All stock
After 6000 or 7000 rpms, the power really kicks in. Even off the line, it's not a turtle. It's pretty powerful.
The brakes work well. I've had no problems stopping or slowing down from high speeds.
The handling is what surprises me most. The handling is really amazing. I've taken highway curves at 90-100 mph and the bike hugs them beautifully.
It's a great beginner bike. It's my first bike and I'd definitely recommend any new biker to get this bike. It has more than enough power that won't let you down. It handles great and if you're short and small like me, the bike is light and low, making it easier and more comfortable to ride.
Stock
Power is very good for a 500cc bike. It has a normal but strong pull through the revs.
The stock brakes are fine, very good to learn on. After a while, stronger pads than stock and steel brake lines will help a lot.
Handling is excellent! This bike can carve with along side any other bike out there. If you go over 100mph it gets shaky but you shouldn't be going that fast anyway :-)
It is an excellent first bike and you can grow well with it. It's my first and current bike, for now. Leave it stock for a year or two, then upgrade to better tires, brake lines and if you are like me and like the feel of a little more racy seating position, Woodbrige makes clip ons and rearsets to help that. Airtech makes a nice GP style solo seat for that finished look. I personally never ride with a passenger (Honestly it is way to dangerous out there in the world to have two lives in your hands, one is enough to worry about, that's my opinion) so ask someone else if that is part of your owning a bike. I've noticed that after two years of riding mine, it is a little slow in the straights but I still cannot take it to it's limits in the twisties. Go and buy one!
muzzy pipe and headers,removed air box,k/n screw on air filters,stage 3 jet kit.
during cooler month there is a dead spot at 3500 range
poor
ok
the bike gained 7 hp on the dyno,it,s more powerful.i want to get 1/4 mile times.
All stock but planning on Stage 1 Dyno Kit and new 2 to 1 exhaust system.
Power is really good actually, 1st gear is sluggish up until 5,000-6,000 RPMS, 2nd is slow initially but picks up really quick. Hoping the dyno kit will add about 4-7 more horses though and help with the low range power.
The feel of the braking is good but could be better if stell brake lines and better shoes were added. The actual braking and distance at speed is really good.
It handles like a champ. Tight turns, quick response are all tops.
This is my first bike and I would recommend it to anyone new to the sport. I am 6'1 178lbs and it still fits me comfortably, it is not just for smaller people. I am going to keep it for a few and then hopefully sell it to another beginner so that they may enjoy the power of this first bike.
muzzy exhaust, stage 1 factory jet kit, metzler tires, chain and sprocket
was great beginner bike before i added all the mods now after 5000 rpm it goes. could pull the front end up before now can ride wheelies
braking is good especially when doin 130 or above could use dual disk in front
handling is great can almost lay all the way over next is the springs and shocks then i will be able to run with the 600s almost run in the corners now
great beginners bike add mods sits comfortable can upgrade kinda cheap is way better than most think considering its only a 500 funner to ride in the city than a 1000 cuz u can open and run
None
It's a little slower under 5000 rpms. Really picks up power above that.
Brakes work fairly good. I had an incident with some wild turkeys where I wished they would have worked a little better. But then again, they could have been worse.
Great handling. Not too heavy, so you can really manuever the bike. Corners great.
Awesome beginner bike. Very affordable. Not too much power to kill a beginner, but enough to keep a seasoned rider content. I would recommend this bike to anyone that liked the looks of it.
List the modifications on this bike none at the moment except flushmounts on the back
any flat spots etc. biek is weak untill 5 grand then the power starts to hit
Feel, Strength the brakes feel pretty good for a 13 year old bike
bike handles very good doesnt feel top heavy or anything
this is my first bike and i feel so comfortable on it that im considering seeling it and getting a 600 and ive only put 1500 miles on it
stock
The engine sounds puttery at low rpms but thats cause its a 2 cylinder. Above 6-7000 rpm it has alot of power.
the brakes are good i have had no problems with them
LIGHT bike very good at responding also very good around corners.
