Kawasaki Ninja 500 Best Beginner bike EVER!!

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 4 окт 2018
  • -SRK Cycles Inventory Click here to see www.srkcycles.com/
    -Want to rent a motorcycle? Check out Riders Share: www.riders-share.com/
    -M1 Moto Glove are now in Click here to see goo.gl/s5RCk4
    -TANK STRAPS: Get the Best Motorcycle Straps out there: thetankstrap.com/
    -Check out Bikes and Beards Gear bikesandbeardsgear.com/
    Follow us on Instagram: goo.gl/WKsgVX
    SRK Cycles is a motorcycle dealership located in Landisville, PA. We post awesome videos of the bikes that we get in! Our inventory is always changing so check out our website to see what is currently in stock here. www.srkcycles.com/
    Check out our current inventory that we can ship all over the country at www.srkcycles.com/
    TANK STRAPS : TANK STRAPS: EVERYONE IS ALWAYS ASKING HOW TO GET THE TIE DOWN STRAPS THAT SRKCYCLES USES AND THE ANSWER IS RIGHT HERE!
    thetankstrap.com/
    #srkcycles #bikesandbeards
  • Авто/МотоАвто/Мото

Комментарии • 618

  • @michaelboobyer4815
    @michaelboobyer4815 5 лет назад +420

    Am I the only one who likes the look of these older 80’s looking bikes

    • @Slevinlobell
      @Slevinlobell 4 года назад +12

      me too

    • @jacobfranklin820
      @jacobfranklin820 4 года назад +14

      Nope I do.sometimes things don’t have to look super aggressive

    • @mcearl8073
      @mcearl8073 4 года назад +4

      Michael Boobyer I kind of like them. I have an 04 Concours that’s basically the big version of this with more fairings and bags and 2x the engine. I wouldn’t mind having one of these to sit beside it for around town, my bike is just too heavy really to have fun on short trips.

    • @bigpapa8152
      @bigpapa8152 4 года назад

      @@mcearl8073 Love my 06 Concours, gobs of midrange power. I'm used to the weight and don't find it all issue at all.

    • @mcearl8073
      @mcearl8073 4 года назад +1

      Sheldon Bourgeois I got used to mine as well being the only bike I’ve had for 10 years, I just don’t find myself enjoying just running around town as much anymore, especially if I have to make a lot of stops. It’s not that it lacks power or is too heavy to manage or anything, it’s just harder to maneuver at slow speeds, it’s hot at slow speeds, especially with gear on. Sometimes I just miss being a bit more careless and riding a small bike with no fairing and windshield and going out wearing nothing really and getting some wind on me. I’m not getting rid of mine anytime soon, especially since it really isn’t worth much anymore, I’d just like another bike in the stable.

  • @TRKroxas
    @TRKroxas 5 лет назад +142

    3:18 dang that got dark real quick RIP to your buddies

  • @smartmovedae6285
    @smartmovedae6285 4 года назад +41

    Just bought one of these today. 1994 Ninja500 7k miles, $500!! Guy had it sitting in a warehouse for years. Got it to start, doesn’t idle well, but lil TLC and we’re golden.

    • @Link30567
      @Link30567 3 года назад +3

      Super late comment, but I just got a 2006 500R for $250, same deal as yours, but I got a family discount tacked on. I'm excited to get it running

    • @YoYo-vq1ej
      @YoYo-vq1ej 3 года назад +2

      @@Link30567 And I'm about to pay $3k for mine :/ cheapest one I can find within 200 miles of me.

    • @samtarariverasanchez59
      @samtarariverasanchez59 6 месяцев назад

      I found one same price needs new motor

    • @BenjiluvsHondas
      @BenjiluvsHondas 4 месяца назад

      I found one for $500 today! About to go pick it up with my buddy tomorrow

  • @trevorzehren139
    @trevorzehren139 3 года назад +38

    Just picked up my 2001 ninja 500r today for only $1,200 and I love it, my first bike was a Honda rebel 450 and I feel a big difference!

    • @colinharris9494
      @colinharris9494 8 месяцев назад +1

      Dam what a steak im looking at a pretty nice one today for 2509

  • @Mickymoefoe
    @Mickymoefoe 4 года назад +59

    Had an 07 500R for my first bike, was a great bike to learn on had it for 3 years & put about 7k miles on it. loved that bike, enough power to go fast but not enough to get away from you. super reliable too.

    • @Spartansrule118
      @Spartansrule118 2 года назад +1

      Was it carbureted? Did the carb give you issues?

