First time long time!

zenmike · November 21st, 2014, 11:07 PM

What up ya'll.

Been reading and following this forum for a while, this is my first post.
Just came home today with an 08 ninja 250. I bought it from the original owner, came with oem tool kit, cover, battery tender(its also wired for one), two keys and an owners manual.

I feel it was a nice find, owned by a nice young lady, although she admitted she wasnt mechanically inclined. It has 518 miles on the odo. My first question was regarding its storage. She said her and her fiance would fire it up and let it run every so often, applying slow throttle turns(this concerns me most since that fuel tank was probably so old. It split time between being garaged and outside under a cover, which cant be good considering humidity building up under there over time(years) right?

Bike fires up fine(with full choke), and after warmed up idles at ~1k with choke off. Any normal twist of the throttle will immediately shut her off. Take offs requires working the clutch lever slow with about 4-5000 revs. From a roll in 1st, letting the rpms drop to idle, wot boggs and stutters up until 5k, then the bike pushes me back into my seat with a crazy (not that fun) power surge.

I immediately put some seafoam in the tank, about 1.5 oz. Nothing has changed yet (after riding 20 miles)

So it seems typical carb cleanup/shimming?
Tomorrow I will be doing an oil change, chain clean and lube, etc... but I feel a carb cleanup is needed

Anyway here are some pics

NevadaWolf · November 21st, 2014, 11:20 PM

Hello Michael and

Hopefully someone soon will pop in with some help. The magic box scares me so I can't offer up any advice.

zenmike · November 21st, 2014, 11:23 PM

Hey Wolf. Thanks, glad to be here brotha!

NevadaWolf · November 21st, 2014, 11:28 PM

518 mils on an '08 is pretty sweet, not even broken in yet (right, 1000 mile break in?)

Looks really clean on the outside. If its been sitting that long going through So Cal summers, I'd take a close look at the tires and see if they've started cracking or whatnot. Can't recall if the first newgens had the IRC or Dunlop (?) as the stock rubber.

Alex · November 21st, 2014, 11:35 PM

The '08s had either Dunlop GT-501's or the Bridgestone BT-45's. Looking at the tread on the front tire, I'm pretty sure those are the Dunlops. Wolf is right, those tires are now 6 or 7 years old, and performing at a somewhat lower level than they would when they were new.

zenmike · November 21st, 2014, 11:37 PM

I've used motoman method for break in in the past which takes about 20 miles or so. But with 518 she's practically brand new. That's about two tanks in 6 years though

It has some Dunlop arrowmax's gt501 I believe
I checked them over and they look good as far as I can tell, you guys suggest replacement?

Roark · November 22nd, 2014, 01:08 AM

#filter

zenmike · November 22nd, 2014, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roark

#filter

What do you mean?

Roark · November 22nd, 2014, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenmike

What do you mean?

Your pics! Looks like a filter on them! No big deal.. I use that one myself

csmith12 · November 22nd, 2014, 08:45 AM

Welcome Michael!

Great find!

zenmike · November 22nd, 2014, 10:08 AM

Thanks Chris...I hope to one day obtain that cornering position you have going there!

cbinker · November 24th, 2014, 07:02 AM

How is the clean up process going on the bike? Sounds like you need new fuel in the bike and a carb cleaning. I would drain what is left in the tank and fill it with brand new premium and some fuel system treatment run that tank and then see how things go there. If that doesn't work pull the air box and clean the carbs that route. Also adjust the idle screw and have it set at about 1500-2000 rpm.

Sirref · November 24th, 2014, 08:23 AM

3 things

1. Make sure the tires aren't stock, if they are replace them immediately. They most likely are. Safety first! Tires aren't really meant to last 5+ years.
-I recommend the pirelli diablo rosso II, michelin street radial, or bridgestone bt-45 tires. The pirelli's will give the best dry grip, michelins the best life and wet grip and the bridgestones are a great all around value as well with a very long tire life.
2. Change the oil, it hasn't reached it's "break in service" yet and after 5 years it desperately needs new oil and a new filter.
3. Drain and replace the fuel and clean the carbs.

and then you're good to go!

