I am interested in comparing the new Ninja 500 with the Aprilia. I ended up buying a Ninja because of concerns over parts, maintenance and comfort over long distances. But I'm wondering if I made the right choice, or if perhaps an Aprilia will be in my future once I try my hand at racing around a track with the Ninja.
Hi Sam, We're definitely interested in doing a comparison between the Aprilia RS 457 and Kawasaki Ninja 500 as they approach the lightweight class with drastically different strengths. Let's address your first question: You definitely shouldn't regret your purchase. Speaking personally, I have a lot of experience with the Ninja 400 (which is quite similar to the 500), racing one for a few years. The critical difference between the Aprilia and Kawasaki is the performance ceiling that each bike achieves. The RS 457 chassis is significantly stiffer, as is its suspension, and creates a bike that feels more mature than what we'd normally see in the lightweight category. Meanwhile, the 457cc engine and its 270-degree crank design make it quite engaging, though the class is fairly close in terms of peak performance numbers. Meanwhile, the Ninja 400 and 500 (they share a chassis) are softer overall, with the chassis itself taking a much more street-oriented approach that prioritizes comfort. Considering Ninja 400/500 may be purchasing their first bike, having something with complaint suspension that absorbs bumps easily, and doesn't feel as racetrack oriented is good, considering newer riders will not be pushing their bikes as hard or requiring the same kind of chassis stiffness until they gain experience or skill. Any first bike is a good bike. So, an Aprilia RS 457 would definitely be more suitable for a newer rider that's interested in trackdays or generally more aggressive riding, that doesn't make the Ninja a bad choice at all. It simply doesn't achieve the same performance ceiling as the Aprilia. However, remember you're just starting out and beginning your career on a bike like the Ninja is a great choice. Even more, you've made a calculated decision based on dealer access, parts, etc., which is an important consideration: Buyers may not have immediate access to dealers for a variety of brands and that can create challenges during ownership. That said, once you've gained some confidence over a couple of seasons, you can bump up to a larger displacement bike. For example, something like the Aprilia RS 660, which the RS 457 chassis is directly based on. Hope this helps! - Nic
@@levelupwithsam Of course! I'm happy to help! Don't be afraid to take the Ninja to your first trackday, either. I got my race license on a Ninja 400 with stock suspension (just swapped out to stickier tires, did rear sets/clip-on riser handlebars). When you're first learning, you don't need much to get going and understanding the limits of things like suspension or brakes is good to know, so that you can appreciate higher-spec equipment. You've got a fun bike! Learn on it, enjoy it, take care of it, and when it's time to bump up, you'll have tons of awesome middleweights waiting. Take care! - Nic
In my country ninja costs way more than rs457, Aprilia costs £4100 whereas ninja 500 cost more than 5500, so It don't make sense, if ninja is cheaper in your country and you're more concerned with comfort only then one should go for ninja
what tyre size you have on that one? are they 120/70 & 160/60 r17? .Because stock has 110/70 & 150/60 r17. And if we get one is it possible we can add one more dics brake at the front wheel?
Hi Vardanchaudharyworld, We ran stock sizing, but they were Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V4 tires, which we mentioned in the story, but I just wanted to reiterate. I don't believe the front wheel would accept a 120/70 in place of a 110/70, so that's most likely not a possibility. Also, no, you would not be able to add a second brake disc without heavy modifications. You'd need a wheel that could accept a second rotor, then you'd also need to replace the lower fork stanchion to accept an additional brake caliper, and finally, rework all of the brake hoses. It'd be impractical for the application. The RS 457 brakes are more than adequate within their context and if an owner wanted to take things further, they could follow the same route by Ninja 400/R3 racers that have simply upgraded their master cylinder. Your master cylinder dictates braking performance more than any other component in that chain. Take care! - Nic
![[UA] NAVI проти G2 Esports | Blast Premier Fall Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QWlIm4FGESQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Nice riding, good review mate
Price of rs 457 in India is around 4,900 dollar....bang!!
pre Booking of this byk is so high here....Delivery tym iz 3 month.
yep, how much is in you country?
