Advice on possible purchase of 636

RandomPhantom · December 31st, 2014, 01:19 AM

On craigslist i see an ad for an 05 ninja 636 with 37K on the odo and a clean title. Owner says he is selling because he cant ride as much due to his area being in the mountains and its snowing. Price is 2000. Should i go check it out and if its good just buy it off him? The high mileage kind of discourages the purchase and I also prefer the 06 models since the 05's seem to have lots of issues associated with them (overheating ecu, throttle body sensor, pops out of second gear, etc...) Any input or advice is well appreciated thanks!

JohnnyBravo · December 31st, 2014, 01:40 AM

Seems like you wanna 06 instead of this 05...

cbinker · December 31st, 2014, 05:47 AM

never had any of those issues on my 05, most of mine are a result of the bike somersaulting. go look at what is the worst that will happen, you don't like it?

adouglas · December 31st, 2014, 05:58 AM

A bike that's made it to 37 k has probably had its issues sorted by now, no?

I think that in general we have a distorted view of "high mileage" due to the huge supply of low-mileage bikes. My car has four times that many miles on it and it, too, is a four-cylinder, overhead-cam engine. And it's just getting broken in.... I had an 89 Honda Civic that I drove 254k miles and I only got rid of it because I had enough money to buy a new car. That thing had the original clutch in it!

Point is that modern manufacturing produces remarkably durable machinery.

With proper maintenance, an engine can last a very long time. Same goes for the bike overall. Just look at all the BMWs out there with epic mileage on them. They aren't magical machines by any stretch of the imagination. Their owners just ride them a lot.

The catch is, many people do not do proper maintenance because these are toys. There's also a higher likelihood of the bike having been in a crash. So you need to look very carefully and figure in the cost of replacement parts (e.g. chain and sprockets, brake discs, maybe cables, brake lines, etc. etc.)

Given the choice between a low-mileage bike that's ratty and loaded with mods vs. a tidy, well-maintained, well-used, OEM high-mileage bike, I'd go for the latter.

The advantage you've got is that because so many people won't touch a high-mileage bike, the seller is going to have a really hard time unloading it. So make a realistic counter-offer.

CZroe · December 31st, 2014, 06:08 AM

Sounds like a great deal to me if there aren't any surprises.

adouglas · December 31st, 2014, 06:59 AM

PS: If you can, keep the 250 and turn it into a track bike.

Wish I had. But I needed the money.

RandomPhantom · December 31st, 2014, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

Seems like you wanna 06 instead of this 05...

Only from what i've heard the 05 seems to have various issues with it

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbinker

never had any of those issues on my 05, most of mine are a result of the bike somersaulting. go look at what is the worst that will happen, you don't like it?

I love the model and the bike, its just from what ive heard a majority of the 636 issues came from the 05 model years is all

Quote:

Originally Posted by adouglas

A bike that's made it to 37 k has probably had its issues sorted by now, no?

Idk about any of that i would hope so and the price is firm is what the owner is telling me.

JohnnyBravo · December 31st, 2014, 10:41 AM

If I had the money an it looks, sounds, an runs good I'd be al over it like a mule in a briar patch

csmith12 · December 31st, 2014, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

I'd be al over it like a mule in a briar patch

Dat be sum mighty fine southern talk rite der.

EDIT: If it pulled alot of track duty, skip it unless you want to dump another 4-5 hunnit in another engine. While high mileage engines are not a problem in general, 30k+ of track miles is the end of prime life on a 600. Most don't last that long....

alex.s · December 31st, 2014, 12:17 PM

take an oil sample and send it over night for expedited chem scan. might cost $50. if its clean buy it

adouglas · December 31st, 2014, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandomPhantom

Idk about any of that i would hope so and the price is firm is what the owner is telling me.

Pish. The price is "firm" only to the extent that he thinks he can sell it for that much.

Wait a month and call him back. Bet he'll dicker then.

Look, the guy's in snow country in the middle of the winter. Do you really think it'll sell anytime soon?

Remember.... you're holding the cards here. Don't get too attached to any one bike. Always be willing to walk away. Put the pressure on the seller.

Hero Danny · December 31st, 2014, 02:05 PM

If it is in good condition cosmetically and it doesn't have any problems running, etc. Then i'd say go for it. $2,000 is nothing. I also wouldn't worry about the 37k, probably just needs a valve adjustment

JohnnyBravo · December 31st, 2014, 10:32 PM

In the words of CC
If ya don't like the price, bring your wife an I'll dicker

nickjpass · January 1st, 2015, 12:03 AM

I'd be concerned about the transmission problems associated with those years. Second gear likes to not work.

