August 7th, 2012, 02:21 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rich
Location: oahu
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 EX250 Posts: 13
|
New to the Kawasaki Family. What am I in for
Hello fellow Kawasaki owners. First time poster to this website, hope I am doing this right. I have been a motorcycle enthusiast for over 20 years. Recently came across a 2005 EX250 for $700. Owner said he had just bought it and it ran for 5 minutes then quit on him. He had taken it to 3 shops and they told him carbs are the problem. I offered to help him fix it, but he said he just wanted to get rid of it and not deal with it. So I figured why the hell not. So fellow owners what am I in for??? Below is what I have found so far in 20 minutes of work.
Stripped down the bike. Battery was dead- had next to no fluid in it. Filled with distilled water and it took a charge. I will use it now with plans to replace in the future if needed. Carbs- gunked up really bad with alot of crap in the bowls.- They will remain together(connected) but torn apart and properly cleaned, with plans to sync at a later date. Gas tank- had alot of crap in the inline filter I used when draining the gas. May have some rust inside of it from sitting. Airbox- pulled it back and noticed alot of oil draining out of it. Oil sight glass is full (engine cold as I havent ran it yet). Cylinders- upon pulling carbs I stuck my finger in both intakes. Left was dry, right was full of fuel. I pulled both spark plugs and hooked up battery and turned over engine and of course got the spray from the right cylinder. Then did a quick check for compression using the ole' finger over the hole, both felt ok. Will check compression at a later date... ***Transmission- This is the one that has me slightly worried that I may need to split the cases. It goes into first fine, but will not go into second gear at all. I have not pulled the clutch side case yet to look around and this is where I am coming to you tech experts for guidance. Pulling the engine and spliting cases in no way scares me as long as I have a manual for the bike, but I know that on some bikes there may just be a loose bolt or bent shift rod. So any suggestions here would be greatly appreciated. Also a quick question about the lights as I am new to this bike. Do the headlights come on after the bike starts or when the ignition is turned on? I have no headlight with just the ignition on and cranking over the bike. Would like to know if I have to fix this as well or if it is normal. Sorry for the long write up, I just like to be as thorough as possible when I explain stuff. I look forward to this project and your guidance here. Thanks for your time and go easy on me if I have bitten off more than I can chew. I like projects that is why I bought this thing. Elpato |
|
August 7th, 2012, 02:32 PM | #2 | ||||
I told you bro
Name: Noor
Location: Austin, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1996 Ninja 250r Posts: 680
|
Quote:
Quote:
Rust can be removed through many different methods. You can use abrasion or electrolysis. If you just have a couple specs of rust I wouldn't worry too much about it. Quote:
Quote:
|
||||
|
August 7th, 2012, 02:37 PM | #3 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rich
Location: oahu
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 EX250 Posts: 13
|
Quote:
I don't think the one cylinder was to dry as much as the float on the other one was stuck flooding it which could have caused a hydrolock of the cylinder causing a bent rod. I was glad I checked that before I cranked the engine. The tank I will use a vinegar/water/salt solution that I used on a previous metal tank to remove any rust. Airbox-filter was dry. I think the engine was overserviced with oil and run causing the crank case vent to vent oil into the airbox. It will be cleaned and the oil changed and serviced to the proper level. Thanks for the feedback on the front light. I was worried about the light not working, but now can put that worry at ease. The transmission not going into second is the only real concern I have at this point. |
|
|
August 7th, 2012, 02:39 PM | #4 | |
Jigglin' your Jiglets
Name: Sean
Location: San Jose, Ca
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 1
MOTM - Apr '13
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs |
|
|
August 7th, 2012, 02:43 PM | #5 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rich
Location: oahu
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 EX250 Posts: 13
|
Quote:
Jiggles you just put my mind at ease a little bit. No I literally saw this bike in the back of this guy's truck and bought it from him for $700. The bike overall is in excellent condition, so I figured for the amount and what needed to be done it was an ok deal. That combined with the fact that I like projects made me buy it. I had him follow me home and unload the bike into my garage where I proceeded to tear it down to parade rest. It has not run yet. I will give that a try though today and report back what I find out. Thanks for the input. |
|
|
August 7th, 2012, 02:44 PM | #6 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
|
+1 on neutral finder. Transmission is likely fine.
