Need your advice and help please!

refuge33 · February 9th, 2016, 09:47 PM

Hello Ninja Gods! I am a old dude, used to race motocross and owned about 25 bikes total street and dirt. SO I got a guy who has a 2007 Ninja, it has 9,700 miles, fairing is cracked, dent in tank, lower fairing missing, seat torn, clutch is maxed out but still works. I rode it, brakes fair, no motor noises, ran good, shifted okay, so here is the deal. I got him talked down to $700 cash, it's legal, inspected and tagged, needs a back tire, lots of TLC, maybe a clutch, and the fairing fixed, and everything repainted. But it runs good, never got hot, and I need someone to talk me out of this please. I cannot see why not grab it, even if to fix it up a bit and flip it. Any and all advice is immensely appreciated, and God Bless, and thank you in advance. I wont have a lot of cash to put into it, but just asking if it's too good a deal to pass up, thanks again.

Motofool · February 9th, 2016, 09:58 PM

Welcome, Bob !!!

Life is short, death is sure: do what makes you happy.

If the engine sounds good, so is the deal.

SLOWn60 · February 9th, 2016, 10:04 PM

Sorry Bob: can't help you and you've come to the wrong place! You'll have to find someone else to talk you out of it!

How is it even possible to have had 25 bikes and now NONE?!? I call BS!

refuge33 · February 9th, 2016, 10:05 PM

Yes a a Critical care nurse I can relate to that. Here is a picture of it from craigslist. So guess for $700 just grab it right?

refuge33 · February 9th, 2016, 10:11 PM

The fairings cracked pretty good on the right at handlebars, might be glueable. Gas tank has small dent on right side, the stickers peel off, and clutch lets out late, seat is torn, 9,730 miles 2007, bottom fairing gone, has been dropped or layed down a few times, but drives straight, shifts crisply, got it up to 91mph, so as mentioned, don't got a lot of $, do know how to do minor things, maybe even replace clutch, it is tagged for a year, inspection due at end of month, so it's 11:00pm my time and he is texting me back, so want it, like it, but can't afford to lose out on it, and thanks again for any and all help.

crazymadbastard · February 9th, 2016, 10:11 PM

500 $ bike at most. Clutch job $300. Paint job is ****. Even after fixing it, if bought @ 500 would not be worth the time money and effort put forth, in likelihood. But hey its a hobby so $ and doing sensible things rarely apply. Welcome to ninjette.org!

Abu_Mishary · February 9th, 2016, 11:04 PM

9730 miles. I guess average a year the bike runs approx. around 1390 miles up to 2016. I guess it's a good buy. Welcome Bob!

Sarge1992 · February 10th, 2016, 02:11 AM

Honestly I have 2 pregen ninja 250s for sale near me for $700 each where the body is immaculate, but one needs carbs gone through and tuned up, and the other needs a stator. If I was buying the one you were looking at in hope of turning around and selling it, I wouldn't, seems like you'd be lucky to break even.

psych0hans · February 10th, 2016, 02:37 AM

Offer him 300 and work your way up to 500 max... Looks like a nifty project to make a cafe racer or a track bike. Good Luck!!!

p.s. I think you came to the wrong place if you wanted someone to dissuade you... lol

VaFish · February 10th, 2016, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazymadbastard

500 $ bike at most. Clutch job $300. Paint job is ****. Even after fixing it, if bought @ 500 would not be worth the time money and effort put forth, in likelihood. But hey its a hobby so $ and doing sensible things rarely apply. Welcome to ninjette.org!

I have to agree,

I've got 4 pregen 250's and didn't pay more than $500 for any of them.

Completely fixed up and in great shape it's a $1,500 bike. At $700 that bike needs $200-$300 in fairings, Clutch plates and springs will run you about $70, if you need other parts like the clutch housing, gaskets, ect.. it will run you more.

Or in other words if you think you are going to buy it, fix it and flip it, I don't think you will make any money, at least not enough money to justify the time.

If you have the skills to repair it and you really want a Ninja 250 then $700 is OK, but not a great price.

jkv45 · February 10th, 2016, 07:43 AM

As others have said - $700 is too much. $500 may even be too much.

