Motorcycles: I want one UPDATE I GOT ONE!!!

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Ummm, no, makes about the same power as my Husky 610 ( which is 90 pounds lighter ) and yes you can clutch up wheelies in third but twisting the throttle in 3rd,4th,5th and 6th sure as hell aint gonna bring the front up unless you weigh under 100lbs.

Congrats on the bike OP

Good choice!

Have fun and ride safe!

No, it can't. You can probably clutch it up in 3rd. Good luck in anything beyond that.

You know what they call riders who think specifications and technology is more important than experience?

Statistics.

 

[consolibyte]

You know what they call riders who think specifications and technology is more important than experience?

Statistics.

This isn't about statistics or technology. Someone said that the bike would stand up (do a wheelie) in any gear.

It won't. I've owned a Ninja 500 - it simply doesn't have anywhere near enough horsepower, and weighs way too much, to do a wheelie in anything beyond 2nd without dumping the clutch (and even then, you'd be hard pressed). It's a heavy, low horsepower bike - not conducive at all to wheelies.

It is an *excellent* bike for beginners, and that ^^^ is one of the reasons why.

 

[Lithium381]

Ha, I win!

Great bike. Earlier years had a 16" wheels and a drum brake in the back. You've got 17" wheels so rubber is easier to find. And while the back brake isn't exactly critical, it's just nice knowing you'll never have to futz with a drum.
Check out pics of the bike without the lower fairing. I think it's a good look.

Do you have a garage?

Yeah I've got a garage. I still haven't had a chance to ride it yet since the weather this weekend didn't cooperate and yesterday was nice out, but I didn't make it home before sunset and my permit prohibits riding at night. . . today I'm getting off around 3 so I should have a couple of hours of daylight to go out and take pictures too.

As for gear I ordered a textile jacket (600d) not a leather one . . . as well as textile (900d) overpants to put on over my jeans. Plus boots, plus helmet plus gloves. My jacket isn't here yet since I ordered it online so I think i'm going to limit myself to the 25mph zones in my neighborhood until that gets here. I've got another "leather" jacket but it's more of a stylish jacket, not for protection i don't think, but it's better than nothing.

 

[pauldun170]

Yeah I've got a garage. I still haven't had a chance to ride it yet since the weather this weekend didn't cooperate and yesterday was nice out, but I didn't make it home before sunset and my permit prohibits riding at night. . . today I'm getting off around 3 so I should have a couple of hours of daylight to go out and take pictures too.

As for gear I ordered a textile jacket (600d) not a leather one . . . as well as textile (900d) overpants to put on over my jeans. Plus boots, plus helmet plus gloves. My jacket isn't here yet since I ordered it online so I think i'm going to limit myself to the 25mph zones in my neighborhood until that gets here. I've got another "leather" jacket but it's more of a stylish jacket, not for protection i don't think, but it's better than nothing.

If the jacket isn't jacket specifically designed for motorcycling then it is as good as a flannel shirt (useless). Leather that feels durable won't be of much use when the stitching bursts open as soon as it hits the concrete. Concrete that will quickly wear through most consumer grade outer leather jackets.
just an fyi

 

[JulesMaximus]

Yeah I've got a garage. I still haven't had a chance to ride it yet since the weather this weekend didn't cooperate and yesterday was nice out, but I didn't make it home before sunset and my permit prohibits riding at night. . . today I'm getting off around 3 so I should have a couple of hours of daylight to go out and take pictures too.

As for gear I ordered a textile jacket (600d) not a leather one . . . as well as textile (900d) overpants to put on over my jeans. Plus boots, plus helmet plus gloves. My jacket isn't here yet since I ordered it online so I think i'm going to limit myself to the 25mph zones in my neighborhood until that gets here. I've got another "leather" jacket but it's more of a stylish jacket, not for protection i don't think, but it's better than nothing.

Motorcycle leather is a lot heavier than a regular leather jacket. My Alpinestars leather jacket with back protector probably weighs 15 lbs by itself.

Stylish jackets will do nothing other than keep you warm (and they may not even do that well on a motorcycle).

 

[Pinepig]

You know what they call riders who think specifications and technology is more important than experience?

Statistics.

Do you know what they call people that talk out of their ass, MagnusTheBrewer.

 

[Lithium381]

If the jacket isn't jacket specifically designed for motorcycling then it is as good as a flannel shirt (useless). Leather that feels durable won't be of much use when the stitching bursts open as soon as it hits the concrete. Concrete that will quickly wear through most consumer grade outer leather jackets.
just an fyi

Yep, designed for riding . . . no squids here!

