So I’m fixing up my 250 and have some questions...

blanzer · March 8th, 2020, 11:45 AM

Hi all,

I owned this bike for several years. Long story short frame was cracking so I had to buy new one but then just bought a new bike instead. I’m currently trying to fix her up now. Frame swapped a long time ago, but I wanted some tips or any information you think I’ll need. It’s been sitting for quite some time. Last time I started it was like 2 years ago and I had done an oil change. Should I replace all fluids? Anything specific I should be looking out for?

DannoXYZ · March 8th, 2020, 01:17 PM

Wow, I don't think I've ever seen cracked frame. Was it rusty around cracked area?
No need to change oil or coolant if bike hasn't been run.

Did you drain float-bowls in carbs before storage?

If not, you'll most likely need thorough carb-cleaning and restoration. Search for "clean carbs ducatiman" to see common issues with bikes that sit for long time. Also solution to common problems in those threads as well.

Also don't try to ride bike with clogged carbs, you can destroy engine. Test first by seeing how it idles, rev it in neutral, does it rev easily to redline? Then do gentle rides with small throttle openings and look for stumbles.

blanzer · March 9th, 2020, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannoXYZ

Wow, I don't think I've ever seen cracked frame. Was it rusty around cracked area?
No need to change oil or coolant if bike hasn't been run.

Did you drain float-bowls in carbs before storage?

If not, you'll most likely need thorough carb-cleaning and restoration. Search for "clean carbs ducatiman" to see common issues with bikes that sit for long time. Also solution to common problems in those threads as well.

Also don't try to ride bike with clogged carbs, you can destroy engine. Test first by seeing how it idles, rev it in neutral, does it rev easily to redline? Then do gentle rides with small throttle openings and look for stumbles.

I can’t recall if there was rust but it was cracked on both sides near the front and was almost competent broken on one side so the front end would’ve collapsed eventually lol. Yeah I went into this knowing I have to clean the carbs. Last time I worked on the bike I cleaned them and the bike wouldn’t stay on without the choke even when warmed up so I wasn’t sure what the problem was. Maybe the idle?

DannoXYZ · March 9th, 2020, 08:27 PM

Search for “clean carbs ducatiman” for common clogged carb symptoms and how to fix them. Modern spray carb-cleaners don’t work any better than pee due to removal of chlorinated compounds. You need radioactive caustic solvents in ultrasonic bath. Along with numerous scrub brushes and guitar wire of appropriate diameter for poking. Finally clean up with micro soda-blasting@ 10000psi.

The idea is to clean every single surface from beginning to end along with replacing all rubber parts with new. Then you can be assured bike will run like the day it left showroom floor.

March 8th, 2020, 11:45 AM	#1
blanzer ninjette.org member Name: Nicholas Location: Venice Join Date: Mar 2020 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 46	So I’m fixing up my 250 and have some questions... Hi all, I owned this bike for several years. Long story short frame was cracking so I had to buy new one but then just bought a new bike instead. I’m currently trying to fix her up now. Frame swapped a long time ago, but I wanted some tips or any information you think I’ll need. It’s been sitting for quite some time. Last time I started it was like 2 years ago and I had done an oil change. Should I replace all fluids? Anything specific I should be looking out for?

March 8th, 2020, 01:17 PM	#2
DannoXYZ ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: AKA JacRyann Location: Mesa, AZ Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17	Wow, I don't think I've ever seen cracked frame. Was it rusty around cracked area? No need to change oil or coolant if bike hasn't been run. Did you drain float-bowls in carbs before storage? If not, you'll most likely need thorough carb-cleaning and restoration. Search for "clean carbs ducatiman" to see common issues with bikes that sit for long time. Also solution to common problems in those threads as well. Also don't try to ride bike with clogged carbs, you can destroy engine. Test first by seeing how it idles, rev it in neutral, does it rev easily to redline? Then do gentle rides with small throttle openings and look for stumbles.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
New 250 owner Troubleshooting Questions	JackTheAlbatross	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	33	February 23rd, 2019 09:05 PM
08+ Ninja 250 Flywheel Puller Questions	abhijitz	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	19	May 11th, 2014 10:17 AM
2008 Ninja 250 petcock questions	jus4fun	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	3	February 21st, 2012 04:51 AM
Fixing up a damaged 250.	Cheezeburger	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	9	October 5th, 2009 07:12 PM
2005 250 ninja questions...please help	fiberoptx	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	22	September 6th, 2009 11:01 AM

March 9th, 2020, 08:27 PM	#4
DannoXYZ ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: AKA JacRyann Location: Mesa, AZ Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17	Search for “clean carbs ducatiman” for common clogged carb symptoms and how to fix them. Modern spray carb-cleaners don’t work any better than pee due to removal of chlorinated compounds. You need radioactive caustic solvents in ultrasonic bath. Along with numerous scrub brushes and guitar wire of appropriate diameter for poking. Finally clean up with micro soda-blasting@ 10000psi. The idea is to clean every single surface from beginning to end along with replacing all rubber parts with new. Then you can be assured bike will run like the day it left showroom floor.