    • @denniswisniewski8682
      @denniswisniewski8682 2 года назад +3

      @@Spartansrule118 Yes these have a carb, i have an 06 and as long as you use Ethanol free fuel during the winter they will last forever.
      my bike is still running great with the factory carb.

  • @SWTrailsAndWheels
    @SWTrailsAndWheels 5 лет назад +78

    This was my first bike back in 2006. It was indeed a perfect start to my riding life. Lots of pleasant memories on that bike.

    • @dterm8526
      @dterm8526 5 лет назад +6

      Exact same with me great starter bike a lot of fun

    • @hunteringlis9262
      @hunteringlis9262 4 года назад

      How are they for mantince

    • @kcledis2596
      @kcledis2596 2 года назад +1

      The bike is listed for $102,000, lol 😆😂😆 😂 #Blooper

    • @kcledis2596
      @kcledis2596 2 года назад

      My bad, under 2000. #Suzukigs500

    • @SWTrailsAndWheels
      @SWTrailsAndWheels 2 года назад +3

      @@hunteringlis9262 Super easy maintenance and parts are cheap.

  • @420FlyByNight
    @420FlyByNight 5 лет назад +36

    My first bike was a blue Ninja 500r. I thought it was PLENTY fast for the road. Unless you're racing and being irresponsible, you don't need more power for everyday riding. Lots of fun!!

  • @poiuytrewq123531
    @poiuytrewq123531 5 лет назад +86

    I just bought a 2002 ninja 500r the other day. Love it more than anything else in the world.

    • @xxdragonxx36
      @xxdragonxx36 5 лет назад +3

      Nice, how's the acceleration and top speed. And how's it run?

    • @tsubarider13
      @tsubarider13 5 лет назад +6

      Congratulations! Have fun and ride safe

    • @Xboxliveyomomma127
      @Xboxliveyomomma127 5 лет назад +1

      xxdragonxx36 they’re like 125 stock

    • @Xboxliveyomomma127
      @Xboxliveyomomma127 5 лет назад +1

      xxdragonxx36 and they accelerate good

    • @jamesbrandon9225
      @jamesbrandon9225 4 года назад +3

      I just bought a 2003 and just like you I love it

  • @olegs79
    @olegs79 5 лет назад +93

    3:22
    Wow. That got sobering/depressing quick.

    • @xcolton199x
      @xcolton199x 5 лет назад +4

      Oleg S did he mean the bikes or his friends?!?

    • @scottyh1509
      @scottyh1509 4 года назад +7

      Yeah, well...when you try to ride over your experience/talent you end up dead.

    • @Cino777
      @Cino777 2 года назад

      @@xcolton199x His friends..Yeah.

  • @monkeydink9933
    @monkeydink9933 5 лет назад +12

    My first motorcycle was a 1989 Kawasaki Ninja EX500, like the video. Perfect beginner bike. Not intimidating and like Sean said, after about 5000 rpm you can feel the back end sink down as you roll the throttle. Real fun bike fo sho!!

  • @nonyabeeznuss304
    @nonyabeeznuss304 3 года назад +16

    The first bike I ever bought that wasn't a dirtbike was an 1100 Ninja. I had nowhere NEAR the expierience needed to put it through its paces. Frankly, it scared me straight and taught me some humility. I DEFINITELEY should have started out with a smaller bike like a 500.

  • @TheRoadTaken
    @TheRoadTaken 4 года назад +8

    Had one of these for nearly 5 years. Got me through college. I was able to double up, freeway commute, city commute, everything I needed it to do (well, no touring with it, wasn't comfortable enough). Otherwise, a great bike. Unfortunately it had rear drum brakes and would catch and locked up the rear wheel. Unable to figure out the problem I finally sold it to a bike shop. If nothing significantly changed between the years on this bike, I'd definitely recommend the EX500 again (with rear disc brakes) to a new rider.

  • @michaelstewartwilliams
    @michaelstewartwilliams 4 года назад +4

    Thanks for sharing this one! The Kawasaki Ninja 500 was my first new bike, and my first ever sport bike. It was perfect for me as a new rider and would still make a great commuter today.

  • @Twinspinner
    @Twinspinner 5 лет назад +84

    No, they dropped the 500 in 2008 and replaced it with the 650. Since then the Ninja 250 was bumped up to the 300 and then 400.

    • @Twinspinner
      @Twinspinner 5 лет назад +4

      @elliot dobson they literally just released the Ninja 400 this year. Yeah, they had the ER4f in Canada and new Zealand, but just Canada and New Zealand, not the rest of the world

    • @Dennell_Mount_and_Blade
      @Dennell_Mount_and_Blade 5 лет назад +3

      I wish they made a new 500, not like I could afford it tho.

