Honda CB500
57 hp, 499 cc, 425 lbs1996 - 2003
Kawasaki Ninja 250R
32 hp, 249 cc, 373 lbs2007 - 2012
EngineHonda CB500Kawasaki Ninja 250R
Displacement499 cc249 cc
Max power57 hp (@9 500 RPM)32 hp (@11 000 RPM)
Max torque34 lb ft (@8 000 RPM)16 lb ft (@9 500 RPM)
Redline10 500 RPM14 000 RPM
Idling speed1 500 RPM1 300 RPM
ManagementCarburetorFuel Injection
LayoutDOHC Inline-2DOHC Inline-2
Compression10.50:111.60:1
Oil capacity2.93 quart1.23 quart
Oil type10W40, Motul 5100, Shell Rotella 10W4010W40, Kawasaki 10W40, Shell Rotella 10W40
Spark plug typeNGK CR8EH9NGK CR8E
CoolingLiquidLiquid
Valves88
Bore73.0 mm62.0 mm
Stroke59.0 mm41.2 mm
Weight to power7.46 lbs/hp11.64 lbs/hp
Power to weight334 hp/2500lbs214 hp/2500lbs
Battery type12V 8Ah, YTX9-BS
GearboxHonda CB500Kawasaki Ninja 250R
TypeSequentialSequential
ClutchWetWet
DriveChainChain
Chain type520
Gears count66
Primary ratio1.9473.087
Final drive2.6663.071
1. gear3.461 (43 mph)2.6 (41 mph)
2. gear2.235 (68 mph)1.789 (60 mph)
3. gear1.75 (86 mph)1.409 (75 mph)
4. gear1.478 (102 mph)1.16 (91 mph)
5. gear1.28 (119 mph)1.0 (106 mph)
6. gear1.13 (134 mph)0.893 (119 mph)
ChasisHonda CB500Kawasaki Ninja 250R
Frame typeDouble cradle of tubular and box-section steel constructionTubular, diamond
Front susp.37mm Telescopic forks (4.53 in travel)Telescopic fork, 4.72 in travel
Rear susp.Twin shock adjustable, (4.61 in travel)Swingarm (uni-trak), 5.12 in travel
Dyno chart of 1998 Honda CB500