How's this look like for a first bike?

modded · April 29th, 2013, 12:44 PM

Got a guy selling this 250 less than 5 minutes away. He says he is the second owner and he got a "tune up" when he bought it. He still rides it and rode it to work today. He said he won't go any less than 2600 because of the good condition and low mileage. What do you guys think?
Also has a muzzy exhaust.
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/3765421891.html

csmith12 · April 29th, 2013, 12:46 PM

Awesome! Buy it if it checks out. GO GO GO!

csmith12 · April 29th, 2013, 12:46 PM

And it's RED!

astricklin · April 29th, 2013, 12:51 PM

Be sure to check the tires, if they are original you will want to replace them so take that into account for price. Also with that few miles, has the maintenance been done? If they have records of anything that was done that would be a plus. Also think about how it compares to others that you have seen

Jesse8931 · April 29th, 2013, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astricklin

Be sure to check the tires, if they are original you will want to replace them so take that into account for price. Also with that few miles, has the maintenance been done? If they have records of anything that was done that would be a plus. Also think about how it compares to others that you have seen

And why is that ? if they are not cracking they will be fine this season.

Old Lemon · April 29th, 2013, 01:10 PM

dont do it, its the worst color that is why it is so cheap. gotta wait for a green one

fmx · April 29th, 2013, 01:22 PM

Don't worry about what others think of the aesthetics - that's your choice. Take someone with you that knows about bikes. It's a sad fact but you can't take most people by their word - especially when it comes to buying something. Ask why the mileage is so low esp since he's the second owner. Ask him to take both fairings off so you can get a look at the inside. Most importantly - take it for a test drive. Good luck!

modded · April 29th, 2013, 06:35 PM

So me and a buddy of mine went and looked at it. A little background info on him, he rode a Gsxr and now a 2012 Harley night train. He took it for a little ride and came back with it. (I didn't do the test ride because I have about 2 days worth of riding experience simply form the MSF class)

First off, the guy claims the muzzy slip on was the stock exhaust. Haha no.. So I know he doesn't really know what the original owner done to the bike. Do you normally need rejetted with a muzzy slip on?

Second, my friend said he thought it was slow to get up and going. I think he may just be used to his Gsxr he had last year. We called another girl with a ninja 250 that was a co worker and her's is fuel injected so we couldn't really compare it perfectly. Is this fairly normal to be a little slow in the speeding up.

Third, it was not in perfect condition. It had a 3.5 inch crack in the bottom of the fairing right where the exhaust turns a 90. Also has a few tiny little chips/scuffs in it(Had to be 5 feet away to notice). So would this justify me offering less?

Thanks guys. I am anxious to buy my first bike so I can get out and practice and I want to make sure I am not buying a turd. Does this seem like it just needs a really good tune up?

Jesse8931 · April 29th, 2013, 06:42 PM

Offer 2k

outasight20 · April 29th, 2013, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modded

So me and a buddy of mine went and looked at it. A little background info on him, he rode a Gsxr and now a 2012 Harley night train. He took it for a little ride and came back with it. (I didn't do the test ride because I have about 2 days worth of riding experience simply form the MSF class)

First off, the guy claims the muzzy slip on was the stock exhaust. Haha no.. So I know he doesn't really know what the original owner done to the bike. Do you normally need rejetted with a muzzy slip on?

Second, my friend said he thought it was slow to get up and going. I think he may just be used to his Gsxr he had last year. We called another girl with a ninja 250 that was a co worker and her's is fuel injected so we couldn't really compare it perfectly. Is this fairly normal to be a little slow in the speeding up.

Third, it was not in perfect condition. It had a 3.5 inch crack in the bottom of the fairing right where the exhaust turns a 90. Also has a few tiny little chips/scuffs in it(Had to be 5 feet away to notice). So would this justify me offering less?

Thanks guys. I am anxious to buy my first bike so I can get out and practice and I want to make sure I am not buying a turd. Does this seem like it just needs a really good tune up?

Seems like a perfectly fine bike that wasn't ridden much and was dropped on the side which caused the crack in the fairing. Your friend thinking the bike is slow coming from a gsxr is probably a good thing. Means the previous owner didn't swap the engine to a 500... haha But yes it is painfully slow compared to a gsxr but plenty of power for you as a new rider. I never pay the buyer's asking price. If you decide to go through with this bike, try to knock off at least $200-$300 for the crack in the fairing as well as the need for new tires.

fmx · April 29th, 2013, 06:59 PM

I agree, offer 2k. If he doesn't take it - walk away.

