2003 Kawasaki Ninja 500R

Pros: Fun to Ride, inexpensive to own, FUN, FUN, FUN!
Cons: Not Fuel Injected, a bit dated styling, mirrors and storage

The EX 500 or Kawasaki Ninja 500R is a fantastic bike that can be many different things to a variety of riders. I acquired this bike from my brother in law, who bought it used as a First Time (newbie) rider. He rode the heck out of this bike. ...

Pros: Inexpensive, Reliable, User Friendly, Good Gas Mileage, Quick Warm-Up Time, Good Power, Good Handling
Cons: Strong "lurch" forward when engaging first gear when engine is cold

Wow, what a wonderful bike! This the first motorcycle I have owned and I could not be happier with it. After researching EVERY beginner bike on the planet in great detail, I chose the 2003 Ninja 500R (previously known as the Kawasaki EX500). I...

Pros: Inexpensive cost/upkeep, forgiving suspension, best 500cc parallel twin, sufficiently fast
Cons: Nasty transmission, poor tire selection

Companies like Kawasaki have cash cows in motorcycles like this. At one point in time it was relatively close to cutting edge, or an edge of some sort. Its R&D costs have been paid off over a decade ago and demand is still relatively high, particularly ...

Pros: BEST value, reliability, performance, and style from any other motorcycle in its class (middle).
Cons: cheap tool kit: wrenches bend and stripped bolts.

After spending many hours doing tedious research of which bike can offer the most, I finalized down to a 03 Ninja. I bought it used, $2000 from a fellow soldier with 2k miles on it-no damage/problems and was always garaged. I am not sure if the previous ...

Pros: Fun, reliable, forgiving, excellent handling, good gas mileage
Cons: Outdated body style, small tires, too quiet

I've been riding Kawasaki's medium size ninja for about 3 years now. This was my first bike and it was a choice between the 250 and the 500. After seeing the bikes in person I opted to go for the 500 and I would recommend doing the same if anyone else ...

Pros: Easy bike to learn on...comfortable, speedy, mid 40's gas mileage.
Cons: Lack of fuel gauge. low beam headlights.

This is my first bike, I went to the dealership to look at the 250cc models for fear that something bigger would be too much for me, I came away with the 500cc and I love it. It has been really easy to learn on, is not too powerful, and yet gives some...

Pros: great handling, decent pickup
Cons: older look to it

Being a beginner rider, I'm real satisfied with my choice of purchasing this bike. I have a 2006 version and love it. A 600cc was my #1 choice- but I found this little poppy for around 3,000 and couldn't let it go. Not a day that I've regretted it! If you find a good deal, go for it.