Even my 08 is starting to give me issues.

RandomPhantom · January 1st, 2015, 01:43 AM

I bought the bike. Everything checked out, he is the only owner, seemed like a really nice dude, dirt bike background, works on his own bike (he gave me his service manual for the 636) and i rode it back no problem at all. Valves hasnt been adjusted according to him so i will do that. Also funny story, once i bought the bike and was walking it out of the snow and ice portion of the residential another potential buyer came up to me in his truck and flatbed and asked if i was the dude selling the bike. I told him no and he said he would offer me 2200 for it lol. I just declined the offer and rode the bike back home. Ill post up pics for fellow ninjetters to look and give me the final verdict on my purchase.

greenaero · January 1st, 2015, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandomPhantom

I bought the bike. Everything checked out, he is the only owner, seemed like a really nice dude, dirt bike background, works on his own bike (he gave me his service manual for the 636) and i rode it back no problem at all. Valves hasnt been adjusted according to him so i will do that. Also funny story, once i bought the bike and was walking it out of the snow and ice portion of the residential another potential buyer came up to me in his truck and flatbed and asked if i was the dude selling the bike. I told him no and he said he would offer me 2200 for it lol. I just declined the offer and rode the bike back home. Ill post up pics for fellow ninjetters to look and give me the final verdict on my purchase.

Great!

csmith12 · January 1st, 2015, 09:17 AM

cbinker · January 1st, 2015, 09:20 AM

Congrats!

snot · January 1st, 2015, 09:33 AM

Congrats! Now post some pics of that girl.

RandomPhantom · January 1st, 2015, 10:14 AM

Here are the pics. Now once basic maintenance is all caught up with and the valve adjustment done I will make her all black and powder coat her wheels gold.

(also a pic of big brother next to little brother

)

Hero Danny · January 1st, 2015, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandomPhantom

Here are the pics. Now once basic maintenance is all caught up with and the valve adjustment done I will make her all black and powder coat her wheels gold.

(also a pic of big brother next to little brother

)

But.... but... it's "kawi green"

Nice buy though, that was a steal!

cbinker · January 1st, 2015, 10:58 AM

Looks good. cant with till you paint it.

nickjpass · January 1st, 2015, 07:05 PM

if you need any help pm me or mention me in a thread. I've adjusted valves before on this machine and I'm doing it right now too lol

Alex · January 1st, 2015, 09:40 PM

Time to update the bike profile!

Hero Danny · January 1st, 2015, 10:54 PM

Just saw this on my local craigslist, similar deal to what you got.

http://providence.craigslist.org/mcy/4760038875.html

RandomPhantom · January 2nd, 2015, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbinker

Looks good. cant with till you paint it.

Same here i will update you guys for sure once that happens. But not for a while since im broke haha

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickjpass

if you need any help pm me or mention me in a thread. I've adjusted valves before on this machine and I'm doing it right now too lol

Awesome man i have the repair manual so ill go off that first and if i hit any snags ill take you up on your offer. Thank you man youre a legend!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

Just saw this on my local craigslist, similar deal to what you got.

http://providence.craigslist.org/mcy/4760038875.html

Thank you! and yeah dude that is one tricked out zx6r at a very good price man! is it time for you to bite and get a 636 too?

Hero Danny · January 2nd, 2015, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandomPhantom

Thank you! and yeah dude that is one tricked out zx6r at a very good price man! is it time for you to bite and get a 636 too?

it is very tempting but i think i may pass.. i prefer the cbr600rr more

RandomPhantom · January 2nd, 2015, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

it is very tempting but i think i may pass.. i prefer the cbr600rr more

If thats what you prefer more than definitely buy what you want more man. Youll love the purchase even more if its what you want my friend! CBR600RR are nice too! which year?

snot · January 2nd, 2015, 10:53 AM

Love the 636! I didn't know they could go upside down

... j/k

Hero Danny · January 2nd, 2015, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandomPhantom

If thats what you prefer more than definitely buy what you want more man. Youll love the purchase even more if its what you want my friend! CBR600RR are nice too! which year?

I'm currently looking at an 09 in absolute mint condition from a dealer.

csmith12 · January 2nd, 2015, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snot

Love the 636! I didn't know they could go upside down

... j/k

It's a rider skill.

Jono · January 2nd, 2015, 04:52 PM

$2000 for that! I would have bought it in a heartbeat. That's a steal. Hope it doesn't give you any problems.

Sirref · January 2nd, 2015, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

It's a rider skill.

