I still love motorcycling but wonder if I still need a big, powerful naked bike.
A 200-mile ride in torrential rain on my Kawasaki Z900RS left me regretting buying a naked motorbike. And, as the years pass, my bike seems to be getting heavier when wheeling it about.
I suspect I will be looking for something lighter with a screen or fairing that looks good and is fun to ride.
One contender is Kawasaki’s Ninja 500 SE in the stunning lime green, ebony and pearl blizzard white Kawasaki Racing Team colours.
Ignore the 500 badging and, apart from the giveaway single 310mm front disc, you could be mistaken for thinking this race-inspired Ninja is more than an A2 licence-friendly middleweight.
Climb aboard and it doesn’t disappoint, appealing to novice riders and experienced bikers like myself looking to downsize.
The parallel twin engine is actually 451cc and a heavily-modified version of the 399cc unit from the Z400 and Ninja 400.
This new engine has been developed for more low-down and mid-range pulling power with 42.6Nm of torque at 6,000rpm so you don’t need to wring its neck to make decent progress. Maximum power is 45.4PS at 9,000rpm.
It will trickle around happily at low revs, picking up cleanly, revs eagerly when you want to get a spurt on and the muted exhaust note is not going to get wearing cruising on the motorway.
A 14-litre fuel tank, and Kawasaki’s claimed 74mpg, means decent distances between fuel stops.
The simple suspension, with the only adjustment rear shock absorber preload, is a happy balance between ride comfort and agile handling to give novice riders confidence and put a smile on experienced riders’ faces.
That single front disc gives adequate stopping power and is backed up by a 220mm rear one.
Shorter riders will feel at home with the riding position. The slightly raised handlebars and well-placed footpegs give a sporty posture that is not extreme but surprisingly comfortable, aided by decent seat padding.
At 5ft 8in tall, I found the standard screen does a decent job but Kawasaki also does an optional higher and wider one, in smoke or clear, for better wind protection.
I also appreciated the 785mm seat height, so I could get both feet flat on the ground, and was impressed by the rear visibility in the wide-seat mirrors.
And, weighing in at 172kg, it is a lightweight to move around.
The standard Ninja is £5,999 with the SE £6,499. As well as that race-inspired colour scheme, the SE also gains keyless ignition, colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity, USB-C outlet and LED indicators.
I enjoyed the Ninja 500 SE which really looks the part, packs enough punch to be fun to ride and ticks all the right boxes for me.
Find out more about the Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE at orwell.co.uk/kawasaki/new-kawasaki-motorcycle-range/supersport-and-sports/ninja-500-se/2025
