1998 Kawasaki Ninja ex500R test drive review

[@mushroomcloud1]

It made over 50 HP and turned the 1/4 mile in high 12 to low 13 second range. Better than any stock air cooled Harley for example. The engine was not at all related to the 250.

[@mociczyczki]

Yea it is half gpz 900 engine more less start as Ltd 450 ., it have 50hp but at the wheel - stock derestricted and there was five restricted model 27, 50 , 60 hp manufactory Claimed it have very weak low end and midrange in 500 cc class and best top end in derestricted version ,er5 which have the same engine with couple diffrenc part have waaay stronger low and midrange rpm according to dynograph which im seen feg at 6000 rpm er5 generale 34 hp at crank vs gpz only 25 hp so you twist thRotle at last gear in Booth from 100km/h and er5 drive away but punch weaker in race where you Use peak power band rpm . So such in sparing er5 pull away in race gpz pull away . So such gpz 500s in 500 cc parallel twin class is like dr jeckyl&mr.hyde at midrange even weakest gs 500 f is stronger but at top end it kick as all other 500 cc pt 🌪 when i write it have weakest low and midrange rpm i sugest this graph www.motorcycle.com/gallery/video.php/d/25117-1/Dyno_Chart_07_EX500.jpg. But this test show diffrenc Numbers hear gpz beat gs in acceleration and elasticity test magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1991/4/1/kawasaki-ex500-vs-suzuki-gs500 so thers source which misleading poplecznicy like some custom engine service 😜 but i quees this test with stock new bike show true Numbers songpzhave better both elasticity and acceleration on 90%👍🏻

[@hnikitop]

This guy's clueless. Do not believe a word. One of the most capable, reliable, real-world bikes you can get your hands on. Buy it.

[@pkaramer]

He is probably the most ignorant of them all, that is.."this little 500 hundred..."what a @@"

[@conradbielicki774]

I wouldn't call it reliable, but it is so easy and cheap to work on. Also if u get a gen 1 there are a couple of retrofits you will have to do that are a great intro to wrenching

[@cesartapia610]

@@conradbielicki774 Why wouldn't you call it reliable?

[@conradbielicki774]

@@cesartapia610 The gen 1 had a poor cct and really poorly made flywheels that would often throw magnets - I replaced mine, the magnets had been glued on very poorly. I've also had a fuel cap issue that caused fuel starvation, the regulator/rectifier failed and a few other issues but they were all simple and cheap fixes.

[@tannerjhowell]

You really cant wheelie these things? oh really? cuz im 135lbs and I can lift up my ninja 500r rolling anywhere below 30

[@SlickD217]

Love these bikes. Cheap as dirt to maintain and really comfortable for a “sporty” bike.

[@mingonmongo1]

And they were made long enough that you can find parts forever. But I like it for the horsepower/weight. Where else can you get 60 hp on a bike weighing

[@actuallyitskevin]

I’ve had two ‘09’s and still have one. I love it! Ride it all the time when I’m not on my wide glide. It’s some of the cheapest weekend fun you can have!

[@Xanduur]

This was my first bike , 1995 model, and I never had a problem with it.

[@Wilsonwreckers]

That’s what I just got man! You ever top it out?

[@therealaaron8767]

All that gear up top but in gym shorts 😂

[@Srkcycles]

+A A Ron gym life

[@500erider]

Yeah, because who needs to walk, right ??? I see that often, and it is just ridiculous.

[@500erider]

And, NOT the same bike as the 250. This guy is clueless.....

[@PangziMan]

Stfu and go somewhere else if youre soo annoyed ​@@500erider

[@mckell38]

I just bought a 2007 ninja 500r and i love this bike as a beginner bike a little scary when i first got on but after a week i started realizing that this is a perfect daily bike. With plenty of power to get use to as my skills improve. Already put new tires on it and an oil change it handles great.

[@AaronAverett]

Almost none of these is interchangeable with the 250. They look similar, but almost every part of it is at least one size bigger than that of a 250.

