Well I've had my 2006 Ninja 500r for six weeks now. I've put 1500 miles on it here in mid-Michigan. Now that I've got some seat time there are a number of modifications I have in mind.
I really like my little Red Rider but some creature comforts need attention. The only thing that I don't like is the lack of low and midrange torque but I knew that. This is the only low end bike that I can comfortably get on and off and have both feet touch the ground
First because of my total left knee replacement I want to change the angle of the shifter. I've tried moving the shifter on the transmission spline. This has facilitated the boots, but I would still like to ease the angle of the bend in my left knee. Possibly offset footpegs? Any suggestions? After about fifty miles the knee really starts aching.
Second I have made highway pegs/frame sliders but have to drill and tap (3/8 16) the frame. Will I be comprimising the integrity of the frame? Once again being a retiree, I try to do things on the cheap.
Some passing thoughts are different exhaust pipes and larger carburators. The other option is the new Kaw 650 Ninja coming out in the spring.

Walt

 

Welcome to the forums Walt and congratulations on your little red ride!

I am not one for mods, my bike is stock and the only thing I have done to it is change the oil, put gas in it, lube the chain periodically and ride! Sorry, I don't have any suggestions you.

But I will agree on the new 650 - sweet looking bike!

 

Welcome

 

welcome to the forum. some of the guys to ask are "notstock" and "banzai". and a few others. but they are the ones who come to mind. you could try to P.M. them and see what they would have to say... good luck and congrats on the new bike...

 

I decide not to drill the frame. I went to the junkyard found some metal square tubing with the i.d. just slightly larger than the frame on the red rider. Hacksawed the side off the square tubing , drilled and tapped it. This made an excellant bracket. Found a piece of delrin (a hard plastic), clamped my drill into the vice and used it as a lathe to round the deldrin. Drilled and tapped the now inch round piece of delrin, got some rubber to protect the square tubing of the frame then put it together. Voila a highway peg/frame slider. This was all done for under ten dollars and a couple of hours of this retirees time. Us fiscally conservative guys have to be creative.

 

Wow wish you could have taken some pics of that process very creative. Not sure about the strength of them being affective frame sliders in a high speed crash but dam good HW pegs for sure.

I know this is not fiscally conservative but check for adjustable rear sets they will allow you to relocate your rear sets to a lot of different positions. This would allow you a more comfortable position for your knee.

Hell by the sound of your skills you my just have to see some pictures and you might be able to fab your own. Here is a picture of the Attack brand. I love these.

Oh and BTW the idea about the 06 is a good one.


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Spring-loaded ejector seats...cooool! [8D]

 

Thanks for the compliment moderator. What I didn't say is that it took me the better part of two days to come up with and make the HW pegs. I have no special skills but am pretty stubborn when it comes to solutions to problems. As a 60 year retiree on his first bike this has been quite a learning experience. My only regret is that I didn't get the red rider until the first week of September this year, here in Michigan it is getting cold. Your suggestion for the movable foot peg is possibly the solution for my titanium knee problem. From the picture I think it is to complicated for me to make as I have only a few hand tools . Who sells Attack equipment?

 

You can just google "attact rear sets" there are lots of brands that are adjustible. Check ebay to.