__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
|
August 7th, 2012, 02:45 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rich
Location: oahu
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 EX250 Posts: 13
|
Also while I am thinking about it. The fuel petcock does not appear to be stock and is stuck in place. In the manual it has what appears to be a vacuum line connected to the petcock, but mine has no place to connect a hose? Any leads on a stock fuel petcock? Thanks.
|
|
August 7th, 2012, 02:48 PM | #8 |
Que Buenos Son!!!
Name: Ryan
Location: Grovetucky, OH
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Nov '14
|
Welcome to the family elpato. Glad to hear your bringin the bike back to life, sad to see them just sitting in a garage. As far as being new to Kawi, there's a reason that the pre-gens, that's what we call the 88-07 model, were sold for 20 years. Cause they're a great little bike.
Cleaning the carbs should help solve some of your problems. Give her an oil change, I like Shell Rotella T-6 5w-40. Install an in-line fuel filter. You can get them at the local auto parts store, I think it's a 1/4 in line. Oil in the airbox is common with these bikes. It gets pushed into the airbox at high RPM. I'ts no big deal, just watch your oil level once you get it running. Also the bike won't shift into second unless you're moving, so I wouldn't worry about it until you get the bike running. Transmission failures are not common with theses bikes. If you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask, and once you get her shined up lets see some pics.
__________________________________________________
Don't do something because it's easy,.. Do it because it's not! If you aren't going forward, then you're falling behind. "Drive it like you stole it"!!! |
|
August 7th, 2012, 02:54 PM | #9 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rich
Location: oahu
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 EX250 Posts: 13
|
Quote:
I am an avid rider (not so much on the street) but have been away for awhile. My son is six and has ridden dirt bikes since he was 3. I plan on getting him on a track when he is old enough. But being stationed in Hawaii there are no tracks here . He is my mechanics assistant and tool getter for our new project. He will know more about fixing bikes by age 7 than most grown ups. And thats the way I like it. You all have a good one. I am off to lunch. Be back in a few. |
|
|
August 8th, 2012, 05:00 AM | #10 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
just buy a complete assembly and rebuild kit from ebay. |
|
|
August 8th, 2012, 05:08 AM | #11 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
don't buy a used petcock and rebuild kit. A brand new oem petcock is only $60 on cheapcycleparts.com. A rebuild kit alone is ~$30
Posted via Mobile Device |
|
August 8th, 2012, 05:59 AM | #12 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dave
Location: Lisle
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Goldwing GL1800, 2002 Ninja 250, 2001 VFR800, 1999 Ducati 996 Posts: 107
|
Quote:
PS....Welcome. |
|
|
August 8th, 2012, 07:26 AM | #13 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
|
|
|
August 8th, 2012, 12:31 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rich
Location: oahu
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 EX250 Posts: 13
|
Todays update and progress report... Frankenstein RUNS!!!!! Well sort of.
So I got the carbs disassembled and cleaned out. Blew out all the orfices with compressed air and re-assembled. I was ancy so I had to try and start it up. I tore apart and cleaned the fuel petcock and I definately do need to buy a new OEM one. Put some clean gas with inline filter and turned on the gas. Pulled the choke lever and hit the start button. Couple of turns and she fired right up! Thought I was the bee's knee's until the crank case breather hose started spewing a gas/oil mix like a fire hose. So I shut it down ASAP. It appears that the less than knowledgable P/O let the gas flow into the cylinder where it got by the rings and down into the cases. My plan now is to buy about three oil filter and two cases of oil. Drain the crap that is in there, fill it completely with oil and crank the bike over (with out starting it). Drain. Fill oil to proper level, run for 10 minutes, drain. Fill cases completely with oil crank bike over (without starting it) drain. Fill oil to proper level and go from there. I left it filled over night as I know that the gas will cause the oil to dissapate from the crank bearings. So it sits now awaiting a proper flushing of oil. I am figuring on fixing the oil buying a true fuel petcock and she should be ready to go. Wish me luck. Keep any suggestions coming as I am still learning about this bike. P.S. The light works fine. Still have to find out about second gear though as I haven't moved the bike yet. Hope everyone is having a good day. |
|
August 8th, 2012, 01:15 PM | #15 |
Que Buenos Son!!!
Name: Ryan
Location: Grovetucky, OH
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Nov '14
|
Sounds good. Keep us updated on your progress.