[@500erider]

They don't even really look similar, unless one has had too much to drink. There's not a whole lot of this bike that interchanges with the 250, like this hammerhead was saying. It has a different frame, different engine, different body work, different wheels, different size tires, etc. Everything is different. And, it will absolutely SMOKE a 250. To run them against each other would be comparable to trying to out gun a Hayabusa with an SV650.

[@terrywootton8882]

My first bike. And it was fast enough for me. A good rush at the top end.

[@CrypticApathy]

My first bike was a ninja 500. I loved that bike, only reason i sold it was it being carbed and i wouldnt ride it enough to not need carb work regularly. That bike was amazing. I went with it over the 250 as a starter due to high way riding. It had enough power to get out of its own way at high way speed (70ish). You could actually drop a gear at speed and get something out of it. And it wouldnt scream at you cruising at 70-80mph. Mine topped out around 120 according to the dash. Great gas milage, great handling, very cheap to buy and fix ect. nothing wrong with the bike. Its to sports bikes what a yamaha warrior is to cruisers. A bench mark.

[@guacam4ya103]

The first half of the review you were saying it was about as fast as a ninja 300 😂 and then you opened it up and realized the 500 is actually pretty quick. My first bike was a 2006 ninja 500, it had exhaust and the carbs had been re-jetted. I could stomp mustang GT's from a roll all day

[@vertigot4649]

Hey that's funny, I literally just bought an '06 500r and once I clean its carbs maybe I'll be doing that too!

[@broschetta4417]

They’re no joke, not insane but they sound amazing and pull pretty hard

[@county_bear9509]

Yeah man definitely, even quicker than the new 400s. And the horsepower wasn’t at all shabby. 51 wheel/ 59 crank is pretty good for a 500

[@Sal-tripin]

my 89 ex500 is fast and wheelies no problem. love it!

[@rowdyriemer]

I've got one that I'm giving to my daughter (if she ever gets her license). I got it running right several months ago. I'm impressed with it's power considering the 500cc displacement.

[@timsmotorcyclediary]

It's an easy bike for a newbie. Perfect for running errands in a metropolitan city. Think of a powerful scooter. Won't keep up with 600cc and 1,000cc sport bikes obviously but still fun to ride. Low seat height for short riders. Won't scare you or get you attention from the police.

[@Dronston]

My 1st bike (Europe) was a 1992 GPZ 500s, loved that thing.

[@dandanthman]

First bike I had - '97 ninja ex500. Would recommend 100% I got a ninja 650 after and liked the 500 much better... true sport bike instead of sport standard, plenty of power (especially for a first bike) and agile as you like. I'm planning to get a 600 next (haven't ridden in a few years now) but would definitely consider 1 of these again!

[@davidboydarnott417]

Yeah, they love the revs, all power is above 5k revs. great first bike for short legged people, larger bodies may prefer the ZX6R, but both are economical and fun, change the oil twice a year and they'll run forever. 👍

[@pbarrick03]

I just got one for my very first bike!!!

[@razzorbladz]

are you in our facebook group if not join up

[@HarrySteMarie]

I had a 87 in red too. iIt was my 1st bike. Easy to do wheelies... Thanks for memory lane.

[@ExtremeUltimo]

Man, what a spectacular route for a cruise you got there. Very nice.

[@cellsdoni5968]

Looks like the country to me. Beautiful!!

[@charger19691]

Nice bike for someone that's starting out or just someone that wants a small fuel efficient bike to run back and forth to work with on the nice days...it seems to scoot along very well! I had a 04 ZZR 600 that ran very well.

[@bandguy360]

Iv been riding for 12 years but i still want one of these ha

[@garyburbank4559]

the Kawasaki ninja ex500r is like a Suzuki gsx650f good sports touring bike always a great starter sports bike

[@downlowgo_401]

Your voice and Mannerisms have changed a lot since these days

[@CptSlow89]

I have 1996. for 12 years for now...aftermarket exhaust, different mirrors etc.

[@waynes.2983]

Its nothing like the 250. It is larger, has larger wheels & more reliable.

[@cesartapia610]

Can you tell me how/why the 500 is more reliable? Thanks.

