Going to pick up an 02 500 this weekend. Bike is in good condition, 7k miles. Plan on using the bike as daily transportation with occasional light touring.
There have been posts about leaving the bikepretty close stock and I agree with this, if you want a hayabusa, buy one, but I also like the idea of some basic upgrades.
What can I do to improve the bike without screwing it up? Susp mods, airbox/carbs ign etc. Any and all ideas welcome, thanks, Matt.

 

I've read that catridge emulators, new rear shock, and new front springs (that match your weight... the stock units are pretty light) are the best upgrades. Those will be my next upgrades once I put this bike back together.

good luck.

 

Excellent choice! (Such a beautiful color.) I had an '02, but then I gave it to my friend, (and then I crashed it when I was returning it to her with new tires. D'oh.)


I'm a big fan of stock too, but once you get used to having nice suspension, it's hard to go back. I like the Works Performance shock, and Raceteching the front end (springs, oil & cartridge emulators). Also, the mirrors from the '02 & '03, ZX6R & 9R give you a better view to the rear and enhance the bike's 'face.':

I've also lined my fairings with the same sound-absorptive foam that they put on the fairing of the larger Ninjas. It quiets down some of that mechanical noise:


I dislike making changes to the airbox, carbs or exhaust because you end up spending a quarter on gas to get a nickel's worth of additional horsepower. That's no exaggeration: some of these guys who modify their 500's jetting & exhaust are getting worse mileage than my stock ZX9R, but their bikes STILL won't touch that bike. (It will nearly do 100 in first gear and I have to rev the pi$$ out of it to get worse than 40mpg.)
Gratulations on finding that sweet ride.
Peace!
-CCinC

 

For the light touring on my 2006 500R

Cortech Sport Saddlebags and Sport Tail Bag, Tail bag clips off easy for a two up trip.
ZeroGravity sport-touring windscreen, A little taller an a little wider helped me but I am 5'6"
EMGO Mirror for Kawasaki ZX-600R/900R these fit on my 2006 500R from BikeBandit used the old hardware took about 15 minutes to swap mirrors.
Handlebar risers from MOTORCYCLELARRY.COM. I like this upgrade I will be 63soon and these help on longer rides so far.

All these upgrades I found on this forum and am very happy with them.

Phil

 

Awesome, thanks for the replies. I'll let you know as soon as I start. Matt.

 

Love the dog in the pic, thats great!

 

Thank you for the compliment. She was actually riding with me when we totalled the bike (see top photo.)
I broke three ribs, lost about a square foot of skin from my hip & knee (was wearing normal jeans) but my little homegirl was completely unhurt!