https://www.customfighters.com/thre...threads/zerofrets-ex500-cafe-fighter-build.136422/?post_id=3099934#post-3099934


https://www.customfighters.com/threads/custom-framed-ex-500.47904/?post_id=905385#post-905385


https://www.customfighters.com/thre.../threads/ak-1-re-do-ultimate-ex500-powered.122969/?post_id=2602905#post-2602905


https://www.customfighters.com/threads/ex500-project-my-hero-zero.34974/?post_id=648345#post-648345

 

Hello all!
I have been scrolling this forum for a while and decided to make a post looking for advice on a new project i’ve started, I’ve had a 2004 Kawasaki ninja 500r, as a started bike for a while now and decided I want to test my hand on modding it.

I was wondering if there was any advice for beginners? I’ve take pretty good care of it, aside from it leaking form oil but that just started happening a few days ago
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That's a very cool bike to start with and aside from the body damage it looks pretty good. Whet are your goals, custom body work, pump up the performance? Some of both?

 

custom body work definitely! if you have any recommendations for a bucket headlight and some turn signals that would be really helpful since I’d like to start there, thanks!

 

The Harley catalogs have lots of bucket headlights and blinkers. Check out Denniskirk.com and Motosport.com.

 

My friends Ninja ex500 was the first bike I ever road on the street. I remember thinking that the parallel twin packaging could make for cool customs. Now days there are parallel twins all over the place.

 

When you're ready to do the motor look me up. I have a lot of experience building high power/torque motors that run on pump gas. Start saving your money as the motor work will easily be the most expensive part. That said, you can also get a nice boost with a good pipe, open up the airbox, and re-jet the carbs.

 

1. Collect photo ideas of bikes that you like (doesn't have to be a Ninja).

2. Since your bike is a runner, make small incremental modifications. Conversely, if you are starting with a non-runner, get the bike running and riding first. This is important because not all ideas are good from an operational perspective. Also it is much easier to reverse modifications that don't work out. If you disassemble the bike to a pile of parts, it is very easy to get overwhelmed, lose interest, and then be forced to join the ranks of people trying to sell their 'project' for pennies on the dollar.

3. Don't be focused on completing the build all at once. Take your time to stand back and digest your progress. You may discover new ideas and directions that you hadn't previously considered. Don't lose sight of #2 above. It is all about the journey, not the destination.

4. Ask for help when you get stuck. We've all been there at one point.

5. Keep an open mind. If you've followed #2 above, it is much easier to pivot if find yourself losing interest.

I think that an EX500 is an awesome bike to start with! Good luck, and don't be afraid to post your progress!

 

1. Collect photo ideas of bikes that you like (doesn't have to be a Ninja).

2. Since your bike is a runner, make small incremental modifications. Conversely, if you are starting with a non-runner, get the bike running and riding first. This is important because not all ideas are good from an operational perspective. Also it is much easier to reverse modifications that don't work out. If you disassemble the bike to a pile of parts, it is very easy to get overwhelmed, lose interest, and then be forced to join the ranks of people trying to sell their 'project' for pennies on the dollar.

3. Don't be focused on completing the build all at once. Take your time to stand back and digest your progress. You may discover new ideas and directions that you hadn't previously considered. Don't lose sight of #2 above. It is all about the journey, not the destination.

4. Ask for help when you get stuck. We've all been there at one point.

5. Keep an open mind. If you've followed #2 above, it is much easier to pivot if find yourself losing interest.

I think that an EX500 is an awesome bike to start with! Good luck, and don't be afraid to post your progress!

This is all very sound advice.