Well, I could post this on the Ninja forum. But you guys and gals are my friends so I'll put it here. I know some of you cross over to the dark side on that other forum so I think I'll get good advice here.
The Story
New rider buys a souped up 1992 Ninja aka EX500 aka GPZ500. After 8 months low sided it on gravel near his house. Parks bike for good. Scratched fairing. Broken right peg mount. Otherwise OK. Tank not damaged. Right mirror torn off.
About 5 years later, Terry does work on his house. he can't pay the $600 so signs over the bike to Terry. Terry does not ride.
Move on another year to year and a half. Jim does work for me. Jim sees a herd of GS500's. Wonders if I would like that bike that Terry wants to unload. I see pictures. Black Kawasaki. Not sure what it is. So I go take a look. Nice bike. Does have damage. I see 2 exhaust pipes so it is an inline twin. Turns on (with spare battery). Cranks. Didn't let it start. No idea what fluids are or anything else. I'm interested. It was easy to push out of the storage shed.
It has a Muzzy exhaust. No idea what that is, but probably loud. The lower fairing is Airtech. I like it. Possibly has had a Dynojet mod. There is a sticker for it on the fairing.
There are no indications of the model or CC's. It had been repainted.
The Purchase
So Terry comes out with the clean title. I nearly dropped my pants. It was a 500! I LOVE that size (of course - the GS500!). Selling price? $400. That's right. He took it in trade for $600 and is unloading it on me for $400.
Knowing little about a Ninja other than it has some water dispenser for hot water and is a pain to work on and with plenty of GS500 projects, I elected to let a trusted shop pick her up (she needs a name) and take care of the mechanicals then I'll do the cosmetic work once she is road worthy.
I know some people hate shops. Here I have one I really can trust. Some may think the price is high, but not really for what I'm getting.
I transferred the title with no issues. Washington State is easy. I wonder if people with title issues should title it in Washington. Now the title is clean. Then re-title in their own state? Wow! Title Laundering?
The Pictures
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/504/DSC03181a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/102/title/dsc03181a/cat/504)
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/504/DSC03180a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/101/title/dsc03180a/cat/504)
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/504/DSC03178a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/99/title/dsc03178a/cat/504)
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/504/DSC03182a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/103/title/dsc03182a/cat/504)
Where it has sat for the past year to year and a half. Always covered. never left outside. That accounts for the clean, rust free condition.
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/504/medium/IMAG00661b.jpg)
More pictures later.
The Bill
Now the initial repair/restore estimate: $1200
That will include..
* Pulling and cleaning the carbs
* Cleaning out the tank (which is pretty free of any rust)
* Front and rear brakes
* All fluids: radiator, oil, front brake
* New chain and sprockets
* Shorai battery (we know that alone is $150)
* New tires (There's a few hundred!)
And anything else needed
So maybe $1200 is high to some. Look at what is being done. Subtract battery and tires and it drops quite a bit. Chain was probably OK because miles were low (15,473). But since I am starting a project, I like everything to be top drawer. While the rear wheel is off for a new tire, might as well do brakes and chain & sprockets so the rear wheel doesn't have to be taken off again. Also consider that labor is about half the price. That is for GUARANTEED work from an honest shop. I personally know Dave at SUB. He will give good work and I will be helping him by giving his shop some business.
The Plan
If I was just going to fix and flip it, I could get away with very little. I decided this will be a keeper. Restored back to one fantastic bike. I have friends that will always want a bike. So it will eventually get passed on to someone I know. You will never see this bike on Craigs List or parted out on ebay.
Initial plans call for removing and selling the Muzzy. I have my eye on a Motad. I like shiny, quite mufflers. I can't think of anything in this country to put on that isn't loud.
I have plans for LED tail light and smoke turn signals, putting back on the OEM ones and using lenses from lights4all. maybe it is a trade mark for my bikes? Lights4all tail light? smoke OEM turn signals? R&G muffler guards?