[@waynes.2983]

@@cesartapia610 yes. The 250 has to work extremely hard at sustained highway speeds. The 500 hardly has to work at all at highway speeds. 65mph on the 250 is around 10k rpm. On the 500 it us only 7k rpm. Also for some reason the 250 has timing chain issues. I've owned both. Maybe i just had bad luck with my 250.

[@tsoliot5913]

Every 500 owner will tell you. Buy this bike. Don't sell it when you want something bigger, keep it. It is not the same as a 250. Rev to 8-9k minimum before shifting.

[@SteveWKk]

You're right....... I sold mine and have been through lots of bikes since... I regret selling it!!

[@autobiographyofanidiot6036]

Ex500r was my first bike. I own a litre bike with way more tech and creature comforts, but I still ride everyday to work on my ex. If that thing blows, itll get another motor and another lifetime of miles

[@Link30567]

I'm so glad I see so many people with comments like this. the guy making this video really didn't know how to treat the Ninja. I got mine July 2021 after it had been sitting since November 2015, hadn't been touched in 6 years. I replaced maybe $30 worth of parts, adjusted the valves, and changed the oil. Paint looks like garbage from the sun damage but I'll be damned if I don't put just about every car to shame from a red light

[@ShaneZettelmier]

This is my first bike, but an older model, I think mine was at 88. It wasn’t anything crazy but it was fun. And I did Wheelie it. 😅 not so much on purpose, but I was trying to take it off quick and it threw the front wheel up and luckily I had my foot over the bike. I wanted to 600 and was kind of disappointing, but I didn’t have the cash but I was pretty happy with it. It was fast enough to be fun but not too crazy and was a great beginner bike and the writing position on it’s pretty comfortable are used to commute on the freeway And ride for well over an hour twice a day and it was a very comfortable bike as well. It wasn’t anything super special, but it was just a good all-around bike and I had no complaints. Well at least till that Camry hit me.😅. They don’t hold up really well to being run into buy a car. But I think it’s a great choice for a first bike. It’s something you’re not gonna outgrow in a couple of months like a 250 would be,

[@murraykriner9425]

People jagging on all the mid-displaced machines like they got no guts and only glory etched on these Ninja 500/600. Many bikes only make numbers in the higher revs, and most people never ride them as they were intended to see their full potential. This is the same engine in the Vulcan 500 that I own, and it only wakes up after 6500 rpms, and then loses its genteel manners entirely. Thanks for the journey.

[@timsoutdoorshunting4469]

Buying my first bike in a few days and it's a 95 ex500 blue and white

[@vtxjeff6189]

Last production year was 2009 I have one

[@josee8224]

Nice bike, good commentry ...i love the Bike sounds... Am going for my 400xr but I have a friend sell Kawasaki 500ninja around 11111.5USD.

[@mudroost8040]

The "EX" was dropped in 1994. It was the Ninja 500 until 1998 then the "R" was added. At about 50 HP it would be hard to compare it to the current 300 models that put out about 30 to 35 hp depending on make. Maybe your gym life gets in the way of your product knowledge or it could be the very same shorts are to tight cutting of blood supply to you brain. You use them for riding gear after all.

[@mudroost8040]

Sure.... Like about a second in the 1/4...

[@justintucker9961]

Exactly ! They don't wake up till about 7 grand. And starts too pull good ! no way compared to a 250 or 300 !

[@greggnumme299]

I'm heading out to pick up a 2006 in pristine condition with 11k on the odometer! I just found some pictures of myself at 20 years old with my brand new gpz750 that they had just shipped over here when they had the Tariff on bikes over 750 CC's so I believe this was like 748cc - but it went like they hammers of hell and I get a kick out of this guy! WTF is he talking about "You CAN'T wheelie this bike and it is a nice ENTRY level bike? I would NOT give my son that to ride ( AS A 1ST BIKE! SILLY BASTARD! ) because when you get in the powerband it hauls ass... I've seen some of the videos from these cats before but this guy is completely buggers! There's nothing wrong with 500cc Rigs at all! Right now I can buy anything I want but I love the comfort of that particular Ninja and it's almost exactly the same as my 82/83? ( 1ST YEAR - Can't remember - that was 40 years ago! Lol! & many bikes ago! ) GPZ-750 the way it's laid out and the new 600's - I don't think you're going to go out and roll a thousand miles on a road trip without having to pull over every hundred miles and crack your back! Very comfortable and very fast IF you know how to ride the damn thing! You all stay safe with the wind at your back and watch out for the "NON WATCHERS!" Ride on Brothers & Sisters! ✌❤