I was in your shoes with the desperation to get a bike. I got screwed over by a seller the day after I made a deposit (he sold it out from under me). I said to hell with shady people and bought one brand new from a dealer. I don't regret my decision at all - but I would advise anyone to pay the least amount they possibly can. That said, it needs to be for something usable...

Have patience, you'll find it.

Reswob · April 29th, 2013, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astricklin

Be sure to check the tires, if they are original you will want to replace them so take that into account for price.

Why would you do that? The Dunlop GT-501 is a fantastic tire and lasts a long time.

modded · April 29th, 2013, 07:43 PM

I feel like if I could get him down 200 dollars then I could use that savings to do whatever I can to get it in tip top shape. Just depends I guess.

outasight20 · April 29th, 2013, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reswob

Why would you do that? The Dunlop GT-501 is a fantastic tire and lasts a long time.

It's a 2008 which makes the tires 5 years old. The rubber in motorcycle tires degrades over time even without being ridden. New tires would be much stickier. It is recommended to change motorcycle tires every 3-4 years regardless of mileage.

fmx · April 29th, 2013, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outasight20

It's a 2008 which makes the tires 5 years old. The rubber in motorcycle tires degrades over time even without being ridden. New tires would be much stickier. It is recommended to change motorcycle tires every 3-4 years regardless of mileage.

Tires are cheap and you should definitely take the advice and replace them. If you take the wheel off yourself most places will switch it out for peanuts. You only have two wheels, don't skimp on them!

bfpower · April 29th, 2013, 08:05 PM

I don't know the area but are you close to Independence, MO? I know a guy there who is selling a 2007, never laid down, with a spare bike and some spare parts - $1500 for all of it. But it's local pickup only. PM me if you're interested and I can get you his contact info.

WesleySnipes · April 29th, 2013, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfpower

I don't know the area but are you close to Independence, MO? I know a guy there who is selling a 2007, never laid down, with a spare bike and some spare parts - $1500 for all of it. But it's local pickup only. PM me if you're interested and I can get you his contact info.

Why do I always feel like bikes in California are overpriced...that is a smoking deal.

bfpower · April 29th, 2013, 08:53 PM

That's a smoking deal anywhere. I'd buy it if it wasn't so freaking far away.

kirk595x · April 29th, 2013, 09:25 PM

That is a good deal for the bike...950 miles for a second owner throws a lil bit of a red flag..could be nothing though..perhaps both owners did'nt like the bikes power. If everything checks out mechanicly (did you check fluids..oil?) Check around the odometer housing to see if perhaps it's been taken off before. Other than that I'ts a good price.

JosueDG · April 29th, 2013, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesleySnipes

Why do I always feel like bikes in California are overpriced...that is a smoking deal.

Agreed! When I was shopping around for mine all I found was salvaged ones in the $2k range. Anything that wasn't salvaged was $3k and above.

KawiKid860 · April 29th, 2013, 11:36 PM

I wouldn't say second owner is a red flag on a 250. People buy them ride for two weeks and get something bigger way too often... I'm 3rd owner on my 500 and have nearly quadrupled the mileage it had when I bought it and it's had absolutely zero problems.

ChaoSS · April 30th, 2013, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesleySnipes

Why do I always feel like bikes in California are overpriced...that is a smoking deal.

Because the same would be listed here in California for 3500.

modded · April 30th, 2013, 08:57 AM

Could it be possible that the original owner slapped on the muzzy exhaust and didn't re jet the bike? What would be some symptoms of not rejetting after putting on a new full exhaust? He says he could possibly do 2400 but I am not 100% sure he would.

NealWright · April 30th, 2013, 06:23 PM

I don't know as which I'd dicker too much at that price ... it's a pretty straight forward fair price, for a decent looking bike. If you're willing to wait out another 6-8months, maybe you could find one for $200 less ... but, that wouldn't be local, and you'd have to travel.

Again, if that's the bike you want ... the price is pretty fair.

Thanks, Neal

Mocha Man · April 30th, 2013, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmx

Have patience, you'll find it.

Agreed. I was so anxious to get my bike but I couldn't find a cheap one. Eventually mine showed up on CL for $950 and I bought it for $875. Sounds like this one may need some work but that shouldn't be a big deal if you can get it for cheap.

IdRatherDrum · April 30th, 2013, 10:09 PM

For $2600 I still consider that a great deal. Very hard to find bikes in that shape for less that $3200 in Los Angeles

eljay · May 1st, 2013, 12:46 PM

You guys in the US have it easy. The ninja market in Canada is messed up, check these "great deals" out for a laugh (08 didn't have red up here I think, so these are all 09).

