2004 Kawasaki Ninja 500R

Pros: Low Price, Power aplenty, Comfortable, Versatile, Well finished, Time-proven drivetrain, Not a supersport
Cons: Styling, Doesn't have a thick back tire, Not as many aftermarket parts, Not a supersport

This is my second motorcycle, my first one was a Ninja EX250, so while I definitely wouldn't consider myself an expert by any stretch, I do feel I have both feet firmly in the door. For this review to be useful to you, you might need to know a few ...

Pros: Easy to ride, stable and predictable.
Cons: A little small for tall people, typical of many sportbikes.

As I approach middle ages, I finally decided it was time to get a bike if I was ever going to get started in the sport. After looking at a number of sport bikes, I narrowed by decision to the Ninja 500R or the Suzuki GS500F. Both are excellent ...

Pros: price, availability (used bikes all over), friendly gear box, handling and NO WIDE GAS TANK.
Cons: colors (blue/purple color), some say styling, skinny stock rear tire, that's it.

I'm on my 3rd one, beginner's bike is a term that is becoming older than the Ninja 500's styling. This thing has an absolutely ferocious first gear and hitting second out of the hole you can get air, although never see high noon on her. About 80 it starts to slow down but why people want to go that fast is not understandable to me, the acceleration rate slows down on all bikes, even my BMW K1200RS. This is a solid bike for the money, great fuel economy, Corvette Z01 or faster performance and cheap to keep (get a used one, guys trade them in after 500 miles very often and you can pick these up for 3500-4000 dollars).

Pros: Power,handling,dependability
Cons: styling,coloring

Back in the 80's I owned a 650 Nighthawk which was a wonderful dependable bike. Until I rear ended a Cutlass Supreme going to school. Now older maybe not so wiser I have decided to purchase a 2004 Ninja 500R. Being 6'4" 195 pounds I was kinda worried about this purchase.Now after riding this finely crafted machine I have to admit It is comfortable and has plenty of power for this old man.The only draw back is I bought it used and I think some young guy had it before me who had gutted the slip on. Being my age I worry about waking the neighborhood in the morning going to work. But i do remember the days when louder was better.The only other complaint I have is it has more vibration than I like after long rides my hands feel a little numb. Maybe thats my age showing? I give this bike 2 thumbs up for a beginner or an older person looking for gas mileage, pep in the step ,comfort, and reliability. The only down side is the silver and black coloring and skinny back tire