Hey guys, I am thinking about going on a 4-5 day bike trip from Long Beach, CA ro Mountain Home, AR. Total of about 1,700 miles. Plan on camping along the way, I am getting the saddle bags, tank bag, and tail bag, so I should be good with storage..but what I was wondering is...do you guys think the 1997 Ninja 500r can stand up to a trip that long? Mostly on the I-40, any comments/tips/suggestions are welcome! thanks a lot

 

nice! Congrats on the road trip plans.

As with anything, make sure that a good walk through is done. Wheels, tires, chain and sprockets, oil change is all checked for condition and completion. It comes down to "your call" on if your bike is in good condition for a trip like that.

I do not have saddle bags, but I do strap a duffle bag on the back with all of my needed camping gear and a tank bag for my weapon, map, and vital information. A 4-5 day road trip really does not require much gear since you may end up out of time and would need to keep wheelin' to cover that distance and still make it back within that time frame.

That 500 will have no issues on a road trip. It is comfortable, has enough power and provides adequate wind protection. I lost a chain adjuster once. Not sure if it was my lack of inspection or what. I tend to use a dab of blue loctite on the lock nut anymore. I am ready for another trip on mine now.

 

Thanks a lot instead of a tail bag I'll use a duffel bag, holds more XD

 

I suspect it might be easier on the bike, than on you, unless you get used to riding for a few hours at a time. (Seriously; take some all day trips tp get your head and butt used to it.) Highway miles should be a piece of cake for the 500. Anyone going with you (on another bike) or you going solo?
We only require a full report with photos when you return.
Have fun; gear up and be careful.

 

Hell yes it can, enjoy the trip. Make sure you give it the once over before you go, and hit the pig trail when you get there.