Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs Honda CBR500R
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Honda CBR500R are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Honda CBR500R undercuts the Kawasaki Ninja 650 by about $900, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Kawasaki Ninja 650 leads on power with 68 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickKawasaki
Kawasaki Ninja 650
Honda
Honda CBR500RThe verdict
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 edges it overall at 7.8/10, but the Honda CBR500R wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
Honda CBR500R
A2-legal, 47 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Kawasaki Ninja 650
68 hp and 0.35 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Honda CBR500R
Our 7.6/10 at $7,399, the most bike per dollar.
Honda CBR500R
192 kg with an 785 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Kawasaki Ninja 650
Our top score in this matchup at 7.8/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs Honda CBR500R: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the Honda CBR500R?
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 makes the most power at 68 hp and 64 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the Honda CBR500R?
The Honda CBR500R is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $7,399.
Which is lighter, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the Honda CBR500R?
The Honda CBR500R is the lightest at 192 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the Honda CBR500R?
For a new rider we'd point to the Honda CBR500R: A2-legal, 47 hp and 192 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
