June 6th, 2013, 05:42 PM | #1 |
New Rider
Name: Josh
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 40
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15,000 mile maintenance/inspection
Hey all,
I've just hit my 15,000 mile mark on the bike, with 5,000 of those miles being ridden by me! Since it's maintenance time, I've been searching for a good place and price. I'm not too keen on taking it to a dealership/shop (I'd rather do it myself), but I have neither the time or experience to be inspecting everything on the bike. I've already looked at some of the DIY's on Tech Talk here, and that just reinforces the fact. Plus, I don't want to put everything back together and realize I have some "spare" parts left over. I was quoted 950.00 by a guy from RideNow. I think that's steep, but he was explaining about packing bearings and adjusting the valves, and how it takes a lot of time. Advice? Thanks
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June 6th, 2013, 10:29 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Domagoj
Location: Rijeka, Croatia
Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r 2009 Posts: 396
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Well, I don't know what packing bearings is, so I can't say anything about it.
I don't know about the prices in the US, so that's also something I cannot comment. Concerning the rest, service manual covers all points you should check at certain mileage. Most of it are checks, and most likely everything will check out ok. Furthermore, most of it are repeats from the previous service interval, so by following it you make sure nothing was left unatended by the owner before you. If you're going to do it yourself, you will need a garage. You will also need stands, and at least some basic tools. If you have a lot of time, and if you have some more experienced friends, try to do it yourself. You will get to know your bike better (at least in the basics), and that's certainly something to aim for. That "black box" feeling is actually pretty bad. I'd say that for valve clearance check you will do well to plan 2 days, and 2 more days for other work. The more time you have, the better, because it will make it more fun and much less stressful than having a deadline looming over your head. Note that valve clearance check is a bit easier than adjustment, as you can't really go wrong there - nothing "critical" has to be removed. Adjustment is slightly different story, but I'm sure you looked over the diys and videos available. In any case, by at least checking, you will know what work has to be done, and you will be able to evaluate the work done by the mechanic if you decide to hire one. |
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June 6th, 2013, 11:07 PM | #3 |
New Rider
Name: Josh
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 40
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That's actually pretty good advice. I usually do the basic maintenance myself (chain lube, oil change, fluids check) but i've never had to do a full inspection. I've been looking closer at the DIY's and I might be able to do it slowly.
Thanks for your advice!
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June 7th, 2013, 05:55 AM | #4 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Brad
Location: Sydney
Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r 2010 SE Posts: 573
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Quote:
If you need help with your service, there's plenty of people on here that can help you, like me for one. |
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June 7th, 2013, 06:03 AM | #5 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Brad
Location: Sydney
Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r 2010 SE Posts: 573
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With pulling the bike apart. Its pretty hard to have parts left over when you can just look at something like this.
http://www.cheapcycleparts.com/oem-p.../owner-s-tools |
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June 7th, 2013, 06:13 AM | #6 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Fox
Location: Boston
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881
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Personally, I plan on paying a shop to do the major items, like the valve check/adjustment. I have a quote for $200 for just that. For me, the cost is worth the time. $200 is well worth an entire weekend of frustration. I enjoy cranking wrenches, but not for something like that.
All the other stuff, you could probably do yourself with limited time commitment. |
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June 7th, 2013, 08:06 AM | #7 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Brad
Location: Sydney
Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r 2010 SE Posts: 573
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Quote:
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June 7th, 2013, 01:38 PM | #8 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Brian
Location: Orange County, CA
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): '12 ninja 250r Posts: 762
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June 7th, 2013, 09:37 PM | #9 | |
New Rider
Name: Josh
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 40
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Thanks everyone for your input! It helps alot to get the different perspectives. I'm real new to the gearhead aspect of riding, so I have no idea how much something costs till I'm knee deep in it.
Quote:
I think the valve inspection/adjustment is probably the only thing out of the 15k list that I'll need help with. Thank you all again; I truly appreciate the experienced perspectives!
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June 8th, 2013, 06:50 AM | #10 | |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Only the sprocket bearing needs some cleaning and greasing. The reality of owning a motorcycle is that you either pay for expensive service work for years to come (and maybe towing services) or you learn and create the conditions to do it yourself. Conditions are a flat clean illuminated place to work, tools, stands, time, etc.
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June 13th, 2013, 11:54 PM | #11 | |
New Rider
Name: Josh
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 40
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Quote:
Thanks again!
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June 14th, 2013, 12:07 AM | #12 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Fish
Location: co
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.
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Hey josh if you need help let me know I live right next to luke air base. I have all the tools we need and I have done a few valve jobs.
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June 14th, 2013, 06:24 AM | #13 |
I'm crazy,your excuse is?
Name: Winston
Location: Connecticut
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250 2007 ninja Posts: A lot.
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The service does not have to happen all at once you know. Chip away at the to-do list at your leisure.
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September 5th, 2014, 08:25 AM | #14 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: S.