    • @electronicdawg
      @electronicdawg 5 лет назад +9

      Last year they made the 500r was 2009. Then they changed the body style

    • @nick_knack
      @nick_knack 5 лет назад +1

      @@Dennell_Mount_and_Blade I've got one near me I'm looking at that is @ $2000.

    • @electronicdawg
      @electronicdawg 5 лет назад

      They made the ninja 500r till 2010.

  • @andrewayala5468
    @andrewayala5468 4 года назад +6

    Very true! Picked up an 06 500r few months ago for $650. After a new battery, rebuilt carbs and a new clutch cable, she rides like a dream. Enough power where I think its fast and keeps me happy for now. I'll still keep it around even after I get my second bike soon.

  • @ArachenoxTheLynx
    @ArachenoxTheLynx 4 года назад +6

    I recently bought one of these, but a model from 1990. Beautiful little machine.
    Mine came in 80s blue and white stripe styling, which is kinda tacky but I like it.

  • @azura13liss
    @azura13liss 3 года назад +12

    This was also my first bike too. Its a very emotional experience a bike is not like a car. It has a soul. Should have never sold it.

    • @lordfarquaad7240
      @lordfarquaad7240 3 года назад

      damn this is my first and only bike and I love it I don't think I'll get rid of it.

    • @tr3thaiii
      @tr3thaiii 3 года назад

      Just got one 2004 900 miles steal for 2gs and i absolutely am in love

  • @Xanduur
    @Xanduur 5 лет назад +6

    THIS was my first bike (1995). I was able to ride this thing from Fort Stewart to Charleston with ease. Heck, even to Myrtle Beach with a break in the middle. Lovely bike. I regret selling it.

  • @jedimindknight
    @jedimindknight 3 года назад +6

    That was my first bike! Rode the hell out of it for 2 years and loved it. Really was able to build some great skills by riding it at its limits. Now I own a ninja 650, not a huge upgrade, but it's nice to have those baseline skills on a bigger and nicer bike.

  • @areurdytoparty
    @areurdytoparty 4 года назад +7

    my first bike 7 years ago, the 1992 EX500. I loved it, wouldnt have wanted to start on anything else

  • @SkoptAlex
    @SkoptAlex 4 года назад +1

    I bought my first bike this week. Kawasaki Ninja GPZ500S from 1998 because of the clip you made of it. Thank you! You are doing so many great things. I wish I could it bought it from you guys but I live in Europe. Greetings & Respect from Romania, Europe.

  • @johnharris7353
    @johnharris7353 5 лет назад +2

    Well, I like it! Luv the instrument cluster. It really transformed when you got on it! Looks like a fun little bike, affordable! I'm 66 still riding my Cbr1100xx, it's too good!

  • @YungJayInDaTrap
    @YungJayInDaTrap 4 года назад +13

    When you said and they’re all dead... that was one of the eeriest things I ever heard.

  • @tranquilcoast
    @tranquilcoast 5 лет назад +3

    I just did the CMSP and got my learner's permit. I'm looking for a first bike and this one seems awesome. Plenty are available around me for around the same as a Ninja 250. Definitely considering learning on one of these.

  • @KenBurr
    @KenBurr 2 года назад +4

    My '08 Ninja 500 was indeed my first starter bike and was plenty of power to keep up with 600s (top speed was 115mph chasing my friend's Busa🤣). Yet, not enough power where you have to mind your throttle. So fun I wish I could have kept it.. but like every beginner bike it must be sacrificed 😔

  • @9999plato
    @9999plato 5 лет назад +10

    I had that bike for 3 years when I was in the Navy. Idid over 38,000 miles on her and then popped the clutch cable and traded her in. I drove from San DIego to Portland on it and back. Its a solid bike.

    • @2A5X4A
      @2A5X4A 4 года назад

      FlyBaby must be a really comfortable bike for LD, I rode my r6 from the Bay Area to LA I was like damnnn I should ship the bike home and fly back to the bay 😂

    • @bewgotti
      @bewgotti 4 года назад

      @@2A5X4A ima tryna see if I can make it to Texas from NYC lol

    • @conradbielicki774
      @conradbielicki774 4 года назад

      I popped a clutch cable less than a year after I got mine. Still it was a cheap fix

    • @Mark-sp4xs
      @Mark-sp4xs 2 года назад +1

      I'm in too, looking for a cheaper nice quick thing to drive around with

  • @FearTalamh
    @FearTalamh 4 года назад +3

    That thing next to the clutch lever is a Bluetooth remote for a phone. Also, my first bike was a 1997 ex500. Loved it and had it for 3 years before getting a zx600e.