We bought a 2004 250 with 250 miles, not running but in ex cond, for $750.

We also bought one similar to what you are looking at, running but a cosmetic mess, for $150.

csmith12 · February 10th, 2016, 09:13 AM

Welcome!

Naw, I would pass on that $700 deal, for a couple of hundred maybe.

DEFY · February 10th, 2016, 09:58 AM

Welcome!!!

Suki2003 · February 10th, 2016, 10:55 AM

$500 or less, I got a 2003 ninja, ran great with new tires for 850. Fairings were in good shape, but custom paint was crap. Needed cleaned up, but super solid mechanically.

HoneyBadgerRy · February 11th, 2016, 12:07 PM

I want to know where all of you live, I bought an 05 with fairings in really bad shape, a rashed exhaust, gummed up carbs, and the rear rim cocked to the maximum in the rear swingarm for ~$1050 and it was a good deal. I fixed all the mechanical problems, did a tune up, and the fairings are currently getting the body work done (will be painted green when I'm done.

RacinNinja · February 11th, 2016, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoneyBadgerRy

I want to know where all of you live, I bought an 05 with fairings in really bad shape, a rashed exhaust, gummed up carbs, and the rear rim cocked to the maximum in the rear swingarm for ~$1050 and it was a good deal. I fixed all the mechanical problems, did a tune up, and the fairings are currently getting the body work done (will be painted green when I'm done.

No kidding right? Those things are worth gold on the West Coast. If it runs it's $1200 minimum. IN good shape they get $2K or so.

csmith12 · February 11th, 2016, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoneyBadgerRy

I want to know where all of you live, I bought an 05 with fairings in really bad shape, a rashed exhaust, gummed up carbs, and the rear rim cocked to the maximum in the rear swingarm for ~$1050 and it was a good deal. I fixed all the mechanical problems, did a tune up, and the fairings are currently getting the body work done (will be painted green when I'm done.

You're in IN, if purchased in the right season and a patient + savvy shopper, 2k would have bought you a newgen in pristine condition. Happens all the time, watch Cincy area CL.

SLOWn60 · February 11th, 2016, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacinNinja

No kidding right? Those things are worth gold on the West Coast. If it runs it's $1200 minimum. IN good shape they get $2K or so.

That's the problem though: it's not running! She may do a ton of farting around on it trying to breath life into it ($$$) and find she still needs to spend more on a new motor/wiring/whatever.

RacinNinja · February 11th, 2016, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLOWn60

That's the problem though: it's not running! She may do a ton of farting around on it trying to breath life into it ($$$) and find she still needs to spend more on a new motor/wiring/whatever.

Not running here, AKA parts bike is 500-800. No joke. It's ridiculous.

Being mechanically savvy, I'd have them hook it up to a jump box. If it turned over with no issues, I'd buy it for $500, put a few hundo into for the carbs, battery and tires and sell it for $1500.

SLOWn60 · February 11th, 2016, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacinNinja

Not running here, AKA parts bike is 500-800. No joke. It's ridiculous.

Being mechanically savvy, I'd have them hook it up to a jump box. If it turned over with no issues, I'd buy it for $500, put a few hundo into for the carbs, battery and tires and sell it for $1500.

Hey B; are you in WA or DC?

RacinNinja · February 11th, 2016, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLOWn60

Hey B; are you in WA or DC?

West Coast!

SLOWn60 · February 11th, 2016, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacinNinja

West Coast!

Prices are a little higher here and even more so UP here!

RacinNinja · February 11th, 2016, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLOWn60

Prices are a little higher here and even more so UP here!

Your exchange rate right now is killing some of the racers in our club. Last I checked it was at 0.72 CA to 1 US. Ouch.

HoneyBadgerRy · February 11th, 2016, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

You're in IN, if purchased in the right season and a patient + savvy shopper, 2k would have bought you a newgen in pristine condition. Happens all the time, watch Cincy area CL.

I looked around for about a month and that's the best deal I could find without driving more than 2 hours. I did purchase it in prime riding season though, that probably didn't help.

