1994 Kawasaki Ninja 500 info...

[VonYinzer]

Anyone ever had one?

Whats the good, bad, and ugly (other than the horrid 90s paintjobs )?

I have a chance to pick one up for $400. Needs a new rear skin, but apparently runs great.

I could probobly sell off some stuff and pick it up very soon, but I know nothing about them.

Hopefully Ill be able to go take a look at it this weekend.

 

[Rocan]

dead reliable, lightweight, sweet city bikes. big brother to the EX250. I like to look at the ninja 250 (EX250) as the modern day honda cb350. TONS of them, cheap, reliable, light, small motor. the 500 is just bigger, great for short highway commutes and a majority of city riding. I haven't heard of any issues with them. I say GO FOR IT. then do some work here and there, and have an awesome reliable commuter.

 

[hurley209]

You can go modern cafe on it And unleash it's inner radness!!

 

[Bozz]

Great little bikes, if a touch ugly.

The steering is a little quick stock, so be warned. It is very flickable/unsteady.

Mechanically they are awesome. Very quick if not necessarily fast.

The handlebar mounts are at a fixed angle, so a re-imagined top triple will be a big help.

Get it cheap and make it pretty, you'll love it!

 

[DvoSpeed]

Looks like a fun runabout. Streetfighter candidate?

 

[wfo guy]

I had a 92. It wasn't real powerful. It would run around 118 top end if that's important. The early models had 16" wheels that limit tire choices. The firing order causes them to sound strange for a twin. They were designed to be a budget bike. Very effective but not close to newer bikes.

 

[VonYinzer]

The 94 has 17" wheels, and a disk rear brake.

Im not looking for a race bike. I just need something reliable and sturdy to carry me around while I try to finish some projects.

Thanks for the info gents.

 

[Pure Lunacy]

The lineage of motor family history dates back to '84 with the 454 Ltd. Then with a bit of a bore job in '87 the EX500 (before they called it a Ninja) came out that sort of mimmicked the '86-'87 Ninja 250. 16 in wheels and all the niceties of the '80's.

In '94 Kawasaki wanted to align it's sport bikes under one banner, so they gave the EX500 the Ninja moniker. Along with more angular styling, modern 17" wheels and getting rid of the back drum in favor of a disc.

Bullet proof motors, and for a budget bike good electrics. Tons were made and cheap parts are plentiful.

The Ninja 500 had a long run from '94-'08 with no changes except BNG (Bold New Graphics).

Overall...great little bikes.