How much is a reasonable price for a Ninja 250R w/ over 30k miles on it?

[Lil_Green_Demon]

Contemplating selling my bike privately, but I don't know how much it's worth.
I'm seeing a lot of 250R's with <10k miles asking for $2,500-$3,000.
With everything else being in good condition (no mechanical issues, very minimal scratches, chain/sprockets/tires brand new, etc.), how much would be a fair price to expect for any 2008-2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R with over 30k miles?

[NevadaWolf]

A somewhat related thread came up fairly recently...

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=195084

Granted it's asking about 100k+ bikes, but there are some good statements in there about bikes over 10k.

Unfortunately, we have a "throw away beginner bike", you're up against barely owned bikes with less than 5k on them that folks are unloading because they want to upgrade. While yours may have the advantage of good condition and frequent maintenance, they will always get you with the perception 30k is unthinkably high on a Ninjette.

[akima]

You could post up an ad on a free advertising, website for $2,500 and just sit back and see if anything comes in. Worth a try. Personally I'd choose a well looked after high millage vehicle over a lower millage vehicle that clearly wasn't looked after by the owner.

P.S. We have the same bike

[Hero Danny]

If I were a buyer, and I saw a 2011 ninja 250 with 30k miles I'd try to get it for 1700.

If you sit on it long enough you could probably get rid of her for about 2,000... it won't be easy though.

It's a shame that sport bikes (especially little ninjettes) are considered "high mileage" once they hit 30k miles. Even though it wouldn't surprise me one bit if your ninjette hit 100k.

[alex.s]

$2500 is a fair price for both parties

1700 for a good condition high mileage 250 is kind of a joke. if it was crashed several times yes. but good condition? no. maybe 1700 for a good condition '95 ex250 with 30k.

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by alex.s

$2500 is a fair price for both parties

1700 for a good condition high mileage 250 is kind of a joke. if it was crashed several times yes. but good condition? no. maybe 1700 for a good condition '95 ex250 with 30k.

I see clean looking 250's on craigslist all the time for under 2500. You seriously think a 30k mileage ninjette could compare?

Here's some sources for you ALEX!


-Here's a 2009 for $1,900 Pretty clean, 9k miles...
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/mcy/4791847617.html

-This one was laid down, not a big deal though, new exhaust, and side fairing are cheap enough and the bike has 2k miles. $2,200
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/mcy/4803573220.html

-Here's an 18k mileage ninjette, he wants $2,100
http://providence.craigslist.org/mcy/4800668417.html

-Most expensive one here, for $2,600 only has 2k miles and looks clean
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/mcy/4787773078.html

-09 with scratch on side, only wants $2,100 has 12k miles
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...807412229.html


You see? I'm being honest with OP, he would be lucky to get $2,000 for it and that's just the god honest truth. You can live in your fantasy world all you want.

I bought my ninja 250 (2012) for $2,800 and it was in mint condition and only had 9k miles.

[michvin]

As someone who recently bought a bike, I'd say that 2500 for your bike NOW is impossible to get (I just got mine 2011 with two hundred miles for 2400). Honestly, even 1700 will be difficult. I'd wait till spring. Demand and prices grow dramatically.
But on the other hand, why not put it on craigslist and see what happens? Might get lucky

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

-Here's a 2009 for $1,900 Pretty clean, 9k miles...
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/mcy/4791847617.html

-This one was laid down, not a big deal though, new exhaust, and side fairing are cheap enough and the bike has 2k miles. $2,200
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/mcy/4803573220.html

-Here's an 18k mileage ninjette, he wants $2,100
http://providence.craigslist.org/mcy/4800668417.html

-Most expensive one here, for $2,600 only has 2k miles and looks clean
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/mcy/4787773078.html

-09 with scratch on side, only wants $2,100 has 12k miles
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...807412229.html


You see? I'm being honest with OP, he would be lucky to get $2,000 for it and that's just the god honest truth. You can live in your fantasy world all you want.

I bought my ninja 250 (2012) for $2,800 and it was in mint condition and only had 9k miles.

#1 he isn't telling you about the engine and side damage. doesn't include current photos (those photos are from when it was only a few weeks old -> stock IRCs barely worn and very clean internal black metal means its almost brand new. so when you get there you'll probably see a similar bike, but one with much more damage.

#2 laid down. and its $2200. about right.

#3 18k, heavily modified with ****** replacement parts -> has been dropped and heavy use with very low TLC... and is still 2100

#4 reasonably priced

#5 been down and is still $2100.

so... you are basically just.... like.... wrong.

you couldn't even provide a busted up bike on sale for the price you suggested.

[CaliiKawii]

Originally Posted by Lil_Green_Demon

Contemplating selling my bike privately, but I don't know how much it's worth.
I'm seeing a lot of 250R's with <10k miles asking for $2,500-$3,000.
With everything else being in good condition (no mechanical issues, very minimal scratches, chain/sprockets/tires brand new, etc.), how much would be a fair price to expect for any 2008-2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R with over 30k miles?

