2001 Kawasaki Ninja 500R

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2001 Kawasaki Ninja 500R

2001 Kawasaki Ninja 500R

2001 Kawasaki Ninja 500R

 

– 2001 Kawasaki Ninja 500R
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2001 KAWASAKI NINJA® 500R
Balanced Performance

The Kawasaki Ninja® 500R is one of the most versatile sportbikes on the road as well as one of the best buys in motorcycling. Experienced riders will find performance approaching that of larger displacement machines, while entry-level riders are attracted to its confidence-inspiring low saddle height and smooth, predictable power and handling. In fact, the Ninja 500R was named “Best Entry-Level Bike” by Motorcyclist in 2000.

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The Kawasaki Ninja® 500R sportbike provides performance approaching that of larger displacement machines for experienced riders, while entry-level riders will find its low seat height and smooth, predictable power and handling confidence-inspiring.

Powered by a liquid-cooled, in-line twin cylinder four-stroke engine with dual overhead cams actuating four valves per cylinder, the NINJA 500 delivers power that is ideal for helping novice riders gain confidence. And although the powerband may be novice friendly, this doesn’t mean experienced riders won’t find the 500R inspiring. At higher revs this engine produces surprising performance that lets seasoned riders take command.

What makes the NINJA 500R a real blast on any road is the light weight and compact design that contribute to its great handling characteristics. It has the same Kawasaki UNI-TRAK® progressive rear suspension system found on the larger-displacement NINJA models and is finished in classic NINJA motorcycle styling with an aerodynamic fairing, easy-to-read instrumentation, pop-up bungee hooks and a coolant temperature gauge. The NINJA 500R also gets ZX-7R styled turn signals, taillight and mirrors, and the headlight and handlebar switches from the ZX-6E model.

The Kawasaki Ninja® 500R is one of the most versatile sportbikes on the road as well as one of the best buys in motorcycling. Combining versatile power, comfort and affordability with distinctive Kawasaki sportbike styling, the NINJA 500R offers sportbike buyers an attractive choice in Kawasaki performance.

 

2001 NINJA® 500R FEATURES

Twin-Cylinder 498cc Engine

Compact parallel twin design
Superior engineering produces sport bike power with broad usable torque
Good mass centralization for superior handling
Liquid Cooling

More even running temperatures mean no “power fade” on hot days and longer engine life
Allows closer engine tolerances for more horsepower
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 assures 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

Allows engine’s full potential to be utilized
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 good rider wind protection for more comfort
Incorporates large, easy-to-read instruments with twin resettable trip meters
Standard Lower Fairing

Completes the Ninja style and image
Double-Cradle Steel Box-Section Frame

State-of-the-art, high-tensile steel, perimeter frame
Light in weight with superior rigidity for more precise handling and better control
Centerstand also included for convenience
37mm Front Fork

Large diameter fork tubes with thin walls for light weight and exceptional rigidity
Single Disc Front 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 is mounted without a torque rod like the ZX-9R
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

 

 

2001 KAWASAKI NINJA® SPORTBIKES

Built to Deliver Performance

For years Kawasaki NINJA® motorcycles have defined the sportbike market and represented the company’s long-standing performance heritage. The 2001 Kawasaki NINJA motorcycle line-up gives motorcyclists a variety of ways to experience Kawasaki’s legendary performance, from the most powerful NINJA ever to entry-level models that can still deliver plenty of thrills to seasoned veterans.

The NINJA ZX-12R is the flagship model in the NINJA motorcycle line-up and is the most radical embodiment of race-proven technology that Kawasaki has ever produced. Quite simply, the ZX-12R was built to deliver the lightest weight and highest power-to-weight ratio of any machine in its class.

The very first NINJA was a 900cc machine, and the ZX-9R carries on the tradition of providing open-class power in a lightweight, nimble package. This is the model that became the first production motorcycle to break the nine-second barrier in the enthusiast magazines’ quarter-mile testing.

In recent years Kawasaki has dominated the AMA/Prostar Motorcycle Drag Racing Series, with Kawasaki Drag Racing’s Rickey Gadson winning three consecutive AMA/Prostar 750 Superbike National Championships, and teammate Marty Ladwig winning the 1999 600cc SuperSport title.

Kawasaki Road Racing uses the NINJA ZX-7R as the base for its AMA U.S. Superbike Championship assault and it has carried team rider Eric Bostrom to victory. Bostrom also won on the NINJA ZX-6R that kept him
near the top of the 2000 600cc SuperSport Series all season long. The ZX-6R has also been highly acclaimed in the enthusiast press, winning several 2000-model 600cc sportbike comparisons and being chosen “Best Middleweight Streetbike” in Cycle World magazine’s annual Ten Best Bikes feature.

For those looking for NINJA performance at an economical price, Kawasaki has three models. The NINJA ZX-6 features SuperSport championship-winning performance in an extremely comfortable and user-friendly package, while the NINJA 500R and 250R models provide excellent entries to the NINJA motorcycle fold.

No matter which NINJA motorcycle it is, customers can always count on getting a motorcycle that performs.

 

Specifications:

Model
Ninja 500R

Engine Type
4-stroke, liquid cooling with Oil cooler

Displacement
599 cc.

Bore x Stroke
64 x 46.6 mm.

Compression Ratio
12.0:1

Valve System
DOHC, 16 valves

Carburetion
Keihin CVKD36 x 4

Ignition
Digital

Starting
Electric

Transmission
6-speed

Rake / Trail
24.5

Wheelbase
56.3″

Suspension, Front
41 mm. fork with adjustable preload and 4-way rebound damping

Suspension, Rear
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock, adjustable spring preload and 3-way rebound damping

Tire Front
120/60ZR17

Tire Rear
160/60ZR17

Brakes, Front
Dual floating discs with dual four-piston calipers

Brakes, Rear
Disc with single-piston caliper

Seat Height
30.7″

Fuel Capacity
4.8 gallons

Dry Weight
430 pounds

Specifications are subject to change without notice, in accordance with national regulation and legislations.