Looking to buy a used bike. got any tips?

Shu206 · August 6th, 2012, 08:57 PM

I decided the 250 is going to be my first bike. I've been looking through offers on Craigslist (seattle&tacoma), and I'm getting 3000$~4000$ for 2008+ 250 ninja's.
Of course they vary depending on miles or how well maintained they are but I was wondering what a decent price would be? Anything in particular I should look out for when checking out the bike?

Madman44 · August 6th, 2012, 09:37 PM

I basically posted the same questions about a week ago. A few veterans here gave me some helpful links about what to look for when buying used.
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...639#post537639
I just got my ninjette off of CL too. Be patient and you'll find the right one for the right deal.
Be sure to ask the owner about any maintenance or mods done on the bike. Listen to the bike start up from a cold start and then give it a test ride.
BTW I paid $3,250 for an 09 SE with sliders, no damage, and a few extras and I am rather pleased with that price.
Good luck on your search man!

Skid · August 6th, 2012, 11:22 PM

Around this time of the year is the best to purchase if shopping on CL imo. A lot of people returning to school seem to put their bikes up for sale in Aug - Sept.

Back in May/June, I couldn't find a ninja 250 that stayed up for sale for more than a few days on CL. Now, I am seeing a lot more listed for a cheaper price.

johnjohn · August 7th, 2012, 03:48 AM

Look for a older H model.

lgk · August 7th, 2012, 05:00 AM

i would get a cheap old gen as you first bike, you will probably drop it.

eta: wasn't trying to sound negative, but statistically its highly probable.

Shu206 · August 7th, 2012, 11:29 AM

Thanks guys! I think I'm going to go for a older model, I could probably get to riding sooner if I do. I still need to buy gear as well

lgk yeah I hear you, its pretty much inevitable

August 6th, 2012, 08:57 PM	#1
Shu206 ninjette.org newbie Name: Shu Location: Seattle Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): none yet Posts: 3	Looking to buy a used bike. got any tips? I decided the 250 is going to be my first bike. I've been looking through offers on Craigslist (seattle&tacoma), and I'm getting 3000$~4000$ for 2008+ 250 ninja's. Of course they vary depending on miles or how well maintained they are but I was wondering what a decent price would be? Anything in particular I should look out for when checking out the bike?

August 6th, 2012, 11:22 PM	#3
Skid troll bait Name: Brian Location: Marina Del Rey, CA Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250EF Posts: 72	nb Around this time of the year is the best to purchase if shopping on CL imo. A lot of people returning to school seem to put their bikes up for sale in Aug - Sept. Back in May/June, I couldn't find a ninja 250 that stayed up for sale for more than a few days on CL. Now, I am seeing a lot more listed for a cheaper price.

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August 6th, 2012, 09:37 PM	#2
Madman44 ninjette.org guru Name: Martin Location: California Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 250r Posts: 291	I basically posted the same questions about a week ago. A few veterans here gave me some helpful links about what to look for when buying used. http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...639#post537639 I just got my ninjette off of CL too. Be patient and you'll find the right one for the right deal. Be sure to ask the owner about any maintenance or mods done on the bike. Listen to the bike start up from a cold start and then give it a test ride. BTW I paid $3,250 for an 09 SE with sliders, no damage, and a few extras and I am rather pleased with that price. Good luck on your search man!

August 7th, 2012, 03:48 AM	#4
johnjohn ninjette.org member Name: John Location: Caledonia, Ontario, Canada Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): Honda, Buell, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha Posts: 170	Look for a older H model.

August 7th, 2012, 05:00 AM	#5
lgk ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.	i would get a cheap old gen as you first bike, you will probably drop it. eta: wasn't trying to sound negative, but statistically its highly probable.

August 7th, 2012, 11:29 AM	#6
Shu206 ninjette.org newbie Name: Shu Location: Seattle Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): none yet Posts: 3	Thanks guys! I think I'm going to go for a older model, I could probably get to riding sooner if I do. I still need to buy gear as well lgk yeah I hear you, its pretty much inevitable