Exploring the realm of 500cc Bikes unveils a captivating blend of agility, power, and innovation, meticulously crafted to cater to a diverse spectrum of riders. From sleek cruisers to nimble dual-sports, the top motorcycles in this category present an appealing option for every riding preference. Models like the adaptable Honda Rebel 500, the spirited Kawasaki Ninja 500, and the adventurous Royal Enfield Himalayan exemplify precision engineering and a deep understanding of the rider’s experience. These 500cc bikes are more than just modes of transport; they are gateways to exhilarating adventures, seamlessly merging contemporary technology with timeless design, perfectly suited for both novice and seasoned motorcyclists seeking the sweet spot of performance and manageability.
From cruisers and adventure touring motorcycles to dual-sport, scrambler, and naked bikes, there’s a 500cc bike tailored to your unique riding style.
Top 500cc Bikes: 10 Amazing Models
- Harley-Davidson X 440 – 440cc
Bike Type: Cruiser
2023 Harley Davidson X440 cruiser motorcycle, a top 500cc bike for urban and highway riding
The Harley-Davidson X440 represents a fresh approach to the 500cc bike segment, seamlessly marrying Harley-Davidson’s iconic power and commanding presence with modern agility and enhanced comfort. This impressive cruiser is powered by an innovative 440cc oil-cooled engine, delivering robust low and mid-range torque, perfectly paired with a 6-speed transmission. This configuration makes it exceptionally versatile for various riding environments, from navigating city streets to enjoying long highway cruises. The X440 prioritizes rider comfort with Harley’s signature wide, flat handlebars and a relaxed saddle-style seat, ensuring a stable and comfortable ride. Beyond performance, this 500cc bike doesn’t compromise on style or passenger amenities, offering premium lighting, advanced technological features, and high-quality finishes. The inclusion of a pillion seat designed for optimal comfort makes the Harley-Davidson X440 a compelling choice for both solo adventures and rides with a companion, marking a new chapter for Harley-Davidson in the accessible motorcycle market.
- Honda Rebel 500 – 471cc
Bike Type: Cruiser
2024 Honda Rebel 500, a popular 500cc cruiser motorcycle with modern features
The Honda Rebel 500 stands out as a highly attractive 500cc cruiser, skillfully blending classic cruiser aesthetics with the dynamic performance of a responsive twin-cylinder engine. This combination results in a ride that is both visually appealing and exhilaratingly efficient, making it an excellent choice for a wide spectrum of riders. This under 500cc motorcycle is enhanced with modern features, including full-LED lighting for superior visibility, a slipper/assist clutch for smoother gear changes, and the option of an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for enhanced safety. These state-of-the-art features, coupled with the bike’s distinctive and contemporary design, ensure the Rebel 500 is not just a practical means of transportation but also a gateway to thrilling adventures on highways and winding roads alike. It’s a top pick in the 500cc bikes category for its balance of style, performance, and rider-friendly features.
- Kawasaki Ninja 500 – 451cc
Bike Type: Sport Bike
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 sportbike, an affordable and upgraded 500cc motorcycle
Kawasaki’s 2024 Ninja 500 emerges as a truly exceptional sportbike in the 500cc bikes category, offering riders a significant upgrade in performance without a corresponding increase in price. Priced competitively with the outgoing Ninja 400 at $5,299, it provides an accessible entry point to enhanced capabilities, primarily thanks to its upgraded 451cc twin-cylinder engine. This new engine delivers a noticeable boost in torque, now reaching 31.7 lb.-ft., enriching the riding experience across the rev range. Despite this power increase, the Ninja 500 retains the approachability and rider comfort that the Ninja series is known for, making it an ideal choice for those new to sportbikes or riders seeking a value-packed upgrade. Modern features such as LED lighting and a contemporary LCD instrument cluster further refine the riding experience. For riders desiring even more advanced features, the premium SE model includes ABS, a TFT dash, and keyless ignition. The Ninja 500 is a standout 500cc sportbike, bridging the gap between beginner-friendly and more advanced machines, all while remaining remarkably affordable.
