Total Motorcycle Community Forums

So, I am buying my first bike (I took the MSF class a few weeks ago) and I just checked out a 1996 Ninja 500. The guy is selling it for $1500, and it looks to be in good shape as far as my untrained eyes can tell (aside from some minor cosmetic damage). The only bike I had ridden before was a Kawasaki Eliminator in the MSF class. Anyway, the Ninja struck me as more difficult to ride than the Eliminator, and I thought I should check with anyone who has experience with Ninja 500's to make sure that what I experienced is normal.

First, the clutch felt much more sensitive, and I had a hard time keeping it in the friction zone (granted, I'm a bit out of practice as well).

Second, the steering felt much heavier, and I felt like I had to press harder on the grip, and lean more to turn. Since the Ninja is heavier, I guess this may be normal.

Anyway, if anyone has any input, I'd appreciate it.

A big part of it is that an eliminator and a ninja 500 are totally different animals. The clutch cable probably just needs to be adjusted to your comfort level. I personally like a really short, tight pulling clutch. Unless i've got a passenger than i soften it a bit just so i dont need to think about the friction zone. BUT, where the clutch cable comes into the clutch lever itself, it's adjustable. There should be a disc about the size of a penny or nickle threaded on the end of the cable. Spin that until it's backed all the way to the casing on the cable. Now, the end of the casing should be grooved similarly to the little disc. Turn the cable casing to the right, it should bring the lever closer to the bars (this is NOT the lever height adjust, that comes next) making it very easy and soft to pull the clutch in. Now, on TOP of the hinge for the clutch lever, there SHOULD be a little shiny disc with some numbers on it. Odds are, 1 though 4. Push the clutch lever AWAY from the bar, and turn the disc to the point that the 1 is on the left and easiest to read. Go from there until you find a good spot for the lever so that it's not in the way, but easy to reach. NOW try out the clutch, should be smooth as butter.

As for the stearing, that's due again to the nature of the bike. It's just something to get used to, and actually, it's easier on a noob to steer like that, gets you used to how the bars will look and feel the further you lean, something you notice less on a full on sport bike.

Thanks for the advice man, I'll try out those clutch adjustments.

from what i hear the ninja 250 is far easier to handle than the ninja 500.
but its understandable if you want the 500.

ska rules wrote:from what i hear the ninja 250 is far easier to handle than the ninja 500.
but its understandable if you want the 500.

it's almost negligible. Sure there's more power and a bit more weight but it handles very similarly and is a good first bike. Be careful of old bikes though

One thing I dont think has been mentioned in this thread yet is that its an old bike. With previous owners. The suspension can be worn out, needs new fork oil, tire is worn out of shape(Flat on the bottom due to alot of highway riding or rider didn't take many turns when riding... so its not round anymore), or old, or dosn't have the proper amount of tire pressure.

Even the tire on the bike will make a huge difference in how it feels. I just replaced the stock tire with a different one, and the whole attitude of the bike changed! Its so easy to flick around now its not even funny.