Reply With QuoteHave fun, enjoy the ride !
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Hello Everyone,
I took possession of my first bike today, a brand new 2009 Ninja 500R. I was contemplating whether to purchase a new or used 500R, but as this is the last year of the 500's the prices on them have dropped significantly for what I think is a steal. It's not the sexiest bike out there...but is good on insurance and is a great beginner bike. I plan on riding the bike for at least 2, maybe 3 seasons to hone my skills - and eventually move on to a Ducati Monster.
Thought I'd share a few observations on my ride home from the dealer.
1) Look through the turn...it's quite scary when your making a right turn and you go a little too wide that you risk crossing over to the next lane and into oncoming traffic.
2) The dreaded Death Grip...I kept telling myself to relax. Grip the gas tanks with my knees and loosen my upper body. Hopefully, I'll get better at this overtime.
3) Turn off the turn signals...unlike a car - the turn signals on a bike needs to be manually turned off after a turn. I need to remember to do this.
As far as the bike goes...it's true what most reviews I've read, it's a fairly easy bike to ride. I chose the 500 over a 250, as I wanted to have a larger displacement to ride for a few seasons that will help grow with me as my skills grow. I'll post more reviews of how the bike rides, once i've fully broken the engine in (1K km)
I saw a few riders on the way home...and did the rider's wave - I was quite excited after, knowing that I have now joined a great hobby and community.
Ride safe everyone.
chris
Have fun, enjoy the ride !
It's an awesome bike and a perfect beginner ride. How much did you pay (out the door)?
Chris,
It is a fantastic bike. I learned to ride on one of these and did my 1'st year of track days on it.
It's a great bike.
perfect beginner bike i got a black 08 with 19 000 km no problems at all
Got it for $6K out the door...it was one of two still in a crateOriginally Posted by TorontoBoy
ignition/fatboy100,
I wish that kawasaki had opt to redesign the 500 rather than discontinue it and replace it with the 2011 Ninja 400.
A Ninja 500 with the look of a 250 - and this bike would be best bang for the buck for beginners IMHO.
chris
You should join ex-500.com
Its a great forum for Ninja 500r owners.
Spot on. I remember my first encounter and wave, and it felt great!
I saw a few riders on the way home...and did the rider's wave - I was quite excited after, knowing that I have now joined a great hobby and community.
Safe travels!
Totally agree! Why couldn't they just redesign the Ninja 500R instead of making a 400R...Got it for $6K out the door...it was one of two still in a crate
ignition/fatboy100,
I wish that kawasaki had opt to redesign the 500 rather than discontinue it and replace it with the 2011 Ninja 400.
A Ninja 500 with the look of a 250 - and this bike would be best bang for the buck for beginners IMHO.
chris
kawasaki sells more 400 cc bikes globally then 500 cc bikes
still, im sure the 500 is due for a redesign
I thought the 400CC category was new?
New to canada yes, however in europe and asia there are plenty of 400cc bikes. For example honda, kawi and yamaha all had 400cc sport bikes back in the day. They were really popular.
2007 Suzuki Gs500F. Yoshimura edition lol
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