250 Buying Advice

Scott2055 · 09-29-2008, 07:28 PM

Hi all,

I've been itching to start riding for awhile now and I think I may finally be ready to pull the trigger. I have read (and internalized) the 'start small' mantra and feel like a 250 is the perfect place to start my education. I have no previous motorcycle experience and plan to take the the local MSF course as soon as I can get a spot (should be next spring).

That being said, I ran across this "fixer upper" 250 right near me. (I'm not even sure if it's still available but I'd like to know the answer to the question anyway) The damage looks cosmetic except for the bit about the carbs. I've come here to ask for any input on how expensive this type of problem with the carbs would be to fix. I've done work on my own car so I'd be comfortable learning how to fix them myself.

Basically -- is a bike with this type of problem worth buying and fixing for $600 when a bike in working order could be had for $1,700 - $2,000?

Thanks for any help!!

See link for classified add: Ninja250 Riders Club :: View topic - 98 for sale - $600 - NJ (have gear as well)

PS - Forgive me if someone posted an identical thread as my search failed to turn anything up.

Gimpdiggity · 09-29-2008, 08:22 PM

Yes, it is worth it.

But only IF the damage is only cosmetic and to the carbs. If it's got a bent/damaged frame or anything like that it could be not a good deal.

Carbs aren't expensive to work on, but they are time consuming. On the 250 they are a bit of a pain in the ass to get out of the bike to get started working on them.

However, before you start tearing into a carb system, you need to do your homework on what they are and how they work. They aren't like much in most of your modern cars, so a bit of knowledge about repairing a car isn't really going to help you.

I've got well over 50 hours invested in the tearing out, adjusting, putting in, and testing of the jets in my carbs on my 250...and I just finally got it to the point where I wanted it this past summer.

Good luck.

Gimpdiggity · 09-29-2008, 08:24 PM

I just looked at the link, and before you show any serious interest ask him for some pictures of the damage.

I'd always be a bit weary about an ad that says there's some type of small damage to the left side of the bike, but then only posts pictures of the right side of the bike. What he considers minor damage could be quite a bit more than minor to someone else.

Oldboy123 · 09-30-2008, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gimpdiggity

I just looked at the link, and before you show any serious interest ask him for some pictures of the damage.

I'd always be a bit weary about an ad that says there's some type of small damage to the left side of the bike, but then only posts pictures of the right side of the bike. What he considers minor damage could be quite a bit more than minor to someone else.

Very good advice.
You might want the seller of the bike to hold up something that has your email or name on it as he/she takes pictures of the bike.
That way you know for sure they are resent.

Windthrown · 09-30-2008, 01:05 AM

Yah, but $600 for a bike that you cannot get new here for any price?

I would buy it if it were on the left coast.

I say take a look.

The Predator · 09-30-2008, 02:12 AM

for 600 bucks? it's mos def worth the interest to look and hear run (if you can get it to start)

It'll pay for itself within a year of decent riding. plus, in good running condition, you could turn around and sell it for a hefty profit later.

EMTrigger · 11-04-2008, 10:25 PM

Didn't think starting a new thread was necessary.

I have been looking for a 250 Ninja for a long time now and I found this one. I just have a couple of questions.

Is this a good deal???
What is the average life on the 250 engine?
What should I look for when looking at the ninja?
How would I go about testing it if I cannot ride or don't know anyone that knows how to ride?

Here's the ad:

2002 Kawasaki Ninja 250 - Green - $1050

'02 Ninja for sale, rode it for a summer and upgraded to a bigger bike. It has scratches on the sides from going down a few times, but the bike itself still runs great. It's an awesome bike to learn to ride on. 10462 miles, but it has been well maintained and given oil changes more often than necessary. Would like to sell as soon as possible for $1050 or B/O. If not sold by Spring, price will increase due to more people shopping for bikes!