924Board.org

[Neil924]

I am looking at an '04 Kawasaki Ninja 500R. I have been on dirt bikes and 3/4 wheelers as a kid, although no motorcycles. I was talking to the salesman and he said that after awhile I could reach the bikes potential and have some fun, by pushing the bike. Where if I bought a ZX-10R I would always have to ease onto the power and take it easy cornering due to the increased weight. I may buy this bike in a couple of months or wait untill next year, but I would like to hear opinions.
Thanks.

It has 60 hp! That seems way low. I would have a power to weight ratio of 0.154 {Which is better than a Viper. } 60 hp / 388 lbs {dry} = 0.154 {Viper with 450 hp 3,320 lbs Ratio =0.13hi
The bikes price is $6,500, it's the grey model not the better looking blue.
www.kawasaki.ca/sportbike/500R/#
Insurance from Primmum is $1160/ year with $1000 deductables. {Or $416/ year with no coverage!!!}

Now all I need is a license!

[Khal]

Mate, you'd be a brave man learning on something like that!

Not that it'd be hard to ride, I'm sure you'd manage but it'd be really easy to get yourself into trouble with a bike like that If you're used to dirt bikes, well, that Ninja would be something else! Those things are REALLY, REALLY FAST

Still, I'd love one. So good luck to you, I'm jealous

BTW, way back when I was a first-car-hunting teenager, I decided I should buy a bike instead (hey, they're cheap to buy, run, register...). But being an invincible teenager, I wanted something *FAST* The fastest bike I could find/afford was a two-stroke, twin-cylinder 250cc Kawasaki KR-1... a miniature racing bike, barely street legal (we're only allowed 250cc here in Oz on a provisional licence, which lasts three years, then you can upgrade). Anyway, found this demon bike but the salesman refused to sell it to me Reckons I'd kill myself first time out?!!! He was probably right, though. And I bought a car instead.
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'80 924 Turbo

[wdb]

I new a kid back in the day ,went around a tight blind curve , his bike was in his lane , but his head wasnt , a pickup killed him . careful leaning into a curve , just a reminder .

[garthfan]

The Ninjas are fun. The only thing you have to watch out for is how easily the front wheels come off the ground on takeoff. Just remember that power-to-weight ratio you're talking about!

I've had a couple Ninjas, two GSX-R's and a couple Katana's. For a new rider, the best bike is the Katana. It's heavy and you're a lot less likely to get yourself in trouble. Of course, any bike not properly respected can be trouble.
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1987 924S - Was a daily driver...now it's GONE! *sniff*
1986 944 N/A Guards Red
1996 VW Jetta Grocery-Getter
1995 Saab 900S Winter-Driving-Feeling-of-Security-Vehicle

[Neil924]

Really? I though with a 500cc I would be fine. It seemed kinda wimpy. I was looking at this bike right off the bat.
www.kawasaki.ca/retronaked/Z750/#

It looks mean.

[Khal]

Well, I rode my bro's Honda CBR RR 250 (2000-and-something model, 18,000rpm redline ) and, mate, that thing was a bloody rocket! Top speed wasn't phenomenal but the acceleration was! And I'm not the lightest bloke around (~200lbs). I can only imagine a newer 500cc model would be even quicker.

Still, don't take it the wrong way. I mean, if you're reasonably experienced (I wasn't) and sensible (nup, not me) I don't think you'll have any trouble.
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'80 924 Turbo

[john h]

I's stick witht he 500 or maybe somethign smaller if it's your first road bike. Defintely stay away from the ZX10R if you want to be here this time next year. Also the Z10 really likes to tear tires apart when you give it lots of throttle.

My first bike was a Kawasaki Mach I it was a few years old and one of teh first generation of the three cylinder 500cc rockets that Kawasaki made. These were real scary beasts and put me of kawas almost for life. While I like thh kawas I have never ever brought another one. After the Kawa I went down to aYamah RD350LC - less power but still a fast (and to me a more controlable bike)

I use an old Suzuki GS450S (Cafe style racer) for ever day transport probbaly only about 40 horse on a good day but it's fast enough - if I want speed I take out the 924GT. I also use a Suzuki Savage 650 (Single cylinder thing) ocassinally but it's really a dog and i only own it cause it was given to me. For outright fun I go dirt biking on an early Honda CR250 their first two stoke motocross - even now it's a really fine handling bike.
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Remember a Porsche is not just for Christmas,

if you take it to pieces slowly it can provide anguish all year long!

[emoore924]

I know it sounds like fun, but take a deep breath, keep an open mind and read on.

IMHO that is not a bike I would start on. If it is a dealer, I'm surprised they'd even sell it to a less experienced rider. They'd never have any repeat customers. If it is a private party, I would accuse them of negligence.

If you want to try a bike on the street, I would recommend something a bit more docile to start on, learn how to ride defensively, then step up when you're ready. Most bikes are plenty fast. And, most people would agree that buying a Carrera GT rather than a Honda civic for a first car would be a bit much, and while an extreme example, this is probably not a lot different (compare the performance specs).

Bikes don't have seat belts or airbags so the consequences of a shunt are generally catastrophic. You break stuff big time. Or people run you over once you're safely off the bike and sliding through traffic.

