Well I never owned a ninjette but.....

EF5.0 · June 2nd, 2013, 07:47 PM

Well I had planned on buying a ninjette, but ended up buying a "cruiser" instead.

The reason I put cruiser in quotes is because I got a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 500, so the engine is basically a Ninja 500 engine slightly detuned.

It has 18k miles, and runs great. Only thing it needs is a new chain which I'm going to order this week.

Pics:

So I may not be on a Ninja, but I'll still be around.

Hope I'm still welcome here :P

lgk · June 2nd, 2013, 08:10 PM

Cool bike

What makes this motor detuned?
Could it be the cam or ignition?

antiant · June 2nd, 2013, 08:12 PM

I'm curious, what made you go this route? Did you just like the feel of this bike? Btw, congrats!

P.S. - Change your user info details

psych0hans · June 2nd, 2013, 08:17 PM

Congrats on your new ride!!!

EF5.0 · June 2nd, 2013, 08:23 PM

I believe the cam is different, but I'm not completely sure.

I decided to go this route because of the high prices everyone in my area is charging for a ninja, even a pre-gen. And I like the way it rides.

I picked this up for $1600 which I thought was a steal, all of the miles are commuting from the previous owners house to work and back. And it was a single owner bike.

And the lowest price for a ninja around here was 2k for one that was beat to death...

Blystr842 · June 2nd, 2013, 08:24 PM

Congrats! Looks good!

JohnnyBravo · June 3rd, 2013, 08:37 PM

Sweet lookin ride, can't beat it for the price

c-dog · June 3rd, 2013, 08:59 PM

Good buy. Wow those are some expensive prices for used Ninjas!

250rr · June 6th, 2013, 02:26 PM

Nice bike!

EF5.0 · June 6th, 2013, 11:38 PM

Thanks everyone. Replaced the left turn signal today. Also replace the original chain with a D.i.D X ring chain. Rides much better with the new chain (old one was binding some).

Now that I've changed the signal and chain I plan to take her first thing next week to get her inspected and tagged.

Can't wait to be on the road

Kokosun · June 6th, 2013, 11:40 PM

It looks to be in really beautiful condition. Enjoy the riding.

sharky nrk · June 7th, 2013, 04:04 AM

bike looks good, i think it would be kinda cool to do the minimalist bobber/rod thing on that bike given the powerplant

EF5.0 · June 7th, 2013, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

bike looks good, i think it would be kinda cool to do the minimalist bobber/rod thing on that bike given the powerplant

They do look good like that, but since I'm new to riding my plan I to spend as much time on the road as possible. Maybe down the line, although in a year or two I'd like to trade it out for a sports bike.

For now the only time in the garage I plan to have with her is just general maintenance

Lychee · June 7th, 2013, 09:26 AM

wow. I should sell my bike in Missouri/Kansas area.

EF5.0 · June 7th, 2013, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lychee

wow. I should sell my bike in Missouri/Kansas area.

Most of them are young guys who want to take advantage of the riding season. Everyone is tailoring the 250 ads to the "newbies" and ten naming up the price. I haven't seen one that hasn't been abused or dropped or something advertised yet. One guy is asking 3500 for a 2010 250 with scratched left fairings where he dropped it.

To many squids in my area. :P

Tigerpaw · June 7th, 2013, 02:32 PM

Looks good.

I love my cruiser and Ninja, in different ways.

If I had to choose only one though, it would be the Ninja.

KawiKid860 · June 10th, 2013, 01:14 AM

Sweet bike! Always wanted to ride one! The 500 is a great engine, take care of her and she'll treat you real good! Just FYI for those curious, the cams in the en500 are less revvy/more torquey than the ninja 500, not sure about other changes such as jetting and timing, but some guys have swapped in en500 and 454ltd cams into their ninjas with minimal effort.

EF5.0 · June 11th, 2013, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KawiKid860

Sweet bike! Always wanted to ride one! The 500 is a great engine, take care of her and she'll treat you real good! Just FYI for those curious, the cams in the en500 are less revvy/more torquey than the ninja 500, not sure about other changes such as jetting and timing, but some guys have swapped in en500 and 454ltd cams into their ninjas with minimal effort.

Here's the actual statistical differences:

Vulcan 500:

HP: 46 @ 8k
Torque: 33 ft/lbs @ 6k
Top Speed: Approx. 105-110
Redline (no tach though): approx 9k

Ninja 500r

HP: 59hp @ 9.5k
Torque: 30 ft/lbs @ 8k
Top Speed: Approx. 130 (from what I can find)
Redline: 11k

So the difference in the engine isn't huge.

