Ninja 250R/500R

[clay92lx]

Originally Posted by Zandrello

Massive difference, in power and handling. I got my '06 500 in November of '07, and it has been an AWESOME starter bike. Not boring in the slightest, and not too powerful. I do NOT regret starting with a 500 as opposed to a 600. Might have been too much power to start with. Carberation is the only thing that is tiring me of the 500. I really want Fuel Injection which is why I'm gonna try to sell mine to buy a 600 this summer!

I don't know about the use of the term MASSIVE and the 500r in the samesentance thats just wrong. There is nothing massive about the 500's power I agree with the rest of your statement. Using the term "massive power" to describe the 500r could unessasarily deter a new rider form that bike. There is no power that the 500 has that you can't easily avoid, the bike needs to be reved pritty close to max rev's to take off. In fact even if a rider was creaping in 1st and cracked wide open for a second the bike wouldn't go crazy or come up on you. Thats the description of the bike that as a new rider I want to ride. To know that you have a capable machine with a large safety margin in the throttle and handling.

I know it was a comparison between the 250&500 and you weren't directly saying that the 500 has masive power.

[keyda81]

If the 500 is anything like the 250(and I'm not sure, never rode one)to get the power out of it you'd have to hit the power band. On a 250 you won't hit it until you reach around 8-9 thousand rpm's. There is a few people on this forum who have started out on a 500 with no problems. I just chose the 250 because that was what I could find at the time, in my price range. I think the 250 is a great starter bike, but it's not for everyone. Especially taller people, and in that instance you would be better of going with the 500. If your not comfortable because the bike is too small there is no point.

[clay92lx]

Originally Posted by keyda81

If the 500 is anything like the 250(and I'm not sure, never rode one)to get the power out of it you'd have to hit the power band. On a 250 you won't hit it until you reach around 8-9 thousand rpm's. There is a few people on this forum who have started out on a 500 with no problems. I just chose the 250 because that was what I could find at the time, in my price range. I think the 250 is a great starter bike, but it's not for everyone. Especially taller people, and in that instance you would be better of going with the 500. If your not comfortable because the bike is too small there is no point.

Yup either (I would imagine never rode 250)is just fine for everyone that isn't too tall. But both bikes are just as you described Keyda81.
In fact go to youtube and type in 1st ride on a 500r the vid will show exactly what we are talking about. You can putt putt these 2 bikes all day.
Fact is if you've never riden than its going to feel alien and slightly scary esp at slow speed turns IMO. Point is if its got two wheels its not going to beat the 2 as a starter.

[Zandrello]

Originally Posted by clay92lx

I don't know about the use of the term MASSIVE and the 500r in the samesentance thats just wrong. There is nothing massive about the 500's power I agree with the rest of your statement.
I know it was a comparison between the 250&500 and you weren't directly saying that the 500 has masive power.

Right, I agree with you that it doesn't have OVERALL massive power, I mean yeah you can be in 2nd gear and open the throttle like all the way, and the bike will not pop up on one wheel. Power wheelie is almost impossible, just due to the way it is shaped, and the fact that it is carbed. But yes it was in comparison to a 250. I'm very glad I started with a 500 instead of a 250, b/c I would have gotten very bored, very fast of a 250. (considering that I've had my 500 for about 16 months, and I'm already looking to sell it this summer and use the money for a down payment on a new 600 LoL)

If you're looking for an example of the 500's "power", then I will say this, I can open it up and get to 40-45mph in 1st gear, and get to 60-70 in just a few seconds.

[Carl722]

I just had to replace the rear tire on my 500 with only 4,300 miles on it. I had a hard time finding a tire I wanted. I wanted to stay with the original size 130/70/17 and it makes the selection very limited. The dealer did have a tire I liked. I got the Dunlop Arrowmax GT-501. The tread is much deeper than the original tire. But I am not sure how the tire will wear it may be softer.

[lilredridingliz]

I got a Pilot Activa rear tire for my 500 (just replaced on Saturday), because that's the make of tire on my front rim. The Pilots are really nice tires. Had to replace the rear because we plugged it last summer and it's leaking. When we changed to the new tire, we discovered the replaced tire had been patched previously! No wonder it needed filling every time I went for a ride!

