Compare that to this, and this is just the EX 500; not the R model...........



Kawasaki introduced the EX500 as a sub-$3000 sport bike, and wanted to capture the market for beginners and bargain seekers. With its vertical twin engine, simple steel frame, and single front disc brake, it appeared that the EX would be uninspiring in the performance department, but the numbers told a different story. The little 500 made a remarkable 51.76 horses at 9500rpm, rivaling the Honda VF500F and the Yamaha FZ600, both of which had 4 cylinders. The power to weight ratio was better than any middleweight, including Kawasaki's own Ninja 600. The single front disc, thanks to the lack of weight, had the EX stopping quicker than any other middleweight at the time. Kawasaki achieved such amazing results by producing a simple design that didn't require huge efforts to keep the weight down. All the four cylinder bikes had trouble shedding weight. Dropping weight normally means increased production costs. The little EX didn't have such issues. Ergonomically, the EX was quite roomy, even for 6 footers. The wide seat and tall bars, combined with the light weight, made for a comfortable ride. A few shortcuts were made in the suspension department, but the aftermarket had solutions for that. In 1993 the EX500 became the 'Ninja 500'. Changes included bigger wheels and tires, better brakes, stiffer forks and new bodywork. Other than those, the Ninja/EX has remained pretty much unchanged for its entire life-span. Torque is 31ft/lbs@7500rpm. Wet weight is 432lb's.


From here: http://www.mcreports.com/Pages/Indiv...Ninja-500.html