VaFish · February 11th, 2016, 01:59 PM

I'm just outside of Washington DC.

Bought all 4 of my Ninjettes since Last July, $500 was the most expensive one and it was running fine with no problems.

Here is a running one that looks to be in very nice condition for $1,000

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/5438000117.html

Here is an 02 for $1,100

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...438106549.html

Here is a new gen for $1,800

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...442071578.html

All those are asking prices and you can usually talk people down when you show up with cash.

I've seen lots of others for cheaper. Just need to check Craig's List EVERY day. The cheap ones go fast.

There are a lot more of them for higher prices, and the prices will go up as the weather gets nicer. End of summer and into the fall is the best time to buy. In about a month and a half will be perfect time to sell.

RacinNinja · February 11th, 2016, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaFish

I'm just outside of Washington DC.

Bought all 4 of my Ninjettes since Last July, $500 was the most expensive one and it was running fine with no problems.

Here is a running one that looks to be in very nice condition for $1,000

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/5438000117.html

Here is an 02 for $1,100

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...438106549.html

Here is a new gen for $1,800

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...442071578.html

All those are asking prices and you can usually talk people down when you show up with cash.

I've seen lots of others for cheaper. Just need to check Craig's List EVERY day. The cheap ones go fast.

2009 SE $3,000
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/mcy/5441394620.html

2007 $2500
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/mcy/5442841584.html

2004 $1600 needs work
http://eugene.craigslist.org/mcy/5432462222.html

Hacked up needs fairing and clutch basket $1250
http://salem.craigslist.org/mcy/5407767484.html

I'm telling ya, those things are worth gold over here.

VaFish · February 11th, 2016, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacinNinja

2009 SE $3,000
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/mcy/5441394620.html

2007 $2500
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/mcy/5442841584.html

2004 $1600 needs work
http://eugene.craigslist.org/mcy/5432462222.html

Hacked up needs fairing and clutch basket $1250
http://salem.craigslist.org/mcy/5407767484.html

I'm telling ya, those things are worth gold over here.

I need to fill up a container and ship them to you.

RacinNinja · February 11th, 2016, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaFish

I need to fill up a container and ship them to you.

Right???

VaFish · February 11th, 2016, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacinNinja

Right???

Here is my fleet:

Blue one looked like this and would fire on starting fluid when I bought it for $300:

The blue fairing and tank was $200

The black one without the fairing I traded a gun I paid $400 for.

The black one with the fairing and the green café racer came as a package deal when I cleaned out RacerX's garage before his move.

At your prices I have probably $7,500 or more sitting there.

Now it is very obvious that prices vary by region.

But the OP did ask us to talk him out of buying the bike.

RacinNinja · February 11th, 2016, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaFish

Here is my fleet:

Blue one looked like this and would fire on starting fluid when I bought it for $300:

The blue fairing and tank was $200

The black one without the fairing I traded a gun I paid $400 for.

The black one with the fairing and the green café racer came as a package deal when I cleaned out RacerX's garage before his move.

At your prices I have probably $7,500 or more sitting there.

I'd guesstimate an easy $7,000. Yours are shiny, clean and have good paint. They probably run well too. Yup, easily 7K or more.

SLOWn60 · February 11th, 2016, 02:37 PM

33 degrees North Virginia, 55 Seattle (pretty well all "winter" long!).
There's your price difference right there!

VaFish · February 11th, 2016, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLOWn60

33 degrees North Virginia, 55 Seattle (pretty well all "winter" long!).
There's your price difference right there!

I would think the shorter winter would mean more motorcycle riding and more demand for bikes. I was thinking that was why they were more expensive in California, nice weather, can ride more, bikes wear out more, crash more, ect... so used bikes hold their value better.

crazymadbastard · February 11th, 2016, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoneyBadgerRy

I want to know where all of you live, I bought an 05 with fairings in really bad shape, a rashed exhaust, gummed up carbs, and the rear rim cocked to the maximum in the rear swingarm for ~$1050 and it was a good deal. I fixed all the mechanical problems, did a tune up, and the fairings are currently getting the body work done (will be painted green when I'm done.

gotta be patient and pounce on them when they come up.