 

[Zenmervolt]

It's a heavy, low horsepower bike

It has 59 horsepower and tips the scales at only 440 pounds wet. While those aren't superbike numbers, they're not even remotely close to being "heavy" or "low-horsepower."

I agree with your point that pinning the throttle in the highest gears isn't going to pull the front wheel up, but it's just not accurate to say that it's "a heavy, low-horsepower bike."

ZV

 

[rstrohkirch]

59 would be crank

 

[pauldun170]

ex500r will get the wheel up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNKk_3PmEMc

and will get out of its own way
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyX17H5qq40

compared to a zx6r
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_KqOtNET0Q

 

[sze5003]

Yep, designed for riding . . . no squids here!

I have a Joe rocket jacket I forget the version but it has hard padding or so on the back, shoulders, elbows, and lower section. It's pretty nice and all weather although I chose an odd fluorescent yellow and black color.

 

[Zenmervolt]

59 would be crank

That is the standard for how horsepower has been measured for vehicles for roughly the past century, yes. Glad you cleared that up.

To put 59 hp and 440 pounds wet into perspective with something that would have a comparable power to weight ratio, that's like driving a typical family sedan (~3,600 pounds) with a bit over 480 hp. I don't think anyone would call a 480+ hp Ford Fusion "low-horsepower."

Is the Ninja 500 even remotely close to a ZX6R? No, of course not. The 600cc class bikes are very lightly de-tuned versions of race bikes and they show it. But that doesn't make the 500R "slow" in the absolute sense, nor does it make the 500R "heavy" (in fact, the 500R lists a dry weight slightly less than the ZX6R, but probably not enough to make a meaningful difference).

This is a real problem with motorcycles. People just don't understand the whole "power to weight" thing and they look at a bike and say, "well, the super-sports have 120+ horsepower and this one 'only' has about 60, so it must be slow overall" without bothering to realise that the "slow" 59 hp bike will still run 0-60 in the mid-4-second range (low fours with a good rider). Even though, as I said, the 500R isn't going to wheelie in the highest gears, it's still got quite a bit more than enough power to surprise the hell out of a rider who's not paying attention.

I love riding, and I'll encourage anyone to give it a try, but it's important to remember that even "slow" bikes are faster than most cars. While something like the 500R is a nice and predictable bike (unlike the super-sports that have a more peaky power delivery) and honestly a pretty good starter bike, it's still important for a new rider to remember that even "slow" bikes are pretty fast in absolute terms.

ZV

 

[Lithium381]

Went for my first ride today around the neighborhood . . . .
So.
Much.
Fun.
even just putzing around at up to 25 . . . I had my brother follow me in the Suburban just in case anything happened to me and to block traffic should any come (but there really wasn't any).

Didn't stall and didn't fall so far so good! A few times when I was slowing for a turn I found myself looking right in front of the front tire, had to remind myself to look through the turn, felt so much more natural.

 

[Lithium381]

That is the standard for how horsepower has been measured for vehicles for roughly the past century, yes. Glad you cleared that up.

ZV

And that's peak HP, which I would achieve somewhere around 10krpm? I never went past 3k today, i tried to stay in as high a gear that wasn't lugging.... When I bought it the guy said to use 91 octane fuel and even filled my tank up with it, but looking online today supposedly the manual specifies that I can use 87 octane since the compression isn't overly high....it would save me a few bucks at the pump! well, probably a little less than a dollar assuming I'm filling up from bone try . . but it adds up!

 

[Zenmervolt]

And that's peak HP, which I would achieve somewhere around 10krpm? I never went past 3k today, i tried to stay in as high a gear that wasn't lugging.... When I bought it the guy said to use 91 octane fuel and even filled my tank up with it, but looking online today supposedly the manual specifies that I can use 87 octane since the compression isn't overly high....it would save me a few bucks at the pump! well, probably a little less than a dollar assuming I'm filling up from bone try . . but it adds up!

Yeah, I think you're doing fine.

Most of my frustration (as the expanded post above shows) is with the mid-tier riders who lose track of the fact that just because a bike isn't a fire-breathing super-sport doesn't mean a new rider can slack off. I remember the first time I really grabbed a handfull of throttle when I was starting out on my old CB450SC. I'd been riding for maybe a couple months at that time and decided that I would figure out what the bike could do since it was "only" a 450. Even made sure to feather the clutch so I wouldn't get the front end light...