[@mckell38]

@@greggnumme299 nice one man im 27 and got this as my first bike and this first month has been a blast. Not to powerful but when you pin the throttle open this thing rips. I must say the ninja 500r for me was a perfect beginner bike

[@Overrevtricky]

haha! Yeah the 250r's......"don't have very much." You don't say!! No one rides a 250r because its a power beast, same with the bigger brother 500. They are ultra reliable and have plenty of power for everyday commuting and the occasional fun times on the backroads, that's why people ride these.

[@jonobester5817]

I have an identical bike, red 1998. The wind kicks in about 40mph.

[@albertcalderon3421]

Saludos, excelente máquina, gracias por compartir el video, sigue adelante, abrazos desde Bogotá, Colombia....

[@ws8080]

I'm always surprised how accepted these are now as "sporty" when they didn't even have the Ninja name on them originally - due to being more of a standard bike and was just known as the EX500. Kind of like the GS500e being around forever and then it gets a fairing and becomes the GS500f. In neither case would I consider them actual sport bikes, but still good bikes that are basically standards in a sport-looking package. I like 500s so I still like them! Ironically, these were seen as underperforming cheap bikes as parallel twins, since sport bikes were the land of 5 cylinder screamers, but now the market is saturated with similar engines. I personally liked the Interceptor 500 more, which had the v-twin, but it cost more as well and didn't last very long (before Honda made a 750 instead). Maybe that's why I'm on a SV650 now? As others posted, nothing in common between the 250 and the 500.... But not sure why you find this way better than a 250. The 250s have had their own race class, are widely used as track bikes, have the high RPM limit, etc. Don't think the same is true for an EX500, but could be wrong as I guess I heard rumors of 500cc class that bikes like this were used to learn on track back in the day. Anyway, agree they are decent bikes and good for those learning and still get you to highway speeds. I will take my Bandit 400 with 4 cyl in 15K Rpm redline instead however, also built in the early 90s.

[@MJT-DA]

a 125cc can wheelie so off course a 500cc can. Great review man but allow the bikes to warm up a bit.

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

Taijean Moodie theres no reason to, just ride it very soft for the first mile or 2..and you'll be good. but he warms them up before the vid

[@MJT-DA]

But this guy rides his bike hard at cold. Look at his kawasaki versys 650 review and cbr1000rr review. If it were me I would not buy a bike from him.

[@daksbass1363]

Your an idiot dude

[@MJT-DA]

@@daksbass1363 how I'm I an idiot? Because I can wheelie a 125cc and you can't? You should run your bike to redline after cold starting it? The only idiot here is the one with a username that isn't even spelt right "Daks bass". Delete it imbecile.

[@seansweeney9718]

I have the same bike 2005 and only been riding for about 4 months.What would you recommend for a second bike, you seem to know your shit and I'm not trying to get nothing to crazy until I been riding a little longer.

[@genericultraammonia1061]

I have an 08 500r and its beast in its class its so nimble

[@howlingthunder26]

I bought one of these for my first bike it was kinda beat up but was not going to buy new an drop it ....runs awesome once I got her tuned an ya 7 an up is where the power is at

[@dcottthefallen6350]

I can wheelie it no problem I had an 07 and did it all the time lol.

[@raymondgriner6389]

I get 125MPH out of mine It has never let me down once my oil leaked out I had no choice I drove it 2 miles with no oil to the gas station never let me down once it has never left me stranded

[@shiftyshamsk]

I had a ninja 250 2008. I sold it for a Gpz 500 or ninja 500r to you USA guy's. No it's not the same bike A 250 is totally gutless. This 500 is fast. It's capable of 125mph. It'll ride any road, any distance. It'll return 60mpg.