February 9th, 2016, 09:47 PM	#1
refuge33 ninjette.org newbie Name: Bob Location: TEXAS Join Date: Feb 2016 Motorcycle(s): NONE Posts: 3	Need your advice and help please! Hello Ninja Gods! I am a old dude, used to race motocross and owned about 25 bikes total street and dirt. SO I got a guy who has a 2007 Ninja, it has 9,700 miles, fairing is cracked, dent in tank, lower fairing missing, seat torn, clutch is maxed out but still works. I rode it, brakes fair, no motor noises, ran good, shifted okay, so here is the deal. I got him talked down to $700 cash, it's legal, inspected and tagged, needs a back tire, lots of TLC, maybe a clutch, and the fairing fixed, and everything repainted. But it runs good, never got hot, and I need someone to talk me out of this please. I cannot see why not grab it, even if to fix it up a bit and flip it. Any and all advice is immensely appreciated, and God Bless, and thank you in advance. I wont have a lot of cash to put into it, but just asking if it's too good a deal to pass up, thanks again.

February 9th, 2016, 09:58 PM	#2
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	Welcome, Bob !!! Life is short, death is sure: do what makes you happy. If the engine sounds good, so is the deal. __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

February 9th, 2016, 10:04 PM	#3
SLOWn60 n00bie to wannabie Name: Bill Location: St Ives, BC (Shuswap Lake) Join Date: Sep 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2012 250R (Red), 2005 VFR800A (Red), CRF450X (Red), 2012 F800GS (Wants to be Red!) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Nov '15	Sorry Bob: can't help you and you've come to the wrong place! You'll have to find someone else to talk you out of it! How is it even possible to have had 25 bikes and now NONE?!? I call BS! __________________________________________________ The Smart Money: #1 - ATGATT, #2 - Training (machine skills and survival skills), #3 - The bike; whatever floats yer boat with the money you have left over

February 9th, 2016, 10:11 PM	#5
refuge33 ninjette.org newbie Name: Bob Location: TEXAS Join Date: Feb 2016 Motorcycle(s): NONE Posts: 3	Newbie The fairings cracked pretty good on the right at handlebars, might be glueable. Gas tank has small dent on right side, the stickers peel off, and clutch lets out late, seat is torn, 9,730 miles 2007, bottom fairing gone, has been dropped or layed down a few times, but drives straight, shifts crisply, got it up to 91mph, so as mentioned, don't got a lot of $, do know how to do minor things, maybe even replace clutch, it is tagged for a year, inspection due at end of month, so it's 11:00pm my time and he is texting me back, so want it, like it, but can't afford to lose out on it, and thanks again for any and all help.

February 9th, 2016, 10:11 PM	#6
crazymadbastard I'm crazy,your excuse is? Name: Winston Location: Connecticut Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250 2007 ninja Posts: A lot.	500 $ bike at most. Clutch job $300. Paint job is **. Even after fixing it, if bought @ 500 would not be worth the time money and effort put forth, in likelihood. But hey its a hobby so $ and doing sensible things rarely apply. Welcome to ninjette.org! __________________________________________________ My Cafe Racer Build My intro post**

February 9th, 2016, 11:04 PM	#7
Abu_Mishary The Asian Caucasian Name: Abu Mishary Mohd Fairus Location: Malaysia Join Date: Jan 2016 Motorcycle(s): Kawasaki Ninja 250 SE 2015 (sold); Honda ADV160 (current) Posts: 796 MOTM - Jan '17	9730 miles. I guess average a year the bike runs approx. around 1390 miles up to 2016. I guess it's a good buy. Welcome Bob!

February 10th, 2016, 02:11 AM	#8
Sarge1992 ninjette.org member Name: Ryan Location: Tampa, FL Join Date: Dec 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Kawasaki Ninja 650R Posts: 67	Honestly I have 2 pregen ninja 250s for sale near me for $700 each where the body is immaculate, but one needs carbs gone through and tuned up, and the other needs a stator. If I was buying the one you were looking at in hope of turning around and selling it, I wouldn't, seems like you'd be lucky to break even.