Its a nice begginers bike but im really itching to get a 4 cyl the 2cyl just sounds to putty and when driving around under 6000rpms it just doesnt seem very powerfull for its class its a very good choice but youll probly soon outgrow it
stock
decent power before 6 rpm, fun-fun after that!
wish there was 2 discs, better braking and would look way nicer
corners nice, light.
great first bike, not a lot of faring 2 worrie about that 1st season! great for top end power!
Stage 1 Jet Kit, K&N air filter, Yoshimura Slip-on exhaust, Pistons bored out to 599cc
This bike is very light and quick off the line. It is smooth all through the powerband, no bumps. It is not too fast, so it is a good starter bike.
The brakes are very strong, yet smooth. I never have any trouble stopping. These are newer brakes, they were put on before I bought the bike. (used) So, I don't know what kind of pads, etc. Braking is very responsive, and I have no worries about being able to stop in an emergency situation.
Whoo! This is my favorite part about this Ninja. It is a small bike, very light and slim, making it sooo easy to flick around! It is not heavy at all. I can run it in a circle and drag the peg if I wanted to. I am a new rider, and I am already learning how to maneuver the bike in any situation. Very nice handling! AA++
This bike is perfect for a learning rider who wants speed and the ability to whip the bike around in any type of traffic. These bikes are usually inexpensive, and there is also enough speed to beat any car on the road, but it's also not too fast that you might get into an accident. I am really happy with this bike, it is my first, but I am considering getting another kawasaki, because I haven't had any problems with mine and it is just so easy to ride and flick around the turns. Have fun! Keep riding!
V&H slip on
power does not come on till about 8000 rpm
very sharp breaking however nose tends to dive a little
very flickable however needs smooth pavement in turns or you could find youself Um not on the road anymore
great bike for the cash
K&N Filter, chain and sprocket kit (lower gearing), fender eliminater kit, Bridgestone tires
Power is ok below 5 grand, after that it comes on real strong, best around 6-10,000 rpm
Brakes could have better feel, after market pads and brake lines would help
OH MY GOD!! With after market tires I have been able to almost drag the bars without any trouble, this will out handle most any 600 sportbike in the hands of a good rider
Great bike, a must for anyone looking for a sport-tourer with enough get up and go to take anything you want to through at it!
List the modifications on this bike
any flat spots etc.
Feel, Strength
Factory standard except fot braided hoses
1st and 2nd are ok if you let it have it - go easy and you will be safe and bored! All in all for a 500 its pretty good - no real flat spots, once yo9u get above 6 grand or so in 1-4 acceleration is excellent. Could do with a bit more top end though, once ya hit about 128mph you're done. OK for a 500 though.
Brakes are decent, braided hoses make a big difference - won't be doing any stoppies though. Twin disc on the fron might help that.
I know it's a cliche but it handles like it's on rails - can scrape yer knee every time and it's light enough to flick from side to side at ridiculous speeds.
Overall a great starter bike but it could do with a bit more grunt....mabye thats why I got me a 900RR.
Muzzy full exhaust,dyno-jet stage1 kit,K&N filter,APC super-white headlight bulb
Runs great stock,but I got bored after only a few weeks.Muzzy exhaust with Dyno-jet kit,gave huge power gain and brought alot of excitment back.Cold days,takes alot more time to warm up since doing the mods.But is worth it for the power increase.RPM's jump quickly and the exhaust gives it a more agressive sound,that won't get confused with four cyclinders.
Braking is ok,for normal riding.But,won't be doing any power burns,pushes front tire first.Really needs dual disc on front if you are going to get aggressive.
Handling is good,light weight and lower seat height makes it great for newbs and smaller people.I recommend better tires than stock,just not happy with the tires pattern width,too narrow.Vibrates at about 120 or so.But corners under 100,GREAT!!!
My ex500 is my first bike,though it's fun to ride and a nice learning bike,I can see a bigger bike in my near future.Would recommand the ex500 to newbs and the ones who aren't looking to spend alot to get a quality bike.
Vance & Hines full exhaust. DynoJet Stage 3. K&N filter pods.
awesome powe for a 500. with the stage 3 jet lit it really wants to run in the high RPM's.
the bike is so small that you really don't need better brakes
nice, once again because it's so small
Excellent beginner bike. I suggest some mods. with mine, if you hit 3rd hard, the front pulls off the ground.