Will check out the Dunlops. Yes, it's hard to find tires in our stock size.

[Carl722]

I found a nail in my tire while I was checking the tread. The center rib was showing all the tattle tails. The nail was little but the tire held air really good. I only had to put about 6 lbs in it during the winter with the cool down in temps. That Dunlop does nopt show up on Dunlop website in that size. I had to go look for myself when the dealer siad they had one. I thought they were going to have one in a 140/70/17, but it was there in the right size.

I found one place on Dunlop's site who list this tire it is a Euro site.

ARROWMAX GT501

[Zandrello]

Originally Posted by Carl722

I just had to replace the rear tire on my 500 with only 4,300 miles on it. I had a hard time finding a tire I wanted.

I agree about it being hard to find the right tire, BUT what the heck did you do to have to replace the rear after only 4300 miles?? LoL just wondering, cuz my 500 has about 4700mi right now, and my tread is still plenty deep.

Also has anyone actually seen a 500 with a larger than stock rear tire? Like I've heard of getting a 150/70/17 orrr was it 150/55/17...? idk, anyone??

[Carl722]

Originally Posted by Zandrello

I agree about it being hard to find the right tire, BUT what the heck did you do to have to replace the rear after only 4300 miles?? LoL just wondering, cuz my 500 has about 4700mi right now, and my tread is still plenty deep.

Also has anyone actually seen a 500 with a larger than stock rear tire? Like I've heard of getting a 150/70/17 orrr was it 150/55/17...? idk, anyone??

I don't live in Oklahoma no more. I live near Philly with alot of stop and go traffic. I have the same problem with my truck since I left OKC I can't keep tires on it. My mileage also sucks in the truck since I left OKC. No more 14 mpg in town now I am down to 10 mpg in town.

[Zandrello]

Originally Posted by Carl722

I don't live in Oklahoma no more. I live near Philly with alot of stop and go traffic. I have the same problem with my truck since I left OKC

dang dude that sux!! Hey I live in Bartlesville! Know where it is? I love OKC, fun city

[Carl722]

My OK geography isn't too great anymore. I lived in Moore and was stationed at Tinker AFB. I will probably be back there again early next year although I am trying to get orders to San Diego instead. I think I will be over ruled by the detailer though. I am a little inseam challenged and did not want to go to a taller tire.

[clay92lx]

Originally Posted by Zandrello

Right, I agree with you that it doesn't have OVERALL massive power, I mean yeah you can be in 2nd gear and open the throttle like all the way, and the bike will not pop up on one wheel. Power wheelie is almost impossible, just due to the way it is shaped, and the fact that it is carbed. But yes it was in comparison to a 250. I'm very glad I started with a 500 instead of a 250, b/c I would have gotten very bored, very fast of a 250. (considering that I've had my 500 for about 16 months, and I'm already looking to sell it this summer and use the money for a down payment on a new 600 LoL)

If you're looking for an example of the 500's "power", then I will say this, I can open it up and get to 40-45mph in 1st gear, and get to 60-70 in just a few seconds.

What does a bike being FI or carbed have to do with the pure power wheelie, or power at all(haven't been into bikes that long, but If I put a carb on my mustang it would make way more pwr than it does on EFI)? I'd love FI just like you said that you would but FI isn't faster than carb. its just easier maint. with the ethanol in the fuel and you don't have to be a mechanic to tune FI(within reason, not talking about a full dyno tune).
40-45 in 1st I don't really look at my speedo if I'm wide open but no-way. 60-70 in plenty of time sure enough. I'm going to check my speedo a 10k in 1st tomorrow and see. It doesn't change that your statement is correct though about the power, but now you've got me curious.
Today I rode the FZR and then the 500r just to keep the carbs clean and I was stuck behind a diesel truck doing 4mph(no joke)up a twisty hill. If I was on the fzr I would have blasted rite by him, that is when I realized why the 500r is such a great beginner bike. For the record I could have gone arround with the 500r but not enough margin for error in that situation.IMO

[Zandrello]

Originally Posted by clay92lx

What does a bike being FI or carbed have to do with the pure power wheelie, or power at all
40-45 in 1st I don't really look at my speedo if I'm wide open but no-way. 60-70 in plenty of time sure enough. I'm going to check my speedo a 10k

Bikes are a completely different ballgame than "mustangs" dude. Yes you can soup up a carbed bike, and no doubt that they're fast. But what I'm getting at (I should have been more clear, sry) is that FI is more responsive and/or "jumpy" that carbed on bikes. I've ridden both and can always tell the difference. So as far as a wheelie goes, FI would make it a bit "easier" to stand up so to speak.

