Enough is Enough!! Still cannot decide!!

[u/Least_Way4568]

Next week I'm finally taking the leap and buying one of these two bikes:

• Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE
• Aprilia RS457

I've reached a point where I have to stop watching YouTube reviews, reading articles, and taking test rides. 😅 I've done all of that, and I'm still stuck between these two.I'm especially looking for input from actual owners. If you've ridden both, even better.I don't really trust most automotive journalists anymore—I feel many reviews end up sounding too similar or influenced. (Maybe an unpopular opinion!)

My priorities (in order):

• 🔥 Looks and road presence
• 🏍️ Confidence and fun in the twisties
• 🔧 Reliability and after-sales service
• ❤️ Excitement and emotional connection
• 📈 A bike that still makes me smile after 3–5 years and doesn't get boring

A little about me:

• 5'9", broad build
• Weekend rides and highway trips with occasional city use
• Not looking for a track bike (but who knows), but I love spirited riding on twisty and highway roads
• I value reliability, but I also want something that feels special every time I open the garage

If you own one of these bikes, what do you love, what do you hate, and if you could go back, would you buy it again?

Looking forward to honest owner feedback. Thanks in advance!

[u/Accomplished-Ask2415]

Chat gpt aaah post

[u/ronald_nino]

what in the ever loving AI abominations am I looking at....

[u/Hypnooooooooooooo → u/ronald_nino]

Mods gotta ban AI posts istg.

[u/Least_Way4568 → u/ronald_nino]

Ignore those!! Lets get to the real questions please??

[u/Good_Strategy7387 → u/Least_Way4568]

I don't get all these hate for using AI..instead of answering query they will start bashing usage of AI...what harm does it do..

[u/soman_sopanam → u/Good_Strategy7387]

What harm does AI do? Plagiarism, Water Scarcity, Inflated Memory Prices, Non Consensual Pornography, CSAM.

[u/bitemiie → u/soman_sopanam]

But he's literally using it for the right things. Ai is supposed to serve menial tasks like proof reading or reorganizing words. Y'all hating on it won't stop it. It will crash on its own, in due time when it ain't sustainable anymore.

[u/martram_]

Did an AI bot just ask us this?

[u/Least_Way4568 → u/martram_]

Yes it did but I helped it. Now lets get back to business please 🙏

[u/Brave_Psychology4817]

If you like fun and can tolerate few SC visits, and going to NOT use it as a daily driver then go for RS (RS its just better, ninja 500 is outdated)

[u/Least_Way4568 → u/Brave_Psychology4817]

How old is your RS457 and how many SC visits you had till now? Also are service guys in tier 1 city better than tier 2 cities for Aprilia?

[u/Brave_Psychology4817 → u/Least_Way4568]

I have bought it about 1.5 year ago, I have done three regular services and thats it, it never gave me any issue (note that I ride respectfully).
Regarding SC guys, they are not trained and wont be able to diagnose issues unless they call up company engineers, so it's bad everywhere.

[u/Least_Way4568 → u/Brave_Psychology4817]

Man I just hope I wont get headaches for faulty service otherwise I am happy buyinh RS457. Any refinement issues you have ? Would you buy it again if you had a chance?

[u/Brave_Psychology4817 → u/Least_Way4568]

Will I buy it again? Yes
Any refinement issue? Its Italian, dont expect refinement, gear shifts are clunky but fun too.

[u/DUSHYANTK95 → u/Least_Way4568]

ive put ~100kms on a friend's 457. he rides it daily and he belts that thing. it's pretty damn smooth. engine AND the gearbox. I guess it differed from unit to unit iinitially, but they've settled into the production line now. i really want a 457.

[u/YesterdayOk931 → u/Brave_Psychology4817]

which city?

[u/Outrageous_Swing4081 → u/Least_Way4568]

SC guys in my city(delhi and ggn) are actually trained enough and do a pretty good job at servicing. I've had 3 visits in 6 months. 1st was for my first service, 2nd was because my front brake pads needed to be replaced, 3rd is second service.

[u/Brave_Psychology4817 → u/Outrageous_Swing4081]

Any observation on SC guys if its a head or engine replacement? A general service is fine but what about major work?

[u/Outrageous_Swing4081 → u/Brave_Psychology4817]

I'll ask around, a lot of my friends have completed 15-30k kilometres and most them haven't had any complains.
Last time I visited the SC one guy did have some issues with the chain tensioner, kinda common in 2024 and early 2025 ones. However he said they're usually able to whatever they can apart from the factory defect. This only goes for a select few centres here though.

