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Ninja 500 ???
Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 3:17 pm
by Apollofrost
So, how does one break in a ninja 500? Would it be ok to follow the directions for the 250 that I found on ninja250.org?
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Do_I_reall ... _period%3F
When should I do the first maintenance and how much will it cost?
What about a slider/frame saver? Are they really worth it if you lay the bike down?
Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 3:45 pm
by kunosoura
I've been almost two weeks (bike day 12/6) with a new 06 Ninja 500. I had to take it to 6K on its maiden trip home to keep from being run down on the interstate. That's around 70 mph in top gear. Prior to that I tooled it around for 10-15 miles varying rpms all under 4K. My dealer said ride it from the get-go like I want it to run forever, sans redlining and any other abusive riding (we all know what that means.) Now I'll admit I've accidentally red-lined it twice (oops) and it's only got 300 miles on it. I intentionally only run it up to 6K now. Anyway, it has been an absolutely wonderful bike so far. I went out and rode ~80 miles today on a beautiful two-lane on a splendid day here in tidewater VA. I saw easily 150 other bikes on that ride. Something very special about the feeling of camaraderie experienced when riders wave to each other.
Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 4:50 pm
by Ninja Geoff
Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 6:52 pm
by kunosoura
That's a very interesting link Geoff. Thank you. I think I'll change my oil ASAP and then ride a little harder.
Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:49 am
by Koss
kunosoura wrote:
That's a very interesting link Geoff. Thank you. I think I'll change my oil ASAP and then ride a little harder.
Actually, that faq from the ninja250 webpage is a hybrid of the two breakin schools of thought. But more towards the hard break in procedure.
do an oil change asap, and also your first maintance will be at 600 miles. I don't know how much it would cost though... I did all my own work.
Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 10:34 am
by kunosoura
Koss wrote:
do an oil change asap, and also your first maintance will be at 600 miles. I don't know how much it would cost though... I did all my own work.
Greetings. I changed the oil today as I had a little time. I couldn't figure out what filter to use though. I didn't see it in the owner's manual, and I couldn't find it on line. I guess I wasn't looking in the right spot. I have an 2006 EX500 just as you do, Koss. Can you tell me which filter to use?
At 281 miles, the oil that drained wasn't squeaky clean, but I've seen worse. Therefore I didn't feel too bad about not changing the filter (since I plan to at 600 mi.)
I plan to do as much maintence myself, as it saves money, I enjoy it, and I feel the benefits of being more intimate
with my bike outweigh the time saved by taking it to a mechanic. Anyway, I am going to PM you about that filter if you don't notice this post.. but i have a feeling you're going to check it out. Thanks so much.
Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 12:04 pm
by flynrider
You can get 'em online. You just have to look a little. For example, I found a stock filter for your bike at Bikebandit.com for $10.94.
HERE
If you're on a budget, check out Wal-Mart. They stock oil filters for many popular bikes and they're cheap. They'll have a little book by the filters, so you can get the right one.
Edit : Corrected info for a Ninja 500 instead of 250.
Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 12:53 pm
by kunosoura
flynrider wrote:You can get 'em online. You just have to look a little. For example, I found a stock filter for your bike at Bikebandit.com for $10.94.
HERE
If you're on a budget, check out Wal-Mart. They stock oil filters for many popular bikes and they're cheap. They'll have a little book by the filters, so you can get the right one.
Edit : Corrected info for a Ninja 500 instead of 250.
That is so hot thank you! I don't know why I couldn't find it. Actin a fool I guess. Thank you again
Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 2:29 pm
by Koss
Yea, bikebandit is so useful I need to buy from them more often. Ive just been using OEM filters from Kawasaki... buying them at the dealership. Ive been wanting to goto walmart and get the filter there, since I get all my oil for my car from there. I always forget though.
Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 4:59 pm
by kunosoura
Koss wrote:kunosoura wrote:
That's a very interesting link Geoff. Thank you. I think I'll change my oil ASAP and then ride a little harder.
Actually, that faq from the ninja250 webpage is a hybrid of the two breakin schools of thought. But more towards the hard break in procedure.
do an oil change asap, and also your first maintance will be at 600 miles. I don't know how much it would cost though... I did all my own work.
As an update, today I got that 600 mi. service done. All was well, chain lubed, oil changed. Was charged for 0.75 hour, oil and filter for a total of ~75 dollars. Yes there was basically a lot of money wasted, but I am glad a trained eye gave everything the OK and I think the peace of mind was worth it (for me.) Ride was beautiful by the way.