Next installment
More info and pictures as I go see her at Seattle Used Bikes on Saturday.
could always adopt the ninja 250s nickname aka ninjette or halfaliter
I like those fairings, most of the ninja 500s have uglier ones that I can think of, good find! Could do without the 150 dollar shorai battery, but thats just me :dunno_black: :cookoo:
Oh and if that muzzy fits on a GS I might be interested, Looks just as ugly as stock though... Probably sounds a little throatier though.
could always mount a stock gs can on it ?
That sounds great for the price Addy :thumb: Its good to know its going to be a looker when its finished instead of being neglected as it was before. :bowdown:
Congrats on the new bike!
Tony
Looks good as is considering the age. Can't wait to see it cleaned, polished and restored to glory!
damn i like it already lol. those kawis are fairly easy to work on. :)
No, they are not easy to work on. Water cooled - UGH! Just more complexity. Maybe older Kawi's were easy.
Went out and looked at her today. Pretty rough on the Targa fairing so I'll remove that lower fairing, leaving just the OEM upper. It needs a little fixing.
Probably Tuesday they'll check the engine before doing anything else. Compression, leak down tests. I think engine is OK.
Tanks was repainted, as I suspected. There are two very tiny dents. Nothing I'll be concerned about.
Quote from: adidasguy on March 15, 2013, 03:59:44 PM
No, they are not easy to work on. Water cooled - UGH! Just more complexity. Maybe older Kawi's were easy.
Went out and looked at her today. Pretty rough on the Targa fairing so I'll remove that lower fairing, leaving just the OEM upper. It needs a little fixing.
Probably Tuesday they'll check the engine before doing anything else. Compression, leak down tests. I think engine is OK.
Tanks was repainted, as I suspected. There are two very tiny dents. Nothing I'll be concerned about.
they were for me to work on. course i am weird or a glutton for punishment lol.
Engine is OK. Leak down OK and compression test OK.
Lower fairing removed and will be sold off.
Got in new right peg. Handle bars, controls, brake MC, clutch perch, right mirror. Dropped them off a SUB along with the license plate.
She will get new tires, chain, LiFe battery, all fluids, plugs, tune up, road test.
Like I said, if I were just going to flip it, it would not cost much. (Tires, chain were probably OK for flipping it). Since she is a keeper, I'm getting everything done. Would be cheaper if I did the work, but don't have time. So there is the labor cost which is half of it.
I'll get pictures next week when I bring her home. First I'll replace the rear fender and turn signals. I don't have fronts yet but plan to restore that to stock.
Quote from: adidasguy on March 21, 2013, 12:26:02 PM
Engine is OK. Leak down OK and compression test OK.
Lower fairing removed and will be sold off.
Got in new right peg. Handle bars, controls, brake MC, clutch perch, right mirror. Dropped them off a SUB along with the license plate.
She will get new tires, chain, LiFe battery, all fluids, plugs, tune up, road test.
Like I said, if I were just going to flip it, it would not cost much. (Tires, chain were probably OK for flipping it). Since she is a keeper, I'm getting everything done. Would be cheaper if I did the work, but don't have time. So there is the labor cost which is half of it.
I'll get pictures next week when I bring her home. First I'll replace the rear fender and turn signals. I don't have fronts yet but plan to restore that to stock.
Cant wait for the photos :bowdown: :bowdown:
Ordered new front turn signals from Partzilla.
I found that new ones were 20% more than used ones on ebay. So why not just buy new ones?
Got in a used rear tail plastic today.
I plan to photo the lower cowling that is not going back on the bike and seeing if someone will give me postage for it on the EX500 forum.
I hope to bring her home this weekend.
Quote from: adidasguy on March 26, 2013, 11:02:46 PM
Ordered new front turn signals from Partzilla.
I found that new ones were 20% more than used ones on ebay. So why not just buy new ones?
Got in a used rear tail plastic today.
