I need to get a small street bike. My back is starting to bother me a bit riding the KLX so much on the road. It is just not the best choice of street bike. Dah, its a dirt bike
I like the torque of the 500 over the 250's and gas mileage does not seem to be that much better on the Ninja 250.

I rode a 500 the other day and while its a little bike, it was simple to drive around. It would be a great commuter. Enough torque to let the clutch out in 1st with not gas. I bet second gear starts would be smooth.

Not state of the art for sure but the bump in power is a nice feature. A bit of reserve is nice.

 

If your back is giving you problem why the ninja. Versys has better driving position.

 

Yea the ninja is making you lean over more than the klx. The seat on the ninja will be WAY more comfortable though haha. Put some different bars on the klx so you sit more upright or somethin.

 

It's the upright seat actually. Just too much riding like that. It is fine but after a few days in a row of doing a lot of driving it gets tight. I have been riding it back to back 60-100 miles per day. Too much. Really though sitting on anything too much is not great for you.

The ninja allowed me to move around a bit more where the KLX I am in about the same position all the time.

I doubt it will be a huge improvement as I will just end up with some other ache Although the Ninja does go faster so less but time!

 

I sat on a Versys and rather liked it. Ninja 500's used are half as much though. Half the bike too

 

The ex500 has been around since the late 1980s. They were updated in 1994, you should be able to find a nice used one for very cheap. The riding position is fairly upright as well.

Kawasaki EX500 - Road Test & Review - Sport Rider

 

600-800 mile days on the EX500 is fairly comfy. The seat edge will get to you on the inseam on a good ride like mentioned. the leather suit that I tend to wear on the streets helps aide the ride time as well. A couple of grand for the 05's on up is why I bought into it. The suspension sucks, but that needs set for the individual anyways. so plan on a few more in change to alter that. As you mentioned, the 250's are selling for the same price or more than the 500.

 

One Just popped up in CL today actually. Its a 94 too. Although since I need the bike daily I will pay for a nice and newish bike so I hopefully have less down time.

I just looked at a 2006 Ninja 500 today. It is actually a very clean bike but has a number of scars and a big ol dent on the tank. He wants 2500 which without all of the bang ups would be a good price for the 4k miles and overall new appearance of everything except the rash. $1500 and I would drive it away.

I am looking at another exactly the same. Same year and Green color with the same 4k miles, Tires with 800 miles and just a nice bike. This one does not have the scratches though. We will see if it works out. I like the Green. A proper Kawi color. Not so much black. I saw a really pretty blue one today in a yard and stopped to see if it was for sale but it was not. The yellow is pretty fun and the silver would work too.

Good to hear that 600+ miles is ok on one. I found one that is 600 miles away and I may just fly there and ride it back. Fun rode trip adventure. I checked into plane tickets and its almost door to door for $150. Another 50 or so in gas. A bit of get away and podcast time if I do it.

 

I paid $2k for my 3600 mile ride with a crack in the uppers with oem tires. I wouldn't push the price tag more than that really. Tires, a good maintenance and suspension adds up.

 

A deal has been struck... Road Trip!! Its going to be great. I am looking forward to the adventure.

Dragone#19- That is a sweet color. I saw one today just like it. Also a good deal. Around here (this time of year) there are no such good deals and I am forced to pay up the rear. This bike is actually a better deal than what I can find close by even with the $200 extra for plane and fuel.