Getting ready to buy first motorcycle.

[berserk81]

I am getting ready to buy my first motorcycle, its an '01 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 I am wondering if it is worth it and what I should ask when I get there?

Here's a link http://littlerock.craigslist.org/mcy/4071198530.html

The guy is saying that he was riding it two weeks ago then he thinks the starter went out so it won't start. I asked if it had a clear title and he told me that the guy he bought it from put the wrong mileage on the title, but said it could be cleared up with a bill of sale. He has to move and he can't take it with him that's why he is selling, and has to be out buy the first. I got him down to $700 and told him when I get paid this week I could cover $500 of of it but I don't know if i will beableto gettherest. I think hemighttakethe$500sincehehasto moveand thedeadlineisgetting close, but not know if it will run when i get there is it still worth it? Should I ask him if we could push start it, and will the title issue give me even more trouble than its worth? Any advise or other questions I should ask about the bike would very appreciated. Thank you

[rasta]

I would never buy something that doesn't start. Sure, he says it just needs a starter, and he's probably right. But if it were me, there are just too many variables.

[csmith12]

Welcome Jeremiah!

I say pass. You don't need this much trouble with your first bike. Move on to another without such problems so you can focus on "you" and how you feel on the bike.

If you must have it AND if your a wrenching/tinkering soul AND "he" works out the title issues AND you can get a good great deal... then it might be worth further consideration. But definitely hear it run before buying.

[bfpower]

If the engine is in good condition it would still have some miles left in it, but it's impossible to know without being able to ride it.

Of course, if it's really the starter that's out, you would be able to push start it, right?

[berserk81]

Yeah you should be able to start it and I will probably ask if we can do it when i go over there, but is the title issue that bad of a thing for motorcycles? Hell on my El Camino the speedometers never worked.

[parox91]

Originally Posted by berserk81

Yeah you should be able to start it and I will probably ask if we can do it when i go over there, but is the title issue that bad of a thing for motorcycles? Hell on my El Camino the speedometers never worked.

Make sure the bike has a title and that the title is clean (usually I go with my gut as far as the title being clean... others may have better advice)

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by berserk81

Yeah you should be able to start it and I will probably ask if we can do it when i go over there, but is the title issue that bad of a thing for motorcycles? Hell on my El Camino the speedometers never worked.

It may not be that big of deal really. Around my parts, it's a 5 min stop at the DMV and a officer to come out to verify mileage. He signs off on a document and your free to transfer. Your state laws may vary and you might have to wait some odd days/weeks for an appointment to get the "mileage"/inspection done. Some states just freak out when the mileage is off.

[JohnnyBravo]

I wouldn't buy it if I couldn't get it started for my first bike, try and push start it if ya want it. As for the wrong mileage... Who knows, how many does the odometer say? My truck had the wrong mileage on it, the Florida DMV just marked down incorrect mileage and unknown, said they couldn't fix it, and since I don't care to sell it I'm not bothered. Best of luck in whatever you decide!