I've been commuting 70 miles a day on the identical bike for a year now. Mountain roads. Saves me a lot of time and money over driving my truck, and I have fun every day.
@ws6man965 жыл бұрын
It's a great commuter for sure!
@dtogo4286 Жыл бұрын
I got the exact same plan. I got a 2007 Ninja ex500r; it's a great bike for commuting and new riders. I was going to sell it (3.7K), but it seems worth more for me to just keep riding it. I don't want to keep putting miles on my truck. If it's sunny, I'm riding(plus it's more fun).
@monkeydink99332 жыл бұрын
My very first motorcycle was a 1989 Kawasaki Ninja 500r (EX500). It was an awesome first motorcycle. Not very intimidating but a WHOLE lotta fun! Keep on keeping on!! Thanks for the memories.
@christopherkahn65224 жыл бұрын
This bike replaced a 250 and I consider it a lot sportier, yet still economical. It is a very well-engineered bike and everything performs the way it should. I especially appreciate the 6 speeds and centerstand, two things my 250 lacked.
@jeremypettystringer51815 жыл бұрын
I have a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja ex500 500r and my brother purchased the bike new and then passed it on to me I love my bike I have transformed the bike in to a Street fighter 500r and I just love it the ride the sound everything about it it does still have the original exhaust thank you for your video
@ws6man965 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your comment and subscribing!! Love to hear others who had or have the Ninja 500!
@bookmark713 жыл бұрын
My first street bike was a 2002 ex 500R. It was so much fun to ride! Fast enough to be a lot of fun but also very forgiving as I learned. It will do 0-60 fast enough to be incredibly fun but not ride out from under you. I think it's an excellent first choice for anyone wanting a first sport bike.
@kingkrimson87713 жыл бұрын
How is the seat height on these, would it be suitable for a 5'9" man?
@ewganhoff3 жыл бұрын
@@kingkrimson8771 I'm 5'8 1/2 and I'm maybe about to pull the trigger on a 95, but I've been to see the bike. The seat is low. I was flat foot with a reasonable bend in the knee. You will have no problem. Perfect if you're new to riding. Once you are experienced, flat foot doesn't matter and plenty of people ride tall bikes and get on fine with with just a tip toe on one side. But at 5'9 you will be fine on all but the really tall adventure bikes.
@notwocdivad2 жыл бұрын
I am going the opposite way, I have a 600 Yamaha Fazer which is getting a bit too heave to push in and out of the garage, ok to ride but still on the big side for me. The GPZ is one of the bikes I was looking at to exchange with the Yamaha so this has been very helpful thanks. I will know to look for one with 2 into 2 pipes for a start! Cheers Bud. Hi from the UK
@annunakiwhitepawz48112 жыл бұрын
I just picked up a 2000 EX500 a With 10k miles a week ago, this is my first street bike and I absolutely love it!!
@Cogito3 Жыл бұрын
I got a 98 EX500 and i rode it for the first time today. it is a beauty, it wants to cruise at 80-90. fell in love as soon as i really hit the throttle.
@barriewilliams45265 жыл бұрын
These are great bikes & like you say"easy to ride" I am now 82 & I still have my 04 Kawasaki GPZ 500s with just 12,000 miles on the clock.
@ronaldking48835 жыл бұрын
Ditto but 78.
@jeremyvandiver17614 жыл бұрын
Oorah
@christopherkahn65224 жыл бұрын
I see myself doing the same someday.
@postersm7141 Жыл бұрын
Well I guess I’m late to the party but, sweet bike again congratulations. I just turned 51 and I’ve been riding for 30 years or more. Sometimes I wonder if I should hang it up if I’m getting too old and you sir have inspired me! Thank you!!!! BTW I’m currently riding a 2021 Kawasaki Z900 RS café that I purchased new for my 50th birthday!! it’s the first brand new motorcycle that I’ve owned. Every other motorcycle i’ve ownd were used and there’s been many of them and I love all of them:)
@shakey26344 жыл бұрын
My 500R doubles as my track day bike and my daughter rides it when we can get out for a ride. Been a great bike.
