My sons "new" old bike....

[customizedcreationz]

Well after a few attempts at the 73 CB 450, its really too old to be a real rider for him to learn on. Its great and cool to ride, but its old and handles like a wet noodle.

So we found a 2000 Kawasaki Ninja 500. Its in pretty good shape. We put around $150 into it include tabs, title and insurance. Total cost into the bike right now with the a fore mentioned items is $1000. We had to put a speedo cable on it, brake pads front and rear and a battery. It needs a turnsignal for the front and one mirror is different than the other.

He has put around 350 miles on it so far ( all with me , thats our agreement ).

Thats his 4th gen bird in the background.

Todd

 

[marsmax85]

Very nice !!

 

[tothemax93]

Looks good unk:

 

[invalidsession]

Question; My wife is currently getting her sea legs on an 82 Honda 250. It's a nice bike for her to learn on but can't maintain pace (much over 60mph) on the roads out here. We are in the Ozarks and it gets pretty hilly. Does the Kawasaki 500 have enough grunt to pull the hills and hold speed ?

Nice looking bike btw :eusa_dance:


Chris.

 

[customizedcreationz]

My fat ass has had it at 115 mph and it was still pulling slowely.

I rode it at a consistent 80 mph for about 10 miles and had no problem or had no feeling of being uncomfortable.

I weight 205 lbs at 5'8". Its definitely not a super bike, but it scoots along rather nicely and has very good power to weight. It handles well, though I am suspect of our front forks. They compress very fast, and when you hit the brakes it dives hard. I researched it a little and seems like quite a few people say the front end has to be upgraded. I might look at springs for it for the future or maybe a fork upgrade.

I would say it would be a great bike for her to ride. Easy, nimble and light.

Todd