Do you guys think this lift http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/lifts-stands/1500-lb-capacity-atv-motorcycle-lift-2792.html, is worth it, to do some basic maintanence on our bikes, like at least an oil change?

No, those are more for cruiser/tourers than for sportbikes. The 250 doesn't really have anything on the bottom as a brace so you have to support point to lift it up from. A rear stand is a better investment if you want convenience.

you won't even need a rear stand. Pregens have a centerstand installed on the bike that does just fine for most maintenance. if you NEED to get the front off the ground, put it on the center stand and then jack the front up with a car jack and a block of wood under the engine block, just be careful, as this is not the most stable method and it tips easily.

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Supporting_Your_Bike_While_Servicing

Haha great point. Didn't realize what sub-forum I was in.

no worries :thumbup: welcome pregenvillle

can't you put it on the center stand and simply put weight on the rear to get the front off the ground?

Thanks Guys, you saved me a hundred bucks.

yeah you can. it doesn't take much weight. I just usually lift the front with a jack because then I can have 4 points of contact with the ground. the back wheel, both sides of the center stand, and the jack. plus then there's no worry about the weights slipping off and the front suddenly falling (which would have been an issue last winter when I took off my forks to redo the seals for example)

Thanks Guys, you saved me a hundred bucks.

glad to help! :thumbup:

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/I_am_having_trouble_putting_my_bike_on_its_centerstand

this will explain how to use the stand better than I can

can't you put it on the center stand and simply put weight on the rear to get the front off the ground?

That's what I do, "mom sit here"

I just usually lift the front with a jack because then I can have 4 points of contact with the ground. the back wheel, both sides of the center stand, and the jack. plus then there's no worry about the weights slipping off and the front suddenly falling

A method that I've used to get the front end off the ground is a strap to the roof joists in the garage. Since you're only applying enough force to get the bike to pivot on the center-stand, it's fairly easy to do.