There are all kinds of hazards that can bite you and recognizing them only comes with experience but there are essentially two kinds -- stupid things you do to yourself and stupid things others do to you.

Do you see that little puddle of oil at the intersection? What about that paint stripe? Did that person pulling out see you or are they going to pull out right in front of you? A crotch rocket gives you less time to recognize the hazard and react correctly. A slower bike might give you more time to recognize the hazard and get you off the hook, but never forget, you're on a bike, not a car and there is essentially no protection from the Suzie soccer mom driving that 4,500 lb. Expedition at 60mph in your lane because jr. dropped his cheerios under the seat and she's looking for them while talking on her cell phone and checking her makeup. It doesn't matter that you're minding your own business. You're roadkill.

Whatever your decision, recognize that the stakes are high for a bike on the street. The rules of engagement are simple: You make a mistake, you lose. Someone else makes a mistake, you lose. And when you lose, something gets squooshed or broken.

There are some that might hold the opinion that bikes are more manuverable and therefore you can avoid an accident that you would have in a car. I don't know if that assertion is true but I would like to see the numbers that support it. I'd also like to know if there is a difference in number of injuries per accident and any difference in severity of injury when bikes are compared to cars. I would suspect that there are more injuries on bikes vs. cars, and they are more severe.

Back when I knew I was immortal, I did own a bike for several years. A suzuki GS450T. Pretty quick, A blast to drive, a good looker and lots of fun. I decided to live past 30, so I sold it

[Neil924]

[garthfan]

Neil, here's the thing:

I'm prepared to get flamed for saying this, but in spite of the fact that there are MILLIONS of people riding motorcycles every day, it seems that everyone who rides one feels they are the "expert" on the subject.

The important thing to remember is that a bike is just something to learn, respect and have fun with...just like anything else. I'm sure you have a good head on your shoulders, so it doesn't make much sense for everyone to pour paranoia down your throat.

I've been riding since I was 12 and did a few years racing my GSX-R up at New Hampshire International Speedway during the summer circuit series back in the '90's. I've seen my share of experienced and inexperienced riders and all I can tell you is that a bike is loads of fun. And I hope that's what you have!!!
_________________
1987 924S - Was a daily driver...now it's GONE! *sniff*
1986 944 N/A Guards Red
1996 VW Jetta Grocery-Getter
1995 Saab 900S Winter-Driving-Feeling-of-Security-Vehicle

[Neil924]

Thanks for the tips and advice. I will think of every point before I make a choice.

[Lizard]

60 hp seems abit weak for a 500CC bike,

I have been considering getting a crotch rocket myself although I would be going straight to the 600cc mark, nothing less, I also have ridden dirtbikes and quads, I do realize that starting on a cruiser style bike is better however I am not one who always does everything the "right" or "proper" way, I have to admit that I would be taking it fairly easy for awhile and learing the bike and how it reacted before doing anything too nuts, also on the dirtbikes I never was a crazy one I always took it easy on them course that was a few years ago

oh well, actually I was looking into the Yamaha YZF R6, and for those who dont know the model here yah go http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/unitspecs/2/mcy/5/8/0/yamaha_yzf-r6.aspx now it doesnt list the HP or redline however a pamflet I saw awhile ago on the bike which was a yamaha flier stated it had a redline of 15,500rpm and had a max hp of 100BHP but if you are going to die, die what you love doing
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3 928s,

[kidporsche]

FWIW, I have many friends who ride bikes. I don't have the money to have a bike and a car, so I drive. All my friends have said learn on something small and slow (its all relative). The people who have gone straight to a bike bike, like an R6 (even those who rode dirt bikes) never get properly comfortable on the road. A half decent 250 will be like a 924, slower on the straights, but still able to match most in the twisties. Anyway, just thought I'd throw that in.

As far as the GPZ500 goes, they seem like a fairly solid bike. We used the crankcase/bottom end of one in a custom project last year. If buying used watch for bad bearings and cracked rotor magnets. The rotors are a PITA to find, and expensive. The engine is a pretty old design though, I don't think there have been major changes in the last 15yr or so.
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Chris
1981 924 - RoW (Australian) spec

[5150]

My brother has seen a lot of bikes over the years, his last two have been complete opposite ends of the spectrum - from an old 1977 Kawasaki Z1000 which he had a long time and finally changed in 1998 for a ZX6-R.

I've done my stint on bikes too, when I was 17-19 and more recently a little over a year back.. When i returned to them all the memories of the bad side of riding a bike came back, yes they're great in the sunny summer months, but i was riding to work (40mins each way) through the worst of our weather... it was damned cold... turning up to work wet and cold most days was no fun. Clumping around with all the kit on was even less fun, spending ages getting the gear on and off.. blech. Plus the joy of when it broke down, freezing to death for hours until a recovery van arrived.

I've given up on them now, can't see me going back to them again.
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Mars Red '78 Euro 924 n/a
http://www.cardomain.com/id/5150_uk

Graphite? Grey Metallic '85 (late model) 944 2.5

There are two kinds of pedestrians: the quick and the dead.

[red924]

im gettin my first bike next month, but this post has scared the shit outta me!
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1980 Red 924 CARRERA GT(rep) with custom leather interior + GT goodies!
Click on link 4 pics! http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=12422