  • @jimmansi1187
    @jimmansi1187 5 лет назад +7

    I see a lot of these at track days, fast enough to have fun, cheap & if you wreck it, no big deal.

  • @cagarber
    @cagarber 3 года назад +2

    Bought my first bike a Ninja 500R 2007 two weeks ago. Such a good time

  • @psychmanzooted
    @psychmanzooted 4 года назад +3

    Still here bud. One year later and a hell of a lot smarter since I first found your videos. Hoping to one day buy a bike from you.

  • @austinosborne5020
    @austinosborne5020 4 года назад +8

    Still here!! You're video convinced me to go with the 500r with no riding experience. Bought a 06 500r with 6,347ml, five months later my skills are growing and i absolutely love it. Actually hanged with an r6 during some shenanigans but once he fully opened his, he was gone😂 . Definitely gonna jump to a r6 or zx600 next year. You've tought me a lot man thanks. Hopefully i can come buy one from you!

    • @miguelrodriguez-pe1ss
      @miguelrodriguez-pe1ss 9 месяцев назад

      About to buy the same bike, how did she hold up?

    • @przemysawmarcisz3573
      @przemysawmarcisz3573 4 месяца назад

      @@miguelrodriguez-pe1ss not sure if you're still in the market, but I bought 2003 500r with barely a thousand miles, and over the last few seasons I put around 5k miles on it - it held up great. The only issue was when clutch cable snapped, besides it's been awesome. I'm ready for an upgrade but don't want to spend money yet

  • @edwardkeeter762
    @edwardkeeter762 4 года назад +2

    I have an 06 Ninja 250 and I love it. I'm even part of the 1% of riders who dig the 1980's styling. My only complaint about it in the whole world is that it's not well suited to 70+MPH highway riding for any duration. I'm sure that when new it would run 75-80 MPH all day long, but I just don't trust a 14-year-old, 248cc engine to run for hours on end at 9,000 RPM without having some problems. The Ninja 500 has everything I like about my Ninja plus it loves the highway and it's got a little more get up and go. I think this is my next bike.

  • @joe-zf7fx
    @joe-zf7fx 4 года назад +8

    Still waiting for the wheely

  • @batcaveperformance
    @batcaveperformance 5 лет назад +4

    Still here... My first bike was a red 2002 “Ninja” 500 (EX500). I had a blast on it and wish I hadn’t sold it. The EX500 doesn’t make a lot of power, but it’s a fun bike that’s somewhat quick. I think mine topped out at around 115 mph. I rode mine hard for about a year and went out and bought a 2003 Hayabusa.

    • @rhinoboger6784
      @rhinoboger6784 Год назад

      Where did you sell it at? I just bought an 02 red 500ex

  • @theheartless6849
    @theheartless6849 5 лет назад +3

    I have a 1998 Ex500, 32k miles, ripped off the front fairing, cluster, light, mount, mirrors and threw some basics on it to be a road legal street fighter. I’ve been riding for 11 years and I still ride the 500 more then my GSXR600, and honestly I get just as many compliments since the way it looks now is sick. The only downside to the 500s is the looks, mainly the front fairing. Once you throw some aftermarket gear on the front it’s a very nice looking ride. Gets over 50mpg, will smoke just about any car that’s below a Vett or Cobra. Has a center kickstand, makes this great as a adventure bike and has just the right tire width to get off-road tires. Very cost effective, I paid for this bike in the gas and insurance savings over 2 years. Less than $90 per year to insure, takes 87 octane and has a fuel reserve mode. Not to mention they are rock solid engines, wish they went to fuel injection but oh well. As for the 300cc comparison, the 500 will blow the damn fairings off a R3 or any 300cc for that matter. The newer 400cc might be able to hang, but I had a R3 test me about 2 years ago and I had him in the mirrors instantly. The 500 is the only bike you can buy as a beginner, learn the ways of 2 wheels and not get tired of after 2 months. It’s also a man sized bike, the 250s and 300s are noticeably small.

  • @Stonewallx39
    @Stonewallx39 3 года назад +1

    That’s what my first bike was! Definitely a great beginner bike and super fun.

  • @3rddayproductions723
    @3rddayproductions723 3 года назад

    Great video for a great Ninja I own the Solar yellow one 2007 it’s a great bike

  • @martinmagnia314
    @martinmagnia314 3 года назад +1

    I picked up this exact motorcycle last week .. First bike.. Love it.. 8,000 miles $2200

  • @borg92
    @borg92 3 года назад +1

    Out of your mind bro. 1980’s bike are super cool. Best looking bikes ever. My favorite bike of all time is the 1984 gsx750s3 katana

  • @Dennell_Mount_and_Blade
    @Dennell_Mount_and_Blade 5 лет назад +16

    I do not think the bike is ugly. Especially with a nice color, it's decent looking considering the price. Some have a slightly outdated color combination, but with the styling is nothing wrong imo. Sure it's not the best looking, but for what you get and pay, it's the bike that you really can fall in love with and appreciate it for what it is.