@furryhenry3 жыл бұрын
Having one delivered in a few weeks time, a1995 500s GPZ. So watching all GPZ videos. I did retire from biking 6 months ago, being 74, but the urge is still there, seen this one advertised, never owned a Kawasaki before, although one of the smallest bikes i have had in engine size, it should meet my needs. The exhaust on the bike is 2 into 1, but it still has the centre stand fitted.
@theheartless68494 жыл бұрын
I have a 98 Ninja 500, got it in a trade from a person that had a shed collapse on top of it while in winter storage. Had broke fairings, no speedo cable, gummed carbs, gummed coolant lines and a hole in the coolant manifold, bad rear tires, bent rear sprocket and a rusted chain with some of their odd problems. It’s now a cafe racer/street fighter that I have put about 25k miles on, I have a GSXR 600 but I still ride this bike 10x more than that. Even with everything I had to fix it is just a rock solid bike, drove it home on one spark plug once. Only mechanical mod I have made other than repairs was take out the thermostat, I no longer have a temp gauge so cooler the better.
@jazn764 жыл бұрын
I got my 2002 500r back in '09 and still commute 25mi on it during nicer days; I'm more of a 2-3 season rider. It's my first "big" bike as I started on a 50cc scooter. It's still all stock and love the efficiency, as you mention I love the center stand for all the maintenance. Also have a HD Sportster as my "weekend ride". Ride safe brother
@patrickcaron8192 жыл бұрын
I watch a bunch of bloggers and you are the most chill enjoyed the ride . anyway good luck to you and your family god bless .
@rob_98766 жыл бұрын
I had a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 cruiser as my first bike. Basically, the same engine in a cruiser -- it was a great first bike. It had plenty of power, without being too much for a beginner. It was actually quite quick off the line. I sold that bike when I found a great deal on a Kawasaki Versys 650, which has a more upright sport-touring style riding position. I just feel a lot more in control in the more upright position as opposed to a cruiser, where I always feel too laid back.
@ws6man966 жыл бұрын
I think the Versys is a great bike! I'd love to ride one.
@cadezipperer7298Ай бұрын
I'm going from a 09 vulcan to an 03 ninja 500 interested to see the difference
@kylemiller51785 жыл бұрын
I currently own an 06' Variant of this bike but in Black and Red. The previous owners put quite a bit of work (and miles) into it. Right now it's sitting at a solid 12,000 miles, in fact it just ticked over that 12k mark today 😄 but the previous owners have put heated grips and new mirrors with integrated blinkers on them onto the bike too! I plan on removing that front fairing and getting a new headlight and doing a digital speedo because that old analog one looks so dated! I want to do a street fighter build for it. But this was my first bike, I bought it about 6 months ago and I have zero complaints (aside from the styling) and it's definitely a great bike to learn on! Don't worry too much about speed either because these things can go quick if you give them some time to get there. I got mine up to 130mph a few times 😅 anyways, cheers!
@NarolGuido5 жыл бұрын
I have the 1995 500r with 15000 miles i bought it with 8000 miles great bike it look like new still almost
@MRTPR6 жыл бұрын
Looks like a nice old bike. plenty of power for new riders and it sounds nice.
@ws6man966 жыл бұрын
Yep!! Even great for a seasoned rider.
@rolandedrummer97232 жыл бұрын
The only bike of the many I've had I wish I had back. Great commuter and for day trips.
@hoorah2512 жыл бұрын
I have an 03 Ninja 500r same exact color with a Delkevic 2 into 1 exhaust, K&N air Filter stage 2 jets. And I get about 150 miles to a tank. I love it its way more comfortable long distance compared to my 02 Yamaha R1, but their 2 totally different animals.
@MellowDewGames4 жыл бұрын
I’m getting one tomorrow as my first REAL bike I’m pumped this looks really nice
@ws6man964 жыл бұрын
Great choice!
@dtogo4286 Жыл бұрын
I got a 2007 Ninja ex500r; it's a great bike for commuting and new riders. I was going to sell it (3.7K), but it seems worth more for me to just keep riding it.
@douglasnichols68604 жыл бұрын
Just bought a 2005 Ninja500r ex500-D Used ...First bike..,..had to replace front turn signals....has gas leak coming from carbs. More than likely a float issue. Looks good. I guess we'll how it goes. Thanks for the video!