[@Ioneisn]

Hey I just bought one of these today the guy said it was sitting for a year. But it bogs up when I put full throttle what could it be ?

[@OhioEnduro]

could be the carb, should have to be cleaned after sitting for so long. usually bogging issues is the carb or choke is stuck.

[@KawiMusician]

Def the carbs. The ethanol guns them up when they sit. Remember to either do the gas treatment for winter ,drain it out or use stabilizer, or just make sure to to start it every week or 2 in the winter. The carbs are not that hard to clean,theres videos on youtube but if youre not used to working on bikes just pay a bike mechanic a few hundred to make sure they're cleaned and the carbs are balanced as far as the mixtures etc.

[@CptSlow89]

3:30 FALSE! It is a bit bigger than 250r, and have longer wheelbase than 250r. Wrong production years also.

[@samwaayer1211]

I'm from New Zealand and own the 400cc variation of this bike, still putting out 50bhp. I'm not sure if it's because of our tight, winding roads but personally I wouldn't let anyone under the age of 25 begin on one of these due to the power. It's certainly no supersport but I feel like it packs a punch in the high revs. On a seperate note, are what would you consider appropriate beginner bikes for people under the age of 21-22?

[@KawiMusician]

Ninja 250, Honda rebel, actually the Suzuki GSX 300 has LOW power and safer .for anyone thats never ridden a bike id almost recommend a scooter first.

[@willzero5731]

A newer CBR 500 it makes good power and it wont kill you as much as you think,

[@postersm7141]

I don’t think age has anything to do with it. It Hass to do with experience level and discipline

[@Helicopterpilot16]

Took one for a short ride, first ninja I've ridden. Damn I wish I had the money on hand.

[@Helicopterpilot16]

@Justin Chandler The 500R was sold and can't find a bike to fit my budget now. Love it.

[@Helicopterpilot16]

@Justin Chandler Thanks man, guess I'm riding my friends bike tomorrow so, cheers! Happy riding!

[@Helicopterpilot16]

@Justin Chandler Looking at a 2000 SR-7 tomorrow. Hope I drive it away.

[@Helicopterpilot16]

@Justin Chandler Opps, Zr, thanks for the catch.

[@Helicopterpilot16]

@Justin Chandler Yeah! It's blue. Just can't wait to ride in a group on my own bike! I like the naked body style too, kind of like some Suzi Bandits.

[@scotsguy422]

What was that bro? You can't wheelie these things??? Lol, try riding it like it should be ridden - @7000 rpm +... then come back and tell me all about the screaming banshee wheelies it can pull!! As for entry level sports machine, yes, but a lot of us bikers who have owned and ridden bigger machines come back the the GPz500 time and again. They are ultra reliable, light and fast, and you can throw them around tight bends and they come out smiling. Only thing I liked about your vid are the roads... you guys over there have some beautiful long roads and mostly quiet too! It's an overcrowded junk yard in the UK these days.

[@aidenjagdeo7423]

i just got my first 500 and its cammed. should i b scared?

[@ineinerbank]

That‘s my bike. Well, i got the dorky purple-silver one.

[@bradleyhayes2373]

I also have that one 👌

[@razzorbladz]

they do do wheelies and they do have the power

[@805guitars2]

Can confirm -- first bike '94

[@southpawpaw7967]

That bike can wheelie easy

[@76629online]

Great review.

[@codydudley1301]

How do I buy a bike from you your web page won't show me your inventory

[@scottlochans4180]

That 50 mph., red line statement, right on!!!. No Bike Kawasaki, for 27 years, March 19 got a 05 GSF Bandit 650 inj., Wow 58, 59 times more biking joy, than in 84 my nearly new Kawasaki 750turbo, Bandit 2nd gear, 80mph., before the red line. 4th gear, 6,500rpm. true 89mph. ??, Red lines at 12,000. What, no. What NO WHAT YES.. First proper ride in 27 years, a mile or so into ride, Pass about 3 Modules of my PhD Masters Degree, in Bandit Torque Enjoyment only, nothing technical. 2 Nd Perfect Storm of ACCELERATION, reigned in the first, drew level with Speeding ST Focus driver, a second or so, rolled the throttle open , totally upright, PROPELLED FORWARD, sped through a Chicane, at least80mph,, 30,40 yards later,6,500 rpm, said 92 mph. really 89mph. Banditaholic meetings, they say talk of Blessed Bandit Time, Times to try and ease the ACHE of no longer having Blessed Bandit Time, at fingertips, only wore gloves if icy, hence Fingertips. Best bike ever, and I ain't even lying. yours sincerely Scott Loch. Na Professor Bandit B.T.E.650 inj., out ps. Sadly now a HOPEFULLY only, semi retired çrazy mad Banditateer, fekkin Banditaholic, ruined for any other bike, and I'm not even lying.

