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 twin-cylinder 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.