@ws6man964 жыл бұрын
Enjoy the bike!
@stevenbarker35694 жыл бұрын
I have a 1993 gpz 500s, it's now got 39950 miles on it, lives outside in all weathers. always starts on the button, looks a bit shabby, but gives me around 58-62mpg riding like a hooligan. A good fun bike, but front brakes are weak, so be aware of what is ahead. had it for over 12 years, still used daily.
@edwardr14832 жыл бұрын
Ever taken the ex500 on long trips , and how was it ?
@noahleszcynski69583 жыл бұрын
Bought one a year ago and straight piped it still have it love pissing people off with it
@rmtheg2345 жыл бұрын
I have the exact same year and color ninja 500 that currently have right now and planning on keeping it for a long time along with my 14' cbr 650f.
@Dennell_Mount_and_Blade5 жыл бұрын
I'm thinking of getting this bike or the YZF 600 Thundercat, but I don't have my license yet. I live in Europe and it's a pain in the ass to get one here. Lessons and exams can cost you about 1000+ euro if you're unlucky and fail the exams. Nice video tho. Sometimes I dream of going to USA and riding motorcycle over there, maybe with the Ninja 500r as well, it's called the GPZ 500 in Europe. This bike is probably as fast enough as you really need to be on the public road. Some similair bikes (ninja 400, RC 390, R3 et cetera) are quite more nimble due to weight and have other advantages like suspension, ABS and such, but they're also way more expensive. Plus they don't sound as nice because they're low CC, fuel injected and also adjusted to modern emission rules.
@razzorbladz5 жыл бұрын
get a first year GPZ500s and restore it it will not only be a great learner bike but a classic you can show off and hang on to personally I think the 87 in white looks great,you cant actually see in photo's but they are actually a metallic pearl white and also the 87 due to being made just before the pollution gear was fitted makes extra horse power between 10 to 15 bhp if set up right
@furryhenry3 жыл бұрын
Going to look at a1995 500s after Christmas, Corvid permitting. Didn't understand about the centre stand, as this bike has got a centre stand, also 2 into one exhaust.
@postersm7141 Жыл бұрын
12:35 I have a 2021 Kawasaki Z 900 RS Café. I really love the café version and it’s in the sick gray paint and it looks awesome. I would love to see a video on yours if you have an already posted one.
@ws6man96 Жыл бұрын
Nice! I have quite a few videos up on my Z900RS.
@postersm7141 Жыл бұрын
Cool I’ll have to check it out! I actually don’t post KZbin videos in general but I believe I do have a video on my Z 900 RS Café if you want to see it in that awesome gray paint scheme!
@rt22552 жыл бұрын
On exhaust and center stand, on my 85 600 ninja i put on 2 suppertrapp slip ons got cool sound tunable with plates and kept center stand
@Jaye84145 жыл бұрын
Just got a ninja 500 '06 with 2800 miles. It was stored for years. Just had to get carb fixed. It's my baby. Finna run them miles up lol
@ws6man965 жыл бұрын
Sweet find! It's a great bike, easy to maintain and operate.
@scotsguy4225 жыл бұрын
Nice find. Once the carbs are set up and she's running smoothly these bikes are really, really, reliable. Change the oil at the intervals, and use a standard mineral oil, no fuss, no expense, just ride!
@lasondrastuckey9588 Жыл бұрын
I have a 88 and 07 500. Working on my 07 model.
@garyburbank88955 жыл бұрын
We started our oldest son on a kawasaki Ninja 500r i Started on my Harley Davidson 1200 sportser 25th anniversary and Harley Davidson 900 sportser chopper 7ft springer front end until i got my Suzuki gsx600f and Kawasaki Kz1100 i would actually prefer a 2003 / 2004 /2005 /2006 kawasaki Ninja 500r over the kawasaki Ninja zx6 / 636 the ninja 500r looks just as nice and is just as much fun my son my brother my cousin my Dad my uncle my nephew and i went to the tail of the dragon and went for a decent ride my son traded to a kid at school for a yamaha r6 the 2003 kawasaki Ninja 500 is actually a Sport touring bike like Suzuki gsx600f Suzuki gs500 Suzuki gs650f
@genericultraammonia10614 жыл бұрын
I just got a 2009 500r as my first bike
@Grimace_SYLB3 жыл бұрын
I’m buying me first bike ever on Sunday and it’s a ninja 500R and I’m super excited. Always road dirt bikes growing up but haven’t been on in about 5 years!
