Kawasaki Ninja 500R Review | Perfect First Bike?

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  • Опубліковано 19 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 118

  • @bavarianbanshee
    @bavarianbanshee 3 роки тому +62

    Since there are probably going to be a lot of newer riders watching this to see if they should get a Ninja 500, first of all: YES! Do it! I've had mine for years at this point, and it's a wonderful, wonderful bike. And secondly, I just want to make one small correction to the video. The reason it sounds different from sport bikes isn't because it's a 4-stroke - most modern street bikes are - or because it's a 500cc engine. It's because it's a parallel twin, instead of a straight four. That means that is has two cylinders in a row, like this: I I . A straight four has four cylinders arranged the same way, like this: I I I I . That's also why this 500 makes about 60 hp, while a modern 600 will make about 120 hp. It's not worth going into full detail here, but that's the reason why the 500's engine is the way it is (and part of why it's so great). Great video, btw!

    • @Spartansrule118
      @Spartansrule118 2 роки тому

      Hey, are the carbs easy to work with? How reliable are these guys? Thanks

    • @johncolburn4353
      @johncolburn4353 2 роки тому

      Its not “straight four” it’s inline four.
      Yes, the carbs are easy to clean and the Ninja 500/500r/er5 is a very reliable bike. Probably run through 2 or 3 sets of tires before you need to clean the carbs.

    • @ChristopherT_
      @ChristopherT_ Рік тому

      @@Spartansrule118 I am an average home mechanic and it took me about 4 hours to clean and rebuild the carbs on my '93. They are very very reliable, I would recommend a 500 all day every day! The rebuild kit is about $60 and I followed this video, ua-cam.com/video/vxhzRo9qGvU/v-deo.html&pp=ygUWZXg1MDAgY2FyYiByZWJ1aWxkIGtpdA%3D%3D

  • @grilledcheese1318
    @grilledcheese1318 3 роки тому +42

    "not many clean 500's out there" so true! Clean your bike people! I've had one of these since 2008. Getting it up and running again this year.

    • @gantxin
      @gantxin  3 роки тому +2

      hahaha yeah it unfortunate, but one man's trash is another man's treasure! A little elbow grease goes a long way :) good luck with her!

    • @jayjames1730
      @jayjames1730 Рік тому

      I got one too

    • @jayjames1730
      @jayjames1730 Рік тому

      @@shawnmclaughlin7418 I spent a little cash on the bike so far, I would like a ninja 650.

  • @samsherwen6912
    @samsherwen6912 11 місяців тому +3

    This was my first bike on a full licence - I'd reccomend it - had it for 4 years and added progressive springs on the front and Micron exhaust. Fairing excellent for UK weather. There was enough power to pull away from anything but other bikes but more importantly low down torque and not a scary power band. Used it to commute 15 miles to work daily, visting family 90 miles away down the highway monthly and some great weekend blasts in the Welsh mountains. Can attest they will do 120mph, if you tuck in, but happier criusing at 80-90 mph. Had an off on the highway at 75mph and took 2 months to walk unaided again - but repaired the bike and got back on I loved it that much.

  • @lytrix6881
    @lytrix6881 Рік тому +7

    I just saw an 500 from 1993 belonging to a Grandpa who road it very little and kept it in perfect condition. It was his first Bike and he bought it brand new from the dealership 30 years ago. I am now buying it from him tomorrow :)

    • @jaredanderson7494
      @jaredanderson7494 Рік тому

      How is it?

    • @chrishart8548
      @chrishart8548 4 місяці тому

      He came to riding motorcycles late then ? Is he a young grandpa ?

    • @sci-fyguy7767
      @sci-fyguy7767 2 місяці тому

      He could of been in his 20’s when he bought it.

    • @chrishart8548
      @chrishart8548 2 місяці тому

      @@sci-fyguy7767 that would only make him 50. Still a young grampa

  • @steamschaefer4813
    @steamschaefer4813 8 місяців тому +4

    I just did a full carb clean, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fork seal replacement, oil change, front and rear brake cleaning and maintenance, all for under $200 using nothing but cost of parts and youtube videos. I am learning how to ride(im just over a year old as a ride) and am more importantly, learning how to work on and maintain my bike. I get giddy every time I sit on katy.[her name cuz my liscense plate starts with KD] cant go wrong here folks.

