What to look for when buying used?

Madman44 · July 27th, 2012, 12:39 AM

Hey!
I tried to use the search bar for this, but didn't find much. I'll be going to look at a ninjette off of craigslist in a few days (potential first motorcycle) and was wondering what kinda things I should check and look out for.

I understand that I should check the tires for tread and make sure the rims aren't bent anywhere. I also know to ask about the breaks but what else?

I'd like to make a list of things to check so if you guys have anything too look out for please let me know.

I would also like to know how to check things. For example the sprockets. I know that I should check them but what exactly should I look for? Missing/worn teeth? How to do I know if a chain is no good? Thanks.

Jiggles · July 27th, 2012, 12:41 AM

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...ycle+checklist

Madman44 · July 27th, 2012, 12:50 AM

I guess I didn't look hard enough... Thanks Jiggles.

Jiggles · July 27th, 2012, 01:04 AM

Sometimes you just gotta know what words to look for. If the ninjette search doesn't work for you try googling site:ninjette.org question

My experience has been if you're looking for the title of the thread use ninjettes search, if you are looking for the content in the thread but have no idea of the title use google

Old Lemon · July 27th, 2012, 11:13 AM

Make sure its green. If its not it has a bent frame

Madman44 · July 27th, 2012, 12:16 PM

What if it's an 09 SE with black,white, AND green?

ARc · July 27th, 2012, 01:19 PM

Just make sure bike is as advertised.

People always say they didn't drop the bike, and when you show up, there are deep scratches on the engine/frame/frame slider.

Lies.

dirty nasty · July 28th, 2012, 06:36 AM

Non-OEM/poor quality parts.
Non-original/incorrect hardware.
Stripped hardware.
Rusted on/corroded parts nuts/bolts.
Leaks/build up fluid on parts of the bike.
General condition.
Condition of expendables (tires, brake pads, chain, sprockets)

That's all I've got for now.

Madman44 · July 28th, 2012, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirty nasty

Non-OEM/poor quality parts.
Non-original/incorrect hardware.
Stripped hardware.
Rusted on/corroded parts nuts/bolts.
Leaks/build up fluid on parts of the bike.
General condition.
Condition of expendables (tires, brake pads, chain, sprockets)

That's all I've got for now.

Thanks for the tips Dirty!
Here's another question: When checking the brake pads do I have to take apart the caliper to see the pads? Or is there something to look out for when applying them during the test rides? Thanks.

dirty nasty · July 28th, 2012, 01:32 PM

Well, testing the brakes is obviously important, as you know. You should be able to see how much pad material is on the pads. Bring a small pen sized flash light to see the pad material.

Service records or asking about how it was maintained is good. However, I usually don't ask for this. Generally, well taken care of bikes will show their excellent condition all over.

The worst thing to do is to get over excited and skip over something. It's only a motorcycle. There are lots of them for sale all the time all over the world. Listen to everything the seller has to say about the bike very carefully and do not be afraid to ask questions. Even if they sound really dumb, such as "did you ever change the oil?". I'll usually ask troll questions too to find out if the owner was an idiot who beat on it carelessly, or beat on it, but kept it in great service.

BlackNinja8 · July 28th, 2012, 02:29 PM

If you are not familiar with motorcycles and you cannot have it inspected by someone who is, the simplist thing to check would be the cosmetic condition of the plastics and the chain. Someone who has not cleaned their bike in order to sell it likely has not cleaned it much in the past. While a dirty bike doesn't mean it is mechanically unsound, it does tell you a bit about how it was cared for. Likewise, if the chain is rusted, chipped, or otherwise uncared for then that likely means the bike in general wasn't well maintained since that is one of the easiest, and most frequently required maintenance items.

These things are just flags that let you know to ask further questions and do not necessarily mean there is anything wrong with it. Checking brakes, tires, etc. will give you an idea of how much money you may need to put into it in the near future and may give you additional flexibility to negotiate.