List the modifications on this bike
Nice starter bike, power after 4000 to 5000 rpms, bike has enough power for turn's, smooth transitions out of turn's. nice acceleration.
quick breaking, nose dip's quite a bit.
Handles great, light weight.
Awesome bike, looking to get bigger bike with more spunk.
stock
plenty of power for a beginner
brakes fairly well
handles beautifully in and out the corners and traffic
bike starts feeling really light at about 130. other than that..... all of my friends that i let ride it has been supprised by it and stopped making fun of me for owning a 500
Sarachu exhaust system (see more information at http://www.classicbikes.com/sarachu.html
In comparision with another 500cc bike, the power is very good, and using the Sarachu exhaust i have more 2 HP.
The brakes work very well at high speeds
The handling is very well too.I�ve taken curves at very high speeds or closer curves with no problem.
It's a very great bike, with low coast of maintenance.This is really the best 500cc Bike!!!!
Clear signal lights, and tail light. duel cobra f1r headers, ordered a k&n air filter an jet kit.
Well the ninja 500 isnt slow, its fast enough to have gotten me pulled over twice, tha 1st time was for rideing a wheelie past a state trooper doing about 55mph, tha second time i got pulled over for doing 80mph in a 35mph by sullivan county. No flat spots, great take off, all the power kicks in after 5,000 rpms, can bring tha front off ground in 3rd gear, i like to bring it up in 2nd gear at about 45mph an ride through to 3rd then keep it up all the way through 3rd when tha front comes down ur doing about 80mph. Its realy fun bike moves realy good with me on it, i weigh bout 130lbs bout 5'8 an im 15 years old, ive rode dirt bikes since i was 6 an ive alwaz done tricks on them, now ive moved to street bikes an im just as crazy on them, all kinds of diff. wheelies, suffers, stoppies, etc... Ive hit 135mph on it so far an still had 2 or 3 thousand rpms to go. But it takes alot of pratice to do what i do on a 500.
Breaking is realy good expecialy from high speeds, would be better if they made them with double disks.
Handles almost as good as a 600, needs wider tires, when i ride with my buddy that has a cbr 600f4i sometimes he'll run off an leave me on them curvey roads, but the ninja satisfies me in handleing, its good enough an gets the job done!
The ninja 500R is a awsome motorcycle, fastest in its class, if your looking for a 500 get a ninja! Ive had alot of fun with mine an im sure who ever else has or gets one will have fun on em too. Shout outs to muh motorcycle riden homies... Andy Aaron Dustin Spot a.k.a Travis
Full Muzzy Exhaust, Stage 1 Dynojet Jet Kit, K&N Air Filter
A little dead before 5 RPM's before mods. After mods, it has power all throughout the entire RPM range. Jet Kit was tricky to tune
Terrible. Have rode other bikes,(GSXR 750,GSXR 1000,R6) and it doesn't compare.
Great Handling, especially in the corners. You can really flick it around because it's so lightweight.
It's a great beginner bike. Has enough power so you won't get bored with it. It's my first sportbike and I love it.
Braided Lines, Heavier weight Fork Oil, Laser 2-1 exhaust system (when I got the bike) Open pipes (when they rusted through)
No flatspots though several boosts through the rev range, loads of low down torque, enough to get a better start off the line than any four cylinder bike up to 750cc. A slight kick at 7000rpm and all hell breaking loose at 9-10k. The torque was enough to break the back loose on greasy Kent roads. Never scary under power.
the braided lines helped but the mostly stock suspension was always slightly soggy for my liking, diving under any brake pressure. also this bike NEEDS a fork brace. even all torqued up you could feel the forks wanting to twist under pressure from the single disk. Continental bikes got twin discs.
