My first bike '12 Ninja 250R questions!

[Diegone]

Hello everyone,
soon to be Ninja owner looking for some advice from the guys that already own one!

Let me start by saying I joined this forum because it seems to be the most popular when it comes to this specific model at least that's what I read haha

Okay so; I've been looking for a bike for about a month now, new deals show up everyday on craiglist. I'm looking to spend ideally 2,000$ in a bike but most sellers won't go under 3k. I watched a couple how tos on this specific model about "what to look for when buying a ninja" so deff I don't want any dropped ones or scratched up. I also preferably buy a black or red one.

My top choices are;
1) 2010 Red 250R - 500 miles (3000$) already went to see it. Mint condition.
2) 2012 Red 250R - 2800 miles (2500$) going to see and probably buy on Saturday.

Both original owners, title in hand.

2010 girl owner said she's selling bc she needs the money, hasn't done any maintenance to the bike either. At 500 miles it shouldn't need much. One thing w the bike when idling I revved it and it shut off. She said it takes a while to warm up and after 4-5 mins it didn't shut off sounded good.

The 2012 one said she bought it last year only did oil change at 500-600miles and hasn't done any maintenance to the bike ever since. It is running no issues she said it's like new. Reason selling bc of kids / family it's a girl owner.

Here are my questions.

I absolutely love the 08-11 body, but the 2012 is newer and cheaper, I was wondering if there's any way to remove the "graphics" or decals, it has like a black one in the middle of the body and then those white arrows or stripes that I don't really like. Are these removable? Or painted under clear coat?

Second thing, both these bikes are 45min-1hr away from my house and I wouldn't feel comfortable riding them back. What's a cheap tow/shipping service I could use once I buy it?

Third, list a few things I should be looking for, common issues and to the best of your knowledge which bike should I take. But I think a 2010 bike with only 500 miles is prob a worse buy than a 2012 with 2800. Don't know much about bikes so any help will be appreciated!

Sorry for the long story wanted to share as many details as possible. Looking forward to this community and new friends

[KJohnson21]

On the 2010, was the choke used at all when it was running cold? Has it been sitting for a long time?

2012 - Yes there are some tricks that'll work to get the graphics off. I don't know the details though.

[Diegone]

Originally Posted by KJohnson21

On the 2010, was the choke used at all when it was running cold? Has it been sitting for a long time?

2012 - Yes there are some tricks that'll work to get the graphics off. I don't know the details though.

Choke? Sorry not sure what that is. And yes it's been stored all winter here in NY/CT can only ride like 3-4 months rest is storage due to weather.

If the 2012 graphics come off then I'd most likely get that one. The seller inspires me more confidence. Just the seat fairing would probably need a red one to make it look like the 2008-2011.

[NevadaWolf]

So how does choke work?

The only decal that I know of that is under the clear coat is the two "Kawasaki"s on the tank, the rest are vinyl decals on top of the plastic.

Removing Ninja decals

[cadd]

Links to the ads? I've noticed a lot of 250 sellers on CL claim to be girls when they sell. Yet, the title happened to be in their -boyfriend/fiance/husband's name.

[Diegone]

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

So how does choke work?

The only decal that I know of that is under the clear coat is the two "Kawasaki"s on the tank, the rest are vinyl decals on top of the plastic.

Removing Ninja decals

Great! Is that your bike in your albums? It's a 2012? That's exactly how I wanna do mine. I'm glad this was resolved now I'm more inclinated towards the 2012.

Also I think I'm gonna go to U HAUL and rent a motorcycle trailer my cars rated for no more than 1000lbs trailer is 500 and bike is 370 so I should be okay.

Thanks for all the info!

[kennetht]

Originally Posted by Diegone

Choke? Sorry not sure what that is. And yes it's been stored all winter here in NY/CT can only ride like 3-4 months rest is storage due to weather.

If the 2012 graphics come off then I'd most likely get that one. The seller inspires me more confidence. Just the seat fairing would probably need a red one to make it look like the 2008-2011.

Was it winterized every winter? Or if not winterized, was it at least stored inside?

If both are running smoothly, that is a good sign that they were taken care of and at least run every now and then instead of sitting for long periods of time.

[csmith12]

Welcome!

[kennetht]

Originally Posted by cadd

Links to the ads? I've noticed a lot of 250 sellers on CL claim to be girls when they sell. Yet, the title happened to be in their -boyfriend/fiance/husband's name.

and yes, can you post up the links to the craigslist ads? that would give us a bit more to work with

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by Diegone

Great! Is that your bike in your albums? It's a 2012? That's exactly how I wanna do mine. I'm glad this was resolved now I'm more inclinated towards the 2012.

Also I think I'm gonna go to U HAUL and rent a motorcycle trailer my cars rated for no more than 1000lbs trailer is 500 and bike is 370 so I should be okay.

Thanks for all the info!

Yep, the green and black bike is mine. Did my own paint job as my replacement fairings were the SE red and black off an '09.

The small motorcycle trailer from u-haul out here costs $16ish per day and has a long ramp/tailgate that makes loading easy.

[thisisbenji]

I'd go with the 2012 as it's newer and cheaper. Miles don't really matter when your talking that low, also the newer bike having more miles on it probably actually runs better. The carbs in these tend to be a PIA if not maintained properly.

