Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey guys. I'm a long time reader and first time poster. I've been looking to finally get myself a motorcycle and am pretty set on a Ninja 500. I've been for one season already on my friend's old 250, and I'm feeling pretty confident in my skills, yet not confident enough to not pay attention and be careful while riding... if I ever lose that, its time to stop riding.

First off, is the 500 a good choice for a newish rider? I also have 2 options. I found a 1996 EX500 going for a somewhat negotiable $2800 with 9800 miles and in pretty spotless cosmetic condition. I could also get a new 2007 model for $3995.

I don't know which would be the better buy. Of course the 1996 is cheaper, but that seems a bit expensive for an 11 year old bike, even if it is in excellent condition, whereas the 2007 is a good deal below msrp. It would also be a shame to buy the brand new bike and drop it, costing me more money and thrashing the resale value.

Thanks guys for any advice you give me on this topic.

A new 07 for $3995? That sounds a little fishy, why would they be selling it for more than $1k under MSRP?

YES!!! It is a great beginners bike, I am so glad to have started out on my ex500. I think the price for the 96 is a little steep, if you wait a bit a "younger" one will probably pop up for around the same price. I bet the more mechanically inclined on here will also tell you to be wary of a bike with that age but not so many miles on it...as if it's been sitting around in a garage forever and not being ridden/taken care of. About the new bike, I am glad I went with a used as I have let her fall over while trying to roll her through some sand (in our parking lot)...the scratches aren't nearly as heartbreaking on a used bike as I imagine they would be on a new.
Good luck and definitely post some pics when you get it!

Veda's right. You may want to double check that price on an new EX500. MSRP is $5047, and dealers love to add on as many extra charges and fees as they can get away with.

Checkout craigslist.org (I think) just for comparison as the same bike in two different locaitons will bring two different prices, generally speaking. At least you'll know that your not getting ripped off.

thanks for the advice so far guys, I really appreciate the input.

As for the new bike, after fees and things it would end up being about $4600, which, I think, is still a good price for a brand new bike. I'm still not sure if I'd rather go used though.

Yeah, that would be an awesome price for a brand new ex500, but still way below MSRP. Dealerships don't do those types of discounts on the low end bikes and on popular models.

If it is really legit, you could definitely get it and sell it in a year for the same price.