2005 Ninja 500R preview

This just in from Kawasaki:



KAWASAKI NINJA® 500R
Quick, nimble and comfortable
The 2005 Kawasaki NINJA® 500R sportbike has all the elements of a great mid-sized
sportbike: torquey parallel twin engine, nimble chassis, comfortable ergonomics and wind
protection, and sleek NINJA styling. It’s also inexpensive to own and operate.
Riders of all skill levels will appreciate the NINJA 500R’s liquid-cooled, inline twincylinder
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 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.
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.
Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers or they can be
purchased on the Internet at www.buykawasaki.com.




Features and Benefits
Twin-cylinder 498cc Engine
Compact parallel-twin design
Superior engineering produces sportbike power with broad usable torque
Liquid Cooling
Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power during hard use
Includes temperature gauge
Auxiliary Cooling Fan
Maintains optimum temperature for best performance, fuel economy and reliability
Four Valves per Cylinder
Better breathing for more power at high rpm
Compact combustion chamber for increased compression ratio without detonation on today’s gasolines
Boosts low-end torque
Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow
34mm CVK Semi-flat Slide Carburetors
Precise fuel metering provides uniform power delivery at all engine speeds
Quick throttle response
Digital Ignition
Microprocessor-controlled timing never needs adjustment
Ultra-responsive to engine needs
Six-speed Transmission
Provides excellent acceleration and relaxed highway cruising
Positive Neutral Finder
Just lift the shift pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily, every time
A Kawasaki exclusive
Standard Half Fairing
Offers rider wind protection for more comfort
Incorporates large, easy-to-read instruments with dual trip meters
Double-cradle Steel Box-section Frame
Lightweight, with superior rigidity for more precise handling and better control
Centerstand included for convenience
37mm Front Fork
Large-diameter fork tubes with thin walls for light weight and exceptional rigidity
Front Disc Brake with Dual-piston Caliper
Disc is drilled for better cooling and reduced unsprung weight
Dual-piston caliper increases braking effectiveness
Rear Disc Brake
Powerful and controllable
Single-piston caliper
Bottom-link UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension
Lowers the center of gravity for better handling
Progressive rate provides a smoother, more controlled ride
Lightweight aluminum components provide quick suspension response
17-inch Wheels
Wide, modern 17-inch rims fit low-profile, high-performance tires




2005 KAWASAKI NINJA® 500R SPECIFICATIONS*
Engine Four-stroke, DOHC, parallel twin
Displacement 498cc
Starting Electric
Bore x stroke 74.0 x 58.0mm
Compression ratio 10.8:1
Cooling Liquid
Carburetion Keihin CVK34 x 2
Ignition TCBI with digital advance
Transmission Six-speed
Frame High-tensile steel, perimeter design
Rake / trail 27° / 3.6 in.
Suspension type, front 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Suspension type, rear UNI-TRAK® system with single shock
Wheel travel, front 5.1 in.
Wheel travel, rear 3.9 in.
Tire, front 11/70 x 17 tubeless
Tire, rear 130/70 x 17 tubeless
Brakes, front / rear Hydraulic disc / Disc
Overall length 82.5 in.
Overall width 27.6 in.
Overall height 45.7 in.
Ground clearance 4.7 in.
Seat height 30.5 in.
Dry weight 388 lbs.
Fuel capacity 4.8 gal.
Wheelbase 56.5 in.
Color Ebony/Metallic Graystone, Candy Thunder
Blue/Ebony