[MaximX]

Do you guys think the EX500 is a good bike? I realize that it is an EX500 forum, so mostly the answer will be yes. But I keep reading a lot of negative posts by FOG which have made me really question getting this bike.

I want a bike that will fit my needs now. I want a bike that at least has a mini-fairing/cowl, sportbike handling, but not too much power. I also want a bike that is convenient for commuting. I thought this was a good stepping-stone bike between having the basics down (I do - I rode a cruiser for a year), and a full on sportbike (600rr). I am starting to question that. FOG's seems to have a lot of negative things to say about the motor, and when I test rode the bike, I noticed that the handling was sharper than an 04-gsxr that I rode! Maybe too sharp?

 

[Guest]

This bike will fit your needs - commuting, touring, etc.

If you take care of the bike, do the maintenance, etc, you won't have any major problems. Mine is passing the 29k mark, and all I've done to it is replace the speedometre cable, oil changes, and other basic maintenance. A new chain is in my future, but the engine is solid.

If you're looking for a solid commuting bike, the mileage is also terrific.

Since you've ridden before, you obviously have a good idea on what you're looking for performance wise - I find the 500 has more than enough spunk for performing on the highway and in the city. Isn't a super sport, but it's fun...

Negative things? FOG races (or raced?) so his bikes would have been under a lot more stress, but he is always right, if its a weak point, it'll be a weak point - but the EX is fine if cared for and not pushed to its limits 24/7.

There's my biased opinion

 

[knightslugger]

The EX500 is a good bike. It's not the GREATEST BIKE EVER, but it will serve as a stepping stone or a starter for new riders or riders with some form of 2 wheel motor driven experience.

Since you've got some on road Exp. already, i would like to suggest the following:

Suzuki SV650S
90* FI V-Twin
Half Fairing
More power
Sporty enough for twisites
temperamental enough for commuting
holds resale value well


Should be great bike for you.

 

[MaximX]

Knightslugger, you picked my ultimate bike.

Unfortunately, that bike is so well thought of that used bikes go for pretty close to the new price! I don't want to buy a used one when I could get a new one for not much more, and I don't want to buy a brand new sportbike because I am new, and I would hate myself when I layed it over! Kind of a conundrum. :

The same is mostly true for the EX500, but it is less expensive, so I wouldn't feel as bad laying it over.

I was thinking about going down to the Suzuki dealer and seeing if they would give me the 06 sv650s for around 5K out the door. My dealer recently had one priced for 5.5K plus fees. I figure at the end of the year, they might be desperate. We will see. I just need to keep telling myself to have patience! That is the hardest part, though: patience.

 

[knightslugger]

Well, if you do lay it over, one bike will be no more expensive to fix than the other.

 

[MaximX]

That is true, I had not considered that. I was also wanting something with a little less power than a sv. I test rode one, and I thought that it had lots of power! Maybe I am a weenie. Anyways, I thought stepping up to an SV after 6mo. to a year of riding an EX would be a good idea.

 

[knightslugger]

I'm tellin' you, ya' ain't gonna be disappointed with the SV650S

 

[fog]

My negative comments are all related to modifying and repairing done incorrectly. If left alone the EX engine is amazing. It's only when you take them apart you must recognize what your working with.

FOG

 

[dsmmcken]

Do you guys think the EX500 is a good bike?

Yes. Next question please.

 

[MrSciTrek]

You didn't mention your location. Some places have lots of bikes available year-round.
Other cold-winter places the selection varies with the season & your location.
If you are in winter-land you have all season to find one (in spring the prices go up).

If you're looking for a 1st bike to learn on get a USED Ninja 250 or USED Ex-500, or a suzuki 500, and there are more learner bikes out there.

Haunt your local Craig's list or e-Bay, etc.
Learn what to look for on used bikes.
Search through this site for topics about buying a bike (new or used).

 

[Super Sneaky Steve]

The EX500 is a great bike. When I ride an SV it's not that much faster and I wouldn't think it's worth upgrading too.

If I were you I'd get the 500 and keep it for a few years then upgrade to a larger bike like an SV1000, Z1000, or 919 (my personal fave).

Besides, the SV650 is a girls bike

 

[MaximX]

Posted by: Super Sneaky Steve
Besides, the SV650 is a girls bike

Ha! I thought that was the EX500. Either way, count me in. Not that I am a girl, but I am willing to let people who think it is okay to start on liter bikes tell me I am a wuss for making a smart decision. I think I will live longer AND have more fun! ;D

Posted on: Yesterday at 06:27:47 pmPosted by: FOG
Insert Quote
My negative comments are all related to modifying and repairing done incorrectly. If left alone the EX engine is amazing. It's only when you take them apart you must recognize what your working with.

FOG

This a good clarification. Thanks FOG. I was basing my comment off of one of your comments that went roughly like this: Even in stock form the EX500 is underdesigned.

 

[kevlarian]

<Soapbox>
Where is your brand loyalty?

How about the Ninja 650R? That is a kick arse bike!

If I could do it all over again... that would be my choice.
</Soapbox>

 

[2dogs]

That is true, I had not considered that. I was also wanting something with a little less power than a sv. I test rode one, and I thought that it had lots of power! Maybe I am a weenie. Anyways, I thought stepping up to an SV after 6mo. to a year of riding an EX would be a good idea.

Buy what you want now! Drop this "upgrade in 6 months" horses#*t. You CAN handle an SV650.

However, to answer your original post, the EX is a very good bike.

 

[vfr661]

The EX500 is an excellent beginner's bike. After 12,000 miles in 1.5 years of riding the only problem I encountered is the stocked float in the carb. The riding position is comfortable and it gets great gas mileage (56+ mpg).

 

[Hunter4570]

The EX500 is an excellent beginner's bike. After 12,000 miles in 1.5 years of riding the only problem I encountered is the stocked float in the carb. The riding position is comfortable and it gets great gas mileage (56+ mpg).

i second this. Overall a good bike to learn on, good bike to respect in general.

 

[kevlarian]

+1 for me! Great bike.... 8k miles in four months. 0 problems and 58MPG.

 

[MaximX]

Posted by: 2dogs

Buy what you want now! Drop this "upgrade in 6 months" horses#*t. You CAN handle an SV650.

I am the type that would rather be able to ride both. I am going to ride the EX500 for a while, and then when I am bored, I will probably buy a SV650. I like the EX500 because I am not going to lose a lot of money selling the bike later.

Thanks, Brian

 

[Super Sneaky Steve]

Get the 500 and that will leave you more money for your next big bike.

Go 500 --->1000 Not 500---> 650----->1000

It's all about me damn it! ;D

 

[knightslugger]

I'd go from a 500 P-Twin to 600/750 I-4 before i'd jump on a liter bike... all modern of course.