- Suzuki DR-Z400S – 398cc
Bike Type: Dual Sport
2024 Suzuki DR-Z400S dual sport motorcycle, a versatile 500cc bike for on and off-road adventures
The 2024 Suzuki DR-Z400S perfectly embodies the spirit of the dual-sport movement, providing a versatile, enjoyable, and reliable motorcycle that appeals to both off-road enthusiasts and on-road adventurers. Evolving from the respected DR350S, Suzuki has enhanced the DR-Z400S with a potent 398cc, liquid-cooled engine. This engine delivers impressive torque, ensuring exhilarating rides across diverse terrains, making it a top contender in the 500cc dual sport category. Its fully adjustable suspension guarantees precise handling and a comfortable ride, whether tackling challenging trails or cruising on paved roads. This street-legal 500cc bike features an electric start for convenience and a user-friendly, multi-function LCD instrument panel for easy access to essential riding information. Equipped with fully black, aluminum EXCEL rims and robust stainless-steel spokes, ready for rim locks and serious dual-sport tires, the DR-Z400S is equally prepared for demanding off-road expeditions and everyday city commuting.
- Kawasaki Z500 – 451cc
Bike Type: Super Naked
2024 Kawasaki Z500 ABS supernaked motorcycle, a stylish and powerful 500cc streetfighter
The all-new Kawasaki Z500 ABS supernaked bike immediately grabs attention with its aggressive styling and dynamic performance, designed for riders who want to stand out from the crowd while staying in the manageable 500cc bike class. Featuring a robust new 451cc twin-cylinder engine, this motorcycle is a thrilling addition to the streetfighter scene, combining formidable power with the distinctive and sharp aesthetics of Kawasaki’s Z series. Its suite of modern features includes brilliant LED lighting, a high-contrast full-LCD meter with smartphone connectivity, and a newly designed seat enhancing both functionality and rider comfort. The Z500 ABS is built around a lightweight trellis frame, providing exceptional stability and agile maneuverability, complemented by the Uni-Trak® rear suspension and the added safety of optional ABS. The Special Edition (SE) model elevates the experience further with unique color schemes, a full-color TFT display, and additional premium features such as LED turn signals and a convenient USB-C outlet, establishing a new benchmark for rider experience in the 500cc naked bike category.
- Royal Enfield Himalayan – 452cc
Bike Type: Adventure Touring
2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan adventure touring motorcycle, a reliable 500cc bike for long journeys
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a standout adventure touring motorcycle in the sub-500cc category, expertly engineered for adventurers seeking a harmonious blend of reliability, capable performance, and versatile functionality. Its robust 452cc engine is designed to perform admirably across a wide range of riding conditions, delivering smooth, accessible power output that makes it perfectly suited for both new riders and experienced global explorers. The Himalayan’s long-travel suspension, half-duplex split cradle frame, and switchable ABS offer exceptional control and comfort across diverse terrains, from bustling city streets to challenging off-road trails. With its thoughtful, touring-focused design, including an enhanced seat for extended comfort on long journeys, ample luggage mounting options for carrying gear, and a clear LCD dashboard providing essential trip information, the Himalayan is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a dependable companion for those who dream of exploring uncharted territories on a capable and approachable 500cc adventure bike.
- Kawasaki Eliminator – 451cc
Bike Type: Cruiser
2024 Kawasaki Eliminator cruiser motorcycle, an approachable and easy-to-ride 500cc bike
The all-new Kawasaki Eliminator® motorcycle redefines urban riding with its sleek, low-profile design, making it one of the most approachable and user-friendly cruisers in the under 500cc category. Its design seamlessly integrates timeless cruiser aesthetics with modern technology, featuring a Ninja®-derived 451cc parallel-twin engine. This engine delivers strong low-end torque for effortless city navigation and smooth, linear power for comfortable highway cruising, perfectly blending performance and ease of use in a 500cc cruiser package. The Eliminator® is characterized by its horizontal design language, featuring elegant proportions from the vertically slim fuel tank flowing back to the tail, achieving a harmonious balance of dynamic performance and refined visual composure, ideal for riders seeking a stylish and manageable urban cruiser.
