ninjette.org - View Single Post - Problems with older bikes that haven’t been ridden?

Theorist · July 19th, 2019, 10:21 AM

I wouldn't necessarily exclude all bikes that have signs that they've been dropped. Low cost small bikes like ours are often used by many new riders and are likely to have been dropped.

Light bikes like our Ninjettes will rarely side more than cosmetic damage if dropped from a stand still or very low speeds. Dual sports are even more robust. You do want to avoid damaged frames and suspension components. This is hard to spot under fairings, but if a bike has been in a crash (dropped at speed) if the frame is damaged the fairing was probably badly damaged and replaced. Beware unpainted fairings or fairings without the original decals for this reason. If the fairings were destroyed and removed, it's easier to look for frame damage.

If the fairings, side markers, mirrors, or bar ends are only slightly scratched, I see this as an indicator that the bike was ridden by one it many new riders who naturally dropped it at low speeds. If you are a new rider, you probably will too, and can consider this bike broken in. This bike won't depreciate so much the first time you drop it. To be cautious you can have a professional or at least a rider with some expertise examine it for signs of frame or suspension damage.

July 19th, 2019, 10:21 AM	#8
Theorist ninjette.org member Name: Eric Location: MA Join Date: May 2019 Motorcycle(s): 2005 250 Posts: 39	Bikes that have been dropped I wouldn't necessarily exclude all bikes that have signs that they've been dropped. Low cost small bikes like ours are often used by many new riders and are likely to have been dropped. Light bikes like our Ninjettes will rarely side more than cosmetic damage if dropped from a stand still or very low speeds. Dual sports are even more robust. You do want to avoid damaged frames and suspension components. This is hard to spot under fairings, but if a bike has been in a crash (dropped at speed) if the frame is damaged the fairing was probably badly damaged and replaced. Beware unpainted fairings or fairings without the original decals for this reason. If the fairings were destroyed and removed, it's easier to look for frame damage. If the fairings, side markers, mirrors, or bar ends are only slightly scratched, I see this as an indicator that the bike was ridden by one it many new riders who naturally dropped it at low speeds. If you are a new rider, you probably will too, and can consider this bike broken in. This bike won't depreciate so much the first time you drop it. To be cautious you can have a professional or at least a rider with some expertise examine it for signs of frame or suspension damage.