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/f-ninja-250...rdZninjaQ20250

fmx · May 1st, 2013, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eljay

You guys in the US have it easy. The ninja market in Canada is messed up, check these "great deals" out for a laugh (08 didn't have red up here I think, so these are all 09).

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/f-ninja-250...rdZninjaQ20250

I bet you're better paid up there though. And free health care, f*ckers!

eljay · May 1st, 2013, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmx

I bet you're better paid up there though. And free health care, f*ckers!

nothing is ever free.

lgk · May 1st, 2013, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eljay

You guys in the US have it easy. The ninja market in Canada is messed up, check these "great deals" out for a laugh (08 didn't have red up here I think, so these are all 09).

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/f-ninja-250...rdZninjaQ20250

dude... S#!+ ain't even funny, $4000 for a 4 year old 250...

how much is a new one?

eljay · May 1st, 2013, 02:26 PM

about the same... that's the funny part. couple dealers were pushing the 2012s for $3999 plus tax a few months ago.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgk

dude... S#!+ ain't even funny, $4000 for a 4 year old 250...

how much is a new one?

lgk · May 1st, 2013, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eljay

about the same... that's the funny part.

ohhh, ok..

you got me, lol..

WesleySnipes · May 1st, 2013, 05:32 PM

And all this time I was like WOW Canada is so awesome! And then that...that is stupid.

modded · May 2nd, 2013, 06:41 AM

Says he has a friend looking at it when he gets home tomorrow and if his friend doesn't want it, then it's mine for 2400.

April 29th, 2013, 12:44 PM	#1
modded ninjette.org member Name: Jake Location: Columbus, IN Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Green 250 Posts: 58	How's this look like for a first bike? Got a guy selling this 250 less than 5 minutes away. He says he is the second owner and he got a "tune up" when he bought it. He still rides it and rode it to work today. He said he won't go any less than 2600 because of the good condition and low mileage. What do you guys think? Also has a muzzy exhaust. http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/3765421891.html Last futzed with by modded; April 30th, 2013 at 05:37 AM.

April 29th, 2013, 12:46 PM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Awesome! Buy it if it checks out. GO GO GO! __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

April 29th, 2013, 12:46 PM	#3
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	And it's RED! __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

April 29th, 2013, 12:51 PM	#4
astricklin ninjette.org member Name: Andrew Location: Fort Worth, TX Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 108	Be sure to check the tires, if they are original you will want to replace them so take that into account for price. Also with that few miles, has the maintenance been done? If they have records of anything that was done that would be a plus. Also think about how it compares to others that you have seen __________________________________________________

May 1st, 2013, 05:32 PM	#33
WesleySnipes ninjette.org member Name: Wesley Location: San Luis Obispo Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 1999 Ninja 250ex 1989 Ninja 250ex 2005 Ninja 250ex 2007 Ninja 250ex 2011 Ninja 250r 1993 CBR600 Posts: 199	And all this time I was like WOW Canada is so awesome! And then that...that is stupid. __________________________________________________ "I had so much fun crashing my Ninja" - Said by No One Ever

April 29th, 2013, 01:10 PM	#6
Old Lemon Lays er down Name: Michael Location: Maryland Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Lime green Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	dont do it, its the worst color that is why it is so cheap. gotta wait for a green one

April 29th, 2013, 01:22 PM	#7
fmx troublemaker Name: Olly Location: Seattle, WA Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2012 FZR6R Raven Posts: 92	Don't worry about what others think of the aesthetics - that's your choice. Take someone with you that knows about bikes. It's a sad fact but you can't take most people by their word - especially when it comes to buying something. Ask why the mileage is so low esp since he's the second owner. Ask him to take both fairings off so you can get a look at the inside. Most importantly - take it for a test drive. Good luck!

April 29th, 2013, 06:35 PM	#8
modded ninjette.org member Name: Jake Location: Columbus, IN Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Green 250 Posts: 58	So me and a buddy of mine went and looked at it. A little background info on him, he rode a Gsxr and now a 2012 Harley night train. He took it for a little ride and came back with it. (I didn't do the test ride because I have about 2 days worth of riding experience simply form the MSF class) First off, the guy claims the muzzy slip on was the stock exhaust. Haha no.. So I know he doesn't really know what the original owner done to the bike. Do you normally need rejetted with a muzzy slip on? Second, my friend said he thought it was slow to get up and going. I think he may just be used to his Gsxr he had last year. We called another girl with a ninja 250 that was a co worker and her's is fuel injected so we couldn't really compare it perfectly. Is this fairly normal to be a little slow in the speeding up. Third, it was not in perfect condition. It had a 3.5 inch crack in the bottom of the fairing right where the exhaust turns a 90. Also has a few tiny little chips/scuffs in it(Had to be 5 feet away to notice). So would this justify me offering less? Thanks guys. I am anxious to buy my first bike so I can get out and practice and I want to make sure I am not buying a turd. Does this seem like it just needs a really good tune up?

