[SaleenDriva]

Hey guys,
Im new here, just posted in the “new members” section, but I wanted to ask a few things to start off with. I am looking at the Ninja 500R as my first bike, and I would like to try and get one used. However, I have searched both ebay and craigslist extensively and I cant find any real deals on this particular bike. In fact, I’ve seen ZX6s for less than some of the 500Rs, and in just as good shape! Why is this? Is the 500R a real desirable bike to a lot of people?

The best deal I have found is a brand new 2007 500R at a dealer in Queens, NY for $4,300 in silver. I know I don’t want to buy new, but honestly at this point I havn’t found a better deal…any further places to look, suggestions, or anyone with a well-taken care of Ninja 500?

Thanks in advance!

[WeaponZero]

Used Ninja 500s are pretty hard to come by it seems. I know that before 1995 (the year they changed the name from EX500 to 500R) they were notorious for engine problems, so a likely explanation as to why you can’t find ones older than 1995 are simply because they couldn’t hold up due to the engine problems. After 1995 they became bullet proof but people began modding them for racing mostly or just wrecking them I would guess. If you really are having trouble finding one perhaps you should consider buying other bikes as well. The Suzuki GS500F is just as good (and much more stylish because it recently received a styling update). Older model Suzuki Katana 600s are good as well, as is the Suzuki SV650. There is an article on this site about good beginner bikes and the Ninja 500R is definately near the top of that list, but if availability really is that much of an issue perhaps you should consider other bikes from it.

[Matt]

Can you post a link to those notorious engine problems?
I’ve never heard of any. In fact, two bikes at my work are pre 95 EX-500s.

The biggest difference pre 95 is the front wheel is 16″, where as post 95 it is 17″. Which makes it a more stable bike. There were also changes to the brakes (I think that was earlier than 95 though) that improved them.

[WeaponZero]

Trying to find them but all I can find are articles about newer 500Rs. I know they were known for the head gaskets blowing among a few other things.

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