A quick flight to australia does the trick as well

RandomPhantom · January 2nd, 2015, 11:19 PM

Thanks all, so far no leaks or anything so the bike is treating me good. And for the upside down part haha it took a while to learn that trick

nickjpass · January 2nd, 2015, 11:26 PM

You must be incredibly talented. Not even motogp riders can do the trick.

Maybe next time Bradley.

cbinker · January 3rd, 2015, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickjpass

You must be incredibly talented. Not even motogp riders can do the trick.

Maybe next time Bradley.

that was a yamaha, not a kawi.

nickjpass · January 3rd, 2015, 12:49 AM

do I dare say it...

the r6...is a good track bike...that I've never ridden

RandomPhantom · January 4th, 2015, 02:20 AM

LOL on the picture. Also im planning to heat wrap the exhaust to protect the ECU from the heat. Then do all fluid changes and spark plugs, then its valve adjustment time and finally cosmetics for the very end with the left over money.

nickjpass · January 5th, 2015, 02:58 PM

You won't had an issue with heat and the ecu. Won't hurt to wrap it, unless you get fiberglass in your hands lol

The ecu is located by the end of the exhaust, which normally doesn't give off much heat compared to the header.

RandomPhantom · January 5th, 2015, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickjpass

You won't had an issue with heat and the ecu. Won't hurt to wrap it, unless you get fiberglass in your hands lol

The ecu is located by the end of the exhaust, which normally doesn't give off much heat compared to the header.

actually through research it turns out my ecu is right underneath the riders seat and the exhaust routing is right next to the ecu only covered by a stock heat shield and some insulation it seems. And i also read about that fiberglass in hands deal does it hurt like a million splinters or what? lol and better safe than sorry so wrapping it is! Besides the time consuming work i dont mind the looks one bit.

December 31st, 2014, 01:19 AM	#1
RandomPhantom The Motorcycle Newb! Name: Tony Location: Orange County Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R (Red/SOLD), 2008 Ninja 250R (Black/SOLD), 2005 ZX6R (Black) Posts: 193	Advice on possible purchase of 636 On craigslist i see an ad for an 05 ninja 636 with 37K on the odo and a clean title. Owner says he is selling because he cant ride as much due to his area being in the mountains and its snowing. Price is 2000. Should i go check it out and if its good just buy it off him? The high mileage kind of discourages the purchase and I also prefer the 06 models since the 05's seem to have lots of issues associated with them (overheating ecu, throttle body sensor, pops out of second gear, etc...) Any input or advice is well appreciated thanks!

December 31st, 2014, 01:40 AM	#2
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Seems like you wanna 06 instead of this 05... __________________________________________________

December 31st, 2014, 05:47 AM	#3
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	never had any of those issues on my 05, most of mine are a result of the bike somersaulting. go look at what is the worst that will happen, you don't like it? __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

December 31st, 2014, 05:58 AM	#4
adouglas Cat herder Name: Gort Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 6 MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13	A bike that's made it to 37 k has probably had its issues sorted by now, no? I think that in general we have a distorted view of "high mileage" due to the huge supply of low-mileage bikes. My car has four times that many miles on it and it, too, is a four-cylinder, overhead-cam engine. And it's just getting broken in.... I had an 89 Honda Civic that I drove 254k miles and I only got rid of it because I had enough money to buy a new car. That thing had the original clutch in it! Point is that modern manufacturing produces remarkably durable machinery. With proper maintenance, an engine can last a very long time. Same goes for the bike overall. Just look at all the BMWs out there with epic mileage on them. They aren't magical machines by any stretch of the imagination. Their owners just ride them a lot. The catch is, many people do not do proper maintenance because these are toys. There's also a higher likelihood of the bike having been in a crash. So you need to look very carefully and figure in the cost of replacement parts (e.g. chain and sprockets, brake discs, maybe cables, brake lines, etc. etc.) Given the choice between a low-mileage bike that's ratty and loaded with mods vs. a tidy, well-maintained, well-used, OEM high-mileage bike, I'd go for the latter. The advantage you've got is that because so many people won't touch a high-mileage bike, the seller is going to have a really hard time unloading it. So make a realistic counter-offer. __________________________________________________ I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem.

December 31st, 2014, 06:59 AM	#6
adouglas Cat herder Name: Gort Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 6 MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13	PS: If you can, keep the 250 and turn it into a track bike. Wish I had. But I needed the money. __________________________________________________ I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem.

December 31st, 2014, 06:08 AM	#5
CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	Sounds like a great deal to me if there aren't any surprises.