I plan to photo the lower cowling that is not going back on the bike and seeing if someone will give me postage for it on the EX500 forum.
I hope to bring her home this weekend.
looking forward to it :D
Ordered a Motad muffler. I know that Muzzy will be loud and crappy. I like quiet bikes.
Ordered one for the Husky bike, too. Getting 2 for about the price of one! It never hurts to ask.
Quote from: adidasguy on March 27, 2013, 11:08:56 AM
Ordered a Motad muffler. I know that Muzzy will be loud and crappy. I like quiet bikes.
Ordered one for the Husky bike, too. Getting 2 for about the price of one! It never hurts to ask.
NICE. never hurts to try Eh? :cheers:
Some parts coming in. Tires came in. SUB hired a new mechanic with experience on the EX500 so he will be doing the work there. Saturday will be his next day at work and will devote the day to finishing up the EX.
We started her up at SUB today. I will be glad to have the Motad exhaust on her. Muzzy is quite loud.
My friend if i were close by id donate wrench time to getting the ex on the road, ( we had many @ mmi ) but its in good hands @ SUB
Got some parts in.
Motad exhaust (it is a complete system) for the EX and the GS500 Husky project
New tail cowling
Center stand
New front fairing bracket
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/500/IMG_0195a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/191/title/parts-21-gs500-and-ex500/cat/500)
NOS front turn signals arrived.
Right bracket was no longer available but found it on ebay! Only NOS right bracket there.
These come as a turn signal part - same for left and right. and a left & right bracket (the stalk on them)
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/504/IMG_0199a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/193/title/ex500-turn-signals-front-nos/cat/504)
She comes home tomorrow.
I saw her today.
She runs really great. New tires (tyres for the non-US people), chain, sprockets, handlebar controls, bars, fluids, Shorai battery. Carbs cleaned and sync'd.
i KNOW you consider me weird lol, but i had always enjoyed working on the ex bikes cant wait to see a video walkaround
Cant wait to see her :thumb:
Picked her up today. She rides really well. Different feel than a GS500. I think because the pistons are not 180* from each other, as one guy at the shop tolld me. That Muzzy exhaust is really loud.
Here he is being taken out of the storage shed by the mechanic.
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/504/DSC03306a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/230/title/dsc03306a/cat/504)
and close ups. Nice with all new-old-stock controls. Fairing bracket will be replaced so it is not mushed to the left. Fairing will get painted. Not sure what color. Maybe flat black? Everyone does it so it must be the right thing to do :cookoo:
Talk about worthless mirrors: I might as well aim it at my balls. Oh, wait, that's about all the mirrors can see - that or the sky. I will have to get better after market mirrors.
The left side looks OK. It was low sided on the right side.
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/504/DSC03309a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/231/title/dsc03309a/cat/504)
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/504/DSC03310a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/232/title/dsc03310a/cat/504)
There's the reason it sat for 6 years. I guess the owner really got spooked.
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/504/DSC03311a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/233/title/dsc03311a/cat/504)
Mirrors: crappy. Will need after market ones that are linger.
Springs: Same as GS500. Fortunately I have Sonic's and they are the same as the GS500 for the EX500.
Otherwise, interesting. The weak springs and 16" front tire (tyre) make it want to dive into turns.
It will be an interesting bike to restore.
I do like that the headlights are off until the bike is running.
The 4-way flasher (aka PARK) of the key is past the ON. No chance f leaving in park when you turn the bike off (as with the GS500).
You can start bike in neutral without holding in the clutch. I like that. I'll make that mod on my GS500's. handy when working on bike or needing to fiddle with the choke when starting the bike.
Quote from: adidasguy on April 18, 2013, 12:56:31 PM
You can start bike in neutral without holding in the clutch. I like that. I'll make that mod on my GS500's. handy when working on bike or needing to fiddle with the choke when starting the bike.
