[zartan]

Here in North America we are looking at no changes for the Ninja 500 2009 model
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/detail.aspx?id=315
:-X

 

[CSBrad]

It looks a little bit better... a little rounder on the edges, of course that could just be better photography

 

[zartan]

I think the blue softens it.

 

[CSBrad]

That must be it.

 

[zartan]

I am surprised they did not discontinue it. But with fuel prices and all it is a great commuter I am sure bike sales are up.

 

[CSBrad]

Yea I guess it's still got a market with people who aren't cool enough to get the 250

 

[redrider]

I am surprised they did not discontinue it. But with fuel prices and all it is a great commuter I am sure bike sales are up.

Why would they discontinue it? They are selling like hotcakes!

 

[RiJiline]

I see one difference...the 09 model has an MSRP of $400 more

 

[Treylem]

i was actually told yesterday after the 09 models the 500 ninjas are being discontinued. i think they should be personally because its ugly as hell and why not go with the 250 for a starter. and if that doesn't work for you go up to the 650...

 

[CSBrad]

It's like the gixxer 750. A step between two regular sized displacement bikes. Then again I'd still buy a GSXR750 if you offered me one Haha

 

[StockWall]

The reason why they have not "updated" the 500 is because it appeals to the older generation of riders. The older generation doesnt want the super sport feel and look so the 500 is very appealing to them. That is also the reason for the 250 not getting a makeover untill now too. If they made all of there bikes sporty, then they would loose a big portion of that market.

 

[CSBrad]

Still, if the demand skyrocketed for a made over 500 like it did for the 250, (and I'm sure it would, bigger, more powerful, and good looking, but still cheap) they'd fill that market they lost with new customers.

 

[DanJohns21]

Still, if the demand skyrocketed for a made over 500 like it did for the 250, (and I'm sure it would, bigger, more powerful, and good looking, but still cheap) they'd fill that market they lost with new customers.

n
they should change it up for a year if there discontinuing it and go out wiht a bang! ;P

 

[StockWall]

I guess they dont think it would go out with a bang. Why fix something thats not broken?