So how long do these tires last?
ad im thinkin of a 500r as a first bike
i ride dirt bike and my bosses valcun a around the block
what are your thoughts?

 

The tires will probably last 10,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on how hard you ride. If you're squidding hard, you could kill a back tire as quickly as 5,000.

I recently totalled my 500 (took a corner too fast with brand-new tires--complete newbie-mistake), and was thinking of replacing it with one of Kawasaki's new 650R's or possibly BMW's new F800S, but after subscribing to two forums and reading about the upsides and downsides of both, I'm looking for another 500.

Most magazines say it's a great beginner bike, but it's a terrific bike all-around! It will smoke all Harleys (except for the V-rod); you would have to ride the pi$$ out of it to get worse than 50mpg, and Kawasaki hasn't made any changes to the design since 1994, so finding parts will never be a problem. Heck, it might even humiliate your boss' Vulcan.

But don't take the word of partisans. If you ask this same question in a Harley forum, they'll tell you that Harleys are not only the best bike, but that theirs is the only bike. The 500 has some aspects I'm not all that crazy about, but every bike has got those.
For instance:
~The 500's rocker-arm actuated valves make it fairly simple to adjust the valves yourself, but I prefer having fewer moving parts in an engine so the shim-under bucket is slightly more preferable to me, even though they make valve adjustments a PITA.
~The 500's suspension is not adjustable, so if you want to make any changes, you'll have to take the forks apart or remove the rear shock to adjust the preload. Most modern supersports have adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping; but these bikes also cost a good deal more than the 500. Kawasaki's slick new 650R costs $1300 more, but it doesn't have adjustable suspension either.
~The engine's 180-degree firing order is great for higher-rpm, but it feels a little wonky at lower RPM. But some people consider wonky to be "character" and they like it enough to buy Harleys or Vulcans.

It might not be the right bike for you, but it is for me. I've ridden more than a quarter million miles, have had a few track days, (a few crashes), already own a ZX9R & a W650, and have owned & ridden many bikes, but the next one I'm getting will be another 500.
Good luck and let us know which bike you end up going with.
-CCinC

 

After readin the above mentioned, I know what I would do to a 500. Then again, I have never owned a 500 but would still exchange parts like I did on my other rides. So I would agree with setting up suspension and tires that are not stock for my riding habits. The biggest key is to feel comfy with your ride and ride it that way.

Bummer on your ride calamarichris

edit: I will not ride on a tire that lasts anything over 5000 miles, and that is high for me.

 

A used '05 Ninja 500R with 2,500 or so miles on it is my first bike and I'm happy with it. Got it at the wrong time of the year because I didn't get my license until the end of the summer and it gets cold here on the East Coast, but after a couple months of riding it I have no complaints so far. Calamari Chris knows this stuff better than I do, but for a newbie's opinion I'd say you can't go wrong with a Ninja 500R. I'm thinking I'll want something a little bigger in a while but for now I'm happy with it and I'll probably take it out for a ride tomorrow. It just gets a little chilly on the bike when the temperature's in the 30s, like it is here late at night, or even in the 40s or 50s.

 

You cant really go wrong with the 500, unless you just want serious muscle, but youre going to pay at least 3 grand more for it, I bought mine brand new this past January and have put 6200 miles on it, I live too close to school and work. I also live in Louisiana so I will get to ride year round. The only complaint I have so far is trying to pull wheelies, my ***** arent big enough yet to slip it up with the clutch, although I have tried numerous times, I get it up but instead of holding the throttle wide open I freak and let it come down. Since youve already ridden dirt bikes Im guessing that you getting a 500 would be good b/c if you know how to ride the larger 4 cylinders arent going to get to far away except in the top end

 

I love my 500r.

 

Im on the East COast to
i live in Maryland
But i hear now all bike are goin for Cheap

 

The 500 is awesome!!! I love mine! I'm on the east coast in Canada so I only get to ride part of the year.....I've had my 1994 500 for two seasons now and all I've done is change the oil a couple of times, adjust the chain and some other normal routine maintenance.

I've put about 5,000 kms on her myself and I just bought new tires for next season. I'm not sure how many kms the guy that owned it before me had on the tires.....but as far as I'm concerned...I like them and I'm happy with them.

Can't really go wrong with these bikes....heck, when its time for a new bike, I'm seriously considering a brand new 500.

Good luck! If you need any more info, don't hesitate to ask.....some good knowledge floating around here!

 

I had, I believe, a 1990 EX500 (pre-Ninja).I've ridden a few pretty fast motorcycles.I rode a 1976 Honda CB750K for years, which was quite fast in its day.I rode a Yamaha YZ600F, and a very suped-up older GS100 Suzuki that was a blast to ride. I hacve to say that EX500 always surprised me in how fast it was for a bike that light.Mine averaged 65 mpg too.Riding solo (and I seldom rode with a passenger on theat bike) the EX500 simply put, had enough power for me.Are there any cars out there for under $100,000.00 that are faster? I know it was a riot on a twisty rode. I stupidly let a co-worker finally talk me lnto selling it to him.

jon

 

right on, you can ride a k (I think)series, deal with the weight and power. good job. My hats off to ya.