  • @mujjuman
    @mujjuman 3 роки тому +6

    One of the best reviews on one of the best bikes I’ve seen. Great job

    • @mujjuman
      @mujjuman 3 роки тому +1

      And thank you for the video

    • @gantxin
      @gantxin  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you so much! This means a lot more than you know :) really glad you enjoyed it!

  • @cortezdeuce
    @cortezdeuce 3 роки тому +7

    Just got a 2006 about 3 weeks ago. 1st bike and loving it. Great review!

    • @andrewroberts6123
      @andrewroberts6123 11 місяців тому

      Fun, fun, fun !

    • @carlosvillar5250
      @carlosvillar5250 8 місяців тому

      hey quick question, i plan on getting a 2005 ninja 500 and was wondering if a fork stem phone mount will be compatable with this bike

  • @sci-fyguy7767
    @sci-fyguy7767 2 місяці тому

    That bike makes perfect sense every way you look at it. I’ve always thought these are cool bikes & spotted a guy riding one just the other day. 😎

  • @mrdeathgaming1457
    @mrdeathgaming1457 2 роки тому +4

    I remember riding one of these at 130mph down the m3 in uk in 1992!

  • @EduMotovlogs1994
    @EduMotovlogs1994 3 роки тому +2

    It is my third motorcycle, and it has a lot of power and torque, it is in the process of becoming a café racer, excellent video🤘

    • @gantxin
      @gantxin  3 роки тому +1

      That's awesome ! Love the cafe racer idea, I’ve thought of stripping it down to a street fighter but I’m enjoying it stock for now 🤙 thank you so much for the compliment/feedback :) means a lot

  • @andrewroberts6123
    @andrewroberts6123 11 місяців тому +1

    If you're looking for a great fun, reliable motorcycle at an affordable price, then the Ninja500 can't be beat !

  • @benn1181
    @benn1181 3 роки тому +7

    My first bike was an 08 in the same color scheme, with the same exhaust. I have a lot of nice memories on it, I have a zx6r now though.

    • @andrewroberts6123
      @andrewroberts6123 11 місяців тому

      The Ninja 500 is a fun, comfortable, yet sporty handling motorcycle. I ride a Versys 659 now. The Ninja 500 is probably the most affordable used motorcycles that you can buy.

  • @aabe4327
    @aabe4327 5 місяців тому

    Very good review! it can be so hard to find reviews that deal with the whole "Powerfull enough, but not too powerfull" argument. It always seems to be either "You dont need ANY power! Buy a Royal Enfield!" or it's bigass 1200cc ADVs described as "normal".

  • @laiky71
    @laiky71 Рік тому +1

    I had a 1990 EX500 bought new in 1991. It was the most fun i ever had on a motorcycle. You can bang gears at redline all day. Great in traffic, will cruise at 80-90MPH and run out to 120 with NO drama

    • @RRRRefuelRideRace
      @RRRRefuelRideRace 11 місяців тому +1

      All the mentioned is just cool. Great bike overall, I mean.

  • @KidNamedKuddy
    @KidNamedKuddy 3 роки тому +2

    3:10 was a decent pull. Looking to pick one up this week. Looks good

  • @edwardkeeter762
    @edwardkeeter762 6 місяців тому

    I've always said that the Ninja 250 is an amazing first bike (it is), and it's also a great all-arounder. It'll cruise at 75 all day long on the highway, and it'll hit 100 if you want it to, but at 75, there's not much acceleration left, and above 75, it's working pretty hard and (on mine at least) burning some oil. The Ninja 500 has all the good stuff of the 250, but it'll be much more at home in that 75-85MPH range in the highway. My 2nd bike is a SV650S, which IMHO is a bit too torquey/powerful to be a good 1st bike for a new rider...but otherwise is absolutely amazing. The Ninja 500 splits the difference between the Ninja 250 and the SV -- really the sweet spot for a new rider. Plus you just gotta love the old-school, 100% analog dash on the 500.