@gigalomtatidze7825 Жыл бұрын
Beast colour ❤
@yt_gunna_11463 жыл бұрын
I am about to purchase one today and it sounds amazing it has two exhaust but he said something about you want to ride with the fan switch on also what were you talking about the fan switch
@youtruckrek51214 жыл бұрын
i had a 2009 and wish i still did i traded it in on a 2015 harley sportster 1200 custom big mistake this bike will do anything that 1200 did
@garyburbank88955 жыл бұрын
Awesome video where is this looks like Tennessee
@ws6man965 жыл бұрын
Western Pennsylvania
@razzorbladz5 жыл бұрын
I still have my 1987 gpz500s in metallic pearl white with red stickers and seat I kept her because they are such a great allrounder bike and good backup transport I have a 84 gpz900r too but the 500 is the better every day bike and a dam side cheaper to run and service and register and work on
@ws6man965 жыл бұрын
That's awesome! I'd love to find a clean example of the 900r!
@razzorbladz5 жыл бұрын
@@ws6man96 dont think on it too long I'm seeing 1984 900r's already fetching over $10k restored here in Australia if I were in America I think it would be a smart idea to start buying up as many cheap ratty ones as you can find they are the next Z1 Z9 if you seed what crazy prices the Z1 fetches now
@thehouseofcrumblingidols26944 жыл бұрын
About to buy that exact same bike this weekend. I love the 1st gen front fairings. Any tips or resources you think I'd find useful? Thanks
@razzorbladz4 жыл бұрын
@@thehouseofcrumblingidols2694 you wont regret it they are easy to work on join the gpz500s owners group on FB and first gen are supposed to sound like a bucket of nails at idle when cold so don't freak out
@thehouseofcrumblingidols26944 жыл бұрын
@@razzorbladz thanks man will do, I'm super excited to hit these gorgeous roads in the Appalachian mountains.
@tonykartracer80325 жыл бұрын
Were a few tears shed?
@da1stjibjib5th2 жыл бұрын
What type of helmet can do you have and is it Bluetooth/can it play music as well?
@ws6man962 жыл бұрын
It was an old HJC CL-SP with a Sena 20s bluetooth headset.
@claybar59495 жыл бұрын
Cool, tenho uma ex500d3 1996, vieram poucas ao Brasil!!
@scotsguy4225 жыл бұрын
EX500 D3 Scotland! Runs great.
@jacobfranklin8205 жыл бұрын
Did come stock with dual mufflers? Because mine has duals?
@andrewavery44175 жыл бұрын
@@ws6man96 I put shorty gp exhaust on mine. sounds amazing but it runs too lean so I gotta rejet the carbs. no biggie
@ws6man965 жыл бұрын
@@andrewavery4417 yeah a full system would need rejetted.
@megc70015 жыл бұрын
Where did you get this exhaust system?
@scotsguy4225 жыл бұрын
Nexus 2into1 are a good choice for these bikes, increases the power at bit and it isn't too noisey to be intrusive. I've had my 500S (GPz in the UK) for many years as my daily commute. A very dependable and sporty bike.
@coryjohnson47077 ай бұрын
What brand exhaust is that
@ws6man967 ай бұрын
Muzzy full system
@tsubarider135 жыл бұрын
Is this bike the same as the GPZ500s in Europe?
@ws6man965 жыл бұрын
Yes I believe so. I remember seeing pictures of the same bike in UK reviews only with GPZ on it.
@tsubarider135 жыл бұрын
@@ws6man96 Cool! Thanks for the cool vid and for the reply :)
@ws6man965 жыл бұрын
@@tsubarider13 thanks for checking out my channel!
@scotsguy4225 жыл бұрын
These bikes had a 19 year production run, and were exported everywhere! So yeah, in the UK they are the GPz and the US known as the Ninja. Exactly the same bikes, solid, dependable and can put a few Audi's to shame :-)