Can't wait for Thursday... Will update then

KawiKid860 · June 12th, 2013, 05:03 PM

Lol theres no way a ninja 500 is going to hit 130. 115 actual is more like it, maybe 120. I've had mine to 127 indicated and that was pretty much all she had. Where are the hp figures from? The ninja will be around 60hp at the crank, 50 at the wheel but 46 crank seems low for the vulcan.

outasight20 · June 12th, 2013, 05:08 PM

Nice bike, EF5.0. My dad at one point had both the Ninja 500R and the Vulcan 500. Got to ride both back to back several times. The Ninja is a lot faster and handles way better. I scraped hard parts on the Vulcan in the first fast corner I took (I'm used to riding my FZ6). But, the Vulcan is very comfortable. You will enjoy it for what it is, I'm sure. If you ever do get on a true sports bike, the handling will amaze you.

And, yeah, the Ninja 500 is not going to hit 130 MPH. Maybe indicated speed, but the true top speed probably isn't more than about 110-115 MPH.

EF5.0 · June 12th, 2013, 11:52 PM

Wasn't trying to get the top speed wrong on the Ninja, its just what I could find. HP was from a comparison I found through Google haha so take it with a grain of salt.

I'm not to worried bout stats really. I just went to ride and get some experience under my belt.

Today (Thursday) is hopefully the day. Getting it inspected and tagged hopefully! Everyone say a prayer for me! I'll post up tonight with an update.

Pure Lunacy · June 13th, 2013, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgk

Cool bike

What makes this motor detuned?
Could it be the cam or ignition?

The carbs are smaller, & the timing is a bit different...that's the only diff between the 500 motors.

EF5.0 · June 13th, 2013, 03:46 PM

Well I got her inspected, insured and tagged today! Then made a 30 miles drive back to my college campus (living here for the summer). I'll be heading back to my parents tomorrow for the weekend so another 30 miles back tomorrow.

Rode well on the way to campus. Took a state two lane highway, 55mph speed limit. Not to much traffic. Nice easy ride. Only thing I need to get use to is my wrist position for throttle while cruising.

Happy to be on the road, hope to stay on the road for a long time!

KawiKid860 · June 15th, 2013, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EF5.0

Wasn't trying to get the top speed wrong on the Ninja, its just what I could find. HP was from a comparison I found through Google haha so take it with a grain of salt.

I'm not to worried bout stats really. I just went to ride and get some experience under my belt.

Today (Thursday) is hopefully the day. Getting it inspected and tagged hopefully! Everyone say a prayer for me! I'll post up tonight with an update.

Sorry I tend to be a bit touchy when it comes to getting specs 100% correct lol. Seems like you have the right idea there though, definitely get lots of experience. I'm really glad I started on my 500, we've had lots of adventures and a few misadventures together and I still love her despite owning something soooooo much better now. While yours is different I'm sure you'll come to feel the same way about it! I wonder how starting on a cruiser affects a persons learning curve vs starting on a sport bike?

EF5.0 · June 15th, 2013, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KawiKid860

Sorry I tend to be a bit touchy when it comes to getting specs 100% correct lol. Seems like you have the right idea there though, definitely get lots of experience. I'm really glad I started on my 500, we've had lots of adventures and a few misadventures together and I still love her despite owning something soooooo much better now. While yours is different I'm sure you'll come to feel the same way about it! I wonder how starting on a cruiser affects a persons learning curve vs starting on a sport bike?

Not sure on the learning curve. My plan is to probably buy a sports bike once I feel confident enough to do so, and when I get this one paid off :P

I'm sure there will be a leaning curve when switching.

I love it. I've ridden a total of 100 miles so far haha so still a lot of time to go before I can comment on the bike itself in depth. One thing I have noticed is cruising at 55-60 (two lane highway) seems like its still high in the rpm, which is good since its a revvy engine, but just feels different. I'm sure I'll get use to it.

Just did my oil change today, Castrol gtx (conv.) and Purolator filter. Also it rained after I finished the oil change so I cleaned and relubed the chin.

EF5.0 · June 26th, 2013, 01:15 PM

So I have a question for everyone. I know this will sound silly since I just started riding but I want some opinions.

I'm thinking about riding the remainder of this season with my Vulcan and enjoying it (this part won't change).

My question is: at the end of this riding season, should I consider trying to straight trade it (or trade it plus cash on their side) for a 250 or 500 Ninja. I'm in love with this Vulcan, but I really want to ride a sport bike... and I'm not looking to jump up to anything bigger than a 500 for now.

