1999 Kawasaki reviews

I bought this bike as a leftover in 2001 at a very attractive price. Before it I had ridden a Kawasaki Voyager XII touring bike, which was excellent, but limited on leg and knee room for me. The Drifter is much better and has the best stock seat I have ever sat on, better than some of the custom seats I've ridden. Power is good stock, but nothing earthshaking for 1500cc. I installed a Vance and Hines Long Shots exhaust system and drilled holes in the air cleaner cover and it gave it a bunch more power, especially in the mid range and top end. The biggest problem with Drifters is finding accessories. Kawasaki didn't sell very many of them, particularly the earlier models and there just isn't much out there. Overall it's a good bike and I'm satisfied with it. By the way, mine averages 40mpg and uses no oil. Show less

I just got a 99 KX250 and it is absolutely perfect. I have a 2-acre motocross track in my back yard and man it rips it up! The power band is perfect. The power is perfect period. The suspension is flawless even when I am off target. The brakes are a bit lacking but that is because they are about used up. Once replaced I expect that will change. I use a 12, 13, and 14-tooth front sprocket for desert and for different tracks. I can't wait to get it race ready. It won't need much! Show less

Here's a mechanical review for those of you considering this bike. I have a '99 and it's the same machine as current with the exception of some chrome/different exhaust. Two major problems over the years were: top end blew at 15K due to a part since changed ('01). The dealer repaired it, even though it was out of warranty with the comment that it was cheaper to fix the bad ones rather than a general recall and a regulator that fried up the wiring. Other than that it satisfies my 90 mile daily commute and gets 40 mpg doing it. I will not replace it 'til it dies. Show less

The Ninja 500R is a wonderful bike! I originally debated between the 250R and 500R, and finally went with the 500 after finding a great deal. I feel I made the right decision. I commute to work on the highway and have found the Ninja to be very stable, even on windy days. The 500 has plenty of power for passing, even when cruising at 80 or 90, just roll on the throttle and it goes! I am always getting complements on my bike. I have the red/black color with a dark smoke tinted windscreen. Wherever I go, my little ninja attracts plenty of attention. I am sure my drilled out exhaust helps a bit as well (it sounds like a beast! hehe) At first the power of this bike kind of intimidated me, and I driven quite conservatively. But now that I have grown accustomed to the power band, I feel very comfortable with it, and can redline it through every gear if I wish without flinching. I am sure I could handle a more powerful bike now without any problems, but I plan on sticking with my ninja for a long time. It gets great mileage, insurance is cheap, and it can beat all but the fastest sports cars on the road. Do I really need anything faster? I paid $2700 for my '99 Ninja 500R with 2800 miles. It was in pristine condition and I believe was a steal. I love my Baby Rojo and hope to be with her for a very long time! Show less

I bought this bike in May used off a guy who raced it. This bike performs very well, it's easy to handle and it has great low end. Very quick off the start, the suspension is great too. It's not the most comfortable bike I have owned but that doesnt matter. I think if you want a race bike this is the one to have. Also for trails. I love it!! Show less

This bike is probably the sickest bike I have ever owned. It pulls hard out of the corners and has unbelievable speed and acceleration. The high end speed is ok but the low and middle end is so good it's hard to keep the front end on this thing down. I race at Southwick, MA and at Rocky Hill, CT and this baby rocks. I'd recomend Kawasaki's over any bike. This bike is way better than my Honda Cr125 and my old Suzuki Rm125. BUY THIS BIKE!!!!! Show less

I have a 1999, that I just bought and it is a great ride. I looked and rode Honda GL1500, BMW K1200LT, and the sport tourers Councours, ST1300 and BMW R1150/1200RT. For the money the Voyager is a comfortable full dressed touring rig that can do what all the others do, only this is a lot less and even does some things better. If you can't find a good used one and you are on a budget, still get it. The ride is great and luggage capacity is huge. Handles well since it does not have the bulk of the others. Ride Safe!! Show less

THIS IS A SWEET BIKE. AGILE, LIGHT WEIGHT, QUICKER AND FASTER THAN MY '01 NOMAD. ZERO PROBLEMS. HANDLES RAIN AND STRONG WIND WITH EASE. I WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH THE QUALITY THAT I WENT OUT AND PURCHASED THE NOMAD WITH THE INTENT OF SELLING THE 800. I COULDN'T BRING MYSELF TO PART WITH IT. NOW I HAVE TWO GREAT RIDES. Show less

I think that this bike is just an incredible value, especially when purchased used. No, it's not perfect, but I need a sport/tourer and could not otherwise afford one.
It's crazy fast. It will go 220 miles on a tank of gas in 2 1/2 hours. The fairing is excellent - if you're over 5' 8" you might want a taller screen. Handling is unbelievable for a bike this heavy, up to 80 mph on any road your car can do 40 on. Instantly.
This bike is really top-heavy. Combined with the shaft drive and my 29" legs, it's a real pig in parking lots. I frequently have to get off of it to back it up. It's embarrassing.
Noisy and Buzzy? A lot of valve chain noise up through the fairing with your visor up - otherwise no noise. As far as the buzz, get some AGV flex-gel gloves and hold the throttle like - well, your throttling something else.
The gloves are $35, an ST1300 is something like $4000 - $5000 more than a Concours, new or used. I've never ridden one, but owning a Connie gives me no reason to. Show less

A fine bike on or off the road. Although it is a bit heavy navigating in the woods esp. through mud. However on pavement gearing is okay, but a bit of engine vibration at higher speeds (about 70 mph). The bike feels stable up to that speed, but you get an icy sliding feel if you go faster than 70 mph. Better tires are a must, and a few other comfort controls. Show less