New owner of 2004 Ninja 500R
 

Hello esteemed members,

I am a new owner of a used 2004 Ninja 500R bike, which also happens to be my first bike. As a beginner rider, I have a few questions.

1. It's totally my fault, but when I bought the bike last Friday from a private seller, I didn't notice that the speedometer was not working. Only noticed this Saturday when I was able to take it out for a spin. The bike is otherwise in excellent condition, has 600+ miles (???) on it, no scratches or signs of any drops or accidents. The title is good and I registered it with DMV. The previous owner has carpal tunnel and didn't ride the bike (was in storage over 6+ months).
Question is is there any way to fix the speedometer ? Can the wire which is attached to the front wheel be fixed to get the speedometer moving again ?
The other 2 dials (rpm & hot/cold indicator) are working fine.

2. I lubed the chain and changed the oil & oil filter myself yesterday and for that I had to take out the lower faring to get to the filter. After the oil change, I didn't put the faring back as the naked bike looked better to me without it. Question is is it safe to ride the bike without the lower faring ? I drove it for a little while and didn't notice any difference. Is the lower faring only for looks or does it have a specific purpose which is important for safety purposes ?

Thanks,
buchut.

RE: New owner of 2004 Ninja 500R
 

Welcome to the forums! Great choice on the 500 btw!

As for the speedometer - I would imagine it could be fixed (not sure how though)

I have no lower fairing on mine - I like the look of the bike without it (as far as I know, mine has never had a lower) You should be fine without it!

Would love to see some pics!!

RE: New owner of 2004 Ninja 500R
 

Thanks bluebird. Yes, I like my bike without the lower faring too. Will post some pics as soon as I get a chance.

RE: New owner of 2004 Ninja 500R
 

Welcome to the forums. Have you asked the previous owner if there where any mods done to the bike? This may help you out a bit in your troublshooting.

RE: New owner of 2004 Ninja 500R
 

welcome to KF

RE: New owner of 2004 Ninja 500R
 

I asked the previous owner and he says no modifications were done. About the broken speedometer, he appeared puzzled and said it was working fine when he used to ride it before and swears it was not doctored. Not that I expected a different answer, but it sucks having an important piece of equipment on an otherwise mint bike broken, and my not paying attention to it before I bought it.

RE: New owner of 2004 Ninja 500R
 

Don't trip it's kawi keep up maintenance and it will run forever.the speedo cable is replaceable fairly easy.get yourself a manuel and cold beer no problem.:D

RE: New owner of 2004 Ninja 500R
 

Are those gauges Digital or Analog? If digital have you checked all of your fuses?

RE: New owner of 2004 Ninja 500R
 

id say get the manuel and replace the cable, if i remember correctly and i usually dont a 500 cable was like 59 bucks and its a fairly simple swap.

just a question of concern, are you sure it only has 600 miles on it ? with the spedo out its not racking up miles.

RE: New owner of 2004 Ninja 500R
 

Welcome home!! haha, Lets see the 500R!!!!