Comments on: Kawasaki Ninja 500R

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:14:33 +0000

I was lucky enough to get this bike a little over 2 years ago, new 2009 model. In those two years, I’ve driven it ~6,500 miles. I live in Florida, so I do a lot of flat road riding that either requires low speed or low angles. I’ve also driven it up to Tennessee, did the Dragon’s Tail(US129) on it, and drove around on other roads in Tennessee and North Carolina. Besides the 500r, we also have a 2008 650r. To tell the truth I prefer the 500r. It’s a much better on the twisties. Mainly because of lower ride height, sportier handle bars, and slightly sportier ride position. As for the performance of the bike, it’s enough to keep up people when the turns get tight. In comparison of the 650r, you can take the turns faster and with more confidence. When it comes to the price per performance, it is a great cheap bike that won’t leave you wanting like a 250cc bike might. Same with economy, but don’t expect 50 mpg if you want to do hard riding. Handling is the highpoint of this bike. It is very light and balanced and does not take much effort to flick the bike around.

Over all this motorcycle is might be the best starter bike available. It’s a shame that 2009 was its last production year.

One thing that makes this bike much better is the FOG airbox mod. With proper carburetor tuning, the power delivery becomes much smoother and the dead spot from 5k-6k rpm dissipates.

By: jr

jr — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:00:59 +0000

Forgot the ratings

By: jr

jr — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:59:26 +0000

In the fall of 2007 I bought an ’05 500R with 950 miles for $3,000. A good deal then and a better deal now. The power does flatten a bit in the mid-range, but above 7k rpm in second gear is my favorite place to be for straight line acceleration – it will move. It is an excellent city bike and good for the highway. I just returned from a 1400 mile jaunt on the bike over five days. It gets tiring but that is a lot of miles – it’s doable. I’ve seen the numbers on the mpg, but I meticulously charted over the long trip, filling up every 200 miles, and it received 60-64 mpg, usually at cruising speeds of 55 to 80 – it shocked me too – no exaggeration. It typically gets about 30-35 in the city. Very happy with that! It is an excellent beginner bike and I have recommended it to my friends. Remember though, you are still on a motorcycle and the engine will surprise you with mis-execution – it got me once and a friend. Take the MSF course!

By: Toby Mcgee

Toby Mcgee — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:01:48 +0000

The amount of money that you have to pour into this ain’t worth it. I’m very disappointed.

By: Senjai Tambles

Senjai Tambles — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:59:07 +0000

This bike is perfection, the speed, the feel – just ride it and you will know exactly what I’m talking about! The thrill and excitement, and even the looks you’ll get on this, it’s my baby and it’s been VERY good to me.

By: Ben Firth

Ben Firth — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:15:57 +0000

I like this bike a lot. It is currently the only bike I own. I had 3 bikes a few months ago but I needed some cash so I sold the other two. Obviously I kept my Ninja, as that has always been my favorite. It is plenty fast for me, though I have never ridden the 650, so I guess I don’t know what “fast” is

By: lee qin

lee qin — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 04:19:02 +0000

I am not really a huge fan of this bike
it is not as fast as i expected. ofcourse i dont know that much about bikes, but i though that if i spend 5.5k i wold get a fast ride.
it does handle very well though.

By: Sasha

Sasha — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:20:40 +0000

Compared to the 650, I’d rather the 650 – but then again I’m more of a big bike kinda girl. Not that I’m massive, I just feel safer on it, even though I’m paying more.
650 > 500R

By: seth carpenter

seth carpenter — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 00:39:10 +0000

I LOVE THIS BIKE!
Kawasaki makes some of the best machines out there. Everyone knows that. The 500R is my favorite model because it is right in the middle. 250′s are to weak for my taste, and 650′s are too strong. so the 500R is perfect for my needs. it is also pretty affordable.