well I am looking for my first bike and leaning heavily toward a 500 ninja. I went to look at one today was tipped on it's right side and scratched the fairing, muffler, and cracked turnsignal. But my concern is the little plate by the radiator hose. I've worked on cars but never bikes I think it is the water pump, thermostat or the like? what is the name and is it hard to get? Also is there a good website that lists stuff for sale like brake pads (front are a little low) so I can see what I am looking at. It is a 2002 with 5800 mi. there asking 2,500 that seems a little high so I want some hard numbers to talk him down. also the throttle seems a little tight: what should I check there first? I have a friend that is going to test ride it before I pay for it just to be sure it rides proper. lot of ?? but don't have a ton of money to burn on a lemon.

 

Hey Black.
If you're talking about the right side of the bike, that probably is indeed the water pump cover. Part number 16142-1073: COVER-PUMP Because Kawasaki has produced this bike with no changes at all since 1994, getting parts will never be a problem.

That does sound a little high indeed for a damaged bike. I bought a 2002 with only 202 miles on it for $2900. The bike was very cherry, BUT I bought it while there was still snow on the ground in Greeley, Colorado, so the seller was understandably motivated.

To see the parts diagrams for this bike (or any Kawasaki), visit www.buykawasaki.com:
click OWNER INFO and PARTS DIAGRAMS at the top.
From there you can navigate to the Ninja 500R

To get an idea how much a dealership will probably charge for the parts, you can visit www.ronayers.com I think a good way to approach this seller would be to make a list of all of the parts you'll be buying with the total dollar amount, not including labor (and I'd be sure to mention that you're not including labor, so you'll sound more reasonable & generous) and ask if you can subtract that from the asking price. If the seller doesn't jump on that and you still really want the bike, I'd ask if they're willing to split it, which would still bring it down some.

And don't let the surface damage bother you. I'd be more concerned about any modifications to the bike and if the seller has the maintenance record. People who put aftermarket pipes or jet a bike are more likely to abuse it. And of course they probably haven't the valve adjustment, which is due soon at 6500 miles. I started an online valve-adjustment guide for this bike, but have been too busy to finish it--you can get the service manual & supplement for $50-60.

The 500 is a great machine (I still think probably better overall than the expensive new 650 in many respects.)
Check http://www.cycletrader.com/ for "Ninja 500R" and "EX500" and you'll get a better idea of what used ones are going for. (And might even find a cleaner model with a better price.)
Good luck!
-CCinC
http://www.calamarichris.com/

 

yes thats the part wish I had find that diagram before. well no mods visible, stock pipes, starts right up tires look good not much edge wear. I have been looking for awile and they seem to be asking a lot for ex500's here don't have time to go look to far out of town. the reason I was looking up parts is to show him the numbers. plan on service manual as soon as I get bike what ever it is. I thought the valve adjust was at 7,500 good to know. what do they charge for that any ball park for this guy, I will probaly do it myself. I found several 2004's with less milage in the 3,400 range but don't want to spend that much. and I already took my saftey class so I wanted a bike to ride a little before winter sets in but not if it is overpriced.