what does it mean if the handle bars touch the gas tank

[az3200]

Hello. I'm looking at buying a used ninja, and had a question. If a bike has been dropped, or in an accident and the handlebars touch the gas tank, how bad of a problem is that?

Lets say, for example, the bike rides fine, looks fine, and turns fine...but the handle bars hit the gas tank when turned all the way to either the left or right. Would that turn you away from buying it?

I'm buying my first bike and I don't want something that is going to be unsafe or give me problems.

[kawaninja09]

id say the handle bars are bent then bc they should hit the tank but while riding you should be steering with a lean not the bars

[csmith12]

Check for a broken steering stop too. Even if the bars are straight, a broken steering stop will allow the bar to hit the side of the tank.

[alex.s]

are they stock bars?

if they are aftermarket it could simply be that the person who installed them didn't align them right... if they are stock either the handle bar is bent or the triple and frame are bent... or somehow the tank is... bent outward like 10 inches? maybe it's not really a ninja 250 at all... maybe its one of those hyosungs and someone just put a ninja sticker on it... what if it's not really a bike at all? are you sure it only has 2 wheels?

[outasight20]

Originally Posted by kawaninja09

id say the handle bars are bent then bc they should hit the tank but while riding you should be steering with a lean not the bars

And how do you suppose you initiate the lean??

[arnoldc6]

Originally Posted by outasight20

And how do you suppose you initiate the lean??

Wait do you really turn your handlebar when leaning?

[arnoldc6]

Originally Posted by alex.s

are they stock bars?

if they are aftermarket it could simply be that the person who installed them didn't align them right... if they are stock either the handle bar is bent or the triple and frame are bent... or somehow the tank is... bent outward like 10 inches? maybe it's not really a ninja 250 at all... maybe its one of those hyosungs and someone just put a ninja sticker on it... what if it's not really a bike at all? are you sure it only has 2 wheels?

He has a point. Also make sure it's not a $10 walmart bicycle with a motor and fairing.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by arnoldc6

Wait do you really turn your handlebar when leaning?

haha... what? how else are you supposed to turn?

[Avenged7Fold]

Originally Posted by arnoldc6

Wait do you really turn your handlebar when leaning?

Counter steering ? You don't turn them enough to ever get close to hitting the tank unless you're turning the bike slowly under like 10 mph in a parking lot.

[az3200]

thanks guys. Is it easy to locate the steering stop on the bike? and no, stock handlebars.

I ask this because she told me the right handle bar is bent, but still rideable. I'm guessing it's not bent too much?? I haven't seen it yet, but I plan on it tomorrow. Just wondering how big of an issue is it the steering stops are broken, or just if the handle bars hit the tank. So is it a huge issue I should worry about?

here's a link to the ad. check it out and tell me what you think. Like I said it's my first bike and I don't have anyone with bike knowledge to go with me.

http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/3453222197.html

27kmiles
$1100 at this point, maybe less. she told me $1100 because of the handlebar. I'll offer $900-$1000 for the missing fairings.

[csmith12]

No tools required. Just have a peek down by the lower triple. You will see a tab where they make contact.

[kawaninja09]

i never turn my bars unless im moving the bike with my feet down(or to use the lock on the bars).

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by kawaninja09

id say the handle bars are bent then bc they should hit the tank but while riding you should be steering with a lean not the bars

Originally Posted by kawaninja09

i never turn my bars unless im moving the bike with my feet down(or to use the lock on the bars).

Seriously brah...... I hope I am not taking you literally to a fault am I?

[outasight20]

Originally Posted by kawaninja09

i never turn my bars unless im moving the bike with my feet down(or to use the lock on the bars).

If you don't turn the bars, might as well take them off, it's not like you need them once you get going.

And to the OP, the handlebars are bent. If the forks are fine and the bike rides well, you can just replace the bent handlebar.

[nickjpass]

Turn your handlebars, and they are there for a reason lmao

[Yakaru]

I might do a test along the lines shown here to see if there are any problems:

Link to original page on YouTube.

... but I may also be talking out of my posterior.

[rojoracing53]

It means the bike was specifically designed for the cone test at the DMV.

[kawaninja09]

i mean i turn them a lil but no where close enough to touch the tank.

[menikmati]

Originally Posted by kawaninja09

i mean i turn them a lil but no where close enough to touch the tank.

Practice low speed u-turns.

