Ninja 250R/500R

[nixoid]

Small Problem with my '02 EX500

Wondering if anyone has had the same problem. Took off my rear wheel to get a new tire. No problem. I was sure to keep the axle and all the spacers in the right order for re-installation.

Got everything back together and adjusted the chain tension before I tried spinning the rear wheel. It is binding somehow and dose not turn as freely as it did before I took it apart. I've broken it down again, put a little axle grease on the axle [of course] checked the spacer placement against the shop manual and the Clymer Manual as well. Everything appaers to be in order.

HELP ME! the weather just broke here in Rhode Island and I have some serious miles to catch up on.

If someone could post some close-ups of the axel from the back of the wheel so I can see a woking rear axel it might shed some light on my problem.

[Calamarichris]

Hey Nix.
How much restriction/binding are we talking here?
If it's just a little, it might simply be your brake pads getting reacquanted with your rotor. Have you take the bike for a brief spin? If so, was the rear brake rotor hot?
Check the exploded parts diagram on http://www.buykawasaki.com/ and if you're sure there are no extra parts or spacers and that you've torqued the axle nut to the correct torque, it should be good.
The worst-case scenario I can envision is your tire-installer popping off your sprocket/cush-drive hub, the little spacer falling off, and the hub being reinstalled back on the wheel without that little internal spacer. Not a major deal, but you want to get that spacer back in there before riding.
Good luck and keep us abreast (or two) of the situation.

[makenzie71]

Just thought I'd post...stumbled across this on a google image search and thought the engine looked REALLY familiar. Did some research and found it to be an EX500...

[JTpaintball70]

Dude, that bike is kick I'd love to take her for a spin!

[makenzie71]

I'm in the process of getting my girlfriend's project bike moving along...I'd like to see her take an interest in the paint scheme. That's a super sick bike. Reading up on it says the bike puts down 73rwhp...:O

[makenzie71]

[Freakinout]

thats an ex500 motor.... but thats about the only thing from an ex500 on that bike.

[makenzie71]

The only thing really abnormal about the bike is the trellis frame...but it's the badassness about the bike than the one-off custom frame being used. I'm actually taking a lot of design cues from that bike...such as damper positioning.

[nixoid]

Calamarichris....

Thanks for the input.

Looked at buykawasaki.com's exploded view. - Nope.

Took it around the block. - Nope. Whe I come to a stop sign and I squeeze the clutch to roll to a gradual stop it stops fairly quickly. Not abruptly but much quicker than I would like.

The restriction/Binding you ask about - Need both hands to spin the wheel.

Rotors do get hot when I go for a spin.

I took it to a local shop today. They haven't called back yet. Asked them to check my work. Said they'd call. Still waiting. That's why I usually do my own work. Can't stand to be held at someone elses mercy.

[CtNinjaNut]

I know the EX 500 is limited at around 130 by gearing, my question is, what is the EX 250 limited at?? I will be commuting on the highway and i want something that will not be that high in RPMs when doing a constant 70 to 75.

[Daekar]

I think the 250 has a top speed around 105. If you're going down the highway going 75 you'll probably be pulling 8k... but that means you still have about 6k til redline... Don't worry about the bike-it's more than capable of handling that for as long as you care to do it... just make sure you have your oil in good shape

[pattonldr]

Quick question...do they make seat caps (if that's what you call them) for the 250r? Do you know what I mean?

[JTpaintball70]

I think someone at ninja250.net was making some seat cowls for it, but I'm not sure

[daverous]

I've seen one, so I know they make them. But as far as where to get it...no clue.

[makenzie71]

I've seen several seat cowls for both the 250 and 500 but they all look pretty tacky. You should probably look at other things...like an aprillia RS50 tail. That would look pretty cool on the bike.

[NinjaGirl]

This is my second summer with my 500......honestly I don't remember what I did last year to prep the bike for the hot weather.....

Anything in particular I need to do?

Thanks
Kelly

[makenzie71]

I make it a habbit to change all my fluids at least once a year, usually early in the warm weather. I also pull my carbs (when applicable) and clean them up. I also fluch my tanks out and make sure there's no wear inside. On top of that I pull my tires and inspect them thoroughly shortly after the first 90* day. During the summer your tires are subject to much more severe pressure changes and it can wear on the walls. I make sure they're 100% in-tact, or I replace them. While the wheels are off I inspect the rotors, calipers, pads, bearings, and apply grease where necessary. Usually while I have everythign apart I wash my air filter, change my spark plugs and wires, and check compression.

Out of habit i also check for loose pegs and clip-ons.

Basically I give the bike a complete check-up once a year. It's good for the bike, which makes things better for the rider.

[r409z]

have u seen the 500 cowl for sale anywhere in the usa?

[makenzie71]

targa used to make one, I think. Most of what you see any more are one-off's, though.

[Daekar]

Yes, targa does make one - and it looks great! I put it on myself in no time flat and I can't tell you how pleased I've been. It's fiberglass, not plastic, so it's pretty darn strong - if it had been plastic, i think it would've cracked when I layed the bike down. As it is, it got a few minor scratches (aka battlescars of pride).

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/adsmith4/PICT1559a.jpg <------- pic from before crash