Repair manual for my '04 Kawi EX500?

[UltraMax]

I want to buy a repair manual for my '04 Kawi EX500. A quick search on the net reveals two options for me: Haynes which covers 1987-99, and Clymer which covers 1987-02. Link: http://www.garagecompany.com/bkawman.html

Since my EX500 is an '04 model, are those manuals considered "outdated" for my bike? Or do motorcycle manufaturers usually change only colors in each model year (unlike cars)? So the question is: Can I use those manuals for my '04 bike?

For '04 Kawi EX500, is Haynes better or Clymer? (other than the fact that in this particular case Clymer is more updated than Haynes)

How about the official Kawasaki shop manual? Would that be better than Haynes and Clymer?

[Lawn Masters]

I'd go for the official Kawasaki shop manual. more in depth information that helps make the repair much easier. mind you Clymer and Haynes manuals arent bad, but the Haynes manual is lacking in specific info, that the Clymer one has, but the official shop manual has MORE of.

[UltraMax]

Thanks for the reply. Are you saying Clymer > Haynes for Kawi EX500, or in general?

Also in another forum I was told that the official Kawi shop manual assumes that you already know certain things, while Haynes/Clymer get into the detail of things more. I guess it's not true?

Lastly... will the Haynes ('99) and Clymer ('02) be OK for my '04 EX500?

[poltrojan]

I am also looking for the manual. It seems so trouble some going to get Kawasaki if you don't have access to them locally.

I live in Ontario, Canada so it's more of a hassle for me. I was looking for an online manual for '04 EX500R and still no luck yet.

Maybe someone has info on that?

[JimmyD]

Is the shop manual the same thing as as service manual?

I downloaded an official Kawasaki service manual for a KLE500, (same motor and trans) and it really wasn't that informative. Definately not worth the 50-70 bucks in paper form.

Pretty much had a bunch of parts diagrams which are available online anyway and basic "take off tank, remove carbs, unscrew this and that, repeat in reverse order to restore".

If anyone wants it they are free to pm me, or take a look on google. If you like it by all means buy the ninja version.

EDIT: To reply to the OP's question, the '02 Manual WILL work. The 500R has been the almost EXACTLY same bike since 1994 when it gained the Ninja designation (and some small changes like rear discs I think). The bike hasn't changed since then in any way other than cosmetics, as far as I know.

[Lawn Masters]

On the EX500, I'd go with either the KAwi shop manual, or the Clymer which is in depth, Haynes manuals for me have always been vague and useless. Also, the EX500 has remained unchanged since 1994, except for paint schemes from year to year. as long as you get a manual thats for the 94+ models, you're good.