Bike is gonna look great :thumb:
I have never had to pull my clutch in when starting my bikes? All 3 Suzukis can do this not just the GS's but also the GSXR.
Must be an Aussie thing?
Gs500's have the start button in series with the clutch safety switch. If you can start a GS500 without pulling in the clutch, the safety switch has been bypassed. You can do that in the headlight bucket (89-00) as that's where the clutch switch connects. Or short the wires at the switch or stuff crap in the switch housing to shirt the contacts (if the older one 89-95 I think).
It would be easy to wire in a relay to bypass the clutch switch when in neutral.
Quote from: MekaniX on April 18, 2013, 07:03:34 PM
It would be easy to wire in a relay to bypass the clutch switch when in neutral.
My thoughts exactly - which is what I will be doing.
Just seems a little bit odd that all 3 bikes are the same even though they are different years and came from different people? I have had a look inside both headlight buckets and everything looks to be standard.
Sent from my iPad
Quote from: codajastal on April 18, 2013, 09:14:56 PM
Just seems a little bit odd that all 3 bikes are the same even though they are different years and came from different people? I have had a look inside both headlight buckets and everything looks to be standard.
Sent from my iPad
People break clutch levers. When they replace them, they usually break the safety switch. They get pissed. They short it out somewhere. Trace your safety switch wires and see where they go. See if the switch is shorted out.
.....and 2 of my used bikes no, make that 3 of them, had the safety switch shirted or farkled so it didn't work. I think that is 3 out of 4?
Ok cool and thanks for the info. Sorry for the thread jack, back to the topic at hand.
Sent from my iPad
Finally did some work today.
Replaced the rear plastic with a good one. The red stripe needs to be added to the side plastics.
Added a Renntec rear carrier.
Put on OEM new old stock front turn signals and threw the fugley flush mount imitation carbon fiber ones in the trash.
Do you think this front fairing bracket needed replacing?
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/2/DSCF0671a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/294/title/dscf0671a/cat/2)
Some views today at the Bike Cave.
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/2/DSCF0669a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/293/title/dscf0669a/cat/2)
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/2/DSCF0672a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/295/title/dscf0672a/cat/2)
Horray! both mirrors and REAL turn signals.
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/2/DSCF0673a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/296/title/dscf0673a/cat/2)
Its looking really good in person everyone!
And I really like the sound of the muzzy haha, real loud and throaty. Not as throaty as the one he has on junior though. V&H
:thumb:
Liking what i see thusfar. BTW in the shed shot a bit ago, did i see a gr650? looked ALOT like the one i had lol
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on June 10, 2013, 12:32:32 PM
Liking what i see thusfar. BTW in the shed shot a bit ago, did i see a gr650? looked ALOT like the one i had lol
The shed shot was at the shop that did the basic m\engine tune up. I don't like working on Kawasaki engines so I farmed it out.
Quote from: adidasguy on June 10, 2013, 01:53:06 PM
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on June 10, 2013, 12:32:32 PM
Liking what i see thusfar. BTW in the shed shot a bit ago, did i see a gr650? looked ALOT like the one i had lol
The shed shot was at the shop that did the basic m\engine tune up. I don't like working on Kawasaki engines so I farmed it out.
Aye i remember that part. ( you mentioned it )
Now looking for a good front fairing. That one has most tabs broken and a few cracks. Though it is ridable now.
NOT AS MUCH FUN AS A GS500!
The GS500 is a joy to ride. This thing feels like a tird. (spelled with a "U" and it gets changed to "turd")
Ill trade ya a stock GS can for the muzzy!
He is waiting for the muzzy to be spoken for on the ex forum.
I have a stock pile of GS500 exhausts.
I have a brand new Motad for the Ex500. Just waiting to put it on.
Then there are a few locals then the EX forum wanting it.
