Ninja 250R/500R

[RickaSaki]

I've found that you gotta keep the RPM's up for a little excitement and clutch it for a one-up, but the EX500 is a fairly enjoyable ride around town regardless of the speed or RPM's. If you're looking for the sweet spot, it's definately over 7000. I have noticed that since it has the small displacement in such a heavy frame, it's gotta have the juices flowing for any excitement over and above the crusing. I live on a cul-de-sac and I can get up to about 70 mph at around 10k RPMs before I gotta get off it but it kicks in around 8500-9500 since it is an opposed crank with a bigger displacement. The EX500 is really just a 1000 cut in half and you suffer the kick at lower RPM's equally so, i.e. the higher revving motor. My neighbor has a 1000 and his kicks at about 5800 or 6k, so it measures out. I have wondered if I open up the airbox and try a more free exhaust with a stage two kit, maybe I can drop the RPM's a little but for now, it seems to run OK for stock. I guess that depends on my direction towards rat bike or commuter..... and the gas prices!

[New_Guy]

Hey all-
I Just got my first bike Ever. I've got no experience whatsoever, but I've always wanted to ride. A friend GAVE me his old 1990 Ex500. It's been sitting about 3 years, so the first trip is to tow it to the mechanics. He was my old roommate, so I know this thing worked fine before he bought a BMW and stopped riding it. Currently it's looking a little rusty here and there (chain and brake rotors in particular).

I don't want to get robbed blind by the mechanic so can anyone tell me what I "should do" for a bike that's been sitting around? I know it needs: tires, chain, battery for sure... probably some kind of tune up, perhaps synch the carbs... what about fluids/flushes??

What should I expect to pay for these things, and is there any "gotcha" that I should be aware of? Maybe there's stuff that "would be good to do while he's there...".

Thanks,
New_Guy

[Tod]

Use the Foam Luke.

Welcome New_Guy.

[cpslaughter]

Originally Posted by chimera

Hi all!
I am just curious, as my little ninja 500R is almost broken in....I have about 350km's or so left....anyway, when he is broken in, where is the sweet spot in the RPM's?..... I find when I've had to open it up a little around 7000 or so the bike starts 'growling' , it's an enjoyable sound..... is that the area?.... and I know it isn't a SS or anything but when he has to, that bike has power

Hi Chimera,

I have the same bike and I know that sound at 7000 RPMS . It's addictive ! I've got about 750 miles on my bike now , and I'm starting to push the RPMS up to 8000 and 9000 RPMS . I think the real power of my bike lies somewhere between 7000 and 8000 RPMS. The bike seems to have all the power that I really need , but I would love to make a lot more noise . do you know of any quick modifications that can be done to the stock exhaust ? I'm thinking about buying a Jardane 2:1 aftermarket exhaust , but I don't really care about knowing any faster or increasing my horse power . What I really want is more noise.

[RickaSaki]

Get it up over 9000 and it'll scream at ya.

[RickaSaki]

Originally Posted by New_Guy

Hey all-
I Just got my first bike Ever. I've got no experience whatsoever, but I've always wanted to ride. A friend GAVE me his old 1990 Ex500. It's been sitting about 3 years, so the first trip is to tow it to the mechanics. He was my old roommate, so I know this thing worked fine before he bought a BMW and stopped riding it. Currently it's looking a little rusty here and there (chain and brake rotors in particular).

I don't want to get robbed blind by the mechanic so can anyone tell me what I "should do" for a bike that's been sitting around? I know it needs: tires, chain, battery for sure... probably some kind of tune up, perhaps synch the carbs... what about fluids/flushes??

What should I expect to pay for these things, and is there any "gotcha" that I should be aware of? Maybe there's stuff that "would be good to do while he's there...".

Thanks,
New_Guy

Welcome and cudos on the FREEBIE!

Those things you mentioned should be done regardless, to have a safe and reliable ride.
Get a service manual and familiarize yourself so you will know what your mechanic should be doing and if you have any questions, ask them to save the old parts to show you.

You never know what you are going to get into with a bike that has been sitting. There are always those "unknowns" that plague you. Heck, when I got my EX500, I found the crankcase with about 7 or 8 quarts of oil and gunk from the last owner. He just kept adding oil until he could see it in the case through the oil cap!