April 29th, 2013, 06:42 PM	#9
Jesse8931 ninjette.org guru Name: Jesse Location: Ann arbor mi Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 ninja 250r Posts: 374	Offer 2k

April 29th, 2013, 06:59 PM	#11
fmx troublemaker Name: Olly Location: Seattle, WA Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2012 FZR6R Raven Posts: 92	I agree, offer 2k. If he doesn't take it - walk away. I was in your shoes with the desperation to get a bike. I got screwed over by a seller the day after I made a deposit (he sold it out from under me). I said to hell with shady people and bought one brand new from a dealer. I don't regret my decision at all - but I would advise anyone to pay the least amount they possibly can. That said, it needs to be for something usable... Have patience, you'll find it.

April 29th, 2013, 07:43 PM	#13
modded ninjette.org member Name: Jake Location: Columbus, IN Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Green 250 Posts: 58	I feel like if I could get him down 200 dollars then I could use that savings to do whatever I can to get it in tip top shape. Just depends I guess.

April 29th, 2013, 08:05 PM	#16
bfpower ninjette.org mafioso Name: Ben Location: Dillon, MT Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 337	I don't know the area but are you close to Independence, MO? I know a guy there who is selling a 2007, never laid down, with a spare bike and some spare parts - $1500 for all of it. But it's local pickup only. PM me if you're interested and I can get you his contact info.

April 29th, 2013, 08:53 PM	#18
bfpower ninjette.org mafioso Name: Ben Location: Dillon, MT Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 337	That's a smoking deal anywhere. I'd buy it if it wasn't so freaking far away.

April 29th, 2013, 09:25 PM	#19
kirk595x ninjette.org guru Name: Robbie Location: Sacramento Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 03' Ninja 250ex Posts: 333	That is a good deal for the bike...950 miles for a second owner throws a lil bit of a red flag..could be nothing though..perhaps both owners did'nt like the bikes power. If everything checks out mechanicly (did you check fluids..oil?) Check around the odometer housing to see if perhaps it's been taken off before. Other than that I'ts a good price.

April 29th, 2013, 11:36 PM	#21
KawiKid860 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Murphey Location: Eastern Washington Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Honda 919, 2004 Ninja 500R NAKED Posts: A lot.	I wouldn't say second owner is a red flag on a 250. People buy them ride for two weeks and get something bigger way too often... I'm 3rd owner on my 500 and have nearly quadrupled the mileage it had when I bought it and it's had absolutely zero problems.

April 30th, 2013, 08:57 AM	#23
modded ninjette.org member Name: Jake Location: Columbus, IN Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Green 250 Posts: 58	Could it be possible that the original owner slapped on the muzzy exhaust and didn't re jet the bike? What would be some symptoms of not rejetting after putting on a new full exhaust? He says he could possibly do 2400 but I am not 100% sure he would.

April 30th, 2013, 06:23 PM	#24
NealWright ninjette.org member Name: Neal Location: Indiana Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Ninja 250 Posts: 40	I don't know as which I'd dicker too much at that price ... it's a pretty straight forward fair price, for a decent looking bike. If you're willing to wait out another 6-8months, maybe you could find one for $200 less ... but, that wouldn't be local, and you'd have to travel. Again, if that's the bike you want ... the price is pretty fair. Thanks, Neal

April 30th, 2013, 10:09 PM	#26
IdRatherDrum ninjette.org member Name: Chase Location: California Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 225	For $2600 I still consider that a great deal. Very hard to find bikes in that shape for less that $3200 in Los Angeles

May 1st, 2013, 12:46 PM	#27
eljay ex cbr Name: eljay Location: toronto Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250r Posts: 27	You guys in the US have it easy. The ninja market in Canada is messed up, check these "great deals" out for a laugh (08 didn't have red up here I think, so these are all 09). http://toronto.kijiji.ca/f-ninja-250...rdZninjaQ20250

May 2nd, 2013, 06:41 AM	#34
modded ninjette.org member Name: Jake Location: Columbus, IN Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Green 250 Posts: 58	Says he has a friend looking at it when he gets home tomorrow and if his friend doesn't want it, then it's mine for 2400.

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