Sell it for what you think its worth ( be reasonable now ) . I had a 2005 ninja 250 with 9k miles, missing left fairing, fairing over front wheel was cracked badly, windscreen was falling off and had signs of dropping the bike... I bought the bike like this for 1400. I posted it on craigslist to see what i could get and i sold it for 2k. Actually made a profit. Had to wait a couple of weeks but it sold.
Good luck!

[csmith12]

Welcome Jay!

[cadd]

Just to give you (OP) an idea, the market price of a low mileage (under 10k) 250R in NJ goes for $2300-$2700. These bikes have little to no damage.

I see you're in socal where bikes are worth more.

During off season, bikes here are a few hundred less expensive. I purchased my 09 250r with under 1000 miles for $2500 last winter. Towed it home while it started snowing. I was lucky and was patient and found an owner that had to get rid of the bike to free up garage space. But since you're in CA, I guess it's riding season year long.

Good luck with your sale.

I say post it on CL for $2500. If that's way overpriced, buyer will definitely let you know by lowballing you.

[Hero Danny]

This forum is awesome!

[cbinker]

How new are the tires, chain and sprockets?

I say a well maintained bike is worth more then a low milage bike.

[cadd]

Originally Posted by CaliiKawii

...I bought the bike like this for 1400. I posted it on craigslist to see what i could get and i sold it for 2k. Actually made a profit. Had to wait a couple of weeks but it sold.
Good luck!

I've always been tempted to flip bikes. But during winter, work on them in the garage if necessary and flip for a small profit in the spring.

However, how does the title work?

Owner sells you the bike for $1400 and gives you the title. Do you register the bike? If so, wouldn't you have to pay taxes?

If you DON'T register the bike, how do you sell it to the next guy after you worked on it?

Just curious.

[cadd]

Originally Posted by cbinker

How new are the tires, chain and sprockets?

I say a well maintained bike is worth more then a low milage bike.

Worth more (as in dollars)? Not really. A low mileage bikes usually fetch more in the used market.

However, I agree with you 100% that a higher mileage well maintained bike is worth more to ME than a low mileage never ridden bike.

If I had the chance to buy these two bikes for $2,500:

- an excellent condition 2011 with 8,000 miles and all maintenance performed (including valves).
or
- 2009 in excellent condition with 500 miles and only an oil change done

I would definitely, without a doubt pick the 2011.

I know for a fact that the 2011 rider hasn't left the bike sitting somewhere for years.

For the 2009 bike, who knows what may be wrong with it from sitting 5 years....not even fully broken-in (according to Kawi). Tires dry rotted? Carbs gummed up? Tank rusted? Hoses started to crack due to no usage?

A friend of mine picked up an older bike that has been sitting for 10 years. Mint condition!!!! Only had a few hundred miles. Boy oh boy....what a headache it was. The bike looked brand new. But things weren't running smoothly. Even after all the DIY tinkering and bringing it to a professional, it still wasn't running the way a bike should run.

[BoBO]

$1500-2000 and that's being generous assuming that the fairings are all together. 30k is a lot of mileage and it's a 250. I paid 3k for my 08 250 w/7k miles. Most people with money will not be looking to buy a 250 with 30k miles that's just reality. You could buy an older well maintained 600 super sport bike with 30k miles on the motor for only $2500-3000. I know most bikes can go well beyond 30k miles, but that doesn't mean it will sell easily at that point. It all depends on the demand, and there are plenty of 250's out there to choose from.

[BoBO]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

If I were a buyer, and I saw a 2011 ninja 250 with 30k miles I'd try to get it for 1700.

If you sit on it long enough you could probably get rid of her for about 2,000... it won't be easy though.

It's a shame that sport bikes (especially little ninjettes) are considered "high mileage" once they hit 30k miles. Even though it wouldn't surprise me one bit if your ninjette hit 100k.

+1
No offense to the OP, if I had $1700 I wouldn't even look at a 250 with 30k on it. The average buyer would just wait till they save up another $500-700 and get one with half the mileage. If my Ninja 250 hit 30k, I would sell it for $1500 well maintained, fairings all intact, and no frame damage. I would never expect to get profit out of a ninja 250. It's a waste of time and it will never sell right away. Time is money. Now if it's a VFR400, CBR 250RR , or TZ250 that's a different story, there will be a moto bidding war.

[CaliiKawii]

Originally Posted by cadd

I've always been tempted to flip bikes. But during winter, work on them in the garage if necessary and flip for a small profit in the spring.

However, how does the title work?

Owner sells you the bike for $1400 and gives you the title. Do you register the bike? If so, wouldn't you have to pay taxes?

If you DON'T register the bike, how do you sell it to the next guy after you worked on it?

