Getting Started Guide

This wiki contains a wealth of how to and other articles, and the EX500 forums a have active and archived discussion threads which are searchable with the search box or Google. Members the EX500 forum benefit from the cumulative knowledge and experience of the membership of the site.

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for here or just want a second opinion or clarification, post your questions in the forum, you’ll find most members here are very helpful.

Thinking of buying a Kawasaki EX-500, GPZ 500 or Ninja 500R
Some information on Buying a Used EX-500
 * Be sure you're aware of the difference between Gen1 (1987-1993) and Gen2 (1993-2009) EX500s (info on main page)

Just bought a 500 or just joined the site

 * Maintenance Schedule. If you've just bought a used 500, check to make sure all required maintenance has been done. If it has more than 8000 miles/12000 km, ensure the Valve clearance adjustment and carb sync have been done and if uncertain do both - with the carb sync done after the valve adjustment. A carb sync can also reduce engine vibration. This will make your engine last longer and run better.


 * Service Manuals. Consider purchasing a DIY (do it yourself) service manual. Even if you have never done mechanical repair, a manual can make it seem easy. It will pay for itself the first time you use it to do something the dealer would normally do. The maintenance How-To's in this section work best as a complement to a DIY service manual. A volt meter, a cheap cable lube tool, a metric Allen key set, a metric socket set, and a screw driver set are the only tools required to do 98% of the maintenance work on this bike. See the Tools List for more information.


 * Carburetor Maintenance. 90% of starting/running issues with the 500 are due to a plugged carb jets. This occurs when the motorcycle is stored for several months with gas in the carbs (which then gums up) or the motorcycle has a rusty gas tank. The only solution to this is to remove and clean the carbs. To prevent this from occurring, store the motorcycle with gas stabilizer (or drain the carbs) and install a fuel filter. With preventive measures the carbs should never require cleaning. The bike runs best with stock jets.


 * Fuel Filter Installation. The 500 does not come with a fuel filter. Having one provides cheap insurance against future carb issues. It will help keep crud out of the carbs. Installation is easy and takes about 20 minutes. Cost is about $5.


 * Adjust the rear spring pre-load for your weight. Also ensure tire pressure is correct (32 front / 36 rear for the 17-inch wheels on 1994+ 500s). Both will make a world of difference in handling.


 * Headlight Adjustment and Maintenance. An aimed headlight provides much better illumination. Do this after the spring pre-load adjustment as load adjustment will impact the fore/aft tilt of the bike.


 * Chain maintenance. The chain should be lightly lubricated after roughly every second fill up. It should be cleaned and the slack checked, and adjusted if necessary, about every 6-8 fill-ups or more frequently in dusty and dirty conditions or with a newly installed chain.


 * Clutch Cable Maintenance - one of the more common causes of a motorcycle breakdown is clutch cable failure. This, along with lubricating the throttle cables, should be done at least once a riding season. It will help provide smooth and low effort clutch and throttle operation and make the cables last longer.


 * Consider installing tip over protection particularly if you are a new rider, such as Frame Sliders. Dropping a motorcycle on its side (as opposed to crashing at speed) is something almost all new riders do at least once in their first year, and even experienced riders do once in a while. Frame sliders allow the bike to fall harmlessly on its side without damaging or scratching the expensive fairing, denting the exhaust, or bending the brake or shift levers. These will usually pay for themselves the first time you drop your bike on a hard surface.


 * Removing Metal Backing Plates From Stock Front Turn Signals. Everyone should do this to prevent expensive damage by allowing the turn signals to harmlessly pop out of the front fairing in a tip over.


 * Rider Apparel Overview. Consider purchasing good-quality motorcycle gear. Head impacts with pavement or other surfaces are the main cause of fatalities in motorcycle accidents. They are also the cause of long term brain damage. Indulge your self preservation instinct and desire to not be a drooling vegetable by wearing a helmet. Jeans and a t-shirt do not protect your skin from wearing away in a slide on abrasive pavement but motorcycle gear will.