2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 near Carthage, MO
2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 Overview
The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 near Carthage, MO carries forward the NINJA® legacy with the perfect balance of real-world performance, lightweight agility, and approachable ergonomics. Powered by a spirited 451cc parallel-twin and wrapped in sharp sport styling, this motorcycle is designed to make every ride memorable, whether you are carving backroads or commuting across town. At Jay Hatfield Motorsports of Joplin, we focus on pairing riders with machines that elevate confidence, and the NINJA® 500’s modern electronics and friendly seat height do exactly that. Riders moving up from entry models will appreciate the Assist & Slipper Clutch for smoother shifts and reduced lever effort, while seasoned owners will recognize the smart chassis tuning and strong brakes. The clean LCD instrumentation and smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP add day-to-day convenience, all set within a trellis high-tensile steel frame that feels composed yet lively. Serving riders who travel between Webb City and Carl Junction, our team helps tailor fitment and accessories so you can make the most of your time on the road. If your next ride begins near Carthage, MO, this NINJA® is ready to lead the way.
Trims
Kawasaki keeps the lineup clear and purposeful, offering the NINJA® 500 in configurations that align with how you ride. The foundation is a finely engineered chassis, a responsive 451cc DOHC engine, and rider-focused controls designed for comfort across a wide range of body types. From there, the trim decision largely comes down to braking preferences and style. Riders who want additional confidence under hard stops will appreciate the ABS-equipped variant, which adds Anti-lock Brake System technology without compromising the bike’s light, flickable nature. Those who prefer maximum mechanical feel under braking can opt for the non-ABS model, which still offers excellent feedback through a 310mm front disc and a well-matched rear. The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 also introduces striking colorways—Lime Green for the purist sport look, Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black for understated menace, Metallic Matte Twilight Blue/Candy Persimmon Red for a distinctive contrast, and Metallic Yellowish Green/Ebony for a vivid statement. Special editions may feature unique graphics and select convenience items, ensuring you can personalize your garage-worthy sport machine right from the start. At Jay Hatfield Motorsports of Joplin, we help you understand each configuration so your 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 feels tailored to your riding style from day one.
Features
The NINJA® 500 platform is defined by rider-centric engineering that brings everyday usability and weekend excitement into a single package. The Assist & Slipper Clutch stands out immediately—light lever action reduces fatigue in stop-and-go traffic, and the slipper function manages back-torque during aggressive downshifts to keep the chassis settled. ABS is available for riders who want additional reassurance on wet or uneven pavement, and the Economical Riding Indicator helps you tune your inputs for longer stretches between fill-ups. An ERGO-FIT® philosophy underpins the riding position, striking a natural balance between sport and comfort so you can enjoy longer days in the saddle. The LCD instrumentation is crisp and easy to read at a glance, pairing neatly with RIDEOLOGY THE APP for smartphone connectivity that lets you review ride data and customize settings. Suspension duty is handled by a 41mm telescopic fork up front and a Horizontal Back-link shock with adjustable spring preload at the rear—ideal for dialing in your preference whether you ride solo or with cargo. The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 near Carthage, MO also benefits from grippy 17-inch tires sized for agile turn-in and planted exits, while the trellis frame delivers reliable feedback that encourages you to explore the full capability of this well-rounded sport machine.
Specifications
At the heart of the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 near Carthage, MO is a 451cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel-twin tuned for usable power across the rev range. With maximum figures of 51.0 hp at 10,000 rpm and 31.7 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm, it supplies brisk acceleration for city sprints and enough top-end for open-road stretches. Fueling is managed by DFI® with dual 32mm throttle bodies, complemented by TCBI with Digital Advance ignition for clean, predictable response. A six-speed transmission and a sealed chain final drive put you in full control of every shift, while the trellis, high-tensile steel frame provides a confident foundation. Geometry is quick yet stable with a 24.5-degree rake and 3.6 inches of trail, and a 54.1-inch wheelbase helps the bike feel planted mid-corner. Suspension travel measures 4.7 inches up front and 5.1 inches at the rear, giving you the compliance needed for real-world roads and freeway expansion joints. A single 310mm semi-floating front disc with a 2-piston caliper and a 220mm rear disc provide strong, progressive braking, with ABS available. Seat height sits at a friendly 30.9 inches, curb weight starts around the low 370-pound range depending on configuration, and the 3.7-gallon tank supports commuting and backroad sessions alike. The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 near Carthage, MO complements its performance with clean LCD instrumentation and smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP.
Accessories
Factory accessories elevate everyday convenience, protection, and style, letting you fine-tune the NINJA® 500 to your priorities. The Frame Slider Set integrates discreetly with the fairings to help protect bodywork in the event of a tip-over, a smart safeguard for riders perfecting parking-lot maneuvers or carving tight neighborhood corners. A Knee Pad Set adds grippy contact points that improve connection to the tank during braking and cornering, enhancing both comfort and control. For riders who rely on navigation or need to keep a device topped off, the USB Outlet Kit, Type-C delivers clean, weather-conscious charging integration—no dangling wires or improvised solutions. A Premium Cover helps keep your machine looking box-fresh between rides, defending against dust and the elements whether you store the bike in a garage or covered area. The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 also benefits from the ERGO-FIT® approach, so you can work with our team to explore fit adjustments that make long rides more comfortable. Beyond protective add-ons, consider cosmetic touches that accent your chosen colorway—Lime Green, Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Matte Twilight Blue/Candy Persimmon Red, or Metallic Yellowish Green/Ebony—for a unified look. With the right accessories, the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 becomes an even more capable partner for daily rides, weekend errands, and winding-road escapes.
Request more 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 near Carthage, MO information
Blending friendly ergonomics with authentic sport performance, the NINJA® 500 proves a compelling choice for riders seeking one bike that does it all. Its 451cc engine, strong chassis, and well-judged suspension deliver confident control at any pace, while modern tech such as ABS availability, ERGO-FIT®, and smartphone connectivity provides everyday value. When you add Kawasaki’s attention to detail—from the clean LCD instrumentation to the quality of controls—you get a motorcycle that welcomes new riders without shortchanging experienced ones. At Jay Hatfield Motorsports of Joplin, we align these strengths with your personal goals so you can get more out of every mile. Our team knows the ins and outs of fitment, accessories, and setup, making it easy to lock in a configuration that feels right from the first start-up. If you are looking to elevate your daily commute and your weekend plans, the NINJA® 500 stands ready to amplify both—backed by our commitment to knowledgeable guidance and dependable support every step of the way.