February 10th, 2016, 02:37 AM	#9
psych0hans ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Hansveer Location: Bombay, India Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r - Track whore, Ninja 300 - SOLD, KTM RC390 - Orange Hulk, Ducati 899 Panigale - Red Devil. Posts: A lot.	Offer him 300 and work your way up to 500 max... Looks like a nifty project to make a cafe racer or a track bike. Good Luck!!! p.s. I think you came to the wrong place if you wanted someone to dissuade you... lol __________________________________________________ GETTING BACK INTO RIDING? Read this.

February 10th, 2016, 07:43 AM	#11
jkv45 Rev Limiter Name: Jay Location: WI Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): '06 SV650n, '00 Derbi GPR, '64 CA77 Dream 305, '70 CL450 Scrambler, numerous dirt bikes Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jun '18, Oct '16	As others have said - $700 is too much. $500 may even be too much. We bought a 2004 250 with 250 miles, not running but in ex cond, for $750. We also bought one similar to what you are looking at, running but a cosmetic mess, for $150.

February 10th, 2016, 09:13 AM	#12
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	Welcome! Naw, I would pass on that $700 deal, for a couple of hundred maybe. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

February 10th, 2016, 09:58 AM	#13
DEFY ᗧ•••ᗣ•ᗣᗣ•••ᗣ Name: Nick Location: NY Join Date: Nov 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R and 2014 Triumph 675R Posts: A lot.	Welcome!!! __________________________________________________ Spoiler for topic: It might just be the [you] tag

February 10th, 2016, 10:55 AM	#14
Suki2003 Ninjette Lurker Name: Peter Location: Pittsburgh,PA Join Date: Jun 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Ninja EX250 (Cafe, Naked, Wreckurrected) Posts: 72	$500 or less, I got a 2003 ninja, ran great with new tires for 850. Fairings were in good shape, but custom paint was crap. Needed cleaned up, but super solid mechanically.

February 11th, 2016, 12:07 PM	#15
HoneyBadgerRy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ryan Location: Beaufort SC Join Date: Aug 2015 Motorcycle(s): 05 Ninja 250, 04 KTM 625 SMC, 01 Xc250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 3	I want to know where all of you live, I bought an 05 with fairings in really bad shape, a rashed exhaust, gummed up carbs, and the rear rim cocked to the maximum in the rear swingarm for ~$1050 and it was a good deal. I fixed all the mechanical problems, did a tune up, and the fairings are currently getting the body work done (will be painted green when I'm done. __________________________________________________ Because Unregistered sucks at riding.

February 11th, 2016, 01:59 PM	#25
VaFish ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Tom Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250, 2019 Harley Ultra Classic, 2001 Suzuki SV650 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '16	I'm just outside of Washington DC. Bought all 4 of my Ninjettes since Last July, $500 was the most expensive one and it was running fine with no problems. Here is a running one that looks to be in very nice condition for $1,000 http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/5438000117.html Here is an 02 for $1,100 http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...438106549.html Here is a new gen for $1,800 http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...442071578.html All those are asking prices and you can usually talk people down when you show up with cash. I've seen lots of others for cheaper. Just need to check Craig's List EVERY day. The cheap ones go fast. There are a lot more of them for higher prices, and the prices will go up as the weather gets nicer. End of summer and into the fall is the best time to buy. In about a month and a half will be perfect time to sell.

February 11th, 2016, 02:37 PM	#31
SLOWn60 n00bie to wannabie Name: Bill Location: St Ives, BC (Shuswap Lake) Join Date: Sep 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2012 250R (Red), 2005 VFR800A (Red), CRF450X (Red), 2012 F800GS (Wants to be Red!) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Nov '15	33 degrees North Virginia, 55 Seattle (pretty well all "winter" long!). There's your price difference right there! __________________________________________________ The Smart Money: #1 - ATGATT, #2 - Training (machine skills and survival skills), #3 - The bike; whatever floats yer boat with the money you have left over

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