[thisisbenji]

Originally Posted by cadd

Links to the ads? I've noticed a lot of 250 sellers on CL claim to be girls when they sell. Yet, the title happened to be in their -boyfriend/fiance/husband's name.

Does it even matter? I mean it's a motorcycle, if your not redlining a 250 daily your doing it wrong. As long as the owner wasn't sitting at a light bouncing it off the rev limiter (more of a supersport thing), then you shouldn't have a problem girl or guy.

[Diegone]

Originally Posted by cadd

Links to the ads? I've noticed a lot of 250 sellers on CL claim to be girls when they sell. Yet, the title happened to be in their -boyfriend/fiance/husband's name.

Originally Posted by kennetht

and yes, can you post up the links to the craigslist ads? that would give us a bit more to work with

The 1 I went to see was actually in the girls name I even saw her ID and original title in hand. I know they claim to be girl driven and stuff but those ads are obvious u can see the shade of the guy taking the pic haha

As long as the decals come off the 2012 I'll be gettig that for the price it's a steal. The CL ads don't say much just a couple pics and basic info like year and model. Most of them say "never dropped, like new".

I've had honest sellers too tell me it was dropped and what not but that the bike is running perfectly. I want one in good condition I'm a cautious driver.

Thx for the info everyone!

[Diegone]

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

Yep, the green and black bike is mine. Did my own paint job as my replacement fairings were the SE red and black off an '09.

The small motorcycle trailer from u-haul out here costs $16ish per day and has a long ramp/tailgate that makes loading easy.

What about the hitch? Do they let you borrow one too?

[NevadaWolf]

Err, dunno. I bought my hitch so I'd have it if needed regardless. Somehow I am thinking no as I remeber weighing the cost vs driving to my Dad's who also had one.

Call and ask.

[misfitsailor]

Welcome! Hey, you can't go wrong. Both bikes are red!

[Snake]

Hello and welcome.

[Diegone]

Bought the bike!

2012 ninja 250 with 440 miles. (She didn't know the mileage and when she took a pic of odometer it was 440 compared to the 3k she said haha tried to bring me up to 3k but kept her word at 2500)
Red and black $2500.

It was bought March 2013 from a dealer brand new. Fully stock mint condition. One owner only.

Ended up borrowing a truck and uhaul motorcycle trailer only 15$ and got in Home Depot the ratchet tie straps.

Can't wait to ride it! Registering it Wednesday.

[willis9076]

Welcome,

That is an awesome find for that price!

Its also the same bike I have!

[NevadaWolf]

Congrats!!

How do you mess up the mileage that badly? 2800 down to 440? Weird... I can see a few hundred off, but a few thousand? LOL

Hope you got the manual, you're almost due up for its first service at 600 miles. It's still in the break in period so read up on treating her nice for a short while.

[crazymadbastard]

Welcome!

Good choice on bike. We need pics!

[sharky nrk]

howdy

[auntymunga]

Originally Posted by Diegone

Hello everyone,
soon to be Ninja owner looking for some advice from the guys that already own one!

Let me start by saying I joined this forum because it seems to be the most popular when it comes to this specific model at least that's what I read haha

Okay so; I've been looking for a bike for about a month now, new deals show up everyday on craiglist. I'm looking to spend ideally 2,000$ in a bike but most sellers won't go under 3k. I watched a couple how tos on this specific model about "what to look for when buying a ninja" so deff I don't want any dropped ones or scratched up. I also preferably buy a black or red one.

My top choices are;
1) 2010 Red 250R - 500 miles (3000$) already went to see it. Mint condition.
2) 2012 Red 250R - 2800 miles (2500$) going to see and probably buy on Saturday.

Both original owners, title in hand.

2010 girl owner said she's selling bc she needs the money, hasn't done any maintenance to the bike either. At 500 miles it shouldn't need much. One thing w the bike when idling I revved it and it shut off. She said it takes a while to warm up and after 4-5 mins it didn't shut off sounded good.

The 2012 one said she bought it last year only did oil change at 500-600miles and hasn't done any maintenance to the bike ever since. It is running no issues she said it's like new. Reason selling bc of kids / family it's a girl owner.

Here are my questions.

I absolutely love the 08-11 body, but the 2012 is newer and cheaper, I was wondering if there's any way to remove the "graphics" or decals, it has like a black one in the middle of the body and then those white arrows or stripes that I don't really like. Are these removable? Or painted under clear coat?

Second thing, both these bikes are 45min-1hr away from my house and I wouldn't feel comfortable riding them back. What's a cheap tow/shipping service I could use once I buy it?

Third, list a few things I should be looking for, common issues and to the best of your knowledge which bike should I take. But I think a 2010 bike with only 500 miles is prob a worse buy than a 2012 with 2800. Don't know much about bikes so any help will be appreciated!

Sorry for the long story wanted to share as many details as possible. Looking forward to this community and new friends

Either one is a good choice to be honest. If you want to remove the decals then have a look at a post I wrote when I was freshening up my bike here: https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=175578 Obviously you don't have to read the whole thing but I had those monster green stickers which I hated and I removed mine before continuing so have a look


Anywhoo, welcome to the 250 family

[kennetht]

Congrats on the bike!

Now lets see some pictures!

[WarriorGene]

Wow, that's a hell of a deal. Good find! Congratulations!