Jiggles · July 28th, 2012, 02:37 PM

I have only ever washed my bike once, and that once to take pictures of it to sell it

Madman44 · July 28th, 2012, 09:45 PM

Thanks for the great tips!
Here's another one: Is 2,400 miles too low for a 2009? Are there ways to tamper with/adjust the ninjette's odometer?

Little Green Machine · July 28th, 2012, 09:52 PM

First and foremost, assume that a used bike has been dropped at least once. Look for anything leaking or seeping from any place on the bike. Best thing to do is just what Jiggles said, use the checkout form.

dirty nasty · July 29th, 2012, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madman44

Thanks for the great tips!
Here's another one: Is 2,400 miles too low for a 2009? Are there ways to tamper with/adjust the ninjette's odometer?

2400 miles isn't too low for a 2009. I bought my 2000 this year (meaning the bike is twelve years old) with 2845 miles on it. I'm sure there are ways to tamper with the ODO, but I HIGHLY doubt you would ever see that, especially on a Ninja 250. Maybe on a rare collector bike.

JustRidin · July 30th, 2012, 08:14 PM

Remember, in terms of mileage on a bike, there is no "minimum" they would get in a year. Many people buy bikes just for the occasional ride, or buy them with the intent to ride, but just don't end up liking it as much as they thought they would. Consequently many bikes may only have a couple hundred miles a year put on (or none) until the owner finally decides to sell.

Bottom line. An 09' with under 3k is not a big deal.

Madman44 · July 30th, 2012, 08:19 PM

Thanks for the advice guys. I met up with the seller yesterday and ended up buying the bike.

July 27th, 2012, 12:39 AM	#1
Madman44 ninjette.org guru Name: Martin Location: California Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 250r Posts: 291	What to look for when buying used? Hey! I tried to use the search bar for this, but didn't find much. I'll be going to look at a ninjette off of craigslist in a few days (potential first motorcycle) and was wondering what kinda things I should check and look out for. I understand that I should check the tires for tread and make sure the rims aren't bent anywhere. I also know to ask about the breaks but what else? I'd like to make a list of things to check so if you guys have anything too look out for please let me know. I would also like to know how to check things. For example the sprockets. I know that I should check them but what exactly should I look for? Missing/worn teeth? How to do I know if a chain is no good? Thanks.

July 27th, 2012, 12:41 AM	#2
Jiggles 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	http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...ycle+checklist __________________________________________________ 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

July 27th, 2012, 01:04 AM	#4
Jiggles 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	Sometimes you just gotta know what words to look for. If the ninjette search doesn't work for you try googling site:ninjette.org question My experience has been if you're looking for the title of the thread use ninjettes search, if you are looking for the content in the thread but have no idea of the title use google __________________________________________________ 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

July 27th, 2012, 01:19 PM	#7
ARc Revolver Wario Name: Jeffrey Location: La Palma, CA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Ninja 250 Posts: 198 Logo Dude	Just make sure bike is as advertised. People always say they didn't drop the bike, and when you show up, there are deep scratches on the engine/frame/frame slider. Lies. __________________________________________________

July 28th, 2012, 02:37 PM	#12
Jiggles 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	I have only ever washed my bike once, and that once to take pictures of it to sell it __________________________________________________ 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

July 27th, 2012, 12:50 AM	#3
Madman44 ninjette.org guru Name: Martin Location: California Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 250r Posts: 291	I guess I didn't look hard enough... Thanks Jiggles.

July 27th, 2012, 11:13 AM	#5
Old Lemon Lays er down Name: Michael Location: Maryland Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Lime green Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Make sure its green. If its not it has a bent frame

July 27th, 2012, 12:16 PM	#6
Madman44 ninjette.org guru Name: Martin Location: California Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 250r Posts: 291	What if it's an 09 SE with black,white, AND green?