I just wondered if it would be worth it. I'm basically just riding for fun and to save gas. I don't mind "downgrading" to a 250 because my focus is not speed its just having fun and good mpgs, and going to an EX500 wouldn't be a big switch it would basically just be changing ergo's.

If I tried for a 250 I would prefer it to be '08+

Anyone have thoughts/opinions on this? Does anyone even think someone would be interested?

KawiKid860 · June 28th, 2013, 05:28 PM

If it would make you happier and you would enjoy the bike more and it wouldn't bother you financially, I say go for it. It's an awesome thing to be able to ride the bike that you really want and not one you got because it's what you could get.

nickjpass · June 28th, 2013, 10:22 PM

Nice color!

June 2nd, 2013, 07:47 PM	#1
EF5.0 ninjette.org member Name: Kevin Location: SWMO/SEKS Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Vulcan 500 Posts: 44	Well I never owned a ninjette but..... Well I had planned on buying a ninjette, but ended up buying a "cruiser" instead. The reason I put cruiser in quotes is because I got a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 500, so the engine is basically a Ninja 500 engine slightly detuned. It has 18k miles, and runs great. Only thing it needs is a new chain which I'm going to order this week. Pics: So I may not be on a Ninja, but I'll still be around. Hope I'm still welcome here :P

June 2nd, 2013, 08:10 PM	#2
lgk ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.	Cool bike What makes this motor detuned? Could it be the cam or ignition? __________________________________________________ Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700

June 2nd, 2013, 08:17 PM	#4
psych0hans ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Hansveer Location: Bombay, India Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r - Track whore, Ninja 300 - SOLD, KTM RC390 - Orange Hulk, Ducati 899 Panigale - Red Devil. Posts: A lot.	Congrats on your new ride!!! __________________________________________________ GETTING BACK INTO RIDING? Read this.

June 2nd, 2013, 08:24 PM	#6
Blystr842 Venom Sponsored Name: Jon Location: Waco, TX Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R x2 (his & hers), 05 Honda CRF250R Posts: 223	Congrats! Looks good! __________________________________________________ Venom RC \| Atomik RC \| FTW RC \| Caster Racing USA \| Avid Bearings

June 3rd, 2013, 08:37 PM	#7
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Sweet lookin ride, can't beat it for the price __________________________________________________

June 2nd, 2013, 08:12 PM	#3
antiant antiant Name: antiant Location: Cali Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): None Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '14	I'm curious, what made you go this route? Did you just like the feel of this bike? Btw, congrats! P.S. - Change your user info details

June 2nd, 2013, 08:23 PM	#5
EF5.0 ninjette.org member Name: Kevin Location: SWMO/SEKS Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Vulcan 500 Posts: 44	I believe the cam is different, but I'm not completely sure. I decided to go this route because of the high prices everyone in my area is charging for a ninja, even a pre-gen. And I like the way it rides. I picked this up for $1600 which I thought was a steal, all of the miles are commuting from the previous owners house to work and back. And it was a single owner bike. And the lowest price for a ninja around here was 2k for one that was beat to death...

June 3rd, 2013, 08:59 PM	#8
c-dog ninjette.org sage Name: - Location: - Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: 591	Good buy. Wow those are some expensive prices for used Ninjas!

June 6th, 2013, 02:26 PM	#9
250rr ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Mark Location: Portland Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): Cheap Italian Suit. Otherwise known as Dew Kitty Posts: A lot.	Nice bike!

June 6th, 2013, 11:38 PM	#10
EF5.0 ninjette.org member Name: Kevin Location: SWMO/SEKS Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Vulcan 500 Posts: 44	Thanks everyone. Replaced the left turn signal today. Also replace the original chain with a D.i.D X ring chain. Rides much better with the new chain (old one was binding some). Now that I've changed the signal and chain I plan to take her first thing next week to get her inspected and tagged. Can't wait to be on the road

June 6th, 2013, 11:40 PM	#11
Kokosun Are you sure about that? Name: That's "Sir" to you! Location: Chorleywood (Nr. London) Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R-F16, Versys KLE650 CAF Posts: 418	It looks to be in really beautiful condition. Enjoy the riding.

