2002 Kawasaki Ninja 500R Motorcycle reviews

I bought this bike new as my first bike 3 1/2 years ago. It was easy to learn on and as I've gotten to be a better rider I don't feel I've outgrown this bike, it can still do a lot more than I can. Even after being spoiled by riding a 916, I still enjoy going back to my 500. It does get a little uncomfortable after about 80 miles, although a short break to stand and stretch resolves that. I am planning on eventually upgrading to a Corbin seat, but haven't done enough rides without breaks to make it an issue. Show less

As the title says I was very suprised by the power and handling of this bike. This was my first bike..... I just got it a week ago and I've already put 600 miles on it. that's how much I love riding it. I bought it because I needed the gas milage it gave me. I would definitely recommend this bike for anyone just starting out on a bike!!!! Show less

I bought my '02 500R after getting bored with my cruiser. My buddy let me ride his older Honda 800 rocket and it was love at first feel for me. I found mine with 1500 miles and for only $3K. It had pipes and I added a K & N filter(which really made the 7K - 11K range scream). I'm very happy with its performance. I've had her up to 100mph and never left 4th gear...and it wasn't redlined. Amazing for a 500. Very comfortable and the handling is great but I do agree that the front shock is a little soft. I would recommend this bike to anyone under 5'11" who wants a fun rush without the "out of control' feeling. I've read that the speed on this bike is 0 - 60 in 4 seconds and a 12 second 1/4 mile. It's at least that quick - but I'm only 165 lbs. 2 up is a little much for this little machine though. It'll do it but everything suffers; handling, quickness, etc... but overall, in my opinion, this bike is a sweet little machine. Show less

This is great entry level Bike!! Then 6 months pass and then what you need more power more handling and bang you've out grown this bike just like that. Truth be told I'll buy one for my daughter when she turns 16 in two years. Show less

This is one of the best bikes ever made. It is perfect for the first time buyer and first time riders. You couldn't pick a more perfect bike to fit the balance between crotch rocket and safety. Show less

I bought the 500R as my first bike after a 15 year hiatus from riding. The bike is a blast as a daily commuter and lots of fun in the twisties. Its not a hardcore sportbike, but that is fine with me. The sensible riding position makes it all day comfortable for the shoulders, though the seat starts to hurt after 100 miles or so. It is only a day-tripper two up. It can handle it for a while, but there is not enough room for two adults to comfortably tour on it. Big bummers? Corbin no longer makes the gunfighter and lady for it:(. Also, replace the front turn signals with the small euro-style ones. A simple driveway tipover will punch them through the faring and that will cost you $600! Show less

I've owned this bike a year now, and the "novelty" definitely has not worn off. I've been riding nearly 4 years, and this bike does all I need. It's light, nimble, smooth, and really takes off in the higher revs. And it still has that "cool" factor, too. I find it very comfortable, even on longer rides. The stock exhaust was much too quiet, so I added a Cobra FR1, which gives it a terrific, but not obnoxiously loud, sound. Its reliability has been excellent, with absolutely no problems in the year I've owned it. I'd recommend it for everyone. Show less

This bike....WoW. I used to own a '92 Honda 750 Nighthawk, but sold it a couple of years ago and I've been without since. The 500R wasn't my first choice of bike to get back into the game, I bought it for the cheap price and promotional offer Kawasaki had at the time. Now, after a couple of weekends of riding in the Adirondack Park, I'm glad to have it. I would say it could out accelerate, out maneuver, and out distance (on a tank of gas) the 750 Nighthawk I once owned. The handling is very good. This bike can go through multiple S-turns without a sweat. It feels very solid and responsive through the tightest of turns. The only negative thing I have to say about the bike is that the seat gets uncomfortable very quick on rides over 70 miles. Show less