Suggestions for a 500cc sportbike

ifiddles

ifiddles

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Hello everyone...I've just completed my first season on a Kawasaki Vulcan 500, but I miss the feel of a sportbike (I started on a CBR 125 which I sold early in the year)...anyways, I've looked on Kijiji and there are a ton of sportbikes for sale in the 500 cc range...I'm not planning on doing any track racing, just jaunts around town and into the country side...I know the Suzuki GS500F and Kawasaki Ninja 500R are plentiful but wondering what I should look for in a used bike as I've only ever bought new...are there certain model years to stay away from, will the January show be a good place to look, and any other tips would be greatly appreciated...thanks, Ivana
 
The Vulcan 500 has the same motor as a the Kawi 500R. It's a good little bike.

There's a buyers guide for use bikes on this site somewhere.
 
+1 for Kawasaki 500 :)

I just started on it and learning a lot about it. Love it so far, though I don't have any experience on other bikes to compare. Spending lots of time reading up on maintaining it with the help of ex-500.com If you need any basic questions feel free to ask me.
 
architect said:
+1 for Kawasaki 500 :)

I just started on it and learning a lot about it. Love it so far, though I don't have any experience on other bikes to compare. Spending lots of time reading up on maintaining it with the help of ex-500.com If you need any basic questions feel free to ask me.
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+2 ;)

Also pretty as a 2up machine and daily commuter. I posted somewhere else on the forum that I have taken several longer trips 2up with no issues.

Both the the Vulcan and the GS are great bikes. If you can take all 3 out for spin or at least sit on them and see which one feels right you.

Either way whatever you choose, enjoy it!
 
1986-Suzuki-RG500-Gamma-for-sale.jpg
 
Love my GS500F. Not sure that I could help you with what to look for in a used bike as I've never bought a used bike. I'm sure some of the more experienced people on here can help you with that.

Damn I saw one of the RG's but a 250 at Pro 6 a few weeks ago. I love the look of it and it's got my initials on it:)
 
Love the 500R. Nice and smooth, runs great, plenty of fun and power for 2up, highway. Nice riding position and just a great all rounder.

However, as nice a bike as the GS and Kawi are, it also means quite a few of them are beat up in the used market too.

Trust your gut, don't get stary eyed when checking them out. Take your time, go see a few. Ask a lot of questions and have some patience.
 
EX500 for the win.

or GS 500 - air cooled though...not as fun in the city with heavy traffic.

or look for a vintage sport bike... 2 stroke maybe?
 
frekeyguy said:
EX500 for the win.

or GS 500 - air cooled though...not as fun in the city with heavy traffic.

or look for a vintage sport bike... 2 stroke maybe?
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I've never had a problem with my GS in heavy traffic.
 
Ninja 500R for the win.
Such a reliable little twin. And it makes more power than the GS500.
I had one as my second bike, and its really all you ever need in a bike.
Can drone on the highway all day, is nimble, and has a huge following.
Go to ex-500.com, they really know their stuff on that forum.

Happy hunting!
 
My first bike was an '88 EX500.

34,000km on it when i bought it. 85,000km on it when i sold it and I never had a single issue with it. Ok well that's not totally true, the ground wire contact at one of the ignition coils was a bit corroded so i had to remove it, sand the terminals, put some dielectric grease on it then reconnect it. That's all.
 
so i'm getting the feeling that the ninja 500 is a winner...are there any years that i should stay away from?...i don't want a really old machine as i'm not into doing major work on my own (regular maintenance is ok)...if i was to go to the january bike show and look at used bikes there, besides tire tread, levers, cracks in the body, brakes, chains, how can i check out the gears and engine without being able to start her up?...or is it possible to make a deal subject to a further inspection/ride?...ivana
 
ifiddles said:
so i'm getting the feeling that the ninja 500 is a winner...are there any years that i should stay away from?...i don't want a really old machine as i'm not into doing major work on my own (regular maintenance is ok)...if i was to go to the january bike show and look at used bikes there, besides tire tread, levers, cracks in the body, brakes, chains, how can i check out the gears and engine without being able to start her up?...or is it possible to make a deal subject to a further inspection/ride?...ivana
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Mechanically the EX500 is pretty much the same from 1987 all the way up till 2008 (or whatever the last year was). It'll be hard to check the bike out at the show, but most bikes will have phone numbers on them. It's always a good idea to take someone that knows bikes well with you if you go check one out.
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