Sirref · November 24th, 2014, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenmike

Thanks Chris...I hope to one day obtain that cornering position you have going there!

I've ridden with him at the track multiple times, he's a great coach. I want his mentality towards riding just as much as his ability to ride

Stick with the 250, get some pirelli DRII tires on there and head to the track to learn how to ride faster safer and you'll be able to do it within a few seasons. Especially in cali, you have the best area to learn how to ride fast in the US with tons of good tracks and fast riders around.

zenmike · November 24th, 2014, 11:58 AM

Yesterday I pulled the fairings off, I left town and won't be back until Friday so I plan on pulling the tank and flushing the fuel on Friday, that'll be my first step, the goal there is to see if the new fuel and fuel treatment would clear the carbs for me right?

I'd really like to pull the carbs and clean the float bowls and jets and what not, I'd like that peace of mind and the bike would like it too.

Just to recap:

1. Remove gas tank/replace fuel
2. Remove air box to remove carbs/clean carbs
3. Remove snorkel
4. Fire her up/adjust idle

What about all relevant hoses, should I lightly run some compressed air through them once everything is pulled apart?

250rr · November 24th, 2014, 01:40 PM

hello

Snake · November 24th, 2014, 04:16 PM

Hello and welcome.

KJohnson21 · November 25th, 2014, 10:49 PM

zenmike · November 26th, 2014, 01:24 PM

Thanks guys glad to be here!

catseye · November 27th, 2014, 06:53 PM

welcome. I sure wish I could come across a specimen with 500 miles on it. I'd love to have something for once that hadn't been ****ed with...

greenaero · November 28th, 2014, 09:44 AM

Welcome Michael!

zenmike · November 28th, 2014, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catseye

welcome. I sure wish I could come across a specimen with 500 miles on it. I'd love to have something for once that hadn't been ****ed with...

I took off some things today, she does look like a bike with 500 miles

Tomorrow I'll be pulling the tank and starting step 1 in fixing the under 5k lag problem. I almost know for sure that the problem is because of old oxidized fuel, so I hope a fuel flush and some seafoam Will solve the issue.

The rubber holding down the emissions canister has also rotted, thinking that is a sign of possible humidity gatherage under the bike cover when parked outside for so many years. Lastly, check the picture of the exhaust mount, some brown/orange residue coming out of there, is that normal?

snot · November 30th, 2014, 06:05 AM

Welcome

November 21st, 2014, 11:20 PM	#2
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Hello Michael and Hopefully someone soon will pop in with some help. The magic box scares me so I can't offer up any advice. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

November 21st, 2014, 11:23 PM	#3
zenmike ninjette.org member Name: Michael Location: Sunny San Diego Join Date: Nov 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 19	Hey Wolf. Thanks, glad to be here brotha! __________________________________________________ www.djmikesage.com

November 21st, 2014, 11:28 PM	#4
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	518 mils on an '08 is pretty sweet, not even broken in yet (right, 1000 mile break in?) Looks really clean on the outside. If its been sitting that long going through So Cal summers, I'd take a close look at the tires and see if they've started cracking or whatnot. Can't recall if the first newgens had the IRC or Dunlop (?) as the stock rubber. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

November 21st, 2014, 11:35 PM	#5
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	The '08s had either Dunlop GT-501's or the Bridgestone BT-45's. Looking at the tread on the front tire, I'm pretty sure those are the Dunlops. Wolf is right, those tires are now 6 or 7 years old, and performing at a somewhat lower level than they would when they were new. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

November 21st, 2014, 11:37 PM	#6
zenmike ninjette.org member Name: Michael Location: Sunny San Diego Join Date: Nov 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 19	I've used motoman method for break in in the past which takes about 20 miles or so. But with 518 she's practically brand new. That's about two tanks in 6 years though It has some Dunlop arrowmax's gt501 I believe I checked them over and they look good as far as I can tell, you guys suggest replacement? __________________________________________________ www.djmikesage.com