- Honda CRF450RL – 450cc
Bike Type: Dual Sport
2024 Honda CRF450RL dual sport motorcycle, a high-performance 500cc bike for diverse terrains
The 2024 Honda CRF450RL stands out in the dual-sport motorcycle category, showcasing the pinnacle of Honda’s engineering expertise. This exceptional 500cc dual sport bike transcends the limitations of typical motocross-derived machines with a license plate by offering a unique fusion of genuine off-road capability and full on-road legality, a rare combination in the industry. Built upon the proven CRF450X foundation, it features a six-speed transmission and finely tuned chassis geometry, meticulously engineered to prioritize lightness and agility. This focused design results in a motorcycle that is equally adept at conquering challenging off-road trails and comfortably cruising on smooth paved roads, offering riders unparalleled versatility and high performance in the 500cc class.
- Honda SCL500 – 471cc
Bike Type: Scrambler
2024 Honda SCL500 scrambler motorcycle, a retro-styled 500cc bike with modern features
Drawing inspiration from the iconic scramblers of the early 1970s, the Honda SCL500 presents a fresh and contemporary take on a classic motorcycle design. This stylish 500cc scrambler utilizes the well-regarded and reliable engine from the Rebel 500, making it ideally suited for modern riders and today’s diverse riding environments. Key features of the SCL500 include a high-mounted muffler, contributing to its distinctive scrambler aesthetic, a 19-inch front wheel for enhanced handling and stability, a passenger-friendly seat for comfortable two-up riding, and a sporty slipper/assist clutch for smoother and more controlled gear shifts. Equipped with standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) to enhance safety and rider confidence, and available in a striking Matte Black Metallic color for 2024, the Honda SCL500 stands out as an exceptional blend of retro charm and contemporary engineering, ensuring a unique and thoroughly enjoyable riding experience in the 500cc scrambler segment.
- KTM Duke 390 – 399cc
Bike Type: Naked
2024 KTM Duke 390 naked motorcycle, a thrilling and manageable 500cc bike for new riders
The 2024 KTM 390 Duke is a standout naked motorcycle under 500cc, perfectly embodying KTM’s renowned “Ready to Race” philosophy while also being exceptionally welcoming to new riders. It has been refined with a more potent 399cc engine, delivering enhanced low and mid-range power, making it both incredibly fun and responsive in urban settings and on open roads. The bike’s lightweight frame and advanced suspension system contribute to sharp, precise handling and a comfortable ride. It is also equipped with rider aids such as traction control and ABS, enhancing safety and rider confidence, along with a modern and informative smart dash display. With its aggressive sporty aesthetics and high-quality construction, the 390 Duke is an ideal choice for riders seeking a thrilling yet manageable riding experience in a 500cc naked motorcycle.
Test Rides Just Don’t Cut It. Rent a Motorcycle With Riders Share Instead
Avoid buyer’s remorse and ensure you are completely satisfied with your motorcycle purchase by taking an extended, real-world test ride through Riders Share. Dealership test rides often do not provide sufficient time to fully appreciate a bike’s performance and characteristics in everyday riding conditions. Starting from as low as $25 per day, Riders Share allows you to rent and ride your chosen motorcycle for a day or even longer, giving you a genuine feel for how it handles in your typical riding scenarios. With an extensive selection of motorcycles available at numerous locations across the USA, finding the perfect 500cc bike or any other motorcycle to match your riding needs has never been easier.
Get Ready to Ride
The best 500cc bikes on the market today represent outstanding options for riders seeking a compelling combination of agility, usable power, and appealing style in a more accessible and manageable package. Highlights from this diverse category, such as the versatile Kawasaki Ninja 500, the stylish Honda Rebel 500, and the dynamic KTM Duke 390, clearly demonstrate the breadth of variety and high quality available to today’s riders. Equipped with features specifically tailored for enhanced comfort, improved safety, and engaging performance, each of these 500cc motorcycles promises a unique and rewarding riding experience, proving definitively that you do not need the largest engine displacement to embark on the greatest adventures. Whether your riding demands include daily commuting, weekend touring, or exploring off-road trails, there is a 500cc bike ready and waiting to meet your individual challenges and exceed your expectations.