  • @unwoundsteak17
    @unwoundsteak17 Рік тому +1

    I probably should have watched this before putting an offer on one, but it looks like I made the right choice. Now I gotta hope the deal works out

  • @500erider
    @500erider Рік тому +1

    It sounds different than most sport bikes simply because it is a parallel twin, not an inline 4, not because it is a 500cc engine, or a 4 stroke. Parallel twins and inline 4's are both (most of the time) 4 strokes. There is NO exhaust system that can make a twin sound like an inline 4, which has more cylinders and a different firing order, obviously.

  • @notwocdivad
    @notwocdivad 6 місяців тому

    I think the fact that it is a 500 twin cylinder makes the different noise. It is also basically half a Ninja 1000 engine so is bound to be revvy, powerful and reliable! Might even get one myself!!!

  • @JohnnyDiesel88
    @JohnnyDiesel88 3 роки тому +3

    I just picked up a 2008 ninja ex500. I live on the island too, nassau county. bike very fun to ride. insurance very cheap, just gotta refrain from fast boy ish haha

  • @aaronspicer1093
    @aaronspicer1093 Рік тому

    Omg I am buying a 2003 500r 7000 original kms older gentleman owns it, garage kept under a cover and only ridden on weekends. Sick find!

  • @christbonilla.realtor
    @christbonilla.realtor 3 роки тому +6

    Thanks for the video!! I’m about to buy a 08 500R with 750 miles for 2500$ What do you guys think ? It seems it’ll be a perfect bike to start on tbh I’ve been riding dirt bikes all my life tho so hopefully I adapt quick!

    • @gantxin
      @gantxin  2 роки тому +3

      It's a great bike. 750 miles is nothing so I'd pay a fair price but id look to negotiate that down.

    • @ChristopherT_
      @ChristopherT_ Рік тому +1

      I know this situation has probably passed by now, but I would personally pay no more than $1.5k-2.0. at the end of the day, no matter if it has 0 miles, it's still 15 years old. That being said you'll probably be fine, just realize that you'll have to replace more than you think (brake lines, hoses, etc). I've been really enjoying my '93 after putting some work into it. There's a YT short on my channel if you're interested

  • @autodrazen
    @autodrazen 4 місяці тому +3

    Not the perfect first bike, is pretty heavy for someone that never touched a motorcycle before(i fell)

  • @matttriestodothings
    @matttriestodothings 2 роки тому

    Good vid man. Refreshing one of these (well, 1990 EX500) for a family member right now. Last time I rode this bike was probably 12 years ago, hah.

  • @martinmagnia314
    @martinmagnia314 3 роки тому +3

    Picked up a clean 07 500 8k miles.. super cheap bike love it

    • @gantxin
      @gantxin  3 роки тому +1

      Awesome! Glad to hear :) they're great bikes

  • @greggferns3278
    @greggferns3278 9 місяців тому

    They are tons of fun.I've had many bikes,Blackbird,ZZR1100,Pans,vfrs,among many.But they are all big n heavy n faster but you miss out on the fun factor.Gpz500s weigh nothing and you can wring it's neck all day long with no mechanical sympathy in your riding style.I'm about to buy another after many years and can't wait.

  • @svetozarstojkov6333
    @svetozarstojkov6333 3 роки тому +3

    Bought 1998 33k miles today, it's lovely bike 😁

    • @gantxin
      @gantxin  3 роки тому

      Nice!! It is isn't it?! They're simple but so fun :) thanks for the comment!

    • @KidNamedKuddy
      @KidNamedKuddy 3 роки тому

      How much $

    • @andrewroberts6123
      @andrewroberts6123 11 місяців тому

      How much $ ?

    • @svetozarstojkov6333
      @svetozarstojkov6333 11 місяців тому +1

      @@andrewroberts6123 1k euros in Serbia, 2 years ago

  • @Ikarrykids
    @Ikarrykids Рік тому

    Getting an 05 from my father in law soon only 9k miles almost perfect condition

  • @proteg30
    @proteg30 2 роки тому +1

    4:57
    Lol bro both of those have literally nothing to do with why it sounds like that. Every bike that has come out past 2000 is a 4 stroke.
    This bike is a parallel twin engine, 2 pistons, 2 cylinders, high torque, very low top end. 600/750/1000cc Sports are inline 4s, 4 pistons, medium torque, insane horsepower on power band.
    The Zx25R is a 250cc, check how it sounds.

