dropped EX500 fix? sell? or both? what's it even worth?

L

leitlang

Well-known member
Hi,
I got a 98 Kawi EX500 Ninja, just broke about 50k with it. Recently finished a repaint, looks pretty good
Now I've put it down, front fairing is cracked and scratched n needs replacement (non-OEM cowling is a bargain @ ~$250). Other casualties are the front and rear brake levers (replacements look like bout 160 for the 2).. the engine starts up and sounds fine, with carbs recently overhauled 400km ago
pretty fresh rear tire 1000-2000km tops.
The question is what's my best course? Part it out as is (don't know how much that cud make), fix it and hope there arent other mechanical issues from the drop and use it, or fix it myself and then sell it as a bike?
Cheers!
 
you can probably get new levers for about $75 shipped from Hong Kong -- pazzo knockoffs.
If the bike runs fine, and it's only going cost $350 to get it running, do it...
 
$250 for a non-OEM front cowling seems quite high. You could likely pick up a used OEM one for much cheaper. You could probably fix it yourself for cheaper too.

$160 for the levers sounds high too, look around for used parts. The EX500 has been made for almost 2 decades, there should be tons of used spare parts you can find.

I would look around more for replacement parts and keep it. Sounds like the bike has plenty of life left.
 
low mileage? its worth fixing, and if nothing else is bent, forks wheels handlebars birdcage or frame, way out the costs. pro & cons.
 
From cheapcycleparts.com, OEM parts, new:
- cowling: $263.92
- brake pedal: $83.21
- brake lever: $37.03

You can likely find a lot cheaper deals on used parts on eBay.
 
wow just noticed the right handlebar is bent at about 15-20 degree angle I don't know if that changes things..?
and thanks I'm convinced I'm back to work on it she's a keeper
also I don't know if it's a good call but I just saw the bike with the front fairing removed and i rly like the more naked front look what if I didn't get a replacement front fairing but converted it to something with a circular headlamp? Kinda more like cruiser style? Has it been done / is it feasible?
ps. i'm not sure if I said that clearly but i meant that the bike has 50,000km
 
leitlang said:
also I don't know if it's a good call but I just saw the bike with the front fairing removed and i rly like the more naked front look
Click to expand...

IIRC, some models were shipped without the lower fairing. If you like the look, go for it.

leitlang said:
what if I didn't get a replacement front fairing but converted it to something with a circular headlamp? Kinda more like cruiser style? Has it been done / is it feasible?
Click to expand...

It's certainly feasible, but it may take some effort. Have you taken the front fairing off yet? If not, take it off and see if you like the looks.
 
You should be able to score mint used levers for cheaper than that, or alternatively there are companies that knock off the OEM levers ... I've seen most bike shops around here stock them, from Parts Canada I think.
 
I dumped my brand new 500r about 3 weeks ago. I picked up new handlebars off ebay $40 and replaced the side fairing for $65. I repaired the front one with fibreglass and some paint I got in Canadian Tire. Just bend the brake levers back if you can (thats what I done) and wait until something pops up on ebay. The non oem cowl does not have the headlight mounts so that is something to think about too. I had 600km on mine when I dumped it and it slid about 200 feet. It wore the metal right down through the waterpump cover and was leaking out. I welded that up and you can't even tell. Edders saw the whole thing too.
 
My mechanic bent back my old EX500 bar with a piece of pipe for $10. Those things have plenty of parts all over the place. Fix it up, you'll always have a buyer, they are great starter bikes.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom