The Aprilia RS 457 and Kawasaki Ninja 500 are two of the few fully faired, twin-cylinder motorcycles in the sub-500cc segment, but they take distinctly different approaches. While the Aprilia prioritises outright performance and premium hardware, the Ninja 500 focuses on accessibility and mechanical simplicity. Here's how the two compare on paper.
Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457: Engine and output
RS 457 produces more power and has a better power-to-weight ratio
Although both motorcycles use liquid-cooled parallel-twin engines, they have been engineered with different priorities. The RS 457 employs a 270-degree crankshaft, giving it an uneven firing order, while its ride-by-wire throttle allows Aprilia to equip it with rider aids such as traction control, riding modes and an optional bidirectional quickshifter. The Ninja 500, meanwhile, sticks to a cable-operated throttle and a more straightforward electronics package. On paper, the Aprilia also enjoys a slight edge in outright performance and power-to-weight ratio.
Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457: Weight and dimension
RS 457 gets an aluminium twin-spar frame; Ninja 500 uses a steel trellis frame.
The biggest distinction between the two lies in their chassis construction. The RS 457 uses an aluminium twin-spar frame, while the Ninja 500 is built around Kawasaki's high-tensile steel trellis frame. Despite the different approaches, the Aprilia is only 4kg heavier. Beyond that, the differences are relatively subtle, with the Ninja 500 offering a lower seat height and a larger fuel tank, while the RS 457 has a marginally longer wheelbase and slightly more ground clearance.
Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457: Tyres, brakes and suspension
The Ninja 500 comes with an axially mounted Nissin caliper
While both motorcycles ride on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 110-section front and 150-section rear tyres, their suspension and braking hardware take different approaches. The RS 457 gets a 41mm preload-adjustable USD fork, whereas the Ninja 500 uses a 41mm telescopic fork. Both bikes feature a preload-adjustable monoshock.
The Aprilia also has the more sophisticated braking setup on paper. It uses a 320mm front disc paired with a radially mounted ByBre caliper, while the Ninja 500 gets a 310mm front disc with an axially mounted two-piston Nissin caliper. Both motorcycles come equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard.
Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457: Features
The RS 457 enjoys a clear edge when it comes to electronics. Its ride-by-wire throttle unlocks a more comprehensive rider aid suite, comprising three riding modes, three-level traction control, and an optional bidirectional quickshifter. It also gets a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.
The Ninja 500, in contrast, takes a simpler approach. The India-spec motorcycle comes with an LCD instrument cluster, LED lighting, dual-channel ABS and an assist-and-slipper clutch as standard, but misses out on electronic rider aids such as traction control, riding modes and a quickshifter. The pared-back equipment list is in keeping with the Ninja 500's focus on offering a straightforward, easy-to-live-with riding experience.
Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs Aprilia RS 457: Price
RS 457 offers a significantly lower entry price than the Ninja 500
The Aprilia RS 457 is priced at Rs 4.22 lakh, while the Kawasaki Ninja 500 costs Rs 5.76 lakh (both ex-showroom, India), a difference of Rs 1.54 lakh. While the specification sheet provides a useful point of comparison, the final decision will ultimately depend on whether buyers prioritise the Aprilia's stronger value proposition or the Ninja 500's broader ownership appeal.
Autocar India News Desk
Azaman Chothia
Anshuman Singh
Rishaad Mody
Vishal Venugopal