  • @DjoleBravo
    @DjoleBravo 3 года назад +1

    Mine's '96 GPZ500S, the Europe version of it, it's completely original with only 16k miles on it. What I love about it, is its perfect 2 cylinder sound and the 80s vibe about it.

  • @seanpeachmanmuzzolini2958
    @seanpeachmanmuzzolini2958 2 года назад

    love the vid wanna get one they look awesome

  • @mcycleshawn
    @mcycleshawn 5 лет назад +1

    I used to commute 2 hours a day on the PA turnpike on one of these. Other than pegging it full throttle and waiting for it it was a great ride! I actually had 2 of them at the time.

  • @nolaninja4003
    @nolaninja4003 4 года назад

    Man I'm still here...I love your videos hopefully I'll get a bike from u one day...ONNNE DAAAY

  • @ignacioiiilarosa423
    @ignacioiiilarosa423 Год назад

    I don’t know how to ride but now I want one. Nice vid!

  • @uneasyrider5172
    @uneasyrider5172 3 года назад +1

    Sean I'm still watching 2 years on, oh and bought a super clean 1991 ninja 500 (gpz500s in UK) for under 600 today!

  • @martyniner8893
    @martyniner8893 3 года назад +5

    Love the 80s bikes!

  • @DaDude999
    @DaDude999 3 года назад

    Oh so many memories from behind those bars come floodin back with this video. I put way too much time and money customizing mine. Flame paint and all, oh to be a teen again.

  • @captaingecko4047
    @captaingecko4047 9 месяцев назад

    Yeh.. I’ve been riding dirtbikes and Honda three wheelers for YEARS I’m trying to figure out a bike to get into street motorcycles. Was think a Yamaha R7 or maybe a ninja 400 but after seeing this video I’m going to keep the ninja 500r in mind!

  • @andrewpurcell8270
    @andrewpurcell8270 5 лет назад +5

    In the UK they are called the gpz 500 and produce around 60bhp and are a very inexpensive introduction to motorcycling with ease of maintenance.

    • @richpurslow3283
      @richpurslow3283 5 лет назад

      yeah they are great, got one and its super cheap to run, cost less than £500 to buy. Ive been up to scotland on it and back. I live in wiltshire so thats quite a run for her and shes just pure fun.

  • @Stu650Zuk
    @Stu650Zuk 5 лет назад +11

    Simple parallel twin carbed liquid cooled engines that ran forever. Nice bike and untouched on top of it having the stock pipes..My son wants it and we are from northern Pa. This engine has been around forever since the 80's and for good reason. More of a sport tourer with a sit up type of ride with very good handling and fun power..No, not even close to an I4 600cc class of bike, but many a I4 rider has been embarrassed by one of these bikes on a track day from a rider that knew what he/she was doing with the twin 500. Much more powerful than the 250/300 bikes,,,not sure on the newest 400 Kawasaki but that bike isn't set up to ride longer distance like the good old EX500/Ninja 500r. They should bring it back imo with updated styling and FI.

    • @bigpapa8152
      @bigpapa8152 5 лет назад

      Was half the engine from the Ninja 900 back in the day.

    • @johna6968
      @johna6968 5 лет назад

      @@bigpapa8152 Half the gpz rx 1000

    • @Xboxliveyomomma127
      @Xboxliveyomomma127 5 лет назад +1

      Faster than the 400 I’ve ridden a few

  • @jamesbrandon9225
    @jamesbrandon9225 4 года назад

    I bought a 2003 a couple weeks ago it's my first bike and even though it's not super fast I love it and it still scares the shit out of me I'm so glad I didn't get anything bigger. I'm excited to learn it and advance in to a better rider.

  • @gustavfraser4795
    @gustavfraser4795 Год назад

    Love the looks

  • @zioFaster35
    @zioFaster35 5 лет назад +3

    Ninja.... The version in Italy was called "GPZ 500 S" , I had one of that for three years. Very nice bike to begin and to use with passenger.