  • @ElderTreeStump
    @ElderTreeStump 6 місяців тому +1

    Its a 2 cylinder engine thats why it sounds like that

  • @Ciupremo
    @Ciupremo 3 роки тому +4

    Next thing, smaller direction indicators and smaller rearview mirrors (actually thinking about buying one, owned Aprilia RS 50 & 125, Zx6R 2008 and now Kasawaki Mach 2 S3 400).
    It seems like a perfect commuter and nimble as a moped.
    What about Mpg?
    I've read fabulous numbers like 53

    • @ChristopherT_
      @ChristopherT_ Рік тому +1

      53 sounds about right. the 500s get up to high 50s if you're taking it easy. down to high 40s if you're pushing it.

  • @JoshBryss
    @JoshBryss 2 роки тому +1

    getting this for my first bike got it for about 1500 and just need a starter can not wait, should i also get a shift indicators

  • @dakidsbac777
    @dakidsbac777 3 роки тому +2

    Just got a 2007 Kawasaki Ninja 500R that Orangeish color.

  • @davidmills5764
    @davidmills5764 6 місяців тому

    Where can I buy the exhaust you have? Or where did you get it from

  • @justinlloyd9342
    @justinlloyd9342 Рік тому +1

    I’ve had 2 of these bikes. I wouldn’t take a truck load of ninja 400s for 1 500. The 500 is that good. I had a 07 ninja 650 and it was as comfortable as the 500 minus the seat the seat was the down fall for the 650

  • @curtisharrington8835
    @curtisharrington8835 3 роки тому +1

    I have a 2001 and I love it

    • @gantxin
      @gantxin  3 роки тому

      Awesome :) I love mine too, ride safe friend 🤙 thanks for commenting

  • @Jayreisa
    @Jayreisa 8 місяців тому

    Would the 2002 ninja 500 also be considered a sport touring?

  • @michaelrichards3
    @michaelrichards3 3 місяці тому

    I've owned this and a friend of mine has a cbr500 and the cbr was way more comfortable but I like my kawasaki more lol

  • @rajsathy
    @rajsathy Рік тому

    My first bike also. Btw did you ever replace the throttle?

  • @justin3131ify
    @justin3131ify Рік тому

    Actually it's not because its a four stroke that it sounds different, most Sports/ Super sports bikes are four stroke. It sounds different because it's a parallel twin! Most sports bikes are inline four cylinders. It also has a 180 degree crank which gives it the distinctive dirt bike like thump.

  • @southernknight9983
    @southernknight9983 Рік тому

    Advice before you tip it over. Get flush mounted, front, turn signals! Those will crack you frame if it hits the ground when travelling. The other stuff that might break when tipped over at speed is more easily replaced. Don't wreck your faring!

    • @southernknight9983
      @southernknight9983 Рік тому

      PS: That bike will do 135mph. It can get you in trouble but is far safer and forgiving than 600+ sport bikes.

  • @Hexavolt
    @Hexavolt 2 роки тому

    I love my 500EX but gursh dwamn.... Kawa wants like 1300 for the front fairing. Some OEM parts are stupid expensive. They could've avoided it if they did the front in 3 pieces but the huge wrap around plastics are expensive to make.

  • @philp7648
    @philp7648 3 роки тому +3

    “I really enjoy the pipe”👀👀😂😂😂😂

  • @edwardr1483
    @edwardr1483 3 роки тому +1

    Have taking the Ninja 500 on any long trips and what are your thoughts on that ?

    • @gantxin
      @gantxin  2 роки тому +1

      It's definitely not the best over a couple hours. But, it's doable & better than full sport bikes. I would say explore some more upright options if that's truly your goal. But, these Ninjas are available for much cheaper than most motorcycles.

