Kawasaki India is updating its portfolio to comply with the latest and more stringent BS6 P2 OBD2B emission norms. This has come into effect on all vehicles sold in India from April 1, 2025. The central government has directed that all vehicles sold in India from April 1, 2025 should be modified to comply with these norms. Japanese iconic two-wheeler brand Kawasaki has launched a refreshed version of the Ninja 500 model in India. The model also gets a new color. This makes it a little more striking than before. The new bike looks similar to its predecessor.

After the launch of the 2025 Eliminator 500 in India, Kawasaki has launched the fully faired version of that motorcycle, the 2025 Ninja 500. While the Eliminator 500 does not have anything to distinguish it as a new MY25 version, the same is not the case with the Ninja 500. The MY25 Kawasaki Ninja 500 is available in a new color called Metallic Carbon Grey. This is a replacement for the Metallic Spark Black colour available in the MY24 version. The new colour features green highlights that give the fairing a different look. This was not present in the MY24 version.

The main change in this motorcycle can be seen in its powertrain. Although it has the same parallel twin-cylinder liquid-cooled 451 cc engine, it complies with BS6 P2 OBD2B norms. It is powered by a parallel twin-cylinder liquid-cooled motor that is capable of producing 44.77 bhp of peak power and 42.6 Nm of peak torque. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The front still gets RSU telescopic forks. The rear suspension is mono-shock. Braking duties are handled by a 310 mm single disc at the front and a 220 mm disc at the rear. Dual-channel ABS is standard.

Other features include split LED headlights, a fully digital LCD instrument cluster that enables Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone connectivity. Other notable features include a 785 mm seat height, a kerb weight of 171 kg, and a 14-litre fuel tank. The 2025 Ninja 500 is priced at Rs 5.29 lakh (ex-showroom), an increase of Rs 5,000 (ex-showroom) over the MY24 version's Rs 5.24 lakh (ex-showroom). In comparison, the 2025 Eliminator 500 had an ex-showroom price hike of Rs 14,000 (ex-showroom) over its MY24 counterpart. This is relatively understandable. In India, it mainly competes with the Aprilia RS457.

Kawasaki is the first bike that comes to mind for Indians when they are planning to buy a super bike. Currently, the Japanese brand is bringing several super bikes to the Indian market.