  • @RRRRefuelRideRace
    @RRRRefuelRideRace 5 месяцев назад

    Great do it all bike. Especially for new riders. :)

  • @vtxjeff6189
    @vtxjeff6189 5 лет назад

    My very first bike which I still have is a 09 ninja 500r and I am glad I started on this it gives me a great appreciation for my Honda Vtx 1300c

  • @Geto-Dac
    @Geto-Dac Год назад +1

    this was my first bike and i will buy another one at some point! Best bike ever for beginners. you don't need more than this in the first 2 years. Tip to beginners that buy one: and this is available for all 2nd hand bikes, nonmatter what the previous owner tells you, do the maintenance work ! replace all cables, tiers, brake pads/calipers, chain and sprocket, etc, check everything before starting riding it. you gonna push it hard and these bikes are old. My accelerator cable broke on the highway at 180km/h and boy oh boy it wasn't a nice ride let me tell ya! there is an alternative for beginners - the Kawasaki ER6N/F . modern bike with abs ,beginner friendly with linear power band but still a lot of fun. it was my second bike

  • @daltonlester416
    @daltonlester416 4 года назад +2

    Still here. Just bought my first and it's an 04 500r. Even as a newbie it's so comfortable.

    • @jerryhumphrey5533
      @jerryhumphrey5533 3 года назад +1

      My wife has that same year. I rode the shit out of last summer. Keep it rolling above 6500 rpm and you will love it!

  • @christopherkahn6522
    @christopherkahn6522 4 года назад +1

    I have a 2009 Ninja 500r and it really moves out. I get 53 mpg with nearly zero maintenance costs and my insurance is only $25 per month. When the carburetor gets clogged after sitting for several months, I just remove it, take off each reservior cover, clean the jets with WD-40 and an .11 electric guitar string, and I'm back in business. That's all it's ever needed besides brake pads and new tires. I go all over California with it and it has never left me stranded.

  • @watchurbackk9240
    @watchurbackk9240 Год назад

    I just got my first bike, turns out to be this exact same one. Was a bit worried bc it feels a bit too slow to be a 500cc but super excited I got my assurance from this video

  • @timbryant686
    @timbryant686 2 года назад

    Still hear buddy lol love this video gonna watch more of them

  • @cazgerald9471
    @cazgerald9471 5 лет назад +3

    I had one of these - it was a great commuter.

  • @ShaneZettelmier
    @ShaneZettelmier Год назад

    I agree with you and it’s funny. This looks almost exactly like my 1988 Kawasaki, EAX 500, maybe a couple updates to the front fairing and lower fairing but other than that in the exhaust that’s pretty much the same bike exactly. I also agree that it’s a great beginners bike. Maybe not your very first bike but if you’ve been riding little dirt bikes and stuff around, it’s a good step into the adult bike world. It’s got enough power to be fast and fun handles pretty well but it’s pretty safe. If you don’t go crazy. It had enough power to wheelie, but not easily. He would have to really work hard to flip it over, it’s funny that 15 years later it’s pretty much unchanged from what I had kinda reminds me of the DRC, or the kale are or the Honda XL/XR 650 L, just those good solid simple bikes that stayed popular for a long time. I wanted the ninja 600 but the 500 was about 40% less to buy and it was a great bike come at least until that Camry turned into me and destroyed it but until then I liked it a lot. Sure I wanted a little more power but for a reasonably intelligent person it’s a good first bike or definitely a good second bike if you’re coming off of a 250 or something smaller, it was enough to race through the canyons, and have some fun and get some performance out of it, but it wasn’t out of control by any means it was dependable pretty easy to maintain and a good solid runner come up I bought mine used with. I think about 5000 miles if I remember correctly and had it for about two years as my daily driver, and I’d love to have another one. It also had that great thing about the 80s, the seats were pretty comfortable back then, and there was plenty of room on there for a passenger as well. The 250 ninjas are also really cool if you’re skinny but I wasn’t, I was probably about 270 pounds and the 500 had plenty of power to get around without any problems and enough guts to pop your front wheel up a bit, but not enough to get you in a lot of trouble.

  • @Shadow0fd3ath24
    @Shadow0fd3ath24 3 года назад

    I have the same bike in the same color scheme...it randomly died 1 time in 2017 and then again in 2018 and i never got it fixed till the other day. Thing is better than i remember, despite feeling cheap and simple. Even with 10 year old tires it handles great!

  • @johntuttleiii8445
    @johntuttleiii8445 Месяц назад

    Just bought a 2004 Ninja 500 that is the same color as this one and I’m excited to learn on it.

  • @bowsershark
    @bowsershark 5 лет назад

    My cousin had a SHO back in the day. You are giving your van to much credit. Lousey wheelie 😅. Thanks for the info. I want one.

