2005 ninja 250 with 18k miles for new rider

[weltall31]

Hello, im trying to get a used 05 ninja 250 with 18k miles on it for $1k, do you guys think its worth it? Or should i just pass it up. Thanks in advance for the input

[LittleRedNinjette]

weltall31! Glad you found us...

[Ghostt]

The Ninjette is a solid little bike, easy to work, cheap parts and plenty of potential for a little money invested.

I've owned bikes, big and small, and I enjoy my Ninjette, SERENITY.

If you do get it depending on your weight I would suggest upgrading the suspension, it's the best bang for the buck, thanks to the parts from a NewGen 08&up bolt on, no modifying needed.

And now here's my standard greeting

Welcome, here are just a few things to think about,

1.Get trained and licensed MSF Courses

2.ALWAYS Wear protective gear -- ATGATT All The Gear, All The Time -- including a helmet manufactured to the standards set by a government agency.

3.ALWAYS Ride unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs

4.ALWAYS Ride within your own skill limits and road conditions.

5.Be a lifelong learner by taking refresher rider courses, and advanced rider course A.R.C.

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=218237

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...8&postcount=26

A.T.G.A.T.T. so I may ride another day.

Link to original page on YouTube.

Link to original page on YouTube.
Notice how the right shoulder seemed to tear?

[weltall31]

Thank you for the tips and warm welcome! Still debating if i should get it. So you are saying that the 08 and up parts would fit perfectly with the 07 and below?

[CaliGrrl]

Guess that depends on what kind of shape it's in but the price and age are about what I got mine for.

[Ghostt]

Originally Posted by weltall31

Thank you for the tips and warm welcome! Still debating if i should get it. So you are saying that the 08 and up parts would fit perfectly with the 07 and below?

Some parts do, most don't.

The NewGen has a better rear shock, and stiffer fork springs than the PreGen does, unless you weigh a about 100lbs, the PreGen just doesn't cut suspension wise.

Upgrading the suspension is a great way to enjoy this bike, add some better tires and it's excellent in the twisties, and on the open roads.


The price depends on the shape of the bike, mileage, any modifications, etc....

I know around here they go anywhere from 1k to 2,5k but it's the middle of the season.

As I said the bike is a solid choice, and I'm happy with mine, I'm on my third season, and out over 12 k miles on it, it now about 39k total miles.

Easy to maintain, easy enough to work on(depending on your skills), and there's a ton of parts out there EBay, here in the sale section, etc... Kawasaki made the bike with no changes for 19 years!!! That's almost unheard of, for anything!!!

Modifying it there's no limit, just look at my blog link below. I've made a PreGen my own bike the way I like it, and still tinkering with it, a never-ending quest if you will, best part is it didn't cost a lot to do, most of it is cheap, and free, just time invested.

And this is one of the best forums on the net for motorcycles, let alone the Ninjette.

Our friends over at ninja250.org have probably the best Wikipedia for the Ninjette.
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Main_Page

In the end it's yours choice, and money, if your asking is it a fun, great little bike, then yes it is, and fully capable of anything the bigger bikes can do on the roads.

I have ridden mine 12 hours straight at interstate speeds, cruise back roads, carved some too. I'm 50 years old, about 6'3" @ 225 lbs with full gear.

But if your looking for a land missile to shatter speed records then obviously it's not the bike for that.

Put a skilled rider on a properly set up Ninjette, and they will hold there own in the twisties, and the track, small, light, and agile. I'm sure some of the track crowd will agree with me.


Here's my ongoing project, hopes this helps you see the potential, and fun you can have, the possibility are endless, stock, modified, race, naked, cafe' racer.

Back in May 2014, I picked up a 98 with 27k miles on it for a great price. The P.O. did nothing except put gas in it, and changed the oil, I think, he did this for about 20k of the total miles.

Needless to say it needed a lot of TLC. I am no stranger to rebuilding bikes, I did my 91 EX500 which was a basket case for sure to say the least, here is the link to see that build:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1006527...JCB6ffS-973wgE

With that said I went through the bike, repairing, replacing, & modifying as I went, with the exception of the engine/transmission that seems solid no noises or smoke.