Bike is looking sweet Adidas. The stock mirrors do a better job of blocking wind from your hands than actually providing any rear view. I use CBR929 mirrors and stalks in the EX500 mirror mount- provide better rear view. Others have used the 08+ up Ninja 250 mirrors, and the Ninja 650 mirrors. The stock blinkers have a tendency to punch through the fairing when you drop the bike- that's why most people replace them with flush mounts.
Finally made more progress.
Engine bars are on.
Removed the Muzzy tonight with help from BrianRC and put on the Motad (from the UK) and now was able to put back a center stand. Muzzy doesn't allow a center stand. The Motad exhaust does.
Motad is a little quieter and deeper than the Muzzy. We like it!
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/504/DSC03528a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/464/title/dsc03528a/cat/504)
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/504/DSC03527a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/463/title/dsc03527a/cat/504)
Very impressed :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:
What he said ^^^
Rode the EX to the office today. MUCH MUCH MUCH quieter than the Muzzy. I can hear the clacking of the engine and some bit of plastic rattling.
I like it! I hate loud bikes unless I am trying to annoy the anal retentive gravel raker at the end of the alley. Thumper - the 1973 smelly loud 2 stroke does that quite well. Just wait until Scutter is running!
After a few days, I'll re-tighten the bolts on the exhaust. It was a bit of a biiitch to get on so it needs to settle in. The GS500 Motad fits so easy. I hate working on a Kawasaki - not nearly as simple as our GS500's.
Nice to see that bike getting fixed :) nice job.
I see you have enough bikes to chose from when you want to go for a ride :thumb:
Quote from: dB-tje on September 24, 2013, 12:56:02 PM
Nice to see that bike getting fixed :) nice job.
I see you have enough bikes to chose from when you want to go for a ride :thumb:
1 bike short of one for each day of the week. :icon_rolleyes:
Locating the last few parts. New OEM NOS side covers (1898, ebony with red decal) $100 each. Whatever. Figuring the time to tape it off, paint it and clear coat it, meh, might as well buy them. I'd rather be riding or helping someone else fix their bike.
Cowling will have to be repaired. NOS cowling is $799. Targa after market not as nice.
Dealer will have a fixed ASV clutch lever. No one knows why it is wrong, but the bolt hole needs to be 8mm and it isn't on the part. ASV is sending the dealer a bushing with a larger bolt hole so that should fix it.
I know I'll never get all my money back from this project, but I still like doing it. Rides like a turd compared to Junior or Phenex.
Quote from: adidasguy on September 24, 2013, 02:56:07 PM
... Rides like a poop compared to Junior or Phenex.
I think the correct term is "tird" lol. Anyway, you should definitely post a video of the exhaust. My CBR friend's dad has an EX with D&D slip ons. It sounds pretty good, but it is on the loud side.
There is a profanity filter. I had t.u.r.d. and it changes it to turd
I know what you mean about them riding like poop compared to the GS. It definitely doesn't compare to the GS in terms of quality. It feels cheap compared to the GS. My buddy has a EX500 with full exhaust, and if you're a big dude like me, I'd take the powerband of the GS's engine any day compared to the EX.
Even the ninja 250's seem better quality than the EX500's... not sure why.
Quote from: JAS6377 on September 24, 2013, 05:53:41 PM
Quote from: adidasguy on September 24, 2013, 02:56:07 PM
... Rides like a poop compared to Junior or Phenex.
I think the correct term is "tird" lol. Anyway, you should definitely post a video of the exhaust. My CBR friend's dad has an EX with D&D slip ons. It sounds pretty good, but it is on the loud side.
could always use an Umlaut as in Türd ( or other accented U
Got in a NOS right side panel. Looks great! I just located a left side panel on ebay so that's on its way. Now to fix the cowling and she will look real darn purdy like!
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/504/DSC03599a.JPG) (http://www.gs500.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/488/title/dsc03599a/cat/504)
Quote from: adidasguy on September 24, 2013, 08:50:49 PM
There is a profanity filter. I had t.u.r.d. and it changes it to poop
Umlaut for the win Eh? try Türd lol