  • @damiengravel3911
    @damiengravel3911 4 месяца назад

    man this video helps me on my descision.. im lookin for a good behginers bike and wanna go get my liscence recently saw a 2002 ninja 500 for sale for 550 here in canada . all it needs is a new starter . now i know i will bite that bullet lol plus i allways wanted that model since im a kid so why not ( i am mechanically capable )

  • @futureporscheowner8337
    @futureporscheowner8337 11 месяцев назад

    4 years later, still here. Looking at getting this bike ASAP!

  • @williamv9058
    @williamv9058 4 года назад +2

    that engine was around for many years. was capable of 110 box stock. frame, brakes, etc good for the time.

  • @DDIAZ-we4dz
    @DDIAZ-we4dz 5 лет назад +13

    Didn't this come with 58hp or something? So it does affectively double the horsepower of a 250. I really wish they had kept this style of bike. In my opinion this bike was basically a sport touring bike. It had a much more upright position and they were comfortable as hell. Really wish I could find one of these around here.

    • @chrisredfield3240
      @chrisredfield3240 5 лет назад +1

      60ps dohc 8 valve liquid cooled it was very good in 1986 when it came out

    • @electronicdawg
      @electronicdawg 5 лет назад

      Specs on the bike says 81hp. The 250 is like 28hp. Almost triple the hp.

    • @9999plato
      @9999plato 5 лет назад +2

      @@electronicdawg Not 81 hp, cant be. Much more a puppy dog bike. 119 mph top speed all tucked in. I had mine for many years.

    • @bigpapa8152
      @bigpapa8152 5 лет назад

      The original ninja 900, the 500 had half it's engine.

    • @scottyh1509
      @scottyh1509 4 года назад +1

      Ninja 500 had 49hp to the rear wheel.

  • @mikezapfe430
    @mikezapfe430 Год назад

    My son started out on a BMW R65 6 years ago and he still loves it. Totally a BMW guy but doesn't want a boxer newer than 1988

  • @kawiesquid7283
    @kawiesquid7283 2 года назад

    I just traded a cruiser for my 98 500 and still here buddy. Epic wheelie hang around.

  • @allseeingotto2912
    @allseeingotto2912 Год назад

    I’ve got a 1998 model with 40 ,000 miles ,been very reliable and is great fun to ride , punchy low down and revvy at the same time , great character.

  • @jameswiles5765
    @jameswiles5765 4 года назад +3

    To put the bikes performance into perspective. It’s faster than any 250 300 or 400 and can keep up pretty alright with a 650. Not quite as fast but top end not to far off. Love these bikes for the money

  • @scomdnz9
    @scomdnz9 4 года назад +5

    5:49 the sound you make when a wasp flies in your car

  • @jhondough8234
    @jhondough8234 5 лет назад +4

    Lmao "the bikes ugly,I'm ugly" same brother!

  • @freshelfpie
    @freshelfpie 2 года назад

    Looking at one of these on CL for 1600, cracked fairing, so its been dropped at some point. 14, 000 miles. Worth it? Offer less? I am looking for first bike, big guy over 200lbs, over 6 feet.

  • @1enriquez
    @1enriquez 2 года назад

    How does a 500r compare to a newer 400? Looking to get into one but what to know some input.

  • @luisantoniogarnica3992
    @luisantoniogarnica3992 2 года назад +1

    Cool video

  • @shiftyshamsk
    @shiftyshamsk Год назад

    I'm 53 and I own a Kawasaki ZX9R and a Gpz500S, as it's called here in the UK.
    I mainly bought it to ride around back country roads with a buddy (Who has bone cancer) on his Honda 250.
    It's my 3rd Kawasaki Gpz 500. I had an ER500 with 74,000 miles and KLE500.
    Great bikes. Robust and fun.

  • @benjamincullifer165
    @benjamincullifer165 2 года назад

    My first bike. And never heard it sound that good but love it.do it. But that thing loves the higher rmps

  • @Ozem_Israel
    @Ozem_Israel 4 года назад

    Ya that original Taurus sho did work,I never had one but my cousin did. The Thunderbird super coupe did work also supercharged v8.

  • @jameswiles5765
    @jameswiles5765 4 года назад

    I bought a low miles 09 ninja 500r and wrecked 08 ninja 500r parts bike for $1200 and was my first bike! Best beginner bike ever! And heck I still jump on it sometimes and go for a rip! It’s a fun bike and gets up to 120 pretty quick for what it is.

  • @tombrady277
    @tombrady277 5 лет назад +1

    Just picked up my ‘06 saturday and i love it. First bike too.

    • @acmmorrison
      @acmmorrison 4 года назад

      Just got an 07 hope to ride in the coming weeks. First time rider. How's yours doing?

