2004 Kawasaki Ninja 500R Review

2004 Kawasaki Ninja 500R

It can straighten out a twisty backroad or make daily commuting a pleasure…

The Kawasaki Ninja 500R is Kawasaki’s mid-size sportbike for the motorcyclist who wants Ninja performance and styling at an affordable price with exceptionally comfortable ergonomics and real world torque.

The high-performance engine isn’t the only selling point for the Ninja 500R. On twisty back roads, the bike’s lightweight, compact design makes for a great-handling machine. This is complemented by Kawasaki’s UNI-TRAK progressive rear suspension system, standard fare on the larger-displacement Ninja models.

Riders of all skill levels will appreciate the Ninja 500R’s liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder four-stroke engine. With dual overhead cams actuating four valves per cylinder, the snappy motor is user-friendly and inspirational. Indeed, exploring the top end of this engine’s rev range is entertaining for even the most seasoned riders.

The Ninja 500R also has the sporty styling of its larger siblings, which contribute to both form and function—the aerodynamic half-fairing provides wind protection for the rider, and is stylishly complemented by a lower fairing.

2004 Kawasaki Ninja 500R Key Features

2004 Kawasaki Ninja 500R – Specifications/Technical Details
USA MSRP Price: $4,799 USD
Canadian MSRP Price: See dealer for pricing in CDN

DIMENSIONS
Length 82.5 in.

Height 45.7 in.

Width 27.6 in.

Weight 388 lbs.

Ground Clearance 4.7 in.

Wheelbase 56.5 in.

Seat Height 30.5 in.

ENGINE
Engine Four-stroke, DOHC, parallel twin, Electric Start, Liquid-cooled

Displacement 498cc

Bore x Stroke 74.0 x 58.0mm

Compression Ratio 10.8:1

Carburetion Keihin CVK34 x 2

Fuel Capacity 4.8 gal.

Ignition TCBI with digital advance

DRIVETRAIN
Transmission Six-speed

Final Drive Chain

BRAKES/WHEELS/TIRES
Brakes Hydraulic disc / Disc

Tires Front: 11/70 x 17 tubeless
Rear: 130/70 x 17 tubeless

OPERATIONAL
Frame High-tensile steel, perimeter design

Suspension Front: 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork, 5.1 in. travel
Rear: UNI-TRAK® system with single shock, 3.9 in. travel

OTHER
Colors Galaxy Silver/Ebony

Suggested Starting Price shown does not include tax, title, or destination charge. Dealer prices may vary.