2005 Kawasaki Ninja 500R Motorcycle reviews

What can I say, more bang for your buck then you can ask for, sure you will not keep up with the 600cc bikes in a straight line but it will hold its own in the twisty. A little short for those over 6 feet, but I rode mine 225km to work and home every day last summer on the highway at 130km/h and still pulled over 300km to a tank of fuel. Some adjustment in the front suspension would be nice, likes to dive under heavy braking, and its not a 2 up bike with riders in the 200 pound range. But with just me I've seen 200km/h with no problem. It will shock you for only 500cc. Show less

I've had this bike for a little over a year now, and I am totally pleased with it. Have had no maintenance issues, and the bike starts right up every time. It performs much better in warm weather - just takes a mile or 2 to warm up when the temperature is below 60F. It has plenty of power to zip in & out of traffic, and also pulls away quick enough to avoid those non-signaling car drivers out there. This bike also has a bit of the cool factor that appeals to non-riders. I get compliments and looks frequently. I have read reviews saying this bike gets up to ~80 MPG, but I get about 45-50. That is probably because this bike wants to be revved up, and I don't deny it. The feeling of going from 20-60 in an instant on this bike is like nothing you can experience in an automobile.... It's awesome. For the money, I'd definitely recommend it to someone who is looking for an inexpensive entry level sport bike. Show less

Great first bike very affordable and if you don't lay it down the resell is rather good on these dependable models. I was aiming for the fz6 Yamaha when I chose this bike ,yes it has 140 on the speedo but keep it under 7k rpm people say it can handle 70-80 mph on the interstate with no issues. Great for Pc Network Techs like me whom need to get around in these high gas price times.I love the 36-40 mpg. I'm getting to ride down to the lake at night, run uptown, downtown, interstate, it don matta ....it will get you wherever you want to go Show less

I bought this bike a couple days after my MSF course last August. I haven't put many miles on it because I had it shipped back to Germany with me and it's just starting to warm up here but this is a very forgiving bike and it handles very well. It's a little heavier then I would've wanted but it's real maneuverable and precise in all movements especially on curves. I hope to upgrade to a GSX 600 soon, but I have no regrets with my current bike or purchase! A really great investment!! Show less

This bike is my first bike. Although now I think it doesn't have enough power, it does haul. I have raced cars with this bike and won. I kept up to 600 cc bikes on it. I love it. It's not that comfortable, and the windscreen doesn't really do much unless I lay down on the tank. But I avoided being stuck in California traffic jams so many times!!! This is awesome to learn with, and handles like a dream. I would highly recommend it. Show less

This bike is my entry into the world of sport bikes as my previous, and other current rides have been naked, or cruiser. I began by looking at 600s, then liter bikes, 900s and 1200s. All of them were fast and hard on the pocketbook when it came to insurance. Then I took a look at the 500R: liquid cooled, 498cc twin with twin Keihin carbs, dual exhaust, great style, ergonomics that worked with instead of against my 56 year old body, and affordable to buy, maintain, and insure. This bike does everything very well, very fast and at a miserly 63 mpg. The bike has an 11,000 rpm redline, but I'm keeping the tach at or under 6000 rpm until I have 1000 miles on the engine. At 5800 rpm the speedo registers 75, so I will be looking for a top speed in the 125-130 range. The out-the-door price was about 1/4th of what the Harley cost, and is "perfect" in every way. Show less

This is my first bike purchase and I highly recommend this as a starter bike to learn on. It is very forgiving and easy to maneuver around at low speed. The power delivery is linear with a nice surge between 7k-10.5k RPMs. The clutch action is light (neutral indicator is a nice touch), the braking is strong but easy to manage and the suspension setting is fairly soft. The styling is a bit long in the tooth, it looks good in quality though. The bad? - 2cyl vibration at idle can be annoying for some, no fuel gauge is a major omission. Show less

Got the bike last week, been riding it non stop since. First Bike, luv the power, I am used to a cobra mustang, but theres no challenge powerwise to the feel of a bike. Very exciting to drive, no problems,, hate the way the helmet locks on it, be careful youll melt it! Bought a extension cable lock from JCWHITNEY and now I am ok.. Show less

It may be 499cc and only 2 cylinders, but the fact that it weighs in under 400lbs makes the under 600cc not matter. 2nd gear at 9,000rpm is just over 60mph, and you still have a ways before you redline. I get more like 150 miles to the tank, so that other review where she got 82...she's just not in the proper gear or something. This is a great starter sportbike, but experienced riders will have a blast as well. I've yet had the guts (or a good stretch of road) to kick it past 75mph. Show less

I just got this bike in April this year and I love it. It's the perfect weight (I am a girl) and height. It has plenty of get up and go and I commute 50 miles a day but it's still comfortable. I've had it up to 100 mph and can pass cars easily. Show less