Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457 Spec Comparison: Which is Better?

After unveiling the brand-new Ninja 500 at EICMA 2023, Kawasaki has finally launched the sportbike in the Indian market. However, the model on offer is the standard version, while it comes in two variants in the international market: Standard and SE. This means that the India-spec Kawasaki Ninja 500 features an LCD screen, unlike a TFT display on its chief rivals – the Aprilia RS 457 and the KTM RC 390. We compare the former with the newly launched Kawasaki Ninja 500 to see what else separates the two:

Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457: Features

Apart from the TFT unit, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 misses out on a bi-directional quick-shifter, a ride-by-wire system, and traction control, all of which the Italian rival offers. However, the Ninja 500 does get Bluetooth connectivity, dual-channel ABS, and an assist and slipper clutch, like Aprilia's RS 457. 

Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457: Styling

Styling-wise, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 is almost identical to the ZX-6R and the Ninja 7 Hybrid. It sports sleek twin LED headlamps, layered fairing, a muscular fuel tank, a split-type seat setup, a small windscreen, clip-on handlebars, an LED tail lamp, and a swept-up tail section. The sportbike comes in a single all-black colour scheme. 

The Aprilia RS 457 supersport, meanwhile, draws inspiration from the RS 660, featuring signature double front fairing, split headlamps with built-in LED daytime running lights (DRLs), a split-seat setup, a transparent visor, aerodynamic vents on the side fairings, clip-on handlebars, rear-set footpegs, underbelly silencer, and a streamlined 2-in-1 exhaust system. The RS 457 can be had with three colour options – Prismatic dark, Racing stripes, and Opalescent light.

Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457: Engine, Output

Both bikes get parallel twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engines but differ in terms of performance. Kawasaki's 451cc engine belts out 45bhp at 9,000rpm and 42.6Nm of peak torque at 6,000rpm, while Aprilia's supersport uses a 457cc motor with a 270-degree crank and double camshaft timing, making 48bhp and 44Nm of torque. Mated to both engines is a 6-speed gearbox and a slip-and-assist clutch. A bi-directional quick-shifter is additionally available with the RS 457 but as an optional extra. 

Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457: Hardware

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 employs a steel trellis frame, suspended by a telescopic fork at the front (120mm wheel travel) and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear (130mm wheel travel). Then, the braking hardware comprises a 310mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc mounted on 17-inch wheels at both ends. These are wrapped in 110/70 front and 150/60 rear Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 tyres. 

On the other hand, the Aprilia RS 457 comes with 17-inch sports wheels shod with 110/70 front and 150/60 rear TVS Eurogrip Protorq Extreme tyres. Moreover, it also gets an upside-down front fork and a rear monoshock, both preload adjustable. Its braking setup includes a 320mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc, both sourced from ByBre.

Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457: Price

Offered in a single Standard variant, the Ninja 500 carries a sticker price of Rs 5.24 lakh (introductory price). At this asking price, the bike is dearer than the Aprilia RS 457 (Rs 4.10 lakh). The prices are ex-showroom. Launched in December last year, the RS 457 is Aprilia's first made-in-India motorcycle in our market today.