    • @gantxin
      @gantxin  2 роки тому

      I sold my Ninja for a Honda CB500X & have been loving it for more comfortable, upright riding. Which is better for long trips. The ninja was as great bike but the CB500X is so much more comfy.

  • @MiguelGarcia-if2qr
    @MiguelGarcia-if2qr Рік тому

    I’m looking for a service / owner manual for a 2008 ninja 500r. Can you help.

  • @kylekline3824
    @kylekline3824 3 роки тому

    Do you have a link or more information on the exhaust you put on ?? I wanna get one and make sure I don't order the wrong one.

  • @Gideon01
    @Gideon01 10 місяців тому

    Comfortability? What happened to comfort?

  • @charlesgyt6275
    @charlesgyt6275 2 роки тому

    You know where I can find fairings?

  • @jonobester5817
    @jonobester5817 Рік тому

    You never said that it is only two cylinders, not the 4 to which you are comparing it.

  • @Dsky-vu3nz
    @Dsky-vu3nz 2 роки тому +2

    How many hp??

  • @micko7621
    @micko7621 3 роки тому

    what price would you recommend for a 20k miles example of this bike ,looks to be in good nick ,atleast visualy?

    • @gantxin
      @gantxin  2 роки тому +4

      Personally I wouldn't be looking to pay more than 1k for it. Mine was $1.2k with 7k miles on her. Just gotta wait for a good deal to pop up!

  • @CrypticApathy
    @CrypticApathy Рік тому

    There is no bike you will out grow in 1 year. Even groms.....
    Unless you are dragging elbow at top speed in 6th gear. You arnt ready to upgrade to anything. No matter if its a 250 or a 600.
    My first bike was a ninja 500. Amazing bike that taught me so many things about riding.

  • @gosth81
    @gosth81 Рік тому

    Is it worth in 2023?

  • @curtisharrington8835
    @curtisharrington8835 3 роки тому +1

    The 500r is only a twin cylinder not a inline4 like the 600's

    • @gantxin
      @gantxin  3 роки тому +2

      Right! Parellel twin. I forgot to say that in the video :( but yeah it's not an inline 4, thanks for the comment!

  • @kOlbThreeTimesOne
    @kOlbThreeTimesOne 3 роки тому

    does the center stand still work with that exhaust?

    • @kOlbThreeTimesOne
      @kOlbThreeTimesOne 3 роки тому

      also yep my bike is NOT showroom condition lol, my friend had it sitting in his garage for 4 years before he gave it to me but it's still such an excellent bike

    • @gantxin
      @gantxin  3 роки тому +1

      yes, the center stand still works. Although be sure to turn the midpipe all the way until the rubber stopper pushes the center stand down a bit so it doesn't hit the chain. :)

  • @iWerli
    @iWerli 2 роки тому

    I've had my first bike, a grom clone that goes 55mph max, for about 3 months and I'm looking to upgrade. Someone's interested in trading their 500r for my bike (for his gf to learn on) and it seems like a perfect 2nd bike after learning the ropes and getting comfortable on the slow grom clone. Very weird to see a single cylinder 500cc that isn't crazy fast, it's a nice reliable, big but not crazy bike

    • @RT22-pb2pp
      @RT22-pb2pp Рік тому

      the ex500 is twin not single

  • @joelsloper530
    @joelsloper530 3 роки тому +1

    Mpg?

    • @zig_zag____1265
      @zig_zag____1265 2 роки тому +4

      I had one a few years ago and it got like 60-65mpg.

  • @ortiznick1941
    @ortiznick1941 2 роки тому

    I keep my super clean too bro

  • @RRRRefuelRideRace
    @RRRRefuelRideRace 11 місяців тому +1

    Really well done. This is one of those bikes that made history. Enjoyed listening. Take care and drop by when you can. You may like my content. Got my like, no. 498. :)

  • @dakidsbac777
    @dakidsbac777 3 роки тому

    U still got the bike?

    • @gantxin
      @gantxin  3 роки тому +2

      Glad to hear you got one too 🤙 that's awesome, yeah I still have her haha. Only recorded this a little while ago 😁 thanks for commenting

    • @dakidsbac777
      @dakidsbac777 3 роки тому

      @@gantxin can u do a video on how to downshift like coming to a light or a stop sign or even if u behind a car who's slowing down.

