Rider Review: 2002 Kawasaki Ninja 500

Let me start by saying that this is my very first motorcycle and I have only ridden a couple in my life time and I am also not a great writer but I have been wanting to write a review on this bike for awhile so here goes:

I will start with the things I have enjoyed most about this bike.

Ease Of Ride:

I really appreciate the low seat height of the bike I am 5'8 with short legs and this was a major element in deciding on what bike to buy. Combined with the ease of shifting and responsive throttle (although very forgiving) I have really enjoyed the abilities of the bike. It can reach high speeds pretty fast and even at low speeds its a pleasure to ride. The bike has enough power and speed to get you in and out of trouble depending on your taste, but as a beginner it has gotten me out of trouble more than it has gotten me in trouble. The motorcycle is not intimidating and not excessively heavy I have almost dropped/dumped it a couple of times, but with quick thinking and a little muscle I save it from hitting the pavement ( and I am not a very strong guy).

Looks:

I know we all love the looks of our bikes, but I really love the looks of this bike.Mine has a lower fairing and I think this improves the look if this bike a whole lot. The sport bike styling is a great and there is not a ton of plastic to replace if you dump the bike and the is a full fairing available if you can afford it ( around 350+paint)

Comfort:

its not as comfy as I think a cruiser is, but I have rode this machine for hours and no backaches. Not a really aggressive seating position which is a plus for me I prefer a more relaxed seating position. Bike feels light and as a beginner I has helped with my level of confidence.

Price:

Well for all you rich guys this may not be a factor for you, but for a struggling law student this was big. I bought used(1998) and for $2500 with 4000 + miles I think I got a good deal and I have seen these bikes (used) go from $1500 - $3000 and new from around $5000+. For a sport bike I think this is a great price range.

Maintenance:

Well honestly I have not had to get anything done to my bike yet, but from everything I have herd due to the large availability of parts because the bike has not changed in years helps to keep the price of parts down and I always see parts for the bike on ebay for cheap, especially some of the pretty plastic parts. And all I have read gives the bike great ratings when it comes to dependability so I will keep you guys posted on any maintenance prices I have to bear.

And now for the few things I think could stand improving.

Tires:

My bike still has the factory tires on and at times they feel a little slippy, again its my first bike , I just wish there were wider tires available, and maybe its from the single disk brake, I'm really not that knowledgeable in this area and I think there are only 2 companies that make replacement tires so there is not a big array of choices.

Wind Noise:

It was a little weird at first because I kept Looking to see what that crazy noise was . Then I realized it was from the fairing. Now I dont really notice it so its not too bad.

Overall I highly recommend this bike to a beginner, I had never rode a sport bike before my MSF class and a couple of days later I bought this bike and in a day I was zipping around the neighborhood . I apologize for not have the riding history to compare this bike with others in similar classes. I hope this review helps someone! Did I tell you that I love this bike!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D

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