I've been using my 250 as my primary means of transportation for about a year now. I've put 11k mi on it. I'm not an uber racer but do twisties sometimes; mostly it's for commuting, sometimes I take it camping w/ all my gear in the topbox, etc. The engine went FUBAR on me yesterday, so I'm looking for a new bike and will probably be disassembling the 250 for parting out.
I'm considering getting a 500 to replace it. What should I know?
FWIW I haven't found the 250 to be particularly lacking in power for my needs. I've actually been very happy with my 250. I'm just considering a 500 as an option vs the 250, depending on what comes up first and cheapest on Craigslist.
I've read a couple things about it so I'm not totally out of loop, but a few specific concerns:
1. a) I'm 5'5", 30" inseam. I more or less exactly flatfoot the 250. Is the 500 taller?
b) I'm 135 lb and not all that strong. I can pick up the 250 with effort. How much harder on me would the 500 be?
c) Is it a significantly different riding position than the 250? I like the 250 where I can go from sitting upright to full tuck, and am usually more in the upright mode except when I tuck for the sake of reduced wind noise or hard acceleration.
2. I have some modifications to the 250 that I'd like to carry over. Namely:
* rear brake lights modded to have 3 bulbs not 1 (http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/I_want_to_wire_extra_brake_lights_into_those_empty_rear_sockets)
* front turn signals modded to act as running lights (running light fed off horn's hotwire; approx like http://www.pogmech.net/~knight/ninja250/drls/ but simpler)
* very large topbox mounted to cargo hooks & grab bar (grab bar goes into the bottom of the box, locked from the inside; very stable, but tailored to the 250's spacing - http://forums.ninja250.org/viewtopic.php?p=482245#482245 )
How similar are the two bikes? Would I be able to swap out a 500's brake light set for my dead 250's? Is the grab bar size/width & cargo hook spacing about the same?
I use the top box a lot so I wouldn't want to lose it. It's fugly but very useful.
(and no, it doesn't affect the handling by anywhere NEAR as much as people think; I've dragged peg with the thing on and loaded with my usual stuff)
3. How different are the two mechanically?
I'm used to doing most of my own servicing on the 250 - oil changes, brake fluid change, spark plugs, valve clearance adjustment; the only thing I haven't done is the tire replacement. ninja250.org has an awesome FAQ about all such topics; is there an equivalent for the 500?
4. How different is pre-'94 from post-'94 500?
I just saw a '93 500, 11kmi, been sitting for 6 months, $1500. Cheaper than 250s on offer right now. What issues should I be aware of?
Thanks a lot!
- Sai
I'm considering getting a 500 to replace it. What should I know?
FWIW I haven't found the 250 to be particularly lacking in power for my needs. I've actually been very happy with my 250. I'm just considering a 500 as an option vs the 250, depending on what comes up first and cheapest on Craigslist.
I've read a couple things about it so I'm not totally out of loop, but a few specific concerns:
1. a) I'm 5'5", 30" inseam. I more or less exactly flatfoot the 250. Is the 500 taller?
b) I'm 135 lb and not all that strong. I can pick up the 250 with effort. How much harder on me would the 500 be?
c) Is it a significantly different riding position than the 250? I like the 250 where I can go from sitting upright to full tuck, and am usually more in the upright mode except when I tuck for the sake of reduced wind noise or hard acceleration.
2. I have some modifications to the 250 that I'd like to carry over. Namely:
* rear brake lights modded to have 3 bulbs not 1 (http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/I_want_to_wire_extra_brake_lights_into_those_empty_rear_sockets)
* front turn signals modded to act as running lights (running light fed off horn's hotwire; approx like http://www.pogmech.net/~knight/ninja250/drls/ but simpler)
* very large topbox mounted to cargo hooks & grab bar (grab bar goes into the bottom of the box, locked from the inside; very stable, but tailored to the 250's spacing - http://forums.ninja250.org/viewtopic.php?p=482245#482245 )
How similar are the two bikes? Would I be able to swap out a 500's brake light set for my dead 250's? Is the grab bar size/width & cargo hook spacing about the same?
I use the top box a lot so I wouldn't want to lose it. It's fugly but very useful.
3. How different are the two mechanically?
I'm used to doing most of my own servicing on the 250 - oil changes, brake fluid change, spark plugs, valve clearance adjustment; the only thing I haven't done is the tire replacement. ninja250.org has an awesome FAQ about all such topics; is there an equivalent for the 500?
4. How different is pre-'94 from post-'94 500?
I just saw a '93 500, 11kmi, been sitting for 6 months, $1500. Cheaper than 250s on offer right now. What issues should I be aware of?
Thanks a lot!
- Sai