Aprilia RS 457 vs Kawasaki Ninja 500
Two supersport bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits.
0 to 100 km/h
Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.
0.00 s
Points by category
Six categories, 100 points. How every point is calculated
Engine and performance
out of 25Handling and chassis
out of 20Value
out of 20Practicality
out of 15Technology
out of 10Reliability and ownership
out of 10Specs side by side
| Spec | ApriliaRS 457 | KawasakiNinja 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||
| Engine | Parallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHC | Parallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHC |
| Displacement | 457 cc | 451 cc |
| Power | 47.6 hp at 9,400 rpm | 45.4 hp at 9,000 rpm |
| Torque | 43.5 Nm at 6,700 rpm | 42.6 Nm at 6,000 rpm |
| Power to weight | 0.27 hp/kg | 0.27 hp/kg |
| Chassis | ||
| Wet weight | 175 kg | 171 kg |
| Front suspension | 41 mm inverted fork, 120 mm | 41 mm telescopic fork, 120 mm |
| Front adjustability | Preload only | Non-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock, 130 mm | Monoshock, 130 mm |
| Rear adjustability | Preload only | Preload only |
| Front brake | 320 mm, radial 4-piston | 310 mm, axial 2-piston |
| ABS | Switchable ABS | Standard ABS |
| Dimensions | ||
| Seat height | 800 mm | 785 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1360 mm | 1375 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 13 L | 14 L |
| Claimed consumption | 3.8 L/100 km | 3.9 L/100 km |
| Fuel range | 342 km | 359 km |
| Ownership | ||
| Price | €7,050 | €6,595 |
| Service interval | 10,000 km | 12,000 km |
| Valve check | 20,000 km | 24,000 km |
| Warranty | 2 years | 4 years |
| Equipment | ||
| Dash | TFT | LCD |
| Ride modes | Yes | No |
| Traction control | Yes | No |
| Quickshifter | Optional | Not available |
| Cruise control | Not available | Not available |
| Connectivity | Yes | No |
Verdict
The Kawasaki Ninja 500 wins this comparison clearly, 60 points to 51.3.
The gap of 8.7 points is built mostly in value, where the Ninja 500 takes 12 points out of the RS 457. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.
On the road the RS 457 is the quicker machine: 47.6 hp and 43.5 Nm moving 175 kg, against 45.4 hp and 42.6 Nm moving 171 kg for the Ninja 500. That is 0.27 hp per kilo playing 0.27.
The Ninja 500 costs €6,595, which leaves €455 in your pocket against the RS 457 at €7,050. Service intervals run 12,000 km on the Ninja 500 and 10,000 km on the RS 457.
Better for city and commuting
Kawasaki Ninja 500
A 785 mm seat, 359 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.
Better for weekend twisties
Aprilia RS 457
47.6 hp pushing 175 kg with 41 mm inverted fork up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.
Better for longer trips
Aprilia RS 457
342 km between fuel stops and the better equipment score. Distance rewards range and rider aids, and it has more of both.
Frequently asked
- Which is faster, the Aprilia RS 457 or the Kawasaki Ninja 500?
- The Aprilia RS 457. It carries 0.27 hp per kilo (47.6 hp, 175 kg wet) against 0.27 hp per kilo for the Kawasaki Ninja 500 (45.4 hp, 171 kg).
- Is the Aprilia RS 457 cheaper than the Kawasaki Ninja 500?
- The Kawasaki Ninja 500 is cheaper at €6,595 list, €455 less than the Aprilia RS 457 at €7,050.
- Which is better for shorter riders?
- The Kawasaki Ninja 500. Its 785 mm seat is 15 mm lower than the Aprilia RS 457, and at 171 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
- Which has better technology, the RS 457 or the Ninja 500?
- The Aprilia RS 457, which scores 7.7 of 10 tech points with a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The Kawasaki Ninja 500 counters with a deliberately simple spec.
- Which goes further on a tank?
- The Kawasaki Ninja 500: 359 km from its 14 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 342 km for the Aprilia RS 457.
- Which bike wins overall?
- The Kawasaki Ninja 500, scoring 60 of 100 against 51.3 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.