Since you know the previous owner fairly well, and he rode it, it shouldn't take much to get it back into shape. I would suggest that you have the safety items taken care of like brakes, chain, tune-up, etc.. and leave the cosmetics till later. There is nothing more frustrating to a new owner/rider than having an unreliable bike that they can't build the confidence on. You should look into a MSF rider course since you have no expierence. Spend the money on some good gear, including an appropriate helmet.

If you are concerned about getting hosed by the mechanic, set some ground rules with them and get an estimate first. Tell them what you want and to call you if they find something else they feel must be done. It's kind of a pain to the mechanic but the fact is...... it's your money that they'd be spending! If they want your business, they'll accomodate.

Anyway, welcome and good luck with your project.

[cpslaughter]

You're right ! 9000 rocks

[cpslaughter]

hi all,

I love the new ninja. I need to find some ways to make it mine. there is a big a hole through the bike between the cowling in the fairing. would it be a bad idea for me to design and install something to fill this gap ?

[Inflame]

You guys who haven't ridden your bikes past 4-6K rpm have broken you bikes in wrong. You can break in a car or motorcycle within the first 20 miles... RIDE IT HARD!!!!

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

[ervins]

Originally Posted by Inflame

You guys who haven't ridden your bikes past 4-6K rpm have broken you bikes in wrong. You can break in a car or motorcycle within the first 20 miles... RIDE IT HARD!!!!

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

I like his website. Really low key...He should probably worry more about how to build a real website than the breaking in of a bike. I'll pass as most engineers know, there are break in periods for most if not all mechanical devices. Thanks for the link though. I think I will email him to add some flash, and use a real web design software...The proper word is called Janky.

[chimera]

thanks rickasaki for the response.....

and to cpslaughter.... I am glad you know what I am talking about...and yea, my little ninja is plenty of power for me now.....
I am also looking into an aftermarket exhaust.... I am leaning towards Hindle, b/c I like the sound of them, not too loud but also not too soft....not sure if I want as slip on or full system..... I will have to see when I get closer to buying it.
Do a search on fairings, I will try to find a link to 2 company's when I get home, I am at work right now. I too am looking to cover that gap.

[New_Guy]

Hey all-
Thanks for the advice on my new Free EX400 (forever to be called my EXFreeHundred). I called around to some motorcycle repair places until I found one that didn't treat me like an IceHole. The guy I found is willing to work with me to keep the price low, and recommended some "generic" tires but said not to skimp on the chain, and to replace the sprocket if the chain is rusted on it.

Tires, rebuilding the carbs, chain, new speedo cable, battery, and state inspection for an estimated "400's". I'm not sure if this is a good/bad/ugly price, but that guy won my biz just by not being a ****. I'm having it towed over to his place tomorrow.

Am I better off ordering my helmet online, or just going to a local shop?? I did my homework and decided on a Scorpion EX-400 helmet, but I don't know how "common" these are to find inside a moto shop.

Thanks again for the input- I'll use the Foam after I get this thing running...

[New_Guy]

Originally Posted by Inflame

You guys who haven't ridden your bikes past 4-6K rpm have broken you bikes in wrong. You can break in a car or motorcycle within the first 20 miles... RIDE IT HARD!!!!

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

As Carlos Mencia says.... DE DE DEEE!!!

[Dman007]

http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...ighlight=ex500

You can also do what Im doing....hehe check it out

[Crosstown]

Originally Posted by pillen140

me and my wife are thinking about buying a pair of 250r's. how are they for long distance rides? also i have heard they have no gas gauge, is this true? and where is a good place to look for parts and accessories for a 250r?

I rode my 250 from Tampa, Florida to Fontana, NC. The ride was comfortable and no problems from the bike.

[New_Guy]

Hey all-
OK, so I took my FREEBIE '90 ex500 to the mechanic. He called me this AM with a list of things that definitely NEED to be fixed. Estimate "around 600$" now for the following:

Tires (off brand)
Carbs rebuilt
New petcock
clean up the front fork
New front brake caliper/brakes

That was the big stuff, sounded like a few other things that he didn't list directly.

He checked the compression on the cylinders- it was 150lbs on both cylinders, which is supposedly in the "good range". He said that the chain has only superficial rust and can be soaked. The sprockets are ok. He said "there's plenty of rust" on the bike...

After giving me the info, he recommended that I "sleep on it" because it's a lot of work/money and some of the parts may not be immediately available. Best guess 10days - 2 weeks or so, IF nothing else is wrong, which is still an unknown.