Here is a link to the evolution as told by pictures.
https://picasaweb.google.com/1006527...IDXyZXyoe2m0QE

Work performed as of 07/2016

Cut and set sag front fork springs(springs from a Ninja 500 1st generation, rate is .85kg/mm )

Replace fork oil 15wt synthetic

Install new fork seals and dust caps

Replace rear shock(zx600c)

Replace shock oil 15wt synthetic

Change gears +1/-2(15/43)

Rebuild/tune carbs, adjust idle mixture

K&N air filter

New brake pads F&R EBC extreme HH

New Wave front rotor

Used OEM rear rotor

Rebuilt calipers

Modified OEM seat(gel/foam insert, Custom Seat Creation cover solo line cf silver/cf metal, heated kit)

Extra heavy bar ends(3"/23oz)

Heated grips w/ foam covers

Touring windscreen / 7 JuRock 18" 73%tint w/ flip

Shorter bar risers(OEM ZX600c, lower bars about 1 1/2")

Removed paint from rims, bare aluminum

Bridgestone BT-45s w/ Dynabeads

Stainless steel allen head fasteners

Stainless steel braided brake lines

Shorty adjustable levers

HD clutch springs

Charge/voltage LED indicator

LED clock

HID headlight(55w 5k)

Replaced all other bulbs with CREE LEDs

DIY integrated tail light kit w/clear lens

DIY rear fender elimination

DIY licence plate mount(LEDs to illuminate the plate/red LEDs tied into brake light)

Brake light modulator

Maintenance free gel battery

Compact air horn

2007 Complete OEM fairing set silver

Genuine imitation carbon fiber wrap misc parts

Reflective custom graphics ZX-2R silver

Reflective custom graphic NINJA red(taillight lens)

Reflective rim tape silver

Electronic turn indicator relay

Replace front side reflectors with flush mount turn indicators LEDs

Installed oil cooler

Strip paint off grab handle, bare aluminum alloy.*

Custom reflective graphic "SERENITY" for windscreen silver

Aluminum chain guard from Suzuki Bandit 1200

Swing arm plugs from 08 Ninja 250

Mad Hornets Turn Signal Indicators w/duel color Cree LEDs(amber/white)

FH020 R/R modification

Digital gear indicator

Universal Rear View Side Mirror Rain Board Sun Visor Shade Shield

Kawasaki ZRX1200 lowered foot pegs

OEM upgrade shift spring

Titanium fasteners, rotor and caliper bolts, sprocket nuts.

All this and full maintenance and rebuild everything else except the motor. I'm sure I'm forget some stuff, but you get the idea

Day of purchasing


Tear it down inspection


Freshly done


Final product

Happy hunting.

[weltall31]

That is just awesome! Thank you sir! Now you motivate me to get one and make it my own! Congrats on that build! It turned out really good! I appreciate it sir!

[Ghostt]

No problem, as I stated a lot of the modifications are easy, cheap, some are free, and just your work.

Depending on your wants, needs and mechanical skill level it can be done without breaking your bank.

Keep in mind that no matter what kind of used bike you get, there's always maintenance work to be done, change oil and filter, flush fluids, braking system, tires.

Never assume that the previous owner cared for it. These are entry-level bikes, people buy them, learn, some make mistakes, and the sell them, some without performing any maintenance whatsoever. Unless the previous owner can provide solid documentation, then assume that nothing has been done. This goes for any vehicle, especially motorcycles.

Some of the most overlooked items are, valve adjustment, caliper maintenance, drive chain/sprockets, flushing coolant, flushing brake fluid.

Most of these items are easley done, if not all depending on your skills, personally the valve adjustment is probably the hardest to do out of all, depending on your skills.

[Snake]

Hello and welcome!

[snot]

Welcome

[VaFish]

Welcome,

$1,100 is a decent price depending upon condition.

Around hear a running pregen goes for $1,000 to $1,700 this time of year. Non running at the end of the season $300-$500.

[spent_too_much]

I have purchased several 250s in the last couple of years. Without pics / description of condition, the price seems right. The single most important thing to look for, and negotiate with, is the tires. The general opinion is older than a few years - replace them. My experience has been around $200 for 2 tires, dismount / disposal / mount / balance. Ninja 250 faq is an excellent site for ALL of the maintenence advice and how-tos to go thru it and be safe.

BTw, the newer 250 / 300 rear shock just bolts right in, and is around $30 from eBay. Front springs are around $100 for a pair, plus $15 for fork oil. You may need new front seals. Not expensive ( $20 ? ), but a few hours work - after watching a few YouTube videos.

Good luck!

[csmith12]

Welcome!

[Triple Jim]

The '05 I bought last year was similar in price and miles, and was in pretty good mechanical condition, but not cosmetic condition. It has been a great bike, and I consider it an excellent value.

Whether the one you're looking at is a good value or not depends on its condition. You may be an old-time motorcycle expert, but in case you're not experienced enough to know what condition it's in by looking at it and riding it, take someone with you who is.