Value added or not?

[Little Green Machine]

I have a question to ask all of you experts out there. My wife and I are discussing what value if any, adding a fender eliminator will add or take away from the bike.

I currently have the stock fender on my 2011 SE, and wanted to modify it to get rid of that horrendous looking rear fender. If I add a fender eliminator kit or do it myself, would it have the same resale value when I sell the bike or will it increase or decrease?

Looking for your input on this?

[Alex]

It won't affect it much either way, unless putting it in requires damaging the rear plastics much.

[Vergil]

Generally, you never really get back what you put into for mods. Especially on a 250 since its a starter bike for a lot of folks, they really prefer stock.

[choneofakind]

Mods don't add value to the 250.

But the FE is pretty minimal and certainly won't detract from the value of the bike.

[Little Green Machine]

So, if i put a name brand FE on, like Hotbodies, would that be better or worse than doing it myself by cutting the fender?

I suppose it will depend on the person who buys it when that time comes, if he/she wants that particular brand, they will be more apt to buy it over another offer?

[Soujyu]

In terms of value, you're only out a few bucks, and it doesn't add or subtract from the value.

(Granted, my opinion of fender elimination is the same as exhaust modification, but this is not as bad money-wise.)

[bfpower]

Originally Posted by Little Green Machine

So, if i put a name brand FE on, like Hotbodies, would that be better or worse than doing it myself by cutting the fender?

That's an interesting thought. I'd say you'll probably not lose value with the Hotbodies, but I bet you do if you cut the stock fender. When I was buying mine, I wouldn't have paid more for a FE, but I would have paid less if the original parts were 'damaged.'

[Old Guy on a '08]

If you put the kit on and keep the stock one you can replace the kit and resell it... a few extra bucks for your time.

For my money the FE is one of the more desireable mods...

I'm with Virgil, you won't get money back out of most mods unless you find somebody thats just gongo over your bike.

Don't do a lot of mods if you pan to sell within the next 2-4 years... if it's a keeper mod the hell out of it and enjoy it.

[Little Green Machine]

Well, once upon a time it was not going to be a keeper, but thats a different story. As for now, I plan to keep it till the wheels fall off or worse! I want to upgrade it to a fenderless bike, i dont really want to cut it, so that I can save it when I sell it.

The question has been answered by all of you that I felt was the best option, modding it is primarily for me, and there would be no real value added, unless the next person likes the mod. Since I have already modded my gearing, I may be doomed for that alone, so cosmetics probably wont be much of a factor.

[Jiggles]

IMO when I'm looking for a bike, stupid dumbshit mods like this detract the amount of money I'm willing to spend. I was willing to pay MORE for a bike that was 100% stock because everyone likes to take a hacksaw to the bike to make it look better. No you didn't make it look better, it looks like u took a turd on a cake and I don't want a slice.

Now if you are going to add actual useful **** like say an area P pipe or maybe heated grips or actual useful integrated stuff that doesn't look like something a stupid 18yr old would put on there then that can actually add value anywhere from 0-50% of what mod you put on.

Think about it, integrated heated grips? People will either not care or love it. Fender eliminator? People will either think it looks like **** or love it.

Anyway, expect any mod you do to devalue the bike, then you won't be dissapointed when you try to sell it for 4k and I only offer you 2.5k

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

stuff that doesn't look like something a stupid 18yr old would put on there

haha hey now! My bike looks more tasteful than some here.

[Cazper]

Do mods that are reversable... I have every stock piece I took off of my bike. Also, any of the stock pieces that I "damaged" I ordered a new stock part or got one from another member that was selling said stock part. I don't neccessarily plan to sell mine, but if I do... I'll return it to stock and sell the aftermarket stuff on here. You'll never get more money for modding your bike.

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by Cazper

Do mods that are reversable... .

That

[dirty nasty]

Mods take away from the value of anything. Why would I want to buy YOUR modifications that YOU like? I want modifications that I like or want. If you modify, cool. If you want re-sale I would keep all your original bits and pieces and install them all when it comes time to sell. Sell the bike with the aftermarket stuff, or sell it separately.

