |
| Adjustment | Adjustment | Preload | Adjustment | Preload |
Chassis
| Frame | Frame | Steel | Frame | Steel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame type | Frame type | Tubular | Frame type | Twin Tube |
| Rake | Rake | 63 degree | Rake | 25.5 degree |
| Trail | Trail | 92 mm | Trail | 102 mm |
Brakes Front
| Type | Type | Single disk | Type | Double disk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | Diameter | 310 mm | Diameter | 296 mm |
| Piston | Piston | Double piston | Piston | Four pistons |
Brakes Rear
| Type | Type | Disc | Type | Disc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | Diameter | 220 mm | Diameter | 240 mm |
| Piston | Piston | Double piston | Piston | Single piston |
Assistance Systems
| Advanced Rider Assistance Systems | Advanced Rider Assistance Systems | ABS | Advanced Rider Assistance Systems | ABS, Traction control |
|---|
Dimensions and Weights
| Front tyre width | Front tyre width | 110 mm | Front tyre width | 120 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front tyre height | Front tyre height | 70 % | Front tyre height | 70 % |
| Front tyre diameter | Front tyre diameter | 17 inch | Front tyre diameter | 17 inch |
| Rear tyre width | Rear tyre width | 150 mm | Rear tyre width | 160 mm |
| Rear tyre height | Rear tyre height | 60 % | Rear tyre height | 60 % |
| Rear tyre diameter | Rear tyre diameter | 17 inch | Rear tyre diameter | 17 inch |
| Length | Length | 1,995 mm | Length | 2,080 mm |
| Width | Width | 730 mm | Width | 800 mm |
| Height | Height | 1,120 mm | Height | 1,060 mm |
| Wheelbase | Wheelbase | 1,375 mm | Wheelbase | 1,410 mm |
| Seat Height | Seat Height | 785 mm | Seat Height | 785 mm |
| Kerb Weight (with ABS) | Kerb Weight (with ABS) | 171 kg | Kerb Weight (with ABS) | 188 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 l | Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 l |
| License compliancy | License compliancy | A2 | License compliancy | A2 |
| Combined CO2 emissions | Combined CO2 emissions | 89.01 g/km | Combined CO2 emissions | 80 g/km |
Equipment
| Equipment | Equipment | Connectivity, LED-Headlights | Equipment | Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Modern electronics, Lighting |
|---|
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE 2026

Unfortunately, our editors did not test this model.
Honda CB500 Hornet 2026

The Honda CB500 Hornet proves to be a mature and well-balanced naked bike that is an excellent choice in the A2 class.
Smooth but really sufficient engine power
good revvvy even at low engine speeds
precise and smooth clutch and gearstick
vibration-free riding performance
stable and pleasant chassis damping
excellent turning-in behaviour
powerful brakes with double disk front brakes
high build quality
clear and informative display
good handling and agility, user-friendly electronic Advanced Rider Assistance Systems
comfortable seating position
good balance between riding pleasure and safety.
higher weight compared to some competitors could be annoying for very light riders
suspension can be overloaded with a sporty riding style or higher rider weight
possibly less comfortable for taller riders

















