Quick Ride

QUICK RIDE

KAWASAKI EX500 The little bike that’s got it all

ROUNDUP

AT A TIME WHEN INLINE-FOURS steal most of the spotlight, a motorcycle like Kawasaki’s EX500—a liquid-cooled inline-Twin—is refreshing. Introduced in 1987, this slick little bike has remained unchanged except for paint and graphics. And that’s good: Why change a winner?

The EX is one of those rare models that from the beginning had the right combination of performance, agility, comfort, good looks and low price. The 1990 model, at $3449. is about $550 more expensive than the ’87, but that’s still a good deal for such a capable motorcycle.

Our new test bike was decked out in striking, metallic-blue paint with bright, blue and pink stripes, and was further highlighted by white, three-spoke cast wdieels. Black, with silver and red stripes, is the EX’s other color combination.

Bodywork is limited to a small fairing that flows smoothly into a 4.9-gallon fuel tank, with a plastic tail section that runs under the seat, ending at the lower portion of the tank. All of these pieces fit perfectly, have superb finishes and lend a sporty flair while allowing the narrow, nicely finished dohc engine to be clearly seen. Also shown offis the steel, rectangular-section, perimeter-style frame.

First-time EX500 riders will be surprised at the bike’s performance. This 500 literally leaps away from a standstill, thanks to a rather sudden clutch engagement, and then readily revs up to its 1 1,000-rpm redline. A quick shift into second will fly the front wheel, and continued aggressive acceleration w'ill get the Kawasaki through the quarter-mile in the high-12-second range.

Ridden in town, the EX, with its rubber-mounted engine, is smooth, responsive, and quiet. It starts willingly and can be threaded through traffic with ease, thanks to its narrow profile and medium size. A large, single disc front brake and drum rear stop the 400-pound bike smoothly and progressively.

The riding position is comfortable unless the motorcycle is ridden great distances on interstates, then the soft seat foam starts to pack down, a slight buzz in the bars can tire the rider’s hands and the handlebars start feeling a smidge too low. But a quick detour down a twisty road will soon revive the rider. The EX500 excels on windy roads thanks to a suspension that is not only comfortable but controls the bike well when it is ridden at sporting speeds, too.

The EX500 is one of those exceptional bikes that riders of any level of competency seem to like: There’s enough power, handling and quickness to satisfy the expert, yet the bike is docile enough to not intimidate a beginner.

We like the EX500 a lot. It has won our Ten Best award for streetbikes under 500cc for the last three years. And unless someone introduces a 1990-model 500 that’s pretty awesome and reasonably priced, the EX500 could well win again next year. -Ron Griewe