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ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
DRIVE TRAIN
EXCELLENT
VERY GOOD
GOOD
FAIR
POOR
Transmission: ......................6-speed
Final drive: ................................chain
RPM @ 65 mph/redline ..5100/11500
ERGONOMICS TEMPLATE
DIMENSIONS
Knowing that the 500 Ninja has long been a favorite of club racers, Id always imagined that the reason was its low initial price
and the large numbers available on the used market. But now I
understandthis is a surprisingly competent motorcycle.
The engine gives the lightweight bike plenty of performance
and runs very smoothly, especially for a twin. Also, its chassis and
suspension are much better than I would have guessed, with
excellent stability and pavement-hugging low-velocity damping
control that you usually dont get on simple damper rod forks or
a shock without multi-adjustable damping. I felt very secure
charging our favorite canyon roads. Also, the skinny gastank
allows a rider to tuck in tight and feel like a part of the bike, and
it steers easily despite its relatively narrow handlebars.
The Ninjas detailing is also much better than the Suzukis, and
overall, it looks more expensive despite costing less.
Yes, the styling is dated, but after you get to know it, you can
comment that a lot of great bikes have endured a long time without significant visual changesjust like this one. Dave Searle
FUEL
Tank capacity: ........................4.8 gal.
High/low/avg. mpg: ..............69/58/64
28.0"
B: front of bike to
center of handgrip.
30.5"
50.5"
13.0"
38.0"
C: front of bike to
center of footpeg.
D: ground to center
of handgrip.
E: ground to center
of footpeg.
F: ground to lowest
point of seat.
E F
MISCELLANEOUS
Instruments: ..................Speedo, tach
odometer, tripmeter
temp. gauge
Indicators: .......... Turn signal, neutral
high beam, oil pressure
MSRP: ....................................$4799
Routine service interval:........6000 mi.
Valve adj. interval:..............12,000 mi.
Warranty:......12 mo., unlimited miles.
Colors: ................Galaxy Silver/Ebony
ELECTRICS
Battery: ..............................12V, 14AH
Ignition: ......TCBI with digital advance
Headlight: ..............................60/55W
63.4"
OVERALL RATING
DYNAMOMETER DATA
Low end
Mid-range
Top end
TEST NOTES
PICKS
498cc engine is smooth and stronger than youd think
Handling and suspension are surprisingly good
A lot of bike for the money
PANS
Would be even better if fitted with radial tires
Both brakes have a feel wooden
Dated styling
70
70
60
60
49.9 hp
50
50
40
40
30
30
20
20
10
10
0
1
10
11
SUSPENSION
BRAKES
TESTERS LOG
Middleweight Sport
Engine
Transmission
Suspension
Brakes
Handling
Styling
Riding Impression
Instruments/Controls
Attention to Detail
Value
A: front of bike
to rear most
seating position.
Wheelbase: ................................56.5"
Rake/trail................................27/3.6"
Ground clearance: ......................4.75"
Seat height :................................30.5"
GVWR: ..................................829 lbs.
Wet weight: ..........................438 lbs.
Carrying capacity: ..................391 lbs.
12
RPM, THOUSANDS
STANDARD MAINTENANCE
Item
Time
Parts
Labor
Oil & Filter ................0.5 ..........$13 + $12 ....$30.00
Air Filter....................0.1 ..........$34 ................$6.00
Valve Adjust..............2.0 ..........$48 ............$120.00
Battery Access ..........0.3 ............MF ..............$18.00
Final Drive ................0.5 ................................$30.00
R/R Rear Whl. ..........0.7 ................................$42.00
Change Plugs............1.0 ............$6 ..............$60.00
Carb adj. ..................1.5 ................................$90.00
Totals
6.60
$113.00
$396.00
Note: MCN Labor rate changed to $60/hr. from $54/hr. in May 2002
14
JULY 2004
JULY 2004
15