marcj

Sup guys? One of my friends just gave me a completely stock '92 kawasaki ex500 (500R) for free with 15k miles on it. I still need to get a transmission for it and check for any mechanical issues, but the good news is i'm planning to make it into a turbo project. I was thinking about removing most of the fairings and doing it up like a street fighter bike.. what do you think? sound like a good idea?

RYANARBOR

dude dont even try, its a waste of time. i have had a few 500s and ther frames and suspension can barely handle what thay have stock. if u ever do get it bosted, its likely to bend the swingarm or frame. not 2 ention the 92s have 16in rims that u will have lots of troulbe finding a decent tyre for. and no the stok bridgestone excedras are not ok. listen verry carefully YOU WILL KILL YOURSELF

4drcivicb18a

Dont listen to that moran!! Go for it!!

dcg9381

Don't listen to those HMT homos. An EX500 puts down what? 50-60 hp? A damn stock 'busa puts down 175.. (I've got one).
Ride responsibly, and you'll be fine. I don't think you'll bend anything until you're putting out more than 100 hp or so - just pay attention to the condition of your chain, etc.

IT'd be easier and cheaper to buy a faster bike now, in OEM condition. Trust me, I've polished a few turds.

I owned a GPZ 750 turbo. I put pretty good money into it and got decent power out of it. I understand the desire to mess with stuff and think if you're doing it for fun, there isn't anything wrong with that. See my sig - my latest turbo is a 20-30 year old designed motor, I could have gotten more power out of a simple 4.3L swap.

In terms of suspension, the EX500 is popular on the racing circuit.. Tons of options. Don't get discouraged, but if it's a straight line racer you want, better to get the EX in good condition and sell it for a bigger bike.

dclark85

well i tell ya what man i have a 87 ex 500 that im actually looking to do the same thing to mine.. only thing is yes a bussa has all that *** BUT if you look at the rear end set up.. we are sitting on quite a tiny rear tire.. going to either stick to 3-5 lbs of boost if not less maybe 2-3 just for like 25 more hp giving it almost 100 rwhp with the motor work you will have to do to handle that now stock they will handle it but over time 3 years im assuming it will take it's toll on the bike.. now im hopefully slapping a little wider rear end on my bike almost drag style but not nearly as long.. just something to give me a wider rear tire.. but if i do it ---- im looking to cook a good 10 flat in the 1/4 mile on a 500