loads of fun, could out nip most bigger bikes, lost the edge to honda 400's and later 600s. Despite a tendency to tuck and slide the front wheel (due to the same sloppy front end I mentioned before) the bike was very secure near the edge of the handling. I remember one ride round twisty lanes with friends all on CB-1's. I'd had the classic front end slide and commented about this to one friend, he said that he'd also seen me sliding the back around, I hadn't even noticed! As a new rider I was nervous about low cornering but I do recall one motorway slip road that nearly had me knee down (the 50mph sign was covered, yer'honour)
handling wise this bike felt good and big, to a new rider, trying one again shows that it was really quiet small. the specs show the bike makes 60bhp stock, by feel, mine was making 70ish on the open pipes. the stock system might quell that top end somewhat and give a more torquey feel. However on opens the bike sounded respectably loud, enough to drown out HDs, especially with the higher redline. That random front end slide could be scary and was enough to stop me pushing too hard, something that has stuck with me I'm afraid. However in a straightline the bike was very powerful feeling and and extremely fast, Despite a claimed tops speed of only 120mph I pushed mine up to an indicated 135, still accelerating!
Supertrapp exhaust system, steel brake lines
With the Supertrapp pulls from 15oo rpm! Goes crazy after 7000 rpm.
Good feel and power, a bit dodgy when braking the front hard at low speeds.
Great stability at top speed and cornering on wide curves. Shaky on tighter turns.Vibrations on clip-ons at higher rpms.Great fun in traffic, narrow and agile.
A must for a begginer who is on the "sporty" side of motorcyclism. Forgiving and very fun to use everywhere. Minus: vibrations. Very economical to maintain. The engine is just UNBREAKABLE.Just give it fresh oils and filters and your grandchildren will be able to enjoy it.
Repainted. Rejetted.
No flat spots really. Power really starts to come on @ 6000 revs. It will pull all the way to the redline.
Brakes are great. They are linear and tractable all the way.
I am a big guy, and the bike is not really built for big guys to ride hard. That said, I never got myself into anything I wasn't able to get out of. It is light and nimble, and will go exactly where you point it. One problem I had was with the rear end trying to walk out mid corner. Probably just rider error, but it doesn't happen with my new bike.
It's built well, and will put up with most anything you throw at it without coming around to bite you. If you are a new rider and want to break into the sportbike world, there is no better bike to cut your teeth on. Sure, the GS may look a little better, but the Ninja will give you a better platform to build your skills on. Plus, it's a great bike to have if you're not new.
Full Hindle, braided lines, Avon radials
Pulls well above about 7000. Exhaust backfires too much on full throttle roll off. New jetting required, perhaps?
Brakes are fine. Front much better with new line.
Avons a big improvement over stock Bridgestone bias tires.
Bought as a beginner bike. Now used exclusively for track days. Slow on a straight, next to any 600, but keeps up well in the twisties. A great all round bike for anyone new to all this.
Vance and Hines 2:1 exhaust system. Coat of Paint
Very impressive for it's size aroung 6000rpm and up, but will not let you down.
Good braking but tends to get a little unsettled when setting up for corners, but it's light weight makes it easily corrected.
Apex, Vortex with ease, so much that it can cause you to get a little more courageous every time.
I love this bike, I have had a couple of 6's and a 750, and this one I really like due to the fact it is easy to work on, and more forgiving if damaged slightly due to limited fairing plastics. Highly recomended for beginners, but not to be disrespected by veteran bike riders cause it can put you on the pavement same as any other bike! My rating is mostly due to fun factor!!
Stock
For a 500 this bike is pretty quick! Keeps up with a lot of bikes on the road
Braking is ok, not the best but dual disc in the front would help
Leans like a dream. Its light and easy in the twisties
Best begginer bike ever made!
none
It pulls but not as hard as you would want a sport bike to. When you open up on a bike it needs to fckin GO. When I'm surrounded by a bunch of big mac eating cell phone blabbing, diaper changing speeding motorists going 100 mph, you can bet I will get the f*ck out of there FAST. You can never be too fast getting away from malicious idiots. The little ninja just doesn't cut it. The power off the line isn't bad at all but at higher speeds it can't keep up with my friends ZZR 600, let alone any other real sportbike.
Mushy as a pile of dogsh*t
responsive, but don't push it too hard around the corners or else you will drag your footpeg. Its basically a commuter bike..its not meant for anything other than getting you from here to there and looking good...provided its not being looked at next to a real sport bike.