[kawaninja09]

lol make every reason why i dont do it right but you should know what i mean of course ypu turn the bars for different things but while riding at speed your not gonna turn the bars far enough to touch the tank or you will be touching the ground with ur @$$.

[Chicagobob]

If the bars are hitting the tank because of a crash or drop, there would probably be a dent in the tank at that point. You can look at the bars to see if they are bent - probably right where they come out of the riser. A slight bend isn't usually a problem, although if the paint on the bend has flaked, the bar might start to rust at that point and maybe would eventually break off. Replacement bars (the part that fits into the riser) cost about $28.

I agree that you should check the steering stop on the steering head (behind the headlight), so see if it is broken and, if so, find out how that happened.

Also, since the bike may have been crashed or dropped, carefully check the fairing support stay, headlight mount, mirror mounts and gauge housing for bends or cracks. You can remove the entire fairing by removing just a few bolts, if the owner will let you. You should also check the footpegs, foot controls and mufflers for crash damage or deformity.

None of this stuff is critical, but it might help you talk down the price.

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by az3200

thanks guys. Is it easy to locate the steering stop on the bike? and no, stock handlebars.

I ask this because she told me the right handle bar is bent, but still rideable. I'm guessing it's not bent too much?? I haven't seen it yet, but I plan on it tomorrow. Just wondering how big of an issue is it the steering stops are broken, or just if the handle bars hit the tank. So is it a huge issue I should worry about?

here's a link to the ad. check it out and tell me what you think. Like I said it's my first bike and I don't have anyone with bike knowledge to go with me.

http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/3453222197.html

27kmiles
$1100 at this point, maybe less. she told me $1100 because of the handlebar. I'll offer $900-$1000 for the missing fairings.

Right handlebar is definitely bent and I don't think that's the OEM brake fluid reservoir.

[rojoracing53]

Steering stop on the left side of the bike looking down the fork leg

[alex.s]

both those handlebars are bent. it's clearly been down on both sides with new plastics put on. the exhausts are scraped up pretty bad.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by kawaninja09

lol make every reason why i dont do it right but you should know what i mean of course ypu turn the bars for different things but while riding at speed your not gonna turn the bars far enough to touch the tank or you will be touching the ground with ur @$$.

medium speed chicane has you cranking the hell out of the bars... i wonder how far they turn... my guess is about half way

[az3200]

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

Steering stop on the left side of the bike looking down the fork leg

Thanks a lot for the picture. Seems like a pretty easy thing to locate.

So Do you guys think I should consider this bike? It's my first and I'm really looking for something that runs good. Cosmetics are not a big worry as long as it Doesnt effect the bike or safety. How much would it cost to fix the handle bars?

Would anyone else be tempted by this bike for say, $1k?

[nickjpass]

Sometimes I find that I wish I could turn my handlebars farther...

[Lychee]

The bike has been down. As have been most ninja 250's.
The absence of a steering stop may be a cause for worry. If that is broken, it may be indicative of a really hard fall that would have damaged other parts. Check the weld next to the steering stop for any damage or recent "repair." The drop of $200 is rather large for something cheap like a handlebar, but it may just be a sign of desperation due to her moving soon. Be sure to test drive the bike and make sure the engine, transmission, and suspension are ok. Provided that they are (they probably are) and that the steering stop is still there and the bike doesn't wander I think $1,000 for that bike is a steal. Any cheaper is just even more of a steal.
The handlebar is very easily replaced, once you are able to pop off the bar end. The lower fairing is about $60 used on ebay, but you can probably find it for even less locally as it is not a high demand part. Look at the front flush mount lights, weren't those custom made by someone on this forum? I think someone was trying to restore this bike. Many people simply leave the fairings with any battle scars.

Your plan is sound. Offer her $900 and grudgingly take anything below $1,100.

[rojoracing53]

Originally Posted by Lychee

The bike has been down. As have been most ninja 250's.
The absence of a steering stop may be a cause for worry. If that is broken, it may be indicative of a really hard fall that would have damaged other parts. Check the weld next to the steering stop for any damage or recent "repair." The drop of $200 is rather large for something cheap like a handlebar, but it may just be a sign of desperation due to her moving soon. Be sure to test drive the bike and make sure the engine, transmission, and suspension are ok. Provided that they are (they probably are) and that the steering stop is still there and the bike doesn't wander I think $1,000 for that bike is a steal. Any cheaper is just even more of a steal.
The handlebar is very easily replaced, once you are able to pop off the bar end. The lower fairing is about $60 used on ebay, but you can probably find it for even less locally as it is not a high demand part. Look at the front flush mount lights, weren't those custom made by someone on this forum? I think someone was trying to restore this bike. Many people simply leave the fairings with any battle scars.

