Kawasaki EX500-A4 reviews

I bought this bike 3 years ago after I got bit with the motorcycle bug again after an absence of nearly 40 years. I started riding my sons GSXR 600 and thought it would be nice if we could ride together. I bought it on EBay with 15800 miles, it was in good shape. It had Delkevic mufflers an SS pipes, but was otherwise Stock. I immediately changed the springs in the front since I weigh 190 lbs and I tried a rear shock from another bike (SV500) but that did not work. The biggest improvement were the michelin pilot radial tires, they really transformed the handling. I ride with my son and we sometimes trade bikes, and there is no doubt that this is not a highly refined sport bike, the brakes the engine everything is so much better on the GSXR, but also uncomfortable for more than an hour. I can ride the EX all day with no more than the normal aches. I'm 6.1 seating is OK a little cramped power is of course limited but more then enough to have fun on twisty roads. A perfect little bike Show less

Bought a 1998 Vulcan 800 that had only 1600 miles on it. However, the bike looked brand new and was virtually mar-free. Good power for a single rider but will handle two people well. I really appreciate the narrow handlebars and decent seat height. A 215 mile ride was no problem and handled as admirably on the interstate as well as on the county two-lane roads. I might go to the 1100 cc size with my next bike but the Vulcan 800 is a wonderful ride and easy-to-ride bike. Show less

I bought this bike in 2000 with less than 2000mi on it. Bone stock with nothing done to it, it ran 16s the 1/4 mi. I put drag pipes, and a stage 3 k&n jet kit on it. With thoes add ons it improved to low 14s. Ihave toasted many Harleys, Shadows, and Mangnas. After seeing how this bike looks and performes I would never concider riding a direrent brand of cruser. Next its the Kx7R Ninja For me. Show less

I have just finished fixing up my '90 EX500. I bought it last year with only 4400 miles on it for $750.00. It had been dropped on some train tracks and the upper fairing was damaged, also one of the side panels was cracked. I replaced the upper with a Targa unit and replaced the side panel with a used piece. I then had the body work painted "Magma Red" which is Mercedes factory color. Finally, I installed a Lockhart Speedscreen Euro windscreen and 1/2 tank bra. The bike looks very sharp. My wife and I ride 2 up all over the place and are extremely happy with the performance and economy of the machine. My first EX was an '87 that I put 17000 miles on in the one year that I owned it. I had to give that one up due to a divorce and I really missed it. Now I'm back in the sadle again and still loving it. Show less

I bought this bike used from a guy who only put 2,000 miles on it. He also put cobra drag pipes and a low windshield on it. This bike is very nice!! It doesn't look or feel like a 800, It feels like a bigger bike. I'm 6'1 and 230 and it goes allot faster than I thought it would. I was cruising at about 90mph and I had a lot of throttle left. Well worth the money. Great for short trips. Show less

I just bought my 15th motorcycle, a 1990 Kawasaki EX500.This thing looks great, handles great, and is fast enough. I found one with only 1487 miles in A-1 shape, with $400.00 lower cowling for $2000.00.It's a pleasure to ride anywhere. Mine got an unbelievable 63 mpg on my first tank! I would jump on this bike anytime, and go on an extended camping trip without a concern. The mirrors don't give you a really good view of traffic behind you, but that's my only criticism. It is not only a great first bike, but a great 15th bike too. Also by getting a pre-Ninja, it saved me a pile of money on insurance (the lady asked me if it was a Ninja, with money) Show less

I recently purchased a '90 EX-500 from a friend and I must say it is a great machine. I have owned many sportbikes over the years and though this one is a little down on power from other bikes, it has such light weight and good manners that you soon forget that. It is comfortable, it rides smooth and is very inexpensive and easy to work on. I really enjoy mine, and plan on keeping it a long time to come. It's a good all around package of pure motorcycle fun!! And since there is a huge aftermarket of parts for this machine, you are nearly unlimited on visual and performance upgrades, that is very appealing as well. Compfortable, inexpensive to own and suprisingly fast for a small bike, overall a nice package. Show less