[@DexMaster881]

In America everything is a Ninja.

[@i94yeh2p]

Wish I could still find these.

[@stevenhollinger3183]

Is it safe for the motor to have it at like 9-10k down the highway? I don't want to hurt the motor.

[@razzorbladz]

its safe till the red line 11k

[@southernknight9983]

It's not hard at all to wheelie a Ninja 500. Dude doesn't know what he's talking about. This bike is nothing like the 250. The 260 wobbles at 110, topping out not much higher, while the Ninja 500 will go 135 no problem. I certainly wouldn't mind getting another one just for the sheer comfort level than most other sport bikes. It's just a light weight ZX11. That is a much closer comparison.

[@waywrld5831]

bro i wold not reccmend gym shorts bc i was riding my kx65 dirt bike and i fell with gym shorts on and i had rad rash all over my knes

[@raymondtiede2842]

there's a guy selling a 1999 model with 27 000 miles on it. He says it has new brakes, spark plug, chain, battery and an air filter. he's selling it for 450 usd. What do you guys think ?

[@ianferguson6604]

Raymond Tiede how’s the bike,ray?

[@Link30567]

Yo I know it's too late but that's a STEAL

[@TheKiddOnDrums]

Tf you talking about it’s a 250 except for displacement? 😂🤦🏼‍♂️

[@pechpech4085]

you're going too hard with the engine while it's cold... that's how you break an engine

[@westboundNinja1]

Will this beast the freeway? My vlx will do it but it screams loud at me

[@amishhacker4827]

I have a 2009 Ninja 500r (ex500), and it handles the highways perfectly. It will do 70-80 mph no problem at ~7k or less with plenty more to give.

[@westboundNinja1]

Amish Hacker thanks brother

[@chemiocremblac5527]

How tall are you?

[@vamountainman2512]

I've seen dudes killing wheelie on a 49cc moped bro 🤣

[@steve23464]

Redline in 6th is under 55??

[@stephentaylor1476]

I've never seen a 250 I've seen hundreds of 500s

[@benn1181]

It's a little wider than the 250.

[@hugeblackman69]

would I be too big for this bike if I'm 6'1?

[@Srkcycles]

im 6'2'' and its not a bad size

[@kushkast9542]

One thing I’ll say about any year 500 or lower cc is that if your 6ft+ you’re backs going to feel like a 2x4 after an hour or riding

[@wpkg]

Im 6"2" and I ride a ninja 500r for hours on end, no back issues at all for me.

[@kushkast9542]

@ no offence I get that but try 6”8😭

[@kushkast9542]

@ also I could have back issues who knows but it only hurts when I ride 😂

[@TheFiddlerOnTheRoof317]

False, you can most definitely wheelie her, I do mine .

[@dalialove1607]

Gooog bike

[@davebuilder3477]

It's not the same

[@petemiller352]

Iam looking to drive not die

[@daviejacobsen9008]

This guy is exti'm leaving. Uneducated and your opinions are way off what most people will experience. I've ridden many 250's. I own 2 of these 500's. They are NOTHING alike besides visually. If you actually get on it it pulls very hard after 7k rpm. It has nearly 60 hp to the rear wheel. This guy Makes it sound like you might have your foot and push a little to help it up hills lol. These bikes rip anywhere in the 0-115 mph range. And it. Performs this way giving you extreme confidence and comfort so that I can push it much harder than I would be able to win a more powerful bike. It's extremely fun to push a bike as hard as it can go. ... And survive