Yamaha YZF-R3 Vs. Kawasaki Ninja 500: Which Is The Better Beginner Motorcycle?

If you are just looking to get into riding and want a beginner sports bike, then you must have considered either the Yamaha YZF-R3, or the Kawasaki Ninja 500. Both of them are priced around the $5,000 mark. While there are worse beginner motorcycles to consider, both the Yamaha YZF-R3 and the Kawasaki Ninja 500 are extremely popular between riders, and they have been constantly praised for their ease of riding. While neither of these are bad options, there are quite a few key differences between both motorcycles, and they are also aimed at a different kind of rider.

There are a lot of things that you should know before you start riding, but a small capacity bike is a good place to start, as you can also use them as daily runabouts. Unlike many high capacity motorcycles, these ones are easy to ride, and not intimidating at all. They are actually quite fun to ride in the real world as well, since you don't necessarily have to break the law.

The Yamaha YZF-R3 has been on sale for quite some time now, but it recently got an update. It's priced at $5,499, and it now looks exactly like Yamaha's bigger motorcycles. It features a 321cc parallel-twin engine which produces 41 hp and 21 lb-ft of torque. It is paired to a six-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch. 

The R3 is a little down on capacity and on power when compared to the Ninja 500, but it's still an ample amount for beginners. The R3 also comes with a colour TFT digital instrument cluster, upside down forks and very grippy Dunlop tires.

The R3 is a little more aggressive in terms of its seating position, something that people who want a sportier riding posture will appreciate. Most of its power is on the higher end of the rev range, and it's only a hair lighter than the Kawasaki. In the corners, the R3 should be more nimble than the Kawasaki Ninja 500 because of its tire and suspension setup. One thing to note is that the R3 also comes with ABS as standard, which is quite an important safety feature, especially for beginner riders.

For those looking for a motorcycle to modify, the R3 is also great option. Since it's an older motorcycle, it has extensive aftermarket support, and there are all kinds of upgrades available for it. 

While the R3 is a great beginner motorcycle, you can consider used options as well, since there are plenty of them, and there are no major radical changes over the previous generation. That would come out as a better deal if you are looking for a beginner motorcycle on a budget.

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 has replaced the Ninja 400 for the American market. It has a similar price of $5,299, but a big miss is that ABS doesn't come as standard and you have to shell out an extra $400 for it, making it a little more expensive than the R3. This is something that beginner riders should get as standard, as it brings an additional safety net. There are also a couple of variants to choose from, with the SE versions starting from $6,399.

The Ninja 500 has a 451cc parallel-twin engine which produces 51 hp and 31.7 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired to a six-speed gearbox as well, and it also has a slip and assist clutch. The added capacity and horsepower does make it punchier than the R3, and also great for riding on the freeway. The Ninja 500 comes with regular telescopic suspension and a straighter riding position, making it a better touring motorcycle.

For those who are looking for a learner motorcycle which they wish to use for some time before moving onto a bigger capacity motorcycle, the Ninja 500 makes a lot of sense. The extra power and more comfortable riding dynamics would definitely help you with learning to ride, but it would also ace daily commutes. It's a better rounded motorcycle overall. While the ABS should be standard, it's not a dealbreaker, and you can just skip the non-ABS version of the Ninja 500.