Has anyone taken their Ninja 500R to the track? How did it do, and what kind of tires did you run? I'm going to Roebling Road soon with my GSXR600 and want to take my 500R also to see what it can do. Any tips or comments would be appreciated.

 

Whats your sag and feel for the 500?
I have not tried either so am winging it also. Too top it off, have not been to that track either.

 

I took the 500R on my first track day, but I'll never take it again.
I was stuck tippy-toeing behind the popsicle-sticks on 600s and 1000s in the tight-sections, but during the straights, 3 or 4 more would pass me and I'd be stuck with a fresh dumb@$$ going too slow in front of me during the tight sections.
If the track is tight without 1/4-mile straights, the 500 will do great. But if it's a POS track that gratifies any ****head who can afford a '99 GSXR600, you might have more fun taking your 500 on public roads.

Other than that, I've had a wonderful time humiliating R1's, 999's and GSXR1K's with my 500 on tighter public roads like Palomar Mountain.
And no amount of aftermarket accessories that are still street-legal will change my opinion.
-CCinC

 

HAHAHA, where is the fun if you cannot pass the others! Yes, stock suspension and tires will not do that feat.

 

Bwaha. Yes--neither will Ohlins and the most expensive Pirellis on Fontana's 1/2-mile NASCAR back-straight.
I was stuck behind guys on R1's and GSXR1K's during the no-pass sections of the track who would quickly walk away from me on a banked straight. I have a feeling even Rossi would have been frustrated by such a situation.

 

HAHAHA got to love the track stuff. Yep good stuff/info

 

Thanks for the information. I'm going to take the 500 to the track and give it a shot. If I get too frustrated, I'll park it and ride my GSXR600. It should fun either way.