Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi all, new to the forums...

I would like some buying advice. I'm a first time rider and will take an MSF course at the end of August. I have a number of choices but I am narrowing it down to these two, 97 EX 500 and 2005 500R. The 97 has 5600 miles and in "nice shape." Asking $1900. The 05 has a little over 1000 miles and looks like it "came off the showroom floor". Asking $3800.

Which one would be the best to buy and why?

I would probably get the older one. the EX/ninja 500 has changed very little, the 97 is virtually identical to the 05

i'd get the 97. after a year or two of riding it, you should be able to sell it for around the 1900 you paid for it...whereas the 2005 will be selling closer to 2800-3000 (ie. the 97 has depreciated almost it's full amount, and the 05 hasn't started depreciating and will take a big hit once you ride it home)

of course, that is, if you sell it at all, the 97 might need a bit more TLC than the 05, but for the almost 2000 dollar difference in price, you could buy a lot of TLC

If I were you, I'd get the '97...this is your first bike, the EX500 is an excellent beginner bike...great to learn on, forgiving, and responds well. Depending on how fast you progress, you may even want to "upgrade" after you've put on at least 5K miles on it. Also, I'd get the '97 if you're familar with the mechanics of the bike...know what to look for. If you don't know...find someone that does know.

I own at 2006 EX500, and if I knew I would be looking into "upgrading" so quickly, I would have purchased used. I've had mine for four weeks now, and have put on 1550 miles on it. I'm now looking for fuel injection, which the Ninja 650 has...but for you, you should stay with a 500 sport bike or lower for your first bike...keep it until it becomes so easy for you to ride where everything is just second nature.

Good luck.

Also another thing...you might be able to use your bike for your MSF class if you purchase it prior to it...just make sure to get a permit first since you'll probably be riding it to the class (day class only...since you're not supposed to be out after dark with a permit). Some MSF classes allow you to use your own bike if it's 500cc or lower.

Good luck in the class, you'll have a blast.

bah, the 97 was snatched up in less than 2 days

I'm going to meet the guy selling the 05 on Thursday to take a look at it. If I really like it I'm probably going to buy it if I can get it down to 3500. Or else I'll be searching yet again.

Thanks for the replies.

$3800 is still a good price for an '05 EX500...a brand new '06 you can get for $5,100 OTD...and this is the lowest price I've seen. Plus, more than likely the 600 mile service is already done...which normally costs about $300. Make sure to check with the seller, and try to have them provide a copy of the service receipt.

Good luck.

I'd say get the '97. I'd offer $1,700. You're talking about a bike that has hardly been ridden in either case. Unless the '97 has been abused (raced) or dropped numerous times and all rashed up, it's the same bike. You'll only be paying an extra $2k for the ego-boosting feeling of owning a 'newer' bike.

I have a '94...and when I tell people it's a '94 their eyes pop out of their head because it's in great condition.

Save money, buy good gear.