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My brother's EX500 was purchased from Big Valley Honda as well. He got it for a very reasonable price. In fact, he likes to joke that about the only difference between his EX and my Monster is that his EX is paid for! He didn't have to do near the maintenance that I did on my CB650 (or my Ducati for that matter), as his bike was practically new- a '92 with only 7,000 miles. The previous owner had babied it. It's way faster than you'd think, and very reliable. There's not much else to say about it, except that if you are looking for the best beginner's bike available, get an EX. Pretty much everybody regards the EX as being in at least the top three beginner's bikes (in fact, the most recent Motor Cyclist magazine ranks it #1). The motor won't get you in too much trouble, it's got the look of a sportbike, has excellent road manners, and insurance is way cheaper than a "true" sportbike. Plus, they're fairly new so parts (new and especially aftermarket) availability isn't scarce yet (maybe expensive, but not scarce- try finding bits for a CB650!)
He already took a slow speed spill in a parking lot and ripped the turn signal off and cracked the fairing. Then, when I was loading into the Rumble Bee, I dropped it off the ramp onto the other side and broke his brand new brake lever that he had already waited three weeks for, and also broke the foot lever bracket ($42!). As far as buying parts, take my advice and NEVER go to Reno Kawasaki, or as I like to call it, Reno KAWASUCKY! I hate those people with a passion. (HOWEVER, THERE IS A RUMOUR THAT THEY ARE BEING BOUGHT OUT)
Anyway, it's all fixed now after about a hundred bucks in parts. Live and learn, I guess.
I'm not an EX guru, but if you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me and I'll try to help. |
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EXCLUSIVE: What my bro' has to say about it
Hi all, big bro here. You want my advice on the EX? BUY ONE!! I really do love this thing, and it is just the perfect bike for me. I wanted a bike that looked sporty, was respectably fast but not frightening, and was comfortable to ride. The EX is all those! Unlike the Duc, the EX's pegs are in a better position so you're not thrown up against the tank with your legs jerked back. And the EX can get it up pretty damn quick. 0-60 in under 4 seconds, with high 12's in the quarter, it's fast enough to smoke the pretty boys in their new Firebirds (not that I feel like killing myself on these crappy city streets!).
Luckily the bike I got was super cherry, so I just have to keep up the maintenance. Sure bikes need more love, but what can you do? Other tips? Hmmmm, take the mirrors off, flip the mounting part around 180 degrees and readjust the mirror, and remount. Gives better rearviewing ability. I believe Jim Stwyford(?) gets the credit for that trick. Now I'll let my bro take over again...." |
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I know it's really hard to see, but this is how he took care of his rear fender. He just took a hacksaw and cut the hanging down portion off. Right about the middle of the plate is how far up it is cut. It still mounts the signals, except the stock between the signal and the fender thing were removed, so they sit further inboard. Overall, it is much cleaner. See the above pics for reference. |
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The ONLY problem that my brother has exposed so far is the common EX "pop into neutral from 2nd gear" syndrome. Occasionally under hard acceleration or deceleration, it will pop from 2nd gear into neutral. Other than that, it has been trouble free. |
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