And in regard to the speedo, don't you redline @ 11.5k? I'm pretty sure mine does. It's an '06...

[clay92lx]

Originally Posted by Zandrello

Bikes are a completely different ballgame than "mustangs" dude. Yes you can soup up a carbed bike, and no doubt that they're fast. But what I'm getting at (I should have been more clear, sry) is that FI is more responsive and/or "jumpy" that carbed on bikes. I've ridden both and can always tell the difference. So as far as a wheelie goes, FI would make it a bit "easier" to stand up so to speak.

And in regard to the speedo, don't you redline @ 11.5k? I'm pretty sure mine does. It's an '06...

FI I stand corrected. Now I really want one, esp. I'll be taking part of today to change plugs and find more and more reasons to take the FZR tank off.

ALSO-I when I was done riding fzr and then hopped on the 500r I was able to learn quit a bit more on the 500r in 30min. than the fzr all day.

[Zandrello]

Originally Posted by clay92lx

FI I stand corrected. Now I really want one, esp. I'll be taking part of today to change plugs and find more and more reasons to take the FZR tank off.

ALSO-I when I was done riding fzr and then hopped on the 500r I was able to learn quit a bit more on the 500r in 30min. than the fzr all day.

Nice dude! Yeah I love my 500r to death, and will definitely have it for quite a while longer. But I REALLY REALLY want to get a FI 600 of some sort. So if I run into an awesome deal/trade this summer, I'll definitely go for it. I'm ready for the upgrade

[clay92lx]

Originally Posted by Zandrello

Nice dude! Yeah I love my 500r to death, and will definitely have it for quite a while longer. But I REALLY REALLY want to get a FI 600 of some sort. So if I run into an awesome deal/trade this summer, I'll definitely go for it. I'm ready for the upgrade

Its almost an impossiblity not to come across a nice inline for fi. So many people are getting bikes before they relize its not for them or SS bikes hurt their wrists or back or whatever else. There is a local consignment guy by me If I ever get rid of FZR then I would definately get a pre-emissions fi bike. When I get ride of the 500r I'm going to try to get a KL650 lots of trails here and I don't see a reason to have two sport streetbikes no matter how different they are, other than for the purpose of self-education that is.

True about the riding position of the 500r in relation to the fnt tire coming up. I didn't realize how different the seating positions on the 2 bikes are. I couldn't even tuck on the 500r without headbutting the windscreen, so thats a ton of weight directly over frt tire.

[Carl722]

Has anyone found an aftermarket exhaust that sounds as good as the yoshimura to fit a 500R? I heard a yoshi on an old styled 250R and it sounded great. Also does anyone know if the performance with an aftermarket exhaust get better or worse? I heard some say the original pipes are tuned perfectly for the 500R and no pipes or even mods would make it run any better but perhaps worse than from the factory. Any ideas?

[Zandrello]

GENERALLY, yes after market exhaust will give you BETTER performance. BUT, one huge thing is (especially on the 500R), if you want to get custom exhaust, you really need to also get a Jet Kit. This will help use and distribute the greater horse power. I don't really know all the details and "ins & outs" of it, but I know that most people have told me that custom exhaust and a Jet Kit go hand-in-hand.

[Scooch]

Hey I was wondering if someone could try to answer some unanswered questions about the 09' Kawasaki EX250R that I have.

I've read some reviews and none of them say anything about highway driving. How is the bike on highways? I need to know if there's going to be a lot more wear and tear on it if I'm mostly using it to drive to my cottage (3 hour highway drive away.)

and a second question how does it handle with a passenger on the back?

[Carl722]

A 3 hour ride with a passenger is asking alot from a 250R I don't think I would want a passenger on my 500R for a 3 hour ride.