Ill start off my introducing myself and saying hello to everyone. I recently picked up a 2006 ninja 500. In which this is my first bike. basically I know nothing about it except how to start and drive it. last night I fired it up to show it off to some friends...(everyone has to brag about their new bike right?) and it started perfect. I came out this morning to cruise it around a bit and couldnt get it started.the engine will turn over, but it wont fire......wont even try to sputter. I tried a few different things....choke, res tank, giving it a little gas, giving it a lot of gas, waiting a bit to see if it was flooded and nothing. anyone have any ideas as to why it would fire perfect one night and wouldnt even attempt to fire the next morning? also how do I acess the battery and fuse box? Thanks in advance for all your input.

 

Don't know what to suggest, but the battery should be easily accessible under the seat. If you need help finding the fuse box I can check the manual for an '05 Ninja 500R that I bought over a year ago.

 

I suggest that you first find out if the engine is getting gas ( is your tank full) or at least 1/2 full. Then see if you are getting spark on the spark plugs. If you want to check your fuses they are located on top of your battery. It's called a junction box. My bet is that you aren't getting gas to the engine. (petcock blocked/clogged, fuel line kinked or clogged, carb jet clogged or blocked, vacuum on petcock kinked or leaking, petcock vacuum valve not opening)
You should visit EX-500.com for much better info and support. They've got photos and you can search the archives for stuff.

 

Assuming you've got fuel and it was running fine yesterday, flooding or foul plugs are the most likely culprit and the easiest thing to rule-out first. Assuming you've still got life in your battery:
~Fuel tap and key-ignition to ON
~Choke OFF (all the way forward)
~Twist the throttle all the way open, but be prepared to release it/close it IMMEDIATELY if the engine starts
~Press the start button for about 3-5 seconds to clear the excess fuel/fouling from your combustion chambers

After doing this, turn the ignition key immediately off and let it sit for a few minutes. You've just introduced lean air into the chambers for any excess fuel on the plugs will evaporate into.
After a few minutes have passed, attempt to start as normal with the choke pulled about halfway back and WITHOUT twisting the throttle.

Twisting the throttle while you have the choke **** engaged is a very good way to flood your engine/foul your plugs, resulting in the symptoms you describe.

Finally, when you're pressing the starter button with the throttle opened completely, I cannot stress enough that you have your best cat-like reflexes ready to release or close that throttle. The last thing you want to do is rev the pi$$ out of a cold engine.

If your battery has been run down/discharged, I recommend getting a Battery Tender Jr. They're about $30 and they're much better for your bike than pushing starting or starting your bike once a week through winter.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.
-CCinC

 

yup it was just flooded. I ended up turning off the fuel, opening the choke and cranking it. it backfired, sputtered, then finally fired. thanks to all that replied. are there any other ways to prevent this along with not giving it throttle with a closed choke?

 

Another common mistake is to let the bike idle for several minutes with the choke on. This is TERRIBLE for the engine. The choke (actually it's an enrichener, not a literal 'choke' in the traditional sense) is only there to get the engine running, NOT to warm it up. I engage it all the way to get the bike started, then feather the lever forward so the engine is idling about 1700rpm or so while I put on my helmet and gloves. Then I ride immediately (but slowly and gently for the first two miles) away.
Turn the choke off as soon as you're rolling.

Good luck and glad you got her running again.
Peace!
-CCinC

 

I have a 2006 500r also and have sputter and stalling issues only on the start up. doesn't matter if cold or warmed up. once it starts runs fine and idles fine.