December 31st, 2014, 10:41 AM	#8
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	If I had the money an it looks, sounds, an runs good I'd be al over it like a mule in a briar patch __________________________________________________
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 31st, 2014, 12:17 PM	#10
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	take an oil sample and send it over night for expedited chem scan. might cost $50. if its clean buy it __________________________________________________

December 31st, 2014, 02:05 PM	#12
Hero Danny Inline 4!!! Name: Danny Location: MA Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.	If it is in good condition cosmetically and it doesn't have any problems running, etc. Then i'd say go for it. $2,000 is nothing. I also wouldn't worry about the 37k, probably just needs a valve adjustment __________________________________________________ Be careful. Remember you are invisible

December 31st, 2014, 10:32 PM	#13
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	In the words of CC If ya don't like the price, bring your wife an I'll dicker __________________________________________________

January 1st, 2015, 12:03 AM	#14
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	I'd be concerned about the transmission problems associated with those years. Second gear likes to not work. Even my 08 is starting to give me issues. __________________________________________________

January 1st, 2015, 01:43 AM	#15
RandomPhantom The Motorcycle Newb! Name: Tony Location: Orange County Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R (Red/SOLD), 2008 Ninja 250R (Black/SOLD), 2005 ZX6R (Black) Posts: 193	I bought the bike. Everything checked out, he is the only owner, seemed like a really nice dude, dirt bike background, works on his own bike (he gave me his service manual for the 636) and i rode it back no problem at all. Valves hasnt been adjusted according to him so i will do that. Also funny story, once i bought the bike and was walking it out of the snow and ice portion of the residential another potential buyer came up to me in his truck and flatbed and asked if i was the dude selling the bike. I told him no and he said he would offer me 2200 for it lol. I just declined the offer and rode the bike back home. Ill post up pics for fellow ninjetters to look and give me the final verdict on my purchase.

January 1st, 2015, 09:17 AM	#17
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	__________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

January 1st, 2015, 09:20 AM	#18
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	Congrats! __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

January 1st, 2015, 09:33 AM	#19
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	Congrats! Now post some pics of that girl. __________________________________________________ https://www.brocksperformance.com/VZ...0035+C450.aspx

January 1st, 2015, 10:58 AM	#22
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	Looks good. cant with till you paint it. __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

January 1st, 2015, 07:05 PM	#23
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	if you need any help pm me or mention me in a thread. I've adjusted valves before on this machine and I'm doing it right now too lol __________________________________________________

January 1st, 2015, 09:40 PM	#24
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	Time to update the bike profile! __________________________________________________ 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)

January 1st, 2015, 10:54 PM	#25
Hero Danny Inline 4!!! Name: Danny Location: MA Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.	Just saw this on my local craigslist, similar deal to what you got. http://providence.craigslist.org/mcy/4760038875.html __________________________________________________ Be careful. Remember you are invisible

January 2nd, 2015, 10:53 AM	#29
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	Love the 636! I didn't know they could go upside down ... j/k __________________________________________________ https://www.brocksperformance.com/VZ...0035+C450.aspx

January 2nd, 2015, 04:52 PM	#32
Jono ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jono Location: Memphis, TN Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.	$2000 for that! I would have bought it in a heartbeat. That's a steal. Hope it doesn't give you any problems.

January 2nd, 2015, 11:19 PM	#34
RandomPhantom The Motorcycle Newb! Name: Tony Location: Orange County Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R (Red/SOLD), 2008 Ninja 250R (Black/SOLD), 2005 ZX6R (Black) Posts: 193	Thanks all, so far no leaks or anything so the bike is treating me good. And for the upside down part haha it took a while to learn that trick

January 3rd, 2015, 12:49 AM	#37
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	do I dare say it... the r6...is a good track bike...that I've never ridden __________________________________________________

January 4th, 2015, 02:20 AM	#38
RandomPhantom The Motorcycle Newb! Name: Tony Location: Orange County Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R (Red/SOLD), 2008 Ninja 250R (Black/SOLD), 2005 ZX6R (Black) Posts: 193	LOL on the picture. Also im planning to heat wrap the exhaust to protect the ECU from the heat. Then do all fluid changes and spark plugs, then its valve adjustment time and finally cosmetics for the very end with the left over money.

January 5th, 2015, 02:58 PM	#39
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	You won't had an issue with heat and the ecu. Won't hurt to wrap it, unless you get fiberglass in your hands lol The ecu is located by the end of the exhaust, which normally doesn't give off much heat compared to the header. __________________________________________________

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