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The beginner-friendly Ninja 500R returns with the same setup as in 2008 but with a change in color. The 2009 model will be available in Candy Plasma Blue instead of 2008s Passion Red. The Metallic Diablo Black will also return, but the red striping has been replaced with gray.
The 2009 Ninja 500R will again be powered by a robust 498cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin four-stroke engine with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder.
The 37mm front fork has thin walls for light weight and rigidity while the rear will feature a bottom-link UNI-TRAK suspension providing a low center of gravity.
Also targeted for first-time motorcyclists, the Vulcan 500 LTD will also return in 2009 with a just a change in color scheme coming in Metallic Imperial Red instead of 2008s Ebony black.
The Vulcan 500 LTDs engine is designed after the Ninja 500Rs, providing a sportbikes heart in a cruisers body with its stepped seat, bobbed rear fender, tank-mounted speedometer and chrome-plated wire-spoke wheels.
The 28.1-inch seat height and Kawasakis Positive Neutral Finder (also available on the Ninja 500R) help make the Vulcan 500 LTD a good choice for new riders.
Both the Ninja 500R and Vulcan 500 LTD are priced at $5,499.
| Ninja 500R Specs | |
| Engine | Liquid-cooled Four-stroke, DOHC, parallel twin |
| Displacement | 498cc |
| Starting | Electric |
| Bore x stroke | 74.0 x 58.0mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Carburetion | Keihin CVK34 x 2 |
| Ignition | TCBI with digital advance |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Rake / trail | 27 degrees / 3.6 in. |
| Front suspension / wheel travel | 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.1 in. |
| Rear suspension / wheel travel | UNI-TRAK system with single shock / 3.9 in. |
| Front tire | 110/70-17 tubeless |
| Rear tire | 130/70x17 tubeless |
| Front brake / Rear brake | Hydraulic disc / Disc |
| Overall length | 82.5in. |
| Overall width | 27.6in. |
| Overall height | 45.7in. |
| Wheelbase | 56.5 in. |
| Ground clearance | 4.7in. |
| Seat height | 30.5in. |
| Curb weight | 434.4 lbs. |
| Fuel capacity | 4.8 gal. |
| Color | Metallic Diablo Black, Candy Plasma Blue |
| MSRP | $5,499 |
| Vulcan 500 LTDSpecs | |
| Engine | Liquid-cooled Four-stroke, DOHC, parallel twin |
| Displacement | 498cc |
| Bore x stroke | 74.0 x 58.0mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 |
| Carburetion | Keihin CVK34 x 2 |
| Ignition | Digital TCBI |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
| Final drive | O-Ring Chain |
| Frame | Double-cradle, steel |
| Rake / trail | 33degrees /5.9 in. |
| Front suspension / wheel travel | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in. |
| Rear suspension / wheel travel | Dual hydraulic shocks with five-way adjustable spring preload / 3.9 in. |
| Front tire | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 140/90-15 |
| Front brake / Rear brake | Hydraulic disc / Mechanical drum |
| Overall length | 91.3in. |
| Overall width | 32.7in. |
| Overall height | 44.3in. |
| Wheelbase | 62.8in. |
| Ground clearance | 4.7in. |
| Seat height | 28.1in. |
| Curb weight | 471.9 lbs. |
| Fuel capacity | 4.0gal. |
| Color | Metalic Imperial Red |
| MSRP | $5,499 |
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