Kawasaki Ninja 500R

Kawasaki Ninja 500R
Manufacturer Kawasaki
Also called EX500
GPZ500S
Production 1987–2009
Class Sport bike[1]
Engine 498 cc (30.4 cu in), 4-stroke, liquid-cooled parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power 49.9 hp (37.2 kW) (rear wheel)[1]
Torque 30.9 lb·ft (41.9 N·m) (rear wheel)[1]
Transmission 6-speed
Wheelbase 1,435 mm (56.5 in)
Dimensions L: 2,125 mm (83.7 in) (1987)
2,110 mm (83 in) (1988–1993)
2,096 mm (82.5 in) (1994–2009)
W: 685 mm (27.0 in) (1987–1993)
701 mm (27.6 in) (1994–2009)
Seat height 770 mm (30 in) (1987–1993)
775 mm (30.5 in) (1994–2009)
Weight 169 kg (373 lb) (Calif: 170 kg (370 lb)) (1987–1993)
176 kg (388 lb) (1994–2009) (dry)
185 kg (408 lb) (1987–1993)
199 kg (438 lb) (1994–2009)[1] (wet)
Fuel capacity 15.9 l (3.5 imp gal; 4.2 US gal)
Fuel consumption 64.0 mpg-US (3.68 L/100 km; 76.9 mpg-imp)[1]
Related ER 5, EN 500, KLE 500

The Kawasaki Ninja 500R (which was originally named, and is still referred to as the EX500 and is known as the GPZ500S in some markets) is a sport bike with a 498 cc (30.4 cu in) parallel-twin engine manufactured by Kawasaki from 1987 to 2009, with a partial redesign in 1994. Although the motorcycle has a sporty appearance, it offers a more standard, upright riding position with greater comfort and versatility. It provides a combination of performance and low operating costs, which has made it a favorite as a first motorcycle with new riders and popular with experienced riders on a budget. 2009 was the last model year for the Ninja 500.[2] For touring the EX500 has an 18 L (4.0 imp gal; 4.8 US gal) fuel tank, reserve included.

Given that it was Kawasaki's best-selling sporty bike for a number of years, the EX500 is a popular mount for road racing, offering low price and availability of spare parts. It also offers a wide but forgiving performance envelope suitable for new riders or even veteran club racers, eschewing the significantly higher expense of campaigning 600 cc or larger supersport machines. The Production Twins class of the LRRS racing organization in New Hampshire primarily comprises essentially stock EX500's. The United States Classic Racing Association has a similar class.

Its marketing name was changed in 1994 from EX500 to Ninja 500; the R suffix was added in 1998. In Europe it was sold as the GPZ 500S.

Features (1994-2009)

Side view of 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 500r (EX500) in Candy Plasma Blue

A partial redesign of the 500 was done in 1994. The changes made include the following:

Side view of 1994 GPZ 500 S
Motorcyclist magazine for 1994-2009
Motorcycle Consumer News 2004

Reception

The EX500 and Ninja 500 have been reviewed by motorcycle magazines, separately and in comparison to other motorcycles, from time to time. Upon its introduction, the EX500 was reviewed in the January 1987 issue of Cycle magazine. With a manufacturer's suggested retail price, as of October 1, 1986, of $2899, the EX500 led Cycle to pronounce, "[o]n price alone, the EX is peerless."

In February 1992, Cycle World magazine, in an article titled "Bargain Blasters," compared the EX500 to the Yamaha Seca II, the Suzuki Bandit, and the Suzuki GS500. The Seca II came in first, with the Bandit, the EX500, and the GS500 following in that order.

In April 1994, in an article titled "Bargain Hunters," Cycle World compared the then-new Ninja 500 to the Suzuki GS500E, the Suzuki Katana 600, the Yamaha FZR600, and the Yamaha Seca II. Cycle World concluded of the EX500, "it's our pick as the best overall deal in this group," though each bike had its virtues.

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "Performance Index Winter '12/'13 Edition", Motorcycle Consumer News (Bowtie Magazines), January 2013, retrieved July 7, 2013
  2. ↑ Kawasaki.com, Vehicle Information Portal

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kawasaki GPZ 500 S - EX500.