In this comparison we look at three fully faired sports bikes that can be bought with an A2 licence: the Kawasaki Ninja 500, Honda CBR500R and Yamaha R3. All three are parallel twins, all three are in the A2 class and their prices are very close. But similarity on paper does not mean the same feel on the road: one is lighter and torquier, one has a bigger tank and is better suited to long distances, and one appeals to those who like revs. In this comparison all the technical values and prices are from the catalogue; prices are October 2026 list prices.
The three models in numbers
| Kawasaki Ninja 500 | Honda CBR500R | Yamaha R3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 451 cc | 471 cc | 321 cc |
| Power | 44.8 hp | 46.9 hp | 41.4 hp |
| Torque | 42.6 Nm | 43 Nm | 29.6 Nm |
| Weight | 171 kg | 192 kg | 169 kg |
| Seat height | 785 mm | 785 mm | 780 mm |
| Tank | 14 L | 17.1 L | 14 L |
| Consumption | 3.8 L/100 km | 3.5 L/100 km | 4.0 L/100 km |
| Theoretical range | ~370 km | ~490 km | ~350 km |
| Licence | A2 | A2 | A2 |
| Price (October 2026) | 618,000 TL | 623,250 TL | 641,500 TL |
The theoretical range was calculated by dividing the tank volume by the manufacturer's consumption figure; in real use it will be lower. The weight figures are those given by the manufacturers, and the method of measurement (with or without fuel) may differ from brand to brand.
Engine character: the torque difference is decisive
The most striking row in the table is torque. While the Ninja 500 and CBR500R are almost level at 42.6 and 43 Nm, the R3's torque is 29.6 Nm, about 30 per cent lower than the Ninja 500's. On the road, this means:
- Ninja 500 and CBR500R: Thanks to their larger-capacity engines, they pull harder at low and medium revs. In city traffic, with a passenger and on hills, they find it easier to recover without changing down.
- Yamaha R3: It delivers its power at high revs. It is fun for someone who likes keeping the rev counter high and enjoys working the gearbox; but for the same performance you have to rev the engine harder. That its consumption is the highest of the three is consistent with this.
On power the difference is smaller. The CBR500R's 46.9 hp is very close to the A2 class's upper limit of 35 kW. The Ninja 500 is both the second-lightest model and the lightest relative to power: it stands out among the three in power per kilogram. We explained what power and torque mean in the hp, kW and Nm guide.
Weight and riding
The R3 and Ninja 500 are almost the same weight at 169 and 171 kg. The CBR500R, at 192 kg, is about 20 kg heavier. This difference is felt when parking, when pushing the motorcycle by hand and in tight city manoeuvres; for a beginner, lightness means confidence. On the other hand, weight also gives the motorcycle a calm stance on long journeys and in crosswinds.
Seat heights are almost identical at 780–785 mm; all three are accessible for riders of average height. If you are short, seat width and the weight of the motorcycle matter too; details are in the low-seat motorcycles guide.
Long distance and everyday use
The CBR500R's 17.1-litre tank and the lowest consumption figure of the three take its theoretical range to around 490 km. The Ninja 500 and R3, with 14-litre tanks, are in the 350–370 km band. If you will often ride long distances, the CBR500R's range advantage noticeably reduces fuel stops. To plan your trip, see the fuel and time calculation guide.
In everyday city use, lightness and low-rev torque come to the fore; in this table the Ninja 500 offers the best-balanced package. If you will carry a passenger, torquey engines are more comfortable too; see the carrying a passenger guide.
Price and annual costs
In the October 2026 list prices the most affordable is the Ninja 500 at 618,000 TL. The CBR500R is 5,250 TL more expensive and the R3 is 23,500 TL more. The Ninja 500 SE version is 674,000 TL and the R3's 70th anniversary version is 666,000 TL. All three models are in the 251–650 cc annual motor vehicle tax (MTV) band; in 2026 the annual MTV for a motorcycle 1–3 years old is 2,214 TL. Because the engine capacity is above 250 cc, the special consumption tax (ÖTV) band is the same too; we explained this in the ÖTV guide. You can compare insurance, maintenance and tyre costs in the cost calculator.
More affordable alternatives
If the budget is a little tighter, there are two more options in the A2 sports class:
- CFMoto 450SR: 449 cc, 46.3 hp, 39 Nm, 168 kg, 489,600 TL. In the same league as the trio on power and weight, with a clearly lower price.
- KTM RC 390: 373 cc, 43.5 hp, 37 Nm, 158 kg, 428,000 TL. The lightest in the group; the seat height is higher at 824 mm.
You can find other A2 options under 500,000 TL in the A2 motorcycles under 500,000 TL list, and the general logic of moving up to a sports bike in the moving up to a sports bike guide.
Which one suits whom?
- Kawasaki Ninja 500: Light, torquey and the most affordable member of the trio. For those buying their first sports bike and wanting a balanced package for the city and weekend rides.
- Honda CBR500R: The biggest tank, the longest range and the lowest consumption. For those who often ride long distances, do not mind the weight and look for a calm riding character.
- Yamaha R3: For those who want a more "racy" engine character that lives at high revs. It has the lowest torque and the highest price; so be sure to take a test ride when deciding.
To compare side by side: Ninja 500 and CBR500R, R3 and Ninja 500.
Conclusion
All three motorcycles are suitable for an A2 licence, their prices are close to one another and their seat heights are almost the same. By the numbers, the Ninja 500 is the best-balanced and most affordable option; the CBR500R is for those who want long-distance riding and range; and the R3 is for those who like revs. Narrow the decision down with the numbers, then make it with a test ride at the dealer.
Frequently asked questions
Ninja 500 or CBR500R?
The Ninja 500 is about 20 kg lighter and 5,250 TL cheaper; the CBR500R stands out on long journeys with its bigger tank and lower consumption. Power and torque values are very close.
Is the Yamaha R3 suitable for a beginner?
With its light build and 780 mm seat height it is a suitable candidate. Because its torque is low you have to rev the engine harder; some riders find this fun, others tiring.
Can these motorcycles be ridden with an A2 licence?
Yes, all three are in the A2 class in the catalogue. The A2 licence covers motorcycles up to 35 kW; details are in the licence guide.
Which one uses less fuel?
By the manufacturers' consumption figures, the CBR500R uses the least at 3.5 L/100 km; the Ninja 500 is 3.8 and the R3 4.0 L/100 km.