__________________________________________________
Don't do something because it's easy,.. Do it because it's not! If you aren't going forward, then you're falling behind. "Drive it like you stole it"!!! |
|
August 13th, 2012, 12:34 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rich
Location: oahu
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 EX250 Posts: 13
|
OK, so I used this weekend to try and finish up. Got all the bad oil out and new oil-x3 and filter installed. Got the bike mostly back together, fairings and rear wheel still off (airbox). Got some nice fresh gas in the tank. Bike fires right up, but has the slow to rev slow to fall. I will have to get back into the carbs and get that figured out. All vacuum lines are hooked up and or plugged. I have ordered an OEM petcock and am awaiting that to arrive. Bike still needs a complete cleaning and I found one seal by the water pump that needs to be replaced. Other than that this project is coming along niceley. I will continue to search the slow to rev slow to fall RPM issue more. I have found alot of threads about it, but with not alot of clear feed back on what the owners found the issue to be. I have not pulled the plugs and cleaned the air/fuel screws (like I should have done). That is where I am headed next. Still need to synch the carbs, but don't have a synching tool. I don't think that is where my problem lies either. I'm thinking it is still in the carbs needing another good cleaning or two. Hope everyone had a good weekend.
RIP- Ethio sorry to hear about this. Never like to hear of a fallen rider. |
|
August 13th, 2012, 04:25 PM | #17 |
MSF Coach!
Name: Lupe
Location: Antioch, Tennessee
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 ninja 250 Posts: 886
|
welcome, cant wait to see pics. the first bike i owned was a 01 ninja 250 that i built from scrap, took me a month but i loved it! you have any cosmetic changes planned? thats my fav part about pregens making them unique!
__________________________________________________
Hey Unregistered wanna ride the dragon? Ninjette group ride! May 16th-20th Join the Ride!!http://www.ninjette.org/forums/group.php?groupid=35 |
|
August 14th, 2012, 11:32 AM | #18 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rich
Location: oahu
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 EX250 Posts: 13
|
7oxSin no real plans to do anything with the bike. It is all stock and quite frankly that is the way I like bikes. I have a son who is into everything and that is where ALL my money goes. The fairings are in great condition with no scratches. Only things I have found wrong are the right foot peg is basically cut in half? And the fuel petcock was not stock and stuck in reserve. I have an OEM petcock on the way as well as some after market footpegs. I am still working on the RPM issue, but havent had alot of time to work on the bike lately.
|
|
August 14th, 2012, 12:19 PM | #19 |
MSF Coach!
Name: Lupe
Location: Antioch, Tennessee
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 ninja 250 Posts: 886
|
grats on getting a bike in great condition! as for your son modding ur cash away i mod mine like a poor man, i spent 30$ on repainting it 20$ on putting lights on it, 22$ on new break and clutch levers the old ones where broken, and 20$ on getting vinyls for it. but when i got mine fairing where cracked up one even split in 2 and it was the most god awful color along with tons of horrible looking vinyls and barb wire stickers all over it.
here is a before and after pic.
__________________________________________________
Hey Unregistered wanna ride the dragon? Ninjette group ride! May 16th-20th Join the Ride!!http://www.ninjette.org/forums/group.php?groupid=35 |
|
August 14th, 2012, 12:34 PM | #20 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rich
Location: oahu
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 EX250 Posts: 13
|
I thought the more stickers you had on it made them faster? Is this not the case? I would like to have a pipe on it. That is the one thing that I can't stand is the dual exhaust. A two into one would be better, but there is no way I'm putting one on this thing unless it's free...
|
|
August 14th, 2012, 12:40 PM | #21 | |
MSF Coach!
Name: Lupe
Location: Antioch, Tennessee
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 ninja 250 Posts: 886
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
Hey Unregistered wanna ride the dragon? Ninjette group ride! May 16th-20th Join the Ride!!http://www.ninjette.org/forums/group.php?groupid=35 |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
A new addition to the family | Apex | Off-Topic | 7 | March 13th, 2012 09:32 AM |
New Kawasaki in the family | SteveL | General Motorcycling Discussion | 17 | December 4th, 2011 06:57 PM |
[nytimes.com] - Family Feud Revs Up ?American Chopper? Ratings Family Feud Raises ?Am | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | February 7th, 2011 03:50 AM |
My new family member.. | scotty | Off-Topic | 11 | January 16th, 2011 06:21 PM |
Stayed in the family. | alfmoonspace | The Ex-Ninjetters Lair | 13 | November 8th, 2010 02:37 PM |
|
|