After getting into motorcycling about 6 months ago and after taking a MSF course and logging in sometime on a 125, I decided to pick up a new bike for myself. I shopped around a LOT and weeded through a lot of choices. It came down between this bike and the Buell Blast. After reading on epinions about how the Blast had some quality problems and oil leak problems, that eliminated the Blast from the line up. So I went to my local dealer and picked up this bike. I actually got the 2001. I bought it at the end of 2001 and got it for a bit less than the 2002 models that were moving onto the floor. The 2001 I picked up was the Violet color. At first I didn't really care for it. But it grew on me the more I looked at it. It seems to glow in the sunlight with the metal flake paint.

Anyways, I went to pick up the bike after going through the paperwork. I let my girlfriend drive it home for me. One note, do NOT place anything such as a wallet or other object on top of the tool pouch in the under seat storage. My girlfriend put her wallet there and we could not get the thing opened. It interfered with the lock mechanism on the seat. After about an hour and a half of pulling up the rear seat while locked, we were able to get it open. So if you do put anything in there, you can feel safe about it not being easily removed without the key.

Back to the bike. After we got it back to her place, I rode around the block a few times to get a feel of the controls and then we went for a 30 mile ride in the city and rural areas. The bike has plenty of power, especially for a beginner. It moved me (6' tall, 200 lbs) with no problem what so ever. The ONLY bad thing is the break in period. 0-500 miles, you have to keep it at no more than 4,000 RPM. Riding in city traffic, this is hard for a beginner to do. You end up watching the tach every few seconds to make sure you are OK. But while doing this, I found that for 0-10 mph, 1st gear....10-20 mph, 2nd gear, 20-30 mph, third gear, and so on. This kept me under the 4,000 RPM range.

While riding around I found the bike to be responsive of what I asked for it. Needed some rapid acceleration, it moved for me. Handling was great, no problems noted. For me it was comfortable. I rode for about an hour and a half and didn't have any problems riding it this amount of time. My butt wasn't even sore. My legs are a bit sore, but that's mostly from being new at riding. It was a windy day and the bike handled it with no problem, just keep a nice loose grip and when the wind really kicks in, duck down on top of the tank and it really helps.

At this time, the only drawback I see to this bike is the kickstand placement. When the kick stand is up, it is right under the gear shift. If you put a lot of foot under the lever, your toes will knock the kick stand. I made a few adjustments on how I used my shifting foot, and that fixed the problem. Would have bee nice though if they have worked on the placement of the side stand a little better.

I will update this review as I get more miles on it. Will take a while since it is now the dead of winter and look forward to some warm spring days here in the south. Got a question about it? feel free to contact me.

But if you are thinking about this bike, I would definetly give it two thumbs up. Just be sure you have some experience and/or the MSF course under your belt.

Update--April 3, 2002
I have just rolled to 600 miles on the bike. Tomorrow I am taking it in for the break in oil change. I haven't experienced any problems yet. I am following the break in to a T. I got past the 500 mile limit on RPMS and can go up to 6k rpms. All I can say is WOW this thing will move in the higher RPMs. Can't wait to get to 1000 miles so I can run the full spectrum of RPMs. The kickstand problem that I didn't like before is not a problem. I got used to it's position and rarely bump it when shifting gears. I am going to have to adjust the chain soon but that's normal, if has a little more slack than it did new, but as I said, normal wear. I have been on a 130 mile road trip on it recently. The seat does get a bit sore on the tush after a while, but that's normal for a sportbike. A break at about every 40 miles for a few minutes takes care of it. But I have been thinking of getting an aftermarket seat to see if this helps. I think if I spend more time riding and getting used to the seat, then it won't be a problem. Will update again this summer!

Update August 12, 2002
Well I have a bit over 3k miles on the bike now. Wish I could put more but I'm just riding on the weekends. There have been no problems or issues what so ever with the bike. I recently tightened the chain on the bike. Took all of 5 mintues to perform this and it wasn't that loose but wanted to go ahead and do it. I do have a 4k mile service scheduled coming up probably in two months. I have also done some interstate riding on the bike. No worries about keeping up with the flow of traffic at all. Since breaking in, I know more about the gearing. The bike loves the higher RPMs. If you ever need to pass someone, drop down a gear, get your rps to around 7k and the thing will accelerate more than I ever thought it would. Also my riding skills have grown (this was after all my first bike). The bike handles the curves wonderfully and feels very comfortable and there are rarely any surprises. I have taken a 300+ mile trip in a day, my butt did get a bit sore but with that many miles without anything but a 5 minute break every 100, it's no wonder. The stock seat, which I thought might be lacking in comfort seams to be holding up just fine. When I bought the bike the dealer told me to use the highest octane gas, which I did start doing, but then switched to lower octane. Could tell no difference between octanes power wise. So use which ever gas you want (the manual recommends at least 87 (the cheap grade). I have also ordered a tail pack to use with this bike, I will get a lot more use out of it with that accessory! That's all I know for now, will update later after my 4k service is performed to let you all know if anything comes up.

March 4, 2003
My Ninja 500 now had 4,500 miles on it. I took it for an oil change (scheduled) and a general checkup two months ago. No problems were found on the bike. The performance of the bike is still keeping me happy with my purchase. There is getting to be a little rear tire wear, but that's expected. The bike is performing as well as the day that I purchased it. My chain is still in good shape and I have not had to adjust it again. I'm looking foward to the spring time so that I can get out on it on the weekends again. The winter has not been kind. So for having the bike for a year and three months, I would say that it's a great bike. I am always happy to get on the bike and ride; it brings a smile to my face every time. I My skills on the bike have also developed. Going through curves on the bike is a breeze. I haven't dragged a peg yet, but I have leaned over far enough where afterwards, all I could say was "cool". I have yet to "get bored" by the small displacement engine as some had suggested would happen, but then again, I'm not going out and popping wheelies or stunting on the bike. The bike is still running great, looking good, and keeping me happy.


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 4,800
Condition: New
Model Year: 2001