Your plan is sound. Offer her $900 and grudgingly take anything below $1,100.

^what he said
+ if the steering stop is or was broken then the frame is most likely bent and could be costly to fix so most wont bother getting it done.

[alex.s]

i'm sorry but $1000 for that is definitely not a "steal". it's not a horrible price but it is definitely not a steal. you can find early 2000s pregens in similar condition for cheaper (it isn't uncommon to see a beat up pregen get bought for 7 or 800 in the winter), and you can find them in good condition for about $1000... so one in poor cosmetic condition is not really that great of a deal... not to mention there is still absolutely no idea what the functional condition of the bike is. it has obviously been crashed on both sides. so, $1000 is about normal, or a little high, if you ask me. that's assuming it runs, tires are less than a year old, recent fluid changes, and there are no real issues with it.

[Lychee]

Originally Posted by alex.s

i'm sorry but $1000 for that is definitely not a "steal". it's not a horrible price but it is definitely not a steal. you can find early 2000s pregens in similar condition for cheaper (it isn't uncommon to see a beat up pregen get bought for 7 or 800 in the winter), and you can find them in good condition for about $1000... so one in poor cosmetic condition is not really that great of a deal... not to mention there is still absolutely no idea what the functional condition of the bike is. it has obviously been crashed on both sides. so, $1000 is about normal, or a little high, if you ask me. that's assuming it runs, tires are less than a year old, recent fluid changes, and there are no real issues with it.

You're right I have made some assumptions. However, it looks to be in good cosmetic shape to me, less one $60 fairing and one $35 handlebar. If you find bikes like this all the time at less than $1000, or even at $1000 let me know so I can steal them away from you!

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by kawaninja09

.......while riding at speed your not gonna turn the bars far enough to touch the tank or you will be touching the ground with ur @$$.

Derek,

Don't be afraid of turning the bars hard and far while riding at speed; the bike can take it.

A tank slapper does several times in quick succession and the bike does not fall in many cases.

The inertia of the front wheel-tire will not allow you to do it as quick and easy as you may want.

Let me suggest you reading these threads:

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=114372

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=115244

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by az3200

......So Do you guys think I should consider this bike? It's my first and I'm really looking for something that runs good. Cosmetics are not a big worry as long as it Doesnt effect the bike or safety.

A,

What you can see is seldom the most important and costly defect.

Due to your lack of experience, I would recommend you to take an experienced friend with you for thoroughly inspecting the bike.

For many people, during these difficult times, $1K is a lot of money.
Consider that you will need to invest more money for repairs and service, especially if you don't know how to do the work yourself.
That is in addition to money dedicated to buy you decent body protection and some insurance and registration.

My point is that the least thing that a beginner needs is a bike that needs a lot of work before functioning safely and reliably.

It will be very hard for yourself to check critical things that other members have pointed above, simply because you don't know about them.

If you don't have such friend, consider hiring a mechanic to do the inspection for you.
Deduct any suggested repair and service from the requested price.

Read these:

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/What_do...a_used_bike%3F

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/New_Riders

Best !

[DaveTheCanuck]

Personally I'd be walking away.

The ad says there is "nothing wrong" with the bike and it was well taken car of when it has obviously been crashed, multiple times, and has some pretty severe damage. Then she didn't disclose info about the bars being bent until you asked.

That doesn't inspire much confidence in the seller. What other information is she withholding?

[Daks]

My tank has a dent from where the handlebar bonked it in a small accident.

Bike is fine. Runs fine, stays straight.

I wouldn't worry about it unless you have concerns about the severity of the action that got it that way.

My dent was from an accident I was in and I know it wasn't bad enough to harm the integrity of the bike, but you don't always know how much truth sellers are giving you about their bikes.

[arnoldc6]

Originally Posted by Avenged7Fold

Counter steering ? You don't turn them enough to ever get close to hitting the tank unless you're turning the bike slowly under like 10 mph in a parking lot.