Brought it up to about 4,500 RPM (peak power of 45 hp didn't come until 9,000 RPM, I thought I was being safe), rolled on the rest of the throttle as I was feathering the clutch out, and what do you know, the front wheel came up a few inches anyway and the bike took off like a frightened cat. It was dumb luck that I didn't drop it just from the shock. That was a long time ago now, but it sticks with me and I really try to remember that even "slow" bikes need respect.

ZV

 

[JulesMaximus]

Yeah, I think you're doing fine.

Most of my frustration (as the expanded post above shows) is with the mid-tier riders who lose track of the fact that just because a bike isn't a fire-breathing super-sport doesn't mean a new rider can slack off. I remember the first time I really grabbed a handfull of throttle when I was starting out on my old CB450SC. I'd been riding for maybe a couple months at that time and decided that I would figure out what the bike could do since it was "only" a 450. Even made sure to feather the clutch so I wouldn't get the front end light...

Brought it up to about 4,500 RPM (peak power of 45 hp didn't come until 9,000 RPM, I thought I was being safe), rolled on the rest of the throttle as I was feathering the clutch out, and what do you know, the front wheel came up a few inches anyway and the bike took off like a frightened cat. It was dumb luck that I didn't drop it just from the shock. That was a long time ago now, but it sticks with me and I really try to remember that even "slow" bikes need respect.

ZV

That is precisely my frustration with people who recommend a 600cc super sport for a new rider. I've seen so many n00bs pussy foot around on a 600cc sport bike, not learning anything except that they shouldn't twist that grip they have their right hand on that it's not even funny.

 

[twinrider1]

Yeah I've got a garage...

Excellent. It's great to have a secure place to handle maintenance. Get a factory service manual. Manuals actually, there's a base manual for the EN450 and a supplement for the EX500. You'll need both, and make sure you get the supplement for your exact year.
My first bike was an '88 EX500 (and so I'll probably accidentally refer to yours as an EX too).
What I love most about that bike is the engine. It has a nice little vibration and is pretty mild at lower rpms. Then at 7000rpm it smooths out and it gets a nice hit of power. So you can control your experience by controlling your wrist. Drive it all day under 7000 rpm and it's a teddy bear. When you're ready for a rush, twist it on up. And even then, it doesn't spool up the way an inline 4 bike does.
I don't like inline 4 sportbikes because they're too smooth. By the time you feel anything, you look down and see you're going waaaaay too fast.
Note my user name. I've ridden I4 sportbikes, but every bike I've owned has been a twin (Kawi, BMW, Harley, and Honda).

After you get some experience, you might look into doing some mods. The first thing I'd do is change the front springs. Get something set up for your weight. You might want to do the rear shock too, but that's can get pricey. But suspension is the absolutely best place to spend your money.

 

[pauldun170]

A few times when I was slowing for a turn I found myself looking right in front of the front tire, had to remind myself to look through the turn, felt so much more natural.

Practice practice practice
Look where you need to go
Look where you need to go
Look where you need to go
Look where you need to go
Look where you need to go
Look where you need to go
Look where you need to go
Look where you need to go
Look where you need to go
I look at the car coming from the opposing lane, I go to car in opposing lane
I look at the car coming from the opposing lane, I go to car in opposing lane
I look at the car coming from the opposing lane, I go to car in opposing lane
I look at the car coming from the opposing lane, I go to car in opposing lane
I look at the car coming from the opposing lane, I go to car in opposing lane
I look at the car coming from the opposing lane, I go to car in opposing lane
I look at the car coming from the opposing lane, I go to car in opposing lane

 

[pauldun170]

And that's peak HP, which I would achieve somewhere around 10krpm? I never went past 3k today, i tried to stay in as high a gear that wasn't lugging.... When I bought it the guy said to use 91 octane fuel and even filled my tank up with it, but looking online today supposedly the manual specifies that I can use 87 octane since the compression isn't overly high....it would save me a few bucks at the pump! well, probably a little less than a dollar assuming I'm filling up from bone try . . but it adds up!

Follow the manual for all fluids.
Ignore advice about gas and oil for now.
If the manual calls for 10w40 or 10w30 motorcycle specific oil then thats what you put in.

Anyone tells you to put 20w50 or 93 octane....proceed to to ignore.

Pick up a service manual and learn how maintain it yourself. If fairly easy and it will save you a lot of money and frustration in the long run?
What tires do you have on it?

 

[pauldun170]

After you get some experience, you might look into doing some mods. The first thing I'd do is change the front springs. Get something set up for your weight. You might want to do the rear shock too, but that's can get pricey. But suspension is the absolutely best place to spend your money.