[koenigcitizen]

Originally Posted by dirty nasty

Mods take away from the value of anything. Why would I want to buy YOUR modifications that YOU like? I want modifications that I like or want.

Thats exactly how I feel about mods. I really dont care about $700 you spent in aftermarket parts. Unless its the same mod I would have done, I really don't care about it

[choneofakind]

I kept almost all of my stock parts. I likely won't do the work to swap them back onto the bike if I sell, but I'll box them up nicely and send them with the new owner.

[Felipe the Ant]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

haha hey now! My bike looks more tasteful than some here.

Yeah your bike looks awesome going down the road.

As far as a fender eliminator, most people hate the stock fender. I think it'd be rare to find someone who is upset about it. As long as it looks clean and you retain the hooks I think you'll be fine. Not sure about adding value but it's a small price to pay for a mod that you want.

[Jiggles]

I'd be upset with how ****** of a job many people do with it

[alex.s]

my opinion: if im buying a bike, i dont want a bike that has been customized for someone else.

[eddiekay]

I recently bought a used '11 with the FE. Went to hang my helmet off the hooks a few days ago...no more hooks. Might be a small inconvenience but is is definite inconvenience.

[Old Guy on a '08]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

I'd be upset with how ****** of a job many people do with it

S***y stuff Like Unregistered did to their bike.....

[exploring/carolina]

Will probably make a fender eliminator and install bar end mirrors on the Ninja.

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by exploring/carolina

Will probably make a fender eliminator and install bar end mirrors on the Ninja.

This product is great quality: http://www.saylorspecialties.com/FenderEliminator.html

not as cheap as doing the fender hacking yourself, but it looks a lot better imho, and is reversible if you decide to sell it as a stock bike.

Just check out my photo albums on my profile if you want to see pictures of it

[exploring/carolina]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

This product is great quality: http://www.saylorspecialties.com/FenderEliminator.html

not as cheap as doing the fender hacking yourself, but it looks a lot better imho, and is reversible if you decide to sell it as a stock bike.

Just check out my photo albums on my profile if you want to see pictures of it

Nice looking mod for a good price. Will install one this winter.

Thanks,

Bill

[Felipe the Ant]

Originally Posted by Old Guy on a '08

S***y stuff Like Unregistered did to their bike.....

I never got around to refining it, I just wanted to cut off most of the ugliness

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by Felipe the Ant

I never got around to refining it, I just wanted to cut off most of the ugliness

Next summer, We'll clean it up with a file and a blowtorch.

[exploring/carolina]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

This product is great quality: http://www.saylorspecialties.com/FenderEliminator.html

not as cheap as doing the fender hacking yourself, but it looks a lot better imho, and is reversible if you decide to sell it as a stock bike.

Just check out my photo albums on my profile if you want to see pictures of it

Good advice.

Purchased a Saylor Specialties fender eliminator for the 99 Ninja 250. It came with a new fiberglass fender & license plate bracket. Used the original rear brake light housing and installed turn signals in the empty LH & RH sockets. Purchased the light bulbs & holders at the local auto parts.

[choneofakind]

Your little green lady looks good there Bill.

I've still had no issues with mine and I love how it looks.

[Old Guy on a '08]

That little green ninja runs good too... don't try to keep up with Bill unless you've got some track time.

[choneofakind]

I'm working on getting more track time. I'm not too shabby for a track noob, but I have a looooong way to go.

I just ride slow on the street.

[himynameisjoe]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

I'm working on getting more track time. I'm not too shabby for a track noob, but I have a looooong way to go.

I just ride slow on the street.

Awesome answer! and completely respectable!

[Old Guy on a '08]

Originally Posted by Old Guy on a '08

That little green ninja runs good too... don't try to keep up with Bill unless you've got some track time.

And Bill is one of us "Old Guys"