OK- this isn't a loaded question, and I realize opinions will vary... but I'd like the honest input of all you ex500 riders out there. IS IT WORTH IT??? The EX500 has RAVE reviews, especially as a beginner bike. It seems to be a great all-around bike, and may be a great little commuter for me.

On the other hand, I'm wondering if as a newbie (having NEVER ridden before) I'd be better off just getting a 600$ running bike (like an older 250 or something)??

PLEASE advise- I really need an experienced opinion here.

Thanks!
Doug

[cpslaughter]

hi new guy ,

I've owned a 250 , and now I have an ex500. In response to your question "Is it worth it?" all I can offer is my opinion. when I first got my 250 I thought it was the greatest bike in the world , but by the end of the first six months of owning it , I began to realize its limitations . I have owned a 2006 ex500 now for a little over a month and it seems to offer a lot more room for growth as a rider. I don't want to offend any 250 riding folks reading this string , but the 500 is literally twice the bike . I looked at 250 CC bikes on ebay ranging from 1989 to 1991, and it is possible to find a running bike in fairly good condition for under thousand dollars. If you feel confident that you are able to completely restore the ex 500 to good/or excellent cosmetic and running condition at less than a thousand dollars, I think the 500 is a whole lot more fun . Have you looked into the price of a new bike ? Mine was less than $5000.00. The amount of money I've saved in gas has already covered my entire payment and put a few dollars back into my pocket . The bike itself is actually free if I use it for 36 months (based on gas savings ). I don't sell bikes for living or anything , it just seems like if you're gonna put six hundred or thousand into a sixteen year old bike then you might be better off using that as a down payment on a new one . Well that's my 2¢ worth . I really enjoy reading about your adventures in motorcycle repair , so please keep posting . By the way, those are great pictures . Whatever you choose to do , I hope to hear from you again .

[ervins]

Originally Posted by cpslaughter

hi new guy ,

I've owned a 250 , and now I have an ex500. In response to your question "Is it worth it?" all I can offer is my opinion. when I first got my 250 I thought it was the greatest bike in the world , but by the end of the first six months of owning it , I began to realize its limitations . I have owned a 2006 ex500 now for a little over a month and it seems to offer a lot more room for growth as a rider. I don't want to offend any 250 riding folks reading this string , but the 500 is literally twice the bike . I looked at 250 CC bikes on ebay ranging from 1989 to 1991, and it is possible to find a running bike in fairly good condition for under thousand dollars. If you feel confident that you are able to completely restore the ex 500 to good/or excellent cosmetic and running condition at less than a thousand dollars, I think the 500 is a whole lot more fun . Have you looked into the price of a new bike ? Mine was less than $5000.00. The amount of money I've saved in gas has already covered my entire payment and put a few dollars back into my pocket . The bike itself is actually free if I use it for 36 months (based on gas savings ). I don't sell bikes for living or anything , it just seems like if you're gonna put six hundred or thousand into a sixteen year old bike then you might be better off using that as a down payment on a new one . Well that's my 2¢ worth . I really enjoy reading about your adventures in motorcycle repair , so please keep posting . By the way, those are great pictures . Whatever you choose to do , I hope to hear from you again .

Good point about financing one...Especially if it allows for growth. I know from my MSF that a 250 was not going to cut it...I being more stocky than most. 500 seems to be the way to go, but I went full bore and got a 636 since it was such a killer deal. In the end, I made the right decision for me. Which is the key point. Make a decision that is right for you and based on what you think your needs and expectations are.

[New_Guy]

Thanks for the input- that's basically what I was looking for (an opinion). I like the ex500, but maybe I'd better be more disciplined with my "bike fever". I really want to do this- I've wanted to get a bike for at least 10 years that I can remember- but circumstances have always prevented it. I'd better do it right. The worst case scenario would be a bad experience with my first bike. Esp. since I want max road time, and so maybe this one is a pass...

So now that I've got a Free EX500 that needs about 600$ in repairs- any suggestions about what to do with it???? Ebay for the cost of registration??

[nwujames]

I just bought my 2002 500 and brought in for an oil change and a look over. The guy tells me that the bike was wet with oil and that he thinks the output shaft is leaking oil, but since he's not sure how long it's been leaking, he can't tell how much of an issue it is.

He also told me that, as long as the shaft has a bolt-on cover, the repair would be ~$130, but that if it didn't, it wouldn't be worth the expense. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.