November 22nd, 2014, 01:08 AM	#7
Roark ninjette.org sage Name: James Location: Lakeland Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninjette Posts: 809	#filter __________________________________________________ "That's what" -she

November 22nd, 2014, 08:45 AM	#10
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Welcome Michael! Great find! __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

November 22nd, 2014, 10:08 AM	#11
zenmike ninjette.org member Name: Michael Location: Sunny San Diego Join Date: Nov 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 19	Thanks Chris...I hope to one day obtain that cornering position you have going there! __________________________________________________ www.djmikesage.com

November 24th, 2014, 07:02 AM	#12
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	How is the clean up process going on the bike? Sounds like you need new fuel in the bike and a carb cleaning. I would drain what is left in the tank and fill it with brand new premium and some fuel system treatment run that tank and then see how things go there. If that doesn't work pull the air box and clean the carbs that route. Also adjust the idle screw and have it set at about 1500-2000 rpm. __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

November 24th, 2014, 08:23 AM	#13
Sirref Private Joker Name: Ben Location: Towson, MD Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '14	3 things 1. Make sure the tires aren't stock, if they are replace them immediately. They most likely are. Safety first! Tires aren't really meant to last 5+ years. -I recommend the pirelli diablo rosso II, michelin street radial, or bridgestone bt-45 tires. The pirelli's will give the best dry grip, michelins the best life and wet grip and the bridgestones are a great all around value as well with a very long tire life. 2. Change the oil, it hasn't reached it's "break in service" yet and after 5 years it desperately needs new oil and a new filter. 3. Drain and replace the fuel and clean the carbs. and then you're good to go! __________________________________________________ I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see?

November 24th, 2014, 11:58 AM	#15
zenmike ninjette.org member Name: Michael Location: Sunny San Diego Join Date: Nov 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 19	Yesterday I pulled the fairings off, I left town and won't be back until Friday so I plan on pulling the tank and flushing the fuel on Friday, that'll be my first step, the goal there is to see if the new fuel and fuel treatment would clear the carbs for me right? I'd really like to pull the carbs and clean the float bowls and jets and what not, I'd like that peace of mind and the bike would like it too. Just to recap: 1. Remove gas tank/replace fuel 2. Remove air box to remove carbs/clean carbs 3. Remove snorkel 4. Fire her up/adjust idle What about all relevant hoses, should I lightly run some compressed air through them once everything is pulled apart? __________________________________________________ www.djmikesage.com

November 24th, 2014, 01:40 PM	#16
250rr ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Mark Location: Portland Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): Cheap Italian Suit. Otherwise known as Dew Kitty Posts: A lot.	hello

November 24th, 2014, 04:16 PM	#17
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Hello and welcome.

November 25th, 2014, 10:49 PM	#18
KJohnson21 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ken Location: Indio, CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Kawasaki EX250 "Yoshi", '99 Kawasaki Concours "Grace", '06 Concours "Belle", '06 Yamaha YZF600R "Slick" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 3	__________________________________________________ < ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name?

November 26th, 2014, 01:24 PM	#19
zenmike ninjette.org member Name: Michael Location: Sunny San Diego Join Date: Nov 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 19	Thanks guys glad to be here! __________________________________________________ www.djmikesage.com

November 27th, 2014, 06:53 PM	#20
catseye ninjette.org member Name: John Location: "Raleighwood", NC Join Date: Nov 2014 Motorcycle(s): '76 KZ900, '99 Ninja 250, Posts: 78	welcome. I sure wish I could come across a specimen with 500 miles on it. I'd love to have something for once that hadn't been ****ed with... __________________________________________________ All I remember is dirt, sky, dirt....ambulance.

November 28th, 2014, 09:44 AM	#21
greenaero Motorcycle Hypermiler Name: Vic Location: Livermore CA Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1999 & 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R's Posts: A lot.	Welcome Michael! __________________________________________________ 235 MPG Hypermotorcycling to a better tomorrow

November 30th, 2014, 06:05 AM	#23
snot sammich maker Name: snot Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '15	Welcome

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