Haha. I paid attention on my hands' movement today when riding and yeah, i do turn it..always thought it's aligned when counter steering.

[az3200]

Thanks a lot for the responses guys! I'm going to look at the bike today after 5. I wish I had a friend to go with me, but I don't have any that know anything about bikes.

Alex: I've been looking at used ninja 250's online for the past 4 months. It sounds like ninja's are much cheaper in CA than they are in FL! The ones I have seen for about $1000 look like they've been rotting in a field for a couple years :/

Lychee: thanks, I am going to take your advice.

Motofool is right. 1k isn't much but it is to me. I've been working my tail off, not really spending much money. It's takin me 4 months to get $1300. I have already purchased a HJC helmet, leather motorcycle gloves, and a xelement jacket. oh, and I even rented a garage at my apt to store the bike in (they were running a special, $50/month) Oh, and I already took and passed to MSF course. I'm just itching to finnaly fill my garage with a bike....But I don't want it to be junk


In all honesty, I don't really think this woman knows what she's talking about. I guess I can ask more questions and pry further when I see her in real life. I don't know if it's her bike or her husbands. I wanted to see it yesterday but her husband had the car, and she didn't feel comfortable riding it to meet me..I wanted to go to her house but she kinda seemed to dodge that. I assumed it's because she was home alone and has no idea who i am?

Oh, and she said the bar end on the bent handlebar is rusted and "not coming off anytime soon" She also said this "the bike runs great sometimes u gotta mess with the idle a little bit but that's no big deal I like making the bike idle where I want it to" Is she confusing the idle with the choke? See my impression is that she may not really know what she's talking about and maybe I'm getting a deal....

[tnr4]

I'm with the folks who think this is a pretty good deal. I bought my pre-gen in SC (many years ago now), and older, beat-up ones down there were often closer to $2000 (when I sold my '03, I got $1800 for it in 2010). If I were you, I would take $900 and tell her that for that much, you'll take it today (assuming you check all the things people have rec'd, and it looks legit). If she says no, take a ton of detailed pics, walk away, and tell her that you're around if she changes her mind. Come post the pics for us, let us give feedback, and wait to see if the thought of cash entices her to give you a call.

If folks on here look at the pics and tell you $1000 is a good deal, call her back and bump up your price. I'll bet you can get a very good deal on this bike.

Good luck!

[bdavison]

Originally Posted by az3200

Oh, and she said the bar end on the bent handlebar is rusted and "not coming off anytime soon" She also said this "the bike runs great sometimes u gotta mess with the idle a little bit but that's no big deal I like making the bike idle where I want it to" Is she confusing the idle with the choke? See my impression is that she may not really know what she's talking about and maybe I'm getting a deal....

This tells me she tried to replace the bent handlebar, but didn't know that there is locktite on the bar-end bolt, or how to heat it up to get it off.
I wouldn't trust her at all. If she can't even figure out how to get a locktite bolt out of a bar end, I don't have a whole lot of faith that she fixed the bike properly after it HAS been down.

[Lychee]

Originally Posted by az3200

Oh, and she said the bar end on the bent handlebar is rusted and "not coming off anytime soon" She also said this "the bike runs great sometimes u gotta mess with the idle a little bit but that's no big deal I like making the bike idle where I want it to" Is she confusing the idle with the choke? See my impression is that she may not really know what she's talking about and maybe I'm getting a deal....

A lot of people (not on this forum / not mechanically inclined) do not know that the bar end is held on by red locktite. If you know about the locktite AND how to release it by applying heat, removal is not that bad. If you don't know, then it seems like it is really, really on there. Even if you do know, sometimes it is still a pain. Read more here.

The bike is cold blooded and, without modification to the carburetor, needs to have the choke played with (or "finessed" as some say) during warm up. Read more here.

In fact, read the entire FAQ so that you know what to expect.

Nothing will tell you more about the bike than looking at it in person and taking it for a test ride. As with all used bikes, do not buy without doing both of these.

There is always an amount of risk in any purchase. Like riding, all you can do is try and mitigate it as best you can. For example, having clear title in head is a really big deal for me. It's also a good idea to check that their ID matches the title (ask to take a picture of their ID) and that the VIN on the title matches the VIN on the bike. Remember that they are moving, ask for a forwarding address. Raise your eyebrow and take it into account if they refuse any of these.

Trust your instincts. Do what you feel is comfortable. In the end it is your decision.