[Taehapdo]

Which is the better bike? Which one is happier operating between 65 and 75 mph for sustained periods. I like the full faring on the Suzuki, but right off the bat I see that the Ninja is lighter with a slightly bigger engine, and is liquid cooled. Don't know if liquid cooling is all that important on a bike, but sounds good. Sorry, but all the answers you all are giving me, as great as they are, are creating more questions. I do feel that I am heading in the right direction though. Was never comfortable with the idea of starting on the Katana 600. I am going to post this same topic/question on the Kawasaki forum as well just to see how different the responses are.
Again thanks for all the great advice. :bows:

 

[badkitty]

i started on a katana. I love it. I didnt like the ninja. They are thin. short and sound bad with stock pipe.Not to mention you can hear the engine over the exuast and its just sounds bad to me. If cost is not an issue then i'd say the katana. Its all around a good bike.

 

[Clint]

Liquid cooling is really only important in extremes of climate and for maximum power output. Otherwise, it just makes maintenance and service more difficult. Don't make your decision on that.

As for the fairing, it's one more thing you have to replace after a booboo.

Lighter is good, but often a slightly heavier bike can feel lighter while in motion. It's all about suspension and chassis design.

As far as the power difference, that's up to you.

 

[tlwisner]

Pick the one you like the best, and you'll get a good bike. Those win-win choices are cool. 8)

 

[jaydog19833]

I learned on a 2003 Ninja EX500R. I loved the bike an awful lot. It always ran perfectly, was EASY to work on and kept its value one year and 4,000 miles later. The only reason I sold it was because I got a great deal on a 2004 GSXR 600. I almost cried when I sold it (This was about 3 weeks ago).

Me personally, I would try the Ninja. Its a nice looking bike solidly built, and I don't care what anyone says I thought it sounded nice, espacially around 8,000 to 11,000 RPM. Plus, its about $2,000 less than a Katana and about $1,000 less the a GS500f (The Ninja had a $500 price cut this year). If youre lucky you could get a 2003 for about 3,000 to 3,600 in great condition JUST broken in for you.

 

[charleym3]

That's a tough call. I don't like the sport bike pseudo farings. I prefer a more upright riding position and a real fairing to laying on the tank, but that's just me. I have heard that you can get either of them with out panels.
Consider getting an older bike. I bought a GS500 mainly because I got into it at a great price. The 500cc bikes come on the market all the time from people that think they've learned everything the bike has to teach them and get a bigger faster bike.
For sustained rides at highway speed, you're going to need padded or jel filled gloves. The grips are going to vibrate.
And BTW I prefer the sound of an inline to a V twin anytime.

Bottom line is that either will serve you well. Enjoy the ride.

 

[87gsxrnut]

GS 500 looks better this year. BUT, there is a LOT more aftermarket parts and resources for the EX-500, especially out here since they are raced in the AFM. The EX-500 has been around for a LOOOONG time, and is virtually unchanged. That means lots of used parts. It is also extremely reliable, and easy to work on.

- Nut

 

[axel_2078]

I had a '98 Ninja 500 and I hated it. It was a nicely styled bike, but not reliable. It broke down on me three separate times while on the interstate. All three breakdowns were related to the carburetors getting clogged with trash. The float needle kept getting stuck. After I had an in-line fuel filter installed, it ran just fine, but I quickly sold it anyway to purchase a Katana 750. I'm not saying the Ninja 500s are bad or poorly built. I just had a bad experience with mine.