There were no mechanical problems identified with my motorcycle.
This is the best money you will spend on a introduction to a sport-bike.
The motorcycle is practically dummy-proof because it has the kickstand shut-off switch.
This motorcycle kept me out of trouble in traffic, rather than creating potential accidents.
What do mean when you wrote, it kept you out of trouble?
He/she means
It forgave beginner mistakes. A fistful of accidental throttle is safer on a 500 vs an R6, zx6r, gsxr600,or Cbr f2-4, or any other 600 with the letter r in its title.
I hope this comment is useful to anyone looking for a first bike.
I couldn't agree more. I tend to be aggressive when learning new sports. I researched things, and this was the bike I chose. I bought a 2003 model with 3k on it. I never had any problems whatsoever, and the bike handled like a charm.
I have held onto the 500 for a commuter bike. It gets about 60 mpg. But I got so good at cornering on it, I decided to get a wilder bike to ride on the racetrack. Got a 2006 ZX6R. Put over 24,000 miles on the two bikes combined in a just 12 months.
Everyone make such a big deal about the Suzuki, but my Kawasaki seems to be in the shop a whole lot less than their Suzukis.
As for the "keeps you out of trouble" comment, Right on! I hit a deer going 70 mph at 11 pm in the dark on an interstate off ramp. Lucky the deer freaked out and fell on its side just before I hit it. I went flying through the air with major head shake. Landed in a wheelie, kept it upright, brought the front wheel down and made the turn. I was unharmed and the bike had no damage whatsoever. A police car happened to be following and saw the whole thing. The cops only comment was "amazing".
Wow...that's either a complete bull story or absolutly frikin awesome... haha... either way, great!
Oh, and I used to own an old '88 EX500 that would make small wheelies in 3rd... somehow... also made a few 500 mile road trips on it (and was still able to sit down afterward!). A great bike!!!
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