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 2008 Black 500R  2008 Red Ninja |
Introduction:
The Kawasaki Ninja 500 is an awesome entry level sport bike. This Ninja model has been in production since 1987 pleasing beginners and intermediates alike. With performance approaching that of larger displacement machines it's perfect for experienced riders, while entry-level riders will find its low seat (30") height, it's slight upright comfortable riding position and it's smooth, predictable power and handling inspiring. With it's 50-60mpg, great sporty looks, proven parallel twin engine, reasonable cost (Only about $5,000 new) and classic Ninja styling, no wonder this beauty is one of Kawi's best sellers year after year! The Ninja® 500R offers stable handling and friendly power delivery for new riders, coupled with Ninja styling (please see pictures) and willing performance for the more experienced motorcyclist. Providing excellent fuel economy and an affordable purchase price, the 500R is also a great choice for those who are looking to ease the crunch of soaring gas prices and add some fun to their daily commute. |
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History:
With a motorcycle model lasting 20 years, you have to be somewhat amazed how it's gone through very little changes over the years. Back in 1987, Kawi introduced the GPZ500S in Europe and a year later introduced the Kawasaki EX500 to North America. The Kawasaki EX500 (some incorrectly refer to it as a "Ninja EX500") remained mechanically unchanged until 1994 when Kawi North America dropped the "EX" and renamed it the Ninja 500. With the change, they added 17" wheels (formally 16"), added 280mm front and 210mm rear disks, shortened the gearbox, and added a digital ignition. In 1997, they added the "R" and called it the Ninja 500R, since we all know that adding an "R" makes it go twice as fast. They also included the lower fairing as standard fare. It has remained unchanged since 1997. Color schemes change yearly with 2 different options. |
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Review:
The Ninja 500 is a perfect all-around bike in this authors opinion. Sporty looks without the sporty "my arms are dying after 20 minutes of being hunched over" effect. Comfortable enough to just cruise with on any given day and strong enough to handle day to day commutes with ease. And if you're the slightest bit mechanically inclined, it's easy to maintain and keep too. The Ninja 500 has essentially been the same machine since 1987! So that means there's plenty of stock and aftermarket parts available. Most parts off of a Kawasaki EX500 can be used on current models! Expert and beginning riders will appreciate the Ninja 500R’s liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder four-stroke engine. With dual overhead cams actuating four valves per cylinder, the snappy motor is user-friendly and inspirational. Exploring the top end of this engine’s rev range is entertaining for even the most seasoned riders. The high-performance engine isn't the only selling point for the Ninja 500R. On twisty back roads, the bike’s lightweight, compact design makes for a great-handling machine. This is complemented by Kawasaki’s UNI-TRAK® rear suspension system, with a progressive linkage similar to the larger-displacement Ninja models. The Ninja 500R also has the same sporty styling, which contribute to both form and function—the aerodynamic half-fairing provides wind protection for the rider, and is stylishly complemented by a lower fairing. But most off all, it's hard to whine about it's 2008 MSRP of $5099. | |||||||||
 2007 Yellow 500R  2007 Silver Ninja  2006 Ninja 500R  Instrument Cluster  Tail light Cluster  Silver Lower Fairing |
Specifications: Engine: Four-stroke, DOHC, parallel twin Displacement: 498cc Starting: Electric Bore x stroke: 74.0 x 58.0mm Compression ratio: 10.8:1 Cooling: Liquid Carburetion: Keihin CVK34 x 2 Ignition: TCBI with digital advance Transmission: Six-speed Final drive: Chain Frame: High-tensile steel, perimeter design Rake / trail: 27 degrees / 3.6 in. Front suspension / wheel travel: 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.1 in. Rear suspension / wheel travel: UNI-TRAK® system with single shock / 3.9 in. Front tire: 110/70x17 tubeless Rear tire: 130/70x17 tubeless Front brake / rear brake: Hydraulic disc / Disc Overall length: 82.5 in. Overall width: 27.6 in. Overall height: 45.7 in. Ground clearance: 4.7 in. Seat height: 30.5 in. Dry weight: 388 lbs. Fuel capacity: 4.8 gal. Wheelbase: 56.5 in. Colors (2007): Metallic Titanium or Solar Yellow MSRP: $5,049 | ||||||||
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1987-1993 Models (EX500) Standing start ¼ mile - 12.73 s @ 102 mph Acceleration: 0-60 mph - 3.76 s Acceleration, 45-70 mph, top gears: (4) 4.08 s, 343 ft. (5) 5.92 s, 492 ft.(6) 6.62 sec., 589 ft. Braking, 60-0 mph: 115 ft. Power @ 60 mph: 9.58 hp Horse Power - 50.2 bhp @ 9250rpm Torque - 30.9 @ 7750rpm Engine speed @ 60 mph, top gear: 4935 rpm Average fuel consumption rate 48 mpg (20.4 km/L) Cruising range (main/reserve) 202/29 mi. (323/46 km) Speedometer error: 30 mph indicated, actual 29.50; 60 mph indicated, actual 57.53 Top speed: 115-120 mph depending on rider weight From Motorcyclist Magazine 2001 Acceleration: 0-60 mph - 3.87 s (beats 98% of all production cars!) Standing start ¼ mile: 12.81 s @ 101.2 mph | |||||||||
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