Contrary to what everyone will tell you, its actually not the best bike to start off on. Its really not. I was fooled at first and listened to all the people that try to tell you that riding a 600 as a first bike=certain death. Don't make that mistake. Get a Kat 600 or 750 for your first or better yet an SV 650. Get anything..Get an R1. As long as you can control your wrist and not be stupid you'll be fine. The 500 isn't a bad bike, it's well made and reliable but next to the other stuff thats out there,it just isnt worth the money unless you're absolutely certain that you won't get bored with it in a month or two and sell it, as most people do. In that case you would have been better off just getting a ZX6R. Bottom line, do not buy this bike unless you're only planning on using it for commuting.
none
It pulls but not as hard as you would want a sport bike to. When you open up on a bike it needs to fckin GO. When I'm surrounded by a bunch of big mac eating cell phone blabbing, diaper changing speeding motorists going 100 mph, you can bet I will get the f*ck out of there FAST. You can never be too fast getting away from malicious idiots. The little ninja just doesn't cut it. The power off the line isn't bad at all but at higher speeds it can't keep up with my friends ZZR 600, let alone any other real sportbike.
Mushy as a pile of dogsh*t
responsive, but don't push it too hard around the corners or else you will drag your footpeg. Its basically a commuter bike..its not meant for anything other than getting you from here to there and looking good...provided its not being looked at next to a real sport bike.
Contrary to what everyone will tell you, its actually not the best bike to start off on. Its really not. I was fooled at first and listened to all the people that try to tell you that riding a 600 as a first bike=certain death. Don't make that mistake. Get a Kat 600 or 750 for your first or better yet an SV 650. Get anything..Get an R1. As long as you can control your wrist and not be stupid you'll be fine. The 500 isn't a bad bike, it's well made and reliable but next to the other stuff thats out there,it just isnt worth the money unless you're absolutely certain that you won't get bored with it in a month or two and sell it, as most people do. In that case you would have been better off just getting a ZX6R. Bottom line, do not buy this bike unless you're only planning on using it for commuting.
Vance & Hines Supersport Full Exhaust System, Dynojet Stage 3 Jet Kit, Removed factory airbox and installed K&N Invidual Air Filters on carbs, EBC Cluth Kit, Kevlar Brake Pads, Flush Mount Turn Signals, Steel Braided Brake Lines, Pirelli Tires, Electric Blue Custom Paint Job, Zero Gravity Dark Smoke Windsshield, Custom Grips in Blue, Custom Footpegs in Stainless Steel,
This bike definately dishes out the power in the high RPMs. My front wheel comes off the ground completely if I hammer down in 3rd.
Stock brakes suck! Upgrade when you can! I recommend Kevlar brake pads and steel braided lines. You'll feel the stopping difference!
I am 5'9'' 120lbs and I can easily throw this bike around in the twisties of Texas. This bike is light and powerful and with a good respect of it she'll fly for ya!
My bike after all the mods keeps up with modern day 600's. No BS! At top speed they eventually pull away just from technological advances in the bikes, but I kept up with a 2002 CBR600 on I-35 doing 140mph before I let off because the bike started shaking so bad. Wouldn't recommend doing over 150mph with this bike! Bad things will happen!
All stock
Average power at low rpms, from about 7-10K it picks it up.
Could use two disc's in the front. It only has one.
Keeps up well with bigger bikes in the turns. Pretty stable up to 115 or so.
This is my first bike and although many may see it as a womans or an underpowered bike it is a great bike to learn on. If I had to do it again I would get it. I plan on putting about 5K on it then selling it to hopefully another beginner like myself. It's very reliable and have not had any problems with it. Haven't dropped it either, yet :)
V & H full exaust system. Competition werkes fender elimination kit.
Has truble starting when it is cold, but warms up quickly. So long as its above 4 grand it has smoth consistant power, and from 7 till 11 grand it really takes off.
It only has one disk in the front so you wont exactly be able to do stoppies on it, but overall I have been satisfied with them.
Its low seat height gives you a confident feel. I would recomend putting new tires on it as the stock ones arent too sticky. It gets wild at 120MPH.
This is my fist bike and I have been very happy with it. It is a very forgiving bike, but after one season of riding, it still has enough power to scare me once and awhile. This is the perfect beginner bike.