    • @tombrady277
      @tombrady277 4 года назад

      acmmorrison other than my clutch cable snapping its held up great through my abuse 😂

  • @dman8585
    @dman8585 3 года назад

    So came across this cuz I do subscribe to your channel like the videos. but taking your advice and thinking maybe a 500 the way to go as my first starter bike versus a 250, must stay I had thought about getting a 600 as the first bike but again at price point I'm not sure if I want to spend anything that I might tragically dump in my learning experiences... But can say I do have a co-worker friend that learned on a yzf6 Yamaha and it was his first bike and I know that's a lot of bike too start on, I guess say to first learn on ,I believe it was a 2004. my only thought is if I spend the money on the 500 am I going to be done with this in a few months and then just end up buying the six anyway cuz I want something more,? and is it really worth my time to spend the money on it if I can get a good deal on the 600?

  • @johnnypath8717
    @johnnypath8717 4 года назад

    Just pick up a 91 ninja ex500 for a newbie , just waiting for a tank !! If any on want to donate tires that will be great !! Love the video

  • @murraykriner9425
    @murraykriner9425 3 года назад

    I really didn't need to go find one since learning that my Vulcan 500 Custom runs the same plant as this machine. Just a different spin on the same machinery. Thank you.

    • @Whitejesselink
      @Whitejesselink 2 года назад

      Different carbs, and side covers at least on the shifter side for sure. But yeah same engine. Really love my Vulcan 500.

  • @captainplanet43
    @captainplanet43 2 года назад

    Just bought one as a commuter bike and its awesome!

  • @jimcarry9593
    @jimcarry9593 4 года назад

    I’m 5 foot 2 how do you think this bike would fit me. I know I can fit on my bothers 300 with both feet touching.

  • @mricemantoyou
    @mricemantoyou 2 года назад

    It's similar to the 250 but not the same, the engine is essentially the middle two cylinders of a GPZ1000r and is a much heavier duty engine... With 60bhp its not quite double but its significantly mo power baby 😊 and these engines are known to go on and on. I've had an ER5 commuter and EN500 custom cruiser with essentially the same engine and always wanted the Gpz500s (ninja 500r in the USA)... And now I have one... Hope this one went to a good home... Best wishes from the UK

  • @BinaryzeroNYC
    @BinaryzeroNYC 4 года назад +1

    Meet my biological father at 21 for the first time. He was on this bike all red and black with nonplastics, it was tuned up and a big hammer and sickle on the windshield. It was the first bike I drove and fell in love. He sold it since and got a 660rr but I'll never forget the 550 and July fireworks and beer at 20 mph xD

  • @nimbly1693
    @nimbly1693 4 года назад +4

    The Ninja 250 has really high output for a 250. The 500r is a much less stressed engine.

    • @rdmrdm25
      @rdmrdm25 2 года назад

      Yeah compared the the CBR 250 and such it is way more powerful with around 32hp on the older models

  • @joebreeding449
    @joebreeding449 4 года назад

    If you could buy any bike rite now what would it between 300 to 600cc for mostly city driving 🤔🤔🤔?

  • @sirloin6662
    @sirloin6662 5 лет назад

    I just got en 89 ex 500 stored under cover in garage since 94.....like new.....it does have 5k miles but looks like new......removed the tank to clean it out but filled the carbs with new gas and it fired right up and runs perfect got it so my son can learn to ride better and cruise around with me.....I think he will love it.....I have a v65 sabre that's pretty nice but not nice like this.....got it for 600 bucks....yeeeehaaaaw

  • @TheBenTonks
    @TheBenTonks 5 лет назад

    picked up my first big bike a couple months back, got a 1991 kawasaki GPZs, looks a lot like this and it pretty much is from the 80s

  • @davesmith8330
    @davesmith8330 4 месяца назад

    From what I've seen...and I could be wrong but for the size of them the 500's seem like they've got some pretty good power. I like the sound of them aswell as the looks.

  • @dougest6578
    @dougest6578 5 лет назад

    How many people get a little motion sickness when he weaves back and forth on the highway?

  • @dtogo4286
    @dtogo4286 Год назад

    still here. How reliable are these long term?

  • @austinfrye3389
    @austinfrye3389 Год назад +1

    I remember driving my ninja 250 thinking it was so fast and all the power I need. Got a 600rr and absolutely love it. Was terrified of its power for months. Still am 😅

  • @timsmotorcyclediary
    @timsmotorcyclediary 2 года назад

    It’s also the perfect bike for riding in congested downtown cities. Easy to dart in and out of bumper-to-bumper traffic. It won’t overheat in traffic jams. Easy to park. No fear of dropping it. Rides well on bumpy and pot-holed roads. Easy to carry passengers.