Suspension on the ex500r was its weak spot.
Can't remember the list of common mods on them

 

[*kjm]

Yeah, I think you're doing fine.

Most of my frustration (as the expanded post above shows) is with the mid-tier riders who lose track of the fact that just because a bike isn't a fire-breathing super-sport doesn't mean a new rider can slack off. I remember the first time I really grabbed a handfull of throttle when I was starting out on my old CB450SC. I'd been riding for maybe a couple months at that time and decided that I would figure out what the bike could do since it was "only" a 450. Even made sure to feather the clutch so I wouldn't get the front end light...

Brought it up to about 4,500 RPM (peak power of 45 hp didn't come until 9,000 RPM, I thought I was being safe), rolled on the rest of the throttle as I was feathering the clutch out, and what do you know, the front wheel came up a few inches anyway and the bike took off like a frightened cat. It was dumb luck that I didn't drop it just from the shock. That was a long time ago now, but it sticks with me and I really try to remember that even "slow" bikes need respect.

ZV

So true.... and you will not believe how many of them Mid-tier riders can’t stop a bike in a hurry in an oh shit moment! I'm talking about when a deer/car/kid jumps in the way out of nowhere. They just seem to freak out because they have not practiced enough(Muscle memory).
Whatever you do OP spend almost if not more time in empty parking lots, business parks learning your bike and what it and you can do and if you have a track your area all the better.

 

[Lithium381]

Update: put some pictures in the OP finally.

Was out today and found out what it's like to run out of gas . . well from "normal" gas. Was going along and slowly heard the engine die, then the rear wheel locked up on me which I managed to get the clutch in and slide to the side of the road... didn't realize what it was at first, so I started it up and went again for about a 1/4 mile and it happened again. i checked the tank but still saw some gas in there. . . I recognized the symptom from when i tried to start it one morning without the gas selector in the "on" position.... once I put it in the RESERVE slot everything went fine! Threw in 3.5gals at the station up the street and put it back to "on". .. man what a n00b i am.

On a side topic . . . how do you guys see behind yourselves with the mirrors? I have wide shoulders and can't see in my own lane behind me without shifting to the side a bit and looking...? I have the mirrors adjusted so i can see my adjacent lanes but not behind me . . . is that normal?

 

[Lithium381]

So true.... and you will not believe how many of them Mid-tier riders can’t stop a bike in a hurry in an oh shit moment! I'm talking about when a deer/car/kid jumps in the way out of nowhere. They just seem to freak out because they have not practiced enough(Muscle memory).
Whatever you do OP spend almost if not more time in empty parking lots, business parks learning your bike and what it and you can do and if you have a track your area all the better.

I've been spending about 30 minutes in a parking lot pretty much everytime I leave my house practicing u-turns, weaving, and fast stops.

I changed the oil last weekened too. That thing takes 3.4l of oil! I thought it was only going to take 2.... put in 10w40. Since today was the first time I filled it up i put in 89 octane gas. Previously the guy i got it from said use 91(preimum)..... but most people online say 87 should be fine. I'll try 89 for this tank and 87 for the next tank and if i get pinging just move back up...

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Update: put some pictures in the OP finally.

Was out today and found out what it's like to run out of gas . . well from "normal" gas. Was going along and slowly heard the engine die, then the rear wheel locked up on me which I managed to get the clutch in and slide to the side of the road... didn't realize what it was at first, so I started it up and went again for about a 1/4 mile and it happened again. i checked the tank but still saw some gas in there. . . I recognized the symptom from when i tried to start it one morning without the gas selector in the "on" position.... once I put it in the RESERVE slot everything went fine! Threw in 3.5gals at the station up the street and put it back to "on". .. man what a n00b i am.

On a side topic . . . how do you guys see behind yourselves with the mirrors? I have wide shoulders and can't see in my own lane behind me without shifting to the side a bit and looking...? I have the mirrors adjusted so i can see my adjacent lanes but not behind me . . . is that normal?

Sounds like you've got them tilted out too far. You should be able to see both. However, mirrors on a bike aren't used like mirrors on a car, you HAVE to turn your head on a bike.

 

[Lithium381]

And to answer a question someone had previously about the tires.... i have no clue what I have now, I think bridgestones but i need a rear tire soon. I don't have my full license so I can't go on the freeway and i've been sticking to roads about 40 mph near my house. Most of the time I spend on the bike is in a parking lot anyway. Once I get my M1, I'll put new tires front and back. Front is OK for now though, but lots of places recommending getting a matching set when you change them . . . .?