Just curious.

I paid around 100$ to register in my name. It was salvage title had to pay for certain inspections etc.. still needed 300+ to get reg current and up to date... i didnt put money in the bike other than gas, flush lights and $ to put in my name. I waited on clist for 2 -3 weeks ans found a buyer for 2gs... that simple. Call me a clist gangster if u must??..
To the OP put your bike on clist for what you think its worth.. and just wait, it WILLL sell. Like they say. Patience is a virtue right???

[tfkrocks]

You could probably still fetch a higher price if it's well-maintained, it still looks good, and you're patient. I sold a 2008 with about 20k miles and minor cosmetic damage for $2800 earlier this year

[xorbe]

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

You could probably still fetch a higher price if it's well-maintained, it still looks good, and you're patient. I sold a 2008 with about 20k miles and minor cosmetic damage for $2800 earlier this year

An impulse buy for some Bay Area workers ... if it was like me, first I looked at brand new 600cc prices, said I don't want 600cc or a $13000K bike for a first bike. Hop over to CL, anything under $3K was like, does it run alright okay I'll take it, because anything near $2K here was an actual bucket of parts (mid-June).

[tfkrocks]

Originally Posted by xorbe

An impulse buy for some Bay Area workers ... if it was like me, first I looked at brand new 600cc prices, said I don't want 600cc or a $13000K bike for a first bike. Hop over to CL, anything under $3K was like, does it run alright okay I'll take it, because anything near $2K here was an actual bucket of parts (mid-June).

I actually listed it way high at $3200 in the hopes of getting back the $2800 I originally paid for the thing. It also probably helped that the buyer had seen some squid's jacked up 250 earlier on that day and made my mostly stock bike with detailed service records look amazing in comparison haha.

[allanoue]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

Lol, no one puts their lowest selling price on craigslist... are you kidding me? You live in a world full of sunshine and rainbows don't you? hahahahaha

Seriously, I bet you $1,000 I could get that first bike for $1,700.

Why do you insist that you must argue with me on literally everything, I mean you even had the nerve to b*tch me out about drinking water.. All I said to OP is that "I" would pay about 1.7k and if he was patient he'd get around 2k. And as far as I can see the other 2 members who commented seem to think the same. Hell, I even added a small paragraph about how the ninja is a great bike and could easily get 100k miles. But for some reason you have tunnel vision and focus on that 1.7k and immediately down vote it and start flipping out. OP was asking advice, not a full fledged argument. Are you under going a male version of menopause or something? Because I honestly cannot figure it out.

**** that was supposed to be a down thumb
for TOS violation


IJS

[NevadaWolf]

@Lil_Green_Demon,

You'll notice most of the comparisons on here are for bikes with less than 10k, but @tfkrocks gives you the closest with her 20k bike.

My opinion, take a stab between $1500-$2500, and really detail out the maintenance and reliability of your bike. You may find someone who is looking for a cheap and dependable bike so if they can see it's carried you this far with regular service and (presumably?) minimal issues, that may be enough to gather you some interest vs all the lower mileage bikes with questionable histories.

I do think the condition and maintenance are going to be your strong points in an ad so do your best to use those as your selling point.

GLWS

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by akima

Personally I'd choose a well looked after high mileage vehicle over a lower mileage vehicle that clearly wasn't looked after by the owner.

Amen, Sister!

A couple of thoughts from a vehicle bottom-feeder:
30k miles on a well-cared-for water-cooled bike is no big deal – a great opportunity for the frugal buyer;
Condition is more important than mileage;
Bone stock is better than modified (this includes exhaust, air box, carb fiddledicking, rear fender tomfoolery, and lighting);
Easy things like tires, sprockets, and chains can be negotiating leverage for the buyer;
Prices for used motorcycles and convertibles drop a lot in the winter in places with crappy weather;
Prices for used motorcycles and convertibles are more stable year-round in places like southern California.

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by allanoue

**** that was supposed to be a down thumb
for TOS violation


IJS

What TOS violation?

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

What TOS violation?

being a poo poo meanie pants!

[250rr]

Guess.

[atxninjette]

i paid 1400 for my 07 with 15k on the clock. now over 33k and climbing. when the time is right ill dump it quick for 1k and get another for 1500-2500 here in TX. with less then 15k miles on it.
-
there has been a low mile 95 250 for sale for months here for 2500. along with low mile 01s that seem to have just sat for ever and no one is buying them for a reason. so there is value to something that has been driven over sat in storage.
usually if it runs when its checked out its good to go.

[mikromo]

Sold a nice island blue 2010 250r w/ 24,000 miles for $2400.00 just this August. Had fallen over on both sides, but never down, so some cracks in the fairings but still looked really good. I had about $950.00 in it, so pretty profitable. When I retire in about 3 years, I'm thinking some bike, and to a lesser extent car flipping may be in my future. Something to keep me busy....