June 7th, 2013, 04:04 AM	#12
sharky nrk Fighting Texas Aggie '05 Name: Neil Location: Hutto, TX Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.	bike looks good, i think it would be kinda cool to do the minimalist bobber/rod thing on that bike given the powerplant

June 7th, 2013, 09:26 AM	#14
Lychee sail away Name: Jon Location: San Jose Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): gixxer (sold), ninjette (upgrade!) Posts: 964 Blog Entries: 8	wow. I should sell my bike in Missouri/Kansas area. __________________________________________________ Unregistered found this post helpful. Track Day Preparation Checklist 1. Financial 2. Mental 3. Physical 4. Gear / Bike

June 7th, 2013, 02:32 PM	#16
Tigerpaw ninjette.org guru Name: Tom Location: Dayton, OH Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 '09 Boulevard C50. '08 250r(TOTALED BY DEER) Posts: 467	Looks good. I love my cruiser and Ninja, in different ways. If I had to choose only one though, it would be the Ninja. __________________________________________________ CHEERS!!!

June 10th, 2013, 01:14 AM	#17
KawiKid860 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Murphey Location: Eastern Washington Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.	Sweet bike! Always wanted to ride one! The 500 is a great engine, take care of her and she'll treat you real good! Just FYI for those curious, the cams in the en500 are less revvy/more torquey than the ninja 500, not sure about other changes such as jetting and timing, but some guys have swapped in en500 and 454ltd cams into their ninjas with minimal effort.

June 12th, 2013, 05:03 PM	#19
KawiKid860 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Murphey Location: Eastern Washington Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.	Lol theres no way a ninja 500 is going to hit 130. 115 actual is more like it, maybe 120. I've had mine to 127 indicated and that was pretty much all she had. Where are the hp figures from? The ninja will be around 60hp at the crank, 50 at the wheel but 46 crank seems low for the vulcan.

June 12th, 2013, 05:08 PM	#20
outasight20 ninjette.org member Name: Weezy Location: Massachusetts Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Yamaha FZ6 Posts: 169	Nice bike, EF5.0. My dad at one point had both the Ninja 500R and the Vulcan 500. Got to ride both back to back several times. The Ninja is a lot faster and handles way better. I scraped hard parts on the Vulcan in the first fast corner I took (I'm used to riding my FZ6). But, the Vulcan is very comfortable. You will enjoy it for what it is, I'm sure. If you ever do get on a true sports bike, the handling will amaze you. And, yeah, the Ninja 500 is not going to hit 130 MPH. Maybe indicated speed, but the true top speed probably isn't more than about 110-115 MPH.

June 12th, 2013, 11:52 PM	#21
EF5.0 ninjette.org member Name: Kevin Location: SWMO/SEKS Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Vulcan 500 Posts: 44	Wasn't trying to get the top speed wrong on the Ninja, its just what I could find. HP was from a comparison I found through Google haha so take it with a grain of salt. I'm not to worried bout stats really. I just went to ride and get some experience under my belt. Today (Thursday) is hopefully the day. Getting it inspected and tagged hopefully! Everyone say a prayer for me! I'll post up tonight with an update.

June 13th, 2013, 03:46 PM	#23
EF5.0 ninjette.org member Name: Kevin Location: SWMO/SEKS Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Vulcan 500 Posts: 44	Well I got her inspected, insured and tagged today! Then made a 30 miles drive back to my college campus (living here for the summer). I'll be heading back to my parents tomorrow for the weekend so another 30 miles back tomorrow. Rode well on the way to campus. Took a state two lane highway, 55mph speed limit. Not to much traffic. Nice easy ride. Only thing I need to get use to is my wrist position for throttle while cruising. Happy to be on the road, hope to stay on the road for a long time!

June 26th, 2013, 01:15 PM	#26
EF5.0 ninjette.org member Name: Kevin Location: SWMO/SEKS Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Vulcan 500 Posts: 44	So I have a question for everyone. I know this will sound silly since I just started riding but I want some opinions. I'm thinking about riding the remainder of this season with my Vulcan and enjoying it (this part won't change). My question is: at the end of this riding season, should I consider trying to straight trade it (or trade it plus cash on their side) for a 250 or 500 Ninja. I'm in love with this Vulcan, but I really want to ride a sport bike... and I'm not looking to jump up to anything bigger than a 500 for now. I just wondered if it would be worth it. I'm basically just riding for fun and to save gas. I don't mind "downgrading" to a 250 because my focus is not speed its just having fun and good mpgs, and going to an EX500 wouldn't be a big switch it would basically just be changing ergo's. If I tried for a 250 I would prefer it to be '08+ Anyone have thoughts/opinions on this? Does anyone even think someone would be interested?

June 28th, 2013, 05:28 PM	#27
KawiKid860 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Murphey Location: Eastern Washington Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.	If it would make you happier and you would enjoy the bike more and it wouldn't bother you financially, I say go for it. It's an awesome thing to be able to ride the bike that you really want and not one you got because it's what you could get.

June 28th, 2013, 10:22 PM	#28
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Nice color! __________________________________________________

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