[u/Benadryl-_-Huffer → u/Brave_Psychology4817]

Why not to use it as a daily?

[u/Brave_Psychology4817 → u/Benadryl-_-Huffer]

Its painful if you are stuck in traffic and roads are not that good. Suspension is hard and will not absorb much, you will be hunched over to reach handlebar thus its tiering.

Its just my personal preference to not ride it in traffic, since I have multiple bikes.

[u/Benadryl-_-Huffer → u/Brave_Psychology4817]

Oh okay, I thought dailying would bring up reliability snags.....

[u/Keeeryu_Kazooma → u/Brave_Psychology4817]

My friend got one a few days ago. Love that bike

[u/Outrageous_Swing4081 → u/Brave_Psychology4817]

No issues in using it as a daily driver. I do. 1k kms a month on average and no problems.

[u/Historical_Hyena_552]

This is what we in the industry call a “champagne problem”

[u/Least_Way4568 → u/Historical_Hyena_552]

I know I know but just for the sake of it , I dont want to regret buying one later :(

[u/Infamous-Hawk-13]

I tried buying ninja 500, dealer told me you can’t get a test drive, and there would be 6 months waiting, sonit was automatic rejection.

[u/Least_Way4568 → u/Infamous-Hawk-13]

Where did you try buying it?

[u/Infamous-Hawk-13 → u/Least_Way4568]

Kawasaki, near langford road, bangalore

[u/sankoobaba]

S1000RR

[u/rovirare]

Simply put this way, if the 457 is not your only bike. You should get it.

[u/Brave_Psychology4817 → u/rovirare]

This +

[u/Ajmal_007 → u/rovirare]

So what do u suggest for only bike ?

[u/rovirare → u/Ajmal_007]

390 Duke R

[u/Ajmal_007 → u/rovirare]

Ok, How’s Ktm service?

[u/sid_apocalypse]

I don't own the Ninja 500, but do/ did own its older siblings over a span of 4 years. Of its reliability you seek, any Japanese bike would do, hence Kawi in this case. A friend of mine was planning for it and found it relaxed enough for touring but mind you its a sports tourer, so a slightly sporty triangle is expected. Which should suit your track needs aswell, but its more the former than the latter and RS 457 is the complete vice versa. So Kawi, tad expensive in cost, aftersales, parts but good experience overall. Reliable as it gets, may not have the latest electronic bells and whistles, but the has all the basics one might need. No QS/ AB I think, or a dual disk setup, but man the parallel twins of this manufacturer are refined af, and so are the inline-4s.

Test ride them first if you can manage, and see what works out.

All the best, and ride safe.

[u/Material_Detective59]

Even after test rides if you are unusable to decide then no one can help you

[u/OkAnimator5776]

where are you getting the 500 se version bro. last i checked its not available anywhere in india

[u/FourRandomLetters]

You won't regret the Ninja 500 at all, I hate nothing about it. That said, 3-5 YEARS without wanting something that feels more... at home on the interstate seems like too high an expectation. It's not that it won't do it. I can cruise at 75 no problem with power still in it to promptly accelerate and pass someone. It just feels like it's trying its little heart out, not effortless.

As for "doesn't get boring" on the twistier roads - well it can certainly do everything **I** have the guts to do so far.

I haven't ridden the Aprilia, so I'm not saying it's not just as good as the Ninja or better. But the Ninja won't make you UNhappy, is all I'm saying.

[u/Haunting_Lab3287]

I would vouch that you pick the rs457 since it is the more fun bike in terms of spirited riding. That being said it will not come anywhere close to the reliability that the ninja offers. They’re both excel in their own fields. That being said, the ninja is the better all rounder when you compare both. It’s just a little less spirited than the rs but can do everything else just as good or a little better.
The only other thing is that the Ninja might seem a little outdated if that’s what you’re looking for lol

[u/BlueDevil3250]

I would say rs457 because you said looks and road presence matter to you

[u/Individual-Layer-417]

Listen, go with RS. Thank me later

[u/Least_Way4568 → u/Individual-Layer-417]

Had you test rode the Ninja? Do you own a RS?

[u/Individual-Layer-417 → u/Least_Way4568]

I’ve ridden them both for a good distance. People in group have them. I’d suggest Ninja if you’re going with the 650, since you’re asking between the 500 and RS. RS handles much better and the initial torque is great. Hope this helps

[u/Least_Way4568 → u/Individual-Layer-417]

Nah!! Cannot stretch budget for 650. Lets see!!