    • @gantxin
      @gantxin  3 роки тому

      @@dakidsbac777 You got it, brother. This is on my list & should be my next video! Thanks for the idea :)

    • @dakidsbac777
      @dakidsbac777 3 роки тому

      @@gantxin everyone talks about blipping throttle, well that's more for experienced heads, how about us noobs.

  • @KidNamedKuddy
    @KidNamedKuddy 3 роки тому

    0:33 pause

  • @sushiandmsbutterfly5145
    @sushiandmsbutterfly5145 3 роки тому

    i still ride my 500 :)

  • @starbattles1
    @starbattles1 21 день тому

    My only problem is that it is a 2 cylinder.
    I had a 83 GPZ 550 and it was a 4 cyl. And it was just as fast as 600 super sports are today.

  • @rontrump8692
    @rontrump8692 3 роки тому

    got the same bike 2009 model 11000 miles black runs great clean title wanna sell 1500 if anybody looking for one,in kentucky but can meet up

    • @SaintsPurgatory
      @SaintsPurgatory 3 роки тому

      I'd def look at it, but I'm a ways from you in NY.

  • @geraldscott4302
    @geraldscott4302 3 роки тому +1

    Ninja 500 is a terrible bike. Way back in 1988 I bought a new EX500. I was 29 years old. It was a bit uncomfortable, but I dealt with it. In 1993 I sold it and bought a new Vulcan 750. Much better. I had several cruisers after that. Then in 2009, a local dealer was selling '09 Ninja 500s OTD for hundreds under MSRP. He was seriously overstocked. I couldn't resist the price. Before I got halfway home I was in severe pain, and realized I had made a huge mistake. I kept it for 3 years, put less than 5000 miles on it, almost all of that in pain, especially shoulder and neck pain. I even put expensive GenMar bar risers on it, but the bars were just way too low. The pegs were so high and far back that they cut off the circulation in my lower legs. This is a track bike. Certainly not good for a street bike. And not good for a first bike. Besides the pain, the riding position is awkward. Get a cruiser for a first bike.

    • @zig_zag____1265
      @zig_zag____1265 2 роки тому +1

      Yeah that's why they sold them for almost 25yrs. It's not uncommon to get 80-100k miles on them and you can find them cheap and plentiful in 2022.

    • @geraldscott4302
      @geraldscott4302 2 роки тому

      @@zig_zag____1265 80-100k miles of pain and misery? No thanks. All they needed to do was give it a more standard upright riding position. But as it is, it's pretty worthless for anything but a track bike.

    • @gantxin
      @gantxin  2 роки тому +2

      To each their own my friend. But these bikes are pretty widly regarded as solid bikes. No, it's not perfect & is based off an 80's design that didn't change much at all. But, it does it's job pretty well & doesn't complai n about it. Light too. I think it's a great starter bike.

    • @geraldscott4302
      @geraldscott4302 2 роки тому +1

      @@gantxin The '80s no computer carbureted design is one of the things I really like about it. There is nothing mechanically wrong with it. They are known to be reliable. I just can't deal with the riding position. I have to have a bike with an upright riding position.

    • @davidwilliams5808
      @davidwilliams5808 2 роки тому +1

      I put 77k miles on a 2004 Ex500..... I was
      5'10 and 180....... Was never in pain...

  • @hvac42long1
    @hvac42long1 Рік тому

    “Cunftability”? What the heck does that mean?

  • @exothermal.sprocket
    @exothermal.sprocket 11 місяців тому

    Comfortability is not an English word.

  • @Meechiam
    @Meechiam Рік тому

    You really enjoy the what bruh??😂

  • @richardegmontbade7082
    @richardegmontbade7082 Рік тому

    I loved mine. ua-cam.com/video/j0z8xJ_TA50/v-deo.html
    It is really fast for a 500 cc bike, almost 200 km/h and very well build. Now I have zzr 600, which is good also, but not so comfortable. I want to get a 500 again and make it a cafe racer. I hate the material of the fairing and I love bikes with a big round chrome headlight