2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT vs 2023 Yamaha R3

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
38 kW / 51 hp @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
170 kg / 375 lbs
2023 Yamaha R3 2023 Yamaha R3

Sport

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
372.6 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Balanced 50/50 weight distribution.
Year2024-
Colours-Icon Blue, Yamaha Black
Make ModelKawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-6.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-160 mm
Seat Height785 mm / 30.9 in780 mm / 30.7 in.
Wheelbase1374 mm / 54.1 in1380 mm / 54.3 in.
Ground Clearance145 mm / 5.7 in-
Height1120 mm / 44.1 in1140 mm / 44.9 in.
Length1994 mm / 78.5 in2090 mm / 82.3 in.
Width729 mm / 28.7 in730 mm / 28.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-2.64 US quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-2.50 litres
Dry Weight156 kg / 344 lbs-
Fuel Capacity14 Litres / 3.7 US gal14.00 litres / 3.70 US gallons
Wet Weight170 kg / 375 lbs169.0 kg / 372.6 lbs
Performance
Max Power38 kW / 51 hp @ 10000 rpm-
Max Torque 43 Nm / 31.7 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm29.5 Nm (3.0 kgf-m or 21.8 ft.lbs) @ 9000 Revolutions"
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)-68.0 x 44.1 mm
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)-19.59 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.7 x 1.7 inches
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement (cc)-321.0 cc
CO2-95.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement451 cc /.27.5 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke70 x 58.6 mm-
Compression Ratio11.3:111.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
EmissionsEURO5Euro 5
Engine Lubrication-Wet sump
Fuel Consumption-4.10 litres/100 km (24.4 km/l or 57.37 mpg)
Fuel InductionDFI with 32mm x 2 throttle bodies-
IgnitionTCBI with electronic advanceTCI
LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-2
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, with assist and slipper functionWet multi-plate
Final DriveSealed chainChain   (final drive)
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Constant mesh
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeTrellis, high-tensile steelDiamond
Suspension - Front41mm Hydraulic telescopic fork37mm KYB inverted front forks
Suspension - RearLinkage-assisted, spring-preload adjustable KYB shockSwingarm
Rake24.5°25.0°
Trail90 mm / 3.6 in95 mm / 3.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in125 mm / 4.9 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Digital multi-function instruments
Lighting system-Dual LED headlight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 310mm semi-floating disc with 2-piston calipersSingle disc. Hydraulic. ABS.
Brakes - RearSingle 220 mm petal disc with single-piston caliperSingle disc. Hydraulic. ABS.
ABSStandard-
Tyres - Front110/70 R17110/70-R17
Tyres - Rear150/60 R17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2023 Yamaha R3

The 2023 Yamaha R3 edges out the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT thanks to its fuel injection, greater ground clearance and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2023 Yamaha R3 - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More ground clearance: 160 mm vs 145 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More front wheel travel: 130 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT vs 2023 Yamaha R3 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT and 2023 Yamaha R3?
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT uses Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2023 Yamaha R3 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Does the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT or 2023 Yamaha R3 have ABS?
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT is listed with ABS as standard. The 2023 Yamaha R3 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT or the 2023 Yamaha R3?
Both are strong choices. The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 / SE / KRT has the edge in liquid cooling and standard ABS, while the 2023 Yamaha R3 stands out for fuel injection and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.