Anyone think that since the 250 got a facelift that Kawi will re-design the 500r for 2009 or can it totally? That thing has needed an overhaul almost as long as the 250 has. I bet they're thinking of it, seeing how the new 250's sales have been. I honestly have to say that I think that they may nix it all together if you ask me. One of the kawi dealerships has constantly had a silver and black 500r on that floor when even the last gen 250s were sold! They have a new bad ass little 250 and the 650r I think is/was built and sold to eventually replace the 500r Look at their low end/ middle lineup:

The zzr is the detuned 6R model. (And I've heard the zzr is rumored to get the old 636 engine in 09, that's RUMOR again...) Plenty of power for the 600 middleweight cc class, enough for beginners as a 6r might be a bit too much for a total noob if they didnt' want a 250. The 650 appeals to first time riders as well as older who want a torquey bike sans the top end power. I can count on one hand how many times I've actually seen a 500r of ANY year on the streets. I see more older 250's, zzr's and 650's. Place your bets, and stick a fork in her, I think the 500r's being pulled for 09. With their current lineup, I really don't see a market for it.

doesn't hurt to have something under 600cc other than the 250. it may be popular in other areas. hard to say.

if they gave the 500 a facelift like the 250 it would be a propular bike i think. more power than the 250 but better milage than the 650.

i think because of insurance prices the 500 is a good choice. its not the normal squid pick of a 600 or a liter, especially for a novice rider

the only way to get novice riders to buy them is to either give it a major facelift or enact age\experience cc limits like the UK has. Eithe way i still don't think that will stop the inexperienced from getting high performance 600's and liters.

im far from saying its the most popular pick with new riders but its a very good ligical pic for a novice rider.

I got pics of this chick from Dallas who rode a 500r, I called her squidarette. I don't have the pics of her on her bike those are on my home pc, but here she is, don't worry, they are safe for work

ah ha, here we go on her 500r:

i think the 500 is a nice bike. i think it would make prom a perfect first bike. its true they arent made over with all the new bikes lines but there is something to be said for being different.

my buddies girl rides one. its not bad. needs some looks help but i think they should keep it around

yeah that girls a bagger. decent body but the face leaves much to be desired.

the definitely need to do something to it! They raised the prices for the '09 models by $499 and didn't change a thing on them?!? WTF

I swear if they made a 400cc bike, but more super-sporty (4 cylinder and with modern styling) I know a lot of the 250 guys would be drawn to it. As it stands now a lot of people don't even consider the 500's at all and buy the ZX-6R's

I know i would throw a don payment on one now, because a little 500 would be nice to run around with, and i could make my '7 into a track bike.

As it stands now i would've gotten a cbr, but this the 500r has more power and what i would be used to.

hahaha, correction Justin. My wife has a 2005 500 to learn on. However, if she does not want to ride for whatever reason, then I can ride it. It had fallen over in the previous owners garage, so it has a cracked upper fairing, some scratches and a missing turn signal lens.

Upper left bracket to fairing crack.. will show another pic. Rode it home 60 miles from where we bought it. Does not feel like the engine has been adjusted for the altitude.

For not being setup or anything, the ride feels light and comfy. Clutch action is abit different than what my other rides have. As I already mentioned the powerband, tone of the ride makes me think that the ride is not setup for this elevation. But I have not had too much time in the saddle to really give a good riding opinion on it yet. I do feel that it is a good learning bike because of the initial "comfy feeling" of the narrow/light weight aspects. It is definitely not a powerhouse of a ride but I am sure it will be fun to play with.

hmmm, may have to look into one of these...
or i could turn to the dark side... (honda of course)

Rumor mill has it, that the 2010 500r will have a major facelift.....stay tuned.....

Kaneone on the other forum, got to ride the 2010 ZX10r at some secret preview thing, he is bound by secrecy but has said that the 2010 10r is cool, fixed a lot of things, and that there is new revamp of an old model that's pretty cool. That's gotta be the 500r, which has been in dire need of a redesign for about 10yrs! He says the new brochures will be released to the public on October 5th with all the 2010 model line that has since not been shown. About 2 more weeks!