← Kawasaki Ninja 500 guide

Ninja 500 inspection checklist

EX500 · 2024-current. Take this to the bike and tick as you go; ticks stay on this device only. Every item comes from the Ninja 500 guide.

It's the bike you think it is

• Look it up on your state register by its code, not its name EX500G
• NSW files it under code EX500G with the description "Ninja 500 and Z500", 2024-on, 451cc — the same code also covers the naked Z500 sibling.
• A separate EX500J row on the same NSW list covers the "Ninja 500 SE / KRT Edition" special-edition colours, also 451cc, 2025-on — same bike, same approval, different paint.
• Victoria lists the same codes: "EX500G (2023)" and "EX500J (2023)", 451cc.
• Queensland's learner table (last updated 7 September 2026) doesn't list it yet. Riders in QLD should confirm with TMR before buying.
• It's on your state's LAMS list today (registers change) Look up a code · NSW · QLD · VIC

Every used bike

• Frame VIN and engine number match the registration papers
• PPSR check: no finance owing, not written off or stolen ppsr.gov.au ↗ (a few dollars, needs the VIN)
• Registration is current, and in the seller's name

Service history to ask for

• Service records every 12,000km / 12 monthsunverified
• Valve clearance check every 24,000km: ask when it was last doneunverified

Known faults to check for

• Check for: No documented model-specific faults yet Shows up: Any
  What to look for

  On sale in Australia only since March 2024. The 451cc engine is a genuine update on the Ninja 400's 399cc unit, not a reliability-proven carry-over, so the Ninja 400's own (already-debated) service intervals should not be assumed to carry across without checking an Australian-delivered Ninja 500 manual.

This is a checklist, not a diagnosis. Anything that fails, or that you can't check, is worth a mechanic's pre-purchase inspection. Amber “unverified” tags mean we couldn't confirm that figure against a manufacturer source.