I am interested in comparing the new Ninja 500 with the Aprilia. I ended up buying a Ninja because of concerns over parts, maintenance and comfort over long distances. But I'm wondering if I made the right choice, or if perhaps an Aprilia will be in my future once I try my hand at racing around a track with the Ninja.
Hi Sam,
We're definitely interested in doing a comparison between the Aprilia RS 457 and Kawasaki Ninja 500 as they approach the lightweight class with drastically different strengths.
Let's address your first question: You definitely shouldn't regret your purchase. Speaking personally, I have a lot of experience with the Ninja 400 (which is quite similar to the 500), racing one for a few years.
The critical difference between the Aprilia and Kawasaki is the performance ceiling that each bike achieves. The RS 457 chassis is significantly stiffer, as is its suspension, and creates a bike that feels more mature than what we'd normally see in the lightweight category. Meanwhile, the 457cc engine and its 270-degree crank design make it quite engaging, though the class is fairly close in terms of peak performance numbers.
Meanwhile, the Ninja 400 and 500 (they share a chassis) are softer overall, with the chassis itself taking a much more street-oriented approach that prioritizes comfort. Considering Ninja 400/500 may be purchasing their first bike, having something with complaint suspension that absorbs bumps easily, and doesn't feel as racetrack oriented is good, considering newer riders will not be pushing their bikes as hard or requiring the same kind of chassis stiffness until they gain experience or skill.
Any first bike is a good bike. So, an Aprilia RS 457 would definitely be more suitable for a newer rider that's interested in trackdays or generally more aggressive riding, that doesn't make the Ninja a bad choice at all. It simply doesn't achieve the same performance ceiling as the Aprilia. However, remember you're just starting out and beginning your career on a bike like the Ninja is a great choice. Even more, you've made a calculated decision based on dealer access, parts, etc., which is an important consideration: Buyers may not have immediate access to dealers for a variety of brands and that can create challenges during ownership.
That said, once you've gained some confidence over a couple of seasons, you can bump up to a larger displacement bike. For example, something like the Aprilia RS 660, which the RS 457 chassis is directly based on.
Hope this helps!
- Nic
@@ultimatemotorcycling this was a great answer I appreciate you!
@@levelupwithsam Of course! I'm happy to help!
Don't be afraid to take the Ninja to your first trackday, either. I got my race license on a Ninja 400 with stock suspension (just swapped out to stickier tires, did rear sets/clip-on riser handlebars).
When you're first learning, you don't need much to get going and understanding the limits of things like suspension or brakes is good to know, so that you can appreciate higher-spec equipment.
You've got a fun bike! Learn on it, enjoy it, take care of it, and when it's time to bump up, you'll have tons of awesome middleweights waiting.
Take care!
- Nic
In my country ninja costs way more than rs457, Aprilia costs £4100 whereas ninja 500 cost more than 5500, so It don't make sense, if ninja is cheaper in your country and you're more concerned with comfort only then one should go for ninja
what tyre size you have on that one? are they 120/70 & 160/60 r17? .Because stock has 110/70 & 150/60 r17. And if we get one is it possible we can add one more dics brake at the front wheel?
Hi Vardanchaudharyworld,
We ran stock sizing, but they were Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V4 tires, which we mentioned in the story, but I just wanted to reiterate. I don't believe the front wheel would accept a 120/70 in place of a 110/70, so that's most likely not a possibility.
Also, no, you would not be able to add a second brake disc without heavy modifications. You'd need a wheel that could accept a second rotor, then you'd also need to replace the lower fork stanchion to accept an additional brake caliper, and finally, rework all of the brake hoses. It'd be impractical for the application. The RS 457 brakes are more than adequate within their context and if an owner wanted to take things further, they could follow the same route by Ninja 400/R3 racers that have simply upgraded their master cylinder. Your master cylinder dictates braking performance more than any other component in that chain.
Take care!
- Nic
I got the idea now. Thank you so much for the response.