Spec comparison: Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457 vs Yamaha R3 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 vs KTM RC 390
The middleweight motorcycle segment has recently witnessed the introduction of several new models across various body styles. Aprilia entered the arena with its all-new RS 457, while Kawasaki introduced the Ninja 500 as a successor to the Ninja 400. Concurrently, Yamaha also joined the competition by launching the YZF-R3 in the market. Let's delve into the performance and specifications of these motorcycles, including the Kawasaki Ninja 500, Aprilia RS 457, Yamaha R3, Kawasaki Ninja 400, and KTM RC 390.
The recently launched Kawasaki Ninja 500 features a new 451cc parallel-twin setup, delivering 45PS, similar to the Ninja 400, but with an additional 5Nm of torque. The RS 457 emerges as the most powerful in this comparison, closely followed by the Ninja 500. On the contrary, the R3 exhibits the lowest power output. The KTM RC 390, equipped with a single-cylinder configuration, stands out with power comparable to the R3 and identical torque.
Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457 vs Yamaha R3 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 vs KTM RC 390: Specifications
Despite being a middleweight sports bike, the Ninja 500 retains telescopic front forks, while the RS 457, R3, and RC 390 feature upside-down front forks, with the RS 457 offering preload adjustability. All motorcycles share a monoshock setup at the rear.
In terms of weight, the RS 457 is the heaviest at 175kg, closely followed by the RC 390 and Ninja 500. The Ninja 400 is the lightest, with the R3 being only a kilogram heavier. The RC 390 has the highest seat height at 835mm, while the RS 457 is 35mm lower. The R3 boasts the lowest seat height at 780mm, and the Ninja 500 has a seat height just 5mm taller. The Ninja 500, R3, and Ninja 400 feature a 14-litre fuel tank, while the RC 390 has a 13.7-litre unit, and the RS 457 has a 13-litre unit.
All motorcycles are equipped with 320mm single front discs (except for the R3, which has a 296mm front disc), and they all feature 17-inch wheels with nearly identical front and rear tire setups.
Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457 vs Yamaha R3 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 vs KTM RC 390: FeaturesAll sports bikes come with full digital display except the outgoing Ninja 400. However, since the Ninja 500 is offered in standard variant, it misses out on TFT display. Even the R3 does not come with a colour display. The RS 457 and RC 390 are the only motorcycles to get a colour TFT display and smartphone connectivity. Notably, the RS 457 also boasts ride-by-wire, three riding modes and traction control, but quickshifter is an optional extra. Whereas, KTM has equipped the RC 390 with cornering ABS, traction control, ride-by-wire, and quickshifter, and switchable ABS.
Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457 vs Yamaha R3 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 vs KTM RC 390: Price
In terms of pricing, the new Ninja 500 is the most expensive offering in its segment, with an on-road price of Rs 6.68 lakh in Mumbai. Although the ex-showroom cost matches that of the Ninja 400, the on-road price for the Ninja 400 is Rs 6.19 lakh. The RS 457 and R3 are priced at Rs 5.18 lakh and Rs 5.54 lakh on-road in Mumbai, respectively. The RC 390 is the most affordable option, with an on-road price of Rs 3.76 lakh in Mumbai.
Each motorcycle brings a unique combination of performance, design, and features to the table. The RS 457 stands tall as the power champion, sporting advanced features, such as preload adjustability, ride-by-wire, and multiple riding modes. The RS 457 is a value-for-money package and is priced lower than both the R3 and Ninja 500. Meanwhile, the Ninja 500 emerges as a worthy successor, maintaining the Ninja legacy with a more powerful parallel-twin setup. Yamaha's R3, although being the least powerful, is the lightest in the list. However, the Ninja 500 and R3 appear costly for the package they offer. On the other hand, the RC 390, with its aggressive styling and performance-focused features, emerges as the budget-friendly yet thrilling option. Ultimately, the segment now offers a diverse array of choices catering to various rider preferences and styles.
Also read
Yamaha R1, R1M to be taken off the market
Hero Mavrick first ride review: An X440 minus the Harley badges?