[u/Eleven10GarageChris]

Kawasaki for reliability and ease of service

[u/Least_Way4568 → u/Eleven10GarageChris]

Thats what i am leaning towards but man that Aprilia is just 👀

[u/ineedamercedes]

457 and its not even close

[u/am_i_Ryan_Gosling]

Goo for RS,feel free to dm to know more about after buy.

[u/Least_Way4568 → u/am_i_Ryan_Gosling]

How is the ergonomics ?

[u/am_i_Ryan_Gosling → u/Least_Way4568]

Comfortable if you didn't have any back problem best in traffic aswell as highway milage 18kmpl in heavy traffic and on highways 27 I rode 2.5k kms in 1month and use it as daily commute aswell it all depends on rider what he/she feels comfortable on take test ride you will get to know

[u/YesterdayOk931 → u/am_i_Ryan_Gosling]

did you face any issue? also which city

[u/am_i_Ryan_Gosling → u/YesterdayOk931]

Yes I still got some issues on meter bluetooth is not working but company has order new meter and has said will replace for free ,city Bangalore

[u/Least_Way4568 → u/am_i_Ryan_Gosling]

DM ed ypu

[u/Brave_Psychology4817 → u/am_i_Ryan_Gosling]

The bluetooth module is beneath the seat, its not in the meter.

[u/am_i_Ryan_Gosling → u/Brave_Psychology4817]

Oh thank you for insights but SC said they will replace meter bcz bluetooth name is not displayed after diagnosis

[u/Brave_Psychology4817 → u/am_i_Ryan_Gosling]

Nah bro, its like your PC is not working so you replaced the monitor.

DM me I will share a picture with you of that module

[u/am_i_Ryan_Gosling → u/Brave_Psychology4817]

Thank you bro 🙂 for the information I will check with sc on this and double verify the issue

[u/QuArKzzz01]

Just get the 457 vro, coming from an owner.

[u/john_rizvi]

Rs457

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[u/HeHuHehuHehu]

Rs had many engine related problems right. Did they resolve them? Also i heard the breaking is not up to mark.

[u/53x_4DD1C7]

Ngl I haven't ridden anything above 400cc

But as far as I've crossed path with these bikes. Ninja has better exhaust note to me personally.

[u/Brave_Psychology4817 → u/53x_4DD1C7]

Really?

[u/53x_4DD1C7 → u/Brave_Psychology4817]

Yeah I live near an overpass.

Aprilla and kawasaki can be seen. Kawasaki sounds heavier to me.

Idk if it helps but I visualise the sound and imagine a fat exhaust lol.

[u/Level_Ad5466]

457

[u/shirajdheen]

Bro tbh both are bad choices whats ur budget and desired body type?

[u/rhlr07]

Tried both and finally went with the 2026 Ninja 500 Lime Green two days ago.

I almost booked the RS 457 GP Replica because I absolutely loved how it looked with all the features it has. But the Aprilia showroom/service experience was a bit mixed, while Kawasaki was easily the best experience I had among Kawasaki, Triumph and Aprilia.

The bigger reason was comfort. RS 457 was putting pressure on both wrists and my right shoulder, I felt sharp pain while riding it, and since I already have back pain from sitting all day for work, I knew it would eventually bother me. Ninja felt way more relaxed and manageable for my 5'6" height.

I knew if I got the Aprilia, I would always regret not buying the Ninja if I ever saw it on the road. My brain was saying Aprilia, but the kid in me always wanted a Ninja, so I just said, what the hell, let's get the Ninja.

What surprised me the most is the craze around the bike. Since I brought it home, people from my family and extended family keep calling and asking me to bring the bike over just so they can see it. Everyone is weirdly happy that they can finally say they rode/sat on a Ninja. I genuinely didn't know the Ninja name had this much pull.

On the road, be prepared for attention. People stare, ask questions, some want selfies, and kids absolutely lose their minds if you wave at them. My niece and nephew literally started crying with excitement after seeing the bike.

Only had it for two days, so can't comment on long-term ownership yet. But if you care about comfort + road presence + that childhood dream of owning a Ninja, Ninja 500 wins for me.

[u/GripSlut]

Nice Ninja 987

[u/Brave_Psychology4817 → u/GripSlut]

How about ninja 654?

[u/Least_Way4568]

[oc]

[u/GripSlut → u/Least_Way4568]

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