July 28th, 2012, 06:36 AM	#8
dirty nasty ninjette.org sage Name: Karl Location: MA Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Kwak Ninja 250 and 1998 Yamaha YZ400F Posts: 534	Non-OEM/poor quality parts. Non-original/incorrect hardware. Stripped hardware. Rusted on/corroded parts nuts/bolts. Leaks/build up fluid on parts of the bike. General condition. Condition of expendables (tires, brake pads, chain, sprockets) That's all I've got for now.

July 28th, 2012, 01:32 PM	#10
dirty nasty ninjette.org sage Name: Karl Location: MA Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Kwak Ninja 250 and 1998 Yamaha YZ400F Posts: 534	Well, testing the brakes is obviously important, as you know. You should be able to see how much pad material is on the pads. Bring a small pen sized flash light to see the pad material. Service records or asking about how it was maintained is good. However, I usually don't ask for this. Generally, well taken care of bikes will show their excellent condition all over. The worst thing to do is to get over excited and skip over something. It's only a motorcycle. There are lots of them for sale all the time all over the world. Listen to everything the seller has to say about the bike very carefully and do not be afraid to ask questions. Even if they sound really dumb, such as "did you ever change the oil?". I'll usually ask troll questions too to find out if the owner was an idiot who beat on it carelessly, or beat on it, but kept it in great service.

July 28th, 2012, 02:29 PM	#11
BlackNinja8 ninjette.org guru Name: NJ Location: Westchester, NY Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250R (Sold); 2012 Vulcan 900; 2009 Harley Iron 883; 2004 SV650s; and a bunch of others over the years... Posts: 470	If you are not familiar with motorcycles and you cannot have it inspected by someone who is, the simplist thing to check would be the cosmetic condition of the plastics and the chain. Someone who has not cleaned their bike in order to sell it likely has not cleaned it much in the past. While a dirty bike doesn't mean it is mechanically unsound, it does tell you a bit about how it was cared for. Likewise, if the chain is rusted, chipped, or otherwise uncared for then that likely means the bike in general wasn't well maintained since that is one of the easiest, and most frequently required maintenance items. These things are just flags that let you know to ask further questions and do not necessarily mean there is anything wrong with it. Checking brakes, tires, etc. will give you an idea of how much money you may need to put into it in the near future and may give you additional flexibility to negotiate.

July 28th, 2012, 09:45 PM	#13
Madman44 ninjette.org guru Name: Martin Location: California Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 250r Posts: 291	Thanks for the great tips! Here's another one: Is 2,400 miles too low for a 2009? Are there ways to tamper with/adjust the ninjette's odometer?

July 28th, 2012, 09:52 PM	#14
Little Green Machine Love my kittehs! Name: Bill Location: San Tan Valley, AZ Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R SE Posts: 266	First and foremost, assume that a used bike has been dropped at least once. Look for anything leaking or seeping from any place on the bike. Best thing to do is just what Jiggles said, use the checkout form. __________________________________________________ Do you play on XBL? Do you play Halo 4 or COD Black Ops 2? PM me and I will give you my gamertag!

July 30th, 2012, 08:14 PM	#16
JustRidin ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Denver, CO Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 R6, 2015 KTM 250XC - Past: 2011 KTM 150XC, 2009 Ninja 250r, 2012 Ninja 650, 2007 CRF250R Posts: 194	Remember, in terms of mileage on a bike, there is no "minimum" they would get in a year. Many people buy bikes just for the occasional ride, or buy them with the intent to ride, but just don't end up liking it as much as they thought they would. Consequently many bikes may only have a couple hundred miles a year put on (or none) until the owner finally decides to sell. Bottom line. An 09' with under 3k is not a big deal. __________________________________________________ Try it, you might like it.

July 30th, 2012, 08:19 PM	#17
Madman44 ninjette.org guru Name: Martin Location: California Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 250r Posts: 291	Thanks for the advice guys. I met up with the seller yesterday and ended up buying the bike.

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