Lecture Notes: 2024 Ninja 500 vs. CBR 500 Comparison

Overview

• 2024 Ninja 500: Bigger engine than predecessor, closing gap with CBR 500.
• CBR 500: Slight advantage in power.
• Objective: Determine the best entry-level sport bike.

Power and Torque

• CBR 500:
  • Power: 47 horsepower (max for A2 compliant motorcycles).
  • Torque: Slightly higher than Ninja (1 Nm more).
• Ninja 500:
  • Power: Slightly less than CBR.
  • Torque: Slightly less than CBR.

Weight and Power-to-Weight Ratio

• CBR 500:
  • Weight: 191 kg (19 kg heavier than Ninja).
  • Power-to-Weight Ratio: ~7% lower than Ninja due to higher weight.
• Ninja 500:
  • Weight: 172 kg (lighter, better power-to-weight ratio).

Engines

• Type: Both have parallel twin engines with 180° firing order (unlike 270° cranks in competitors).
• Displacement:
  • CBR 500: 471cc.
  • Ninja 500: 451cc (based on Ninja 400 with longer stroke).
• DOHC and Valves: Both have DOHC setup with four valves per cylinder.
• Transmission: Six-speed wet clutch with assist and slipper clutch.

Features and Tech

• Common Features:
  • Dual-channel ABS.
  • TFT display with smartphone connectivity.
• CBR 500:
  • Full LED lighting.
  • Basic traction control (on/off).
• Ninja 500:
  • LED headlight and tail light (bulb turn signal).
  • Keyless system (SE model only).
  • Basic model: LCD display (with smartphone connectivity).

Frame and Suspension

• Frames: No new frames; carryovers from previous models.
  • Ninja 500: Trellis frame (steel, from Ninja 400).
  • CBR 500: Diamond tube steel frame.
• Front Suspension:
  • Ninja 500: Conventional telescopic fork (non-adjustable).
  • CBR 500: Upside Down Showa separate function fork (SFF-BP, non-adjustable).
• Rear Suspension:
  • Linked monoshocks (preload adjustable).

Brakes and Tires

• Brakes:
  • Ninja 500: Two-piston axial mount caliper, single disc.
  • CBR 500: Superior twin discs, four-piston radial mount calipers.
• Tires:
  • CBR 500: Wider tires (120 mm front, 160 mm rear).
  • Ninja 500: Narrower tires (110 mm front, 150 mm rear).

Other Specifications

• Wheelbase: Ninja is 35 mm shorter.
• Fuel Capacity:
  • CBR 500: 3L more fuel capacity (longer riding time).
  • Similar fuel consumption.
• Seat Height: Both at 785 mm.
• Pricing:
  • CBR 500: £6,699.
  • Ninja 500: Pricing TBD (likely similar to CBR, potentially higher for SE variant).
• Ergonomics:
  • Both: High handlebar, upright position.
  • Ninja: Higher foot pegs, slightly less comfortable handlebar angle.