Looking For Advice On Potential Purchase

[schneic6]

Hey guys,

I'm new to this website (and to motorcycles in general) so I apologize if this is posted in the wrong section. I did a quick look around and it seems to be ok here but I'm really not sure.

Anyway, I've been looking to buy a motorcycle for under $1500, which seems somewhat doable. I don't mind the idea of a small project, besides the potential for it to become a money pit. That being said, I'm currently looking at an '03 Ninja 250r with 6k miles on it.

The seller is asking $500 for it in a non-running condition. According to him, it only needs carb work and a new battery. My concern, however, is that he said the bike has been sitting since 2008 in his garage. Long story short, a friend in the Air Force stored it at his house while deployed, and when he was able to come home they would ride their motorcycles. One time he came home and the bike wouldn't start. Since then, it has mostly just sat there. Plausible story, but also an easily made-up one, so I'm hesitant. Plastics are also in pretty rough shape. Supposedly, the motorcycle was in the bed of a truck that was in a somewhat serious accident, but I'm not sure if the bike ran after that or not. I know that I need to clarify this before purchasing.

He did say he took off the carbs, and said they look pretty good (said bowls look fine?) except one needs a new float. I know my way around cars, but motorcycles are completely new to me so I'm not entirely sure what this means. I have researched these carbs though, and I would feel comfortable synching them, but to take it apart and check for damage would be a little iffy simply because I've never seen one in person.

He also said he's just tired of seeing it sit there, so I'm confident I could get him to drop the price to at least $400.

All of that being said, what are some of your guys' thoughts? I don't mind doing the work to get the bike running, but I also don't want to spend more than ~$500 on parts if I buy this bike because at that point I could have just bought a running bike. Still, I've seen parts rather cheap on eBay, so I thought this might have potential. Heck, I've even seen a whole running engine for $150 shipped for a '99.

Any input on any part of this (lengthy) post is welcome, and thank you in advance! Also, if I've said anything stupid here, please correct me. Like i said, new to bikes.

edit: link to ad on craigslist - http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/mpo/4931812711.html

[dcj13]

Welcome, Cory!

Best time (price-wise) to buy a bike is September through winter.

Four or five hundred sounds like a good price, but not if it's in bad shape and not if you can't get it to run well. No need to be in a hurry.

[MrAtom]

Would make a great cafe racer project. The whole truck accident thing concerns me, though. I wouldn't trust him and I'd look somewhere else.

[atxninjette]

looks rough. needs body work, looks like it was orig yellow and poorly painted on top of what ever other obvious damage it has. . chain looks rusty / uncared for, usually a good indicator of how well the rest of the bike was cared for.
orig dunlops needing replaced. as they have been on the bike for 12 years now
would want to change all fluids on top of carb work and battery.
worst case. if it doesnt work out you can part it out for more then 400
200-300 for the engine 100-200 for the carbs. 25-50 each wheel. and so forth..
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but your looking in 250-300 in tires. 100 in battery oil change for a diy 30 bucks w/ filter. replacing coolent 20 bucks. new chain/sprockets if needed 150.
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may want to adjust your budget to find a better cared for model in the 800-1200 range. they are out there.
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http://louisville.craigslist.org/mcy/4947385147.html

[quarterliter]

I'd say that is worth around $350. 400 tops. There is just too many unknowns. Also you should put tires on it too. That's another 200 bucks

[csmith12]

Buy it as a project, not your first bike. Only needs carbs clean and a battery. Hahhah hahaha not hardly, check that chain, all fluids and maybe a brake line too. $1500 will be near the total cost of getting this bike back on the road in a safe manner. My 2 cents...

[quarterliter]

You'd be far ahead paying 1200 for a decent one

[schneic6]

Thank you all for your input. My gut was to pass on this offer, as most of you suggested, so that's exactly what I did. There were just too many potential problems for my liking, and as most of you said I could skip the work and just buy a better cared for bike for a reasonable price.

Again, thank you to everyone who offered their advice, I truly appreciate it!

may want to adjust your budget to find a better cared for model in the 800-1200 range. they are out there.
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http://louisville.craigslist.org/mcy/4947385147.html

atxninjette, I actually am already in contact with the seller in the link you posted! Just waiting for another reply back with some pictures and info.

[JasonJ]

Good call. On that first one, if ALL it needed was carbs cleaned and a new battery, the dude would have done it. Especially sometime in the past 8 years.

If that was all that was truly needed, he could double his asking price after he repaired/replaced those items. Since he has not, assume the worst.

[csmith12]

Hold up!!!!

Cory, you're in Cincinnati! I am in Cincinnati often enough, now that the season has started, will be up your way at bike nights often enough. Eastern Ave. on Wed. Behind where we do bike nights, is a huge lot where we practice and some riders stunt.

If you find a bike you want to go check out, I will be more than happy to come check it out with you if I have availability. Just let me know.

Good hunting!

[schneic6]

I would just like to say thanks again to everyone who steered me away from the motorcycle in the original post. It was going to be a lot of work that I thought I'd be willing to put in but I'm glad I don't have to do that now...

because I'm happy to say that I bought a much better Ninja today! ...as in, one that actually runs lol

5500 miles, minimal cosmetic damage, and ended up being able to talk the guy down to just $1250. Overall, quite happy with the purchase.



Chris, thanks for the offer to check out a bike with me! I really appreciate it and once I get used to riding a motorcycle regularly maybe I'll see you around town!

[dcj13]

Very nice! Congrats! You're gonna enjoy a lot!

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by schneic6

maybe I'll see you around town!

Looking forward to it! After all the track time I do, I really, really enjoy a nice and slow street cruise, seeing the sights and all.

If you haven't already, take the MSF. It's only $25 in OH!

[sh123469]

MSF is $250 here.

Was no such thing when I started riding.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by sh123469

MSF is $250 here.

Was no such thing when I started riding.

Yes sir, no msf for me 24yrs ago when I started either and the cost does vary state to state and provider to provider. For example, from what I read, Total Control won the contract for the MSF in 2014/2015 in Cali, not sure if the cost changed.

[MrAtom]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Yes sir, no msf for me 24yrs ago when I started either and the cost does vary state to state and provider to provider. For example, from what I read, Total Control won the contract for the MSF in 2014/2015 in Cali, not sure if the cost changed.

I took the MSF juuust before the old contract expired. It costs $180 now if you're under 21 and $258 if you're over 21 and the curriculum is a tiny bit different. Used to cost 150 for under 21 and 250 if over 21.

[schneic6]

I actually scheduled my MSF class today and it was $50 at all 3 Hamilton County locations. (Actually one may have been Butler county..?)

Anywho, I think $50 is pretty reasonable and I'm looking forward to the class.