Location: Stjoerdal, Norway (SD, CA, USA, 2015-2016 , BI, Nordrhein Westfalen, Germany 2021-'22)
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 -Special ed. '11, ZZR 1400 (ZX14), Honda CB 1100 F Super Bol D'or, TMZ 200. Posts: 153
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Quote:
I called a workshop here in Norway (Scandinavia) today. The 24 000 km service was offered for 7000 - 7500 NOK, or 1120 to 1200 USD. This will include valve control and adjustment (if needed). They expect 6 hours of work. Is that about the expected number of hours for such a service? Thanks, and best regards |
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September 5th, 2014, 09:50 AM | #15 | |
Inline 4!!!
Name: Danny
Location: MA
Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Seriously, don't listen to anyone on here telling you valves are easy and it will just take a day or two, they're simply wrong. It might be easy FOR THEM but not for someone like you or I who have little to no experience. You will have to remove a butt load of stuff, then you have to buy feeler gauges, a micro meter, shims, all that will run you roughly $50, then you have to go into the dirty of actually doing it which is hard as hell and you run a HUGE risk of damaging the engine... You can get a kawi dealer to do it for $250, honestly... it's the way to go...
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September 5th, 2014, 09:53 AM | #16 |
Certified looney toon
Name: Teri
Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV)
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 16
MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14
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Just checking that you guys see the OP is from June 2013... Right?
@Norway, sorry I don't have an answer for you, I'm not sure how long a normal service takes to do when it includes checking and adjusting the valves.
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September 5th, 2014, 11:31 AM | #17 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Brian
Location: Orange County, CA
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): '12 ninja 250r Posts: 762
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Quote:
meh. I for one appreciate the thread revival instead of starting a new one. Stays on topic |
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September 5th, 2014, 11:53 AM | #18 |
Certified looney toon
Name: Teri
Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV)
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 16
MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14
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Oh, I agree, but some zombie threads are bumped from the OP being answered when the question was ages ago. I fully support bumping old threads if new questions or information is brought up.
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<-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow. |
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September 6th, 2014, 02:38 AM | #19 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: S.
Location: Stjoerdal, Norway (SD, CA, USA, 2015-2016 , BI, Nordrhein Westfalen, Germany 2021-'22)
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 -Special ed. '11, ZZR 1400 (ZX14), Honda CB 1100 F Super Bol D'or, TMZ 200. Posts: 153
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Quote:
I'm curious about the time spent. Is 6 hours reasonable for a 24 000 km service? I guess it could be. (About 15 years ago I had a service on my (then) ZX 11, including carburator and valve- adjustments. It came close to 7000 NOK ( more than 1000 USD) back then, with parts costing a small fraction of the total). The ZX 11 was off course a much larger bike, but it might have been easier to work on. I don't know..) Anyone that had a similar service to the 250, including valve adjustments, and knows how many hours of work they paid for? Thanks. |
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September 6th, 2014, 10:54 AM | #20 |
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.
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September 6th, 2014, 11:24 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rolf
Location: Sweden
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 Posts: 70
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Here is a good instruction for a 250R 2008 that I followed when adjusting the valves on the 300
http://www.theyeagergroup.com/2008_n..._clearance.htm Make sure you catch the seals for the spark plugs and don't drop them down the valve train. Yes the procedure is quite involved, yes 6 h is not far off if the valves need adjustment and they do all the other checks, change oil, clean air filter, balance throttles etc. And yes as Danny wrote the risk for the engine is high. But the valve inspection costs are equally prohibitive. I chose to do the maintenance myself. |
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September 6th, 2014, 11:51 AM | #22 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: S.
Location: Stjoerdal, Norway (SD, CA, USA, 2015-2016 , BI, Nordrhein Westfalen, Germany 2021-'22)
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 -Special ed. '11, ZZR 1400 (ZX14), Honda CB 1100 F Super Bol D'or, TMZ 200. Posts: 153
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Quote:
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September 6th, 2014, 12:02 PM | #23 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: S.
Location: Stjoerdal, Norway (SD, CA, USA, 2015-2016 , BI, Nordrhein Westfalen, Germany 2021-'22)
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 -Special ed. '11, ZZR 1400 (ZX14), Honda CB 1100 F Super Bol D'or, TMZ 200. Posts: 153
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Quote:
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September 16th, 2014, 08:11 AM | #24 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: S.
Location: Stjoerdal, Norway (SD, CA, USA, 2015-2016 , BI, Nordrhein Westfalen, Germany 2021-'22)
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 -Special ed. '11, ZZR 1400 (ZX14), Honda CB 1100 F Super Bol D'or, TMZ 200. Posts: 153
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Quote:
Price for service: 8105 NOK = 1265 USD. |
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June 29th, 2017, 06:34 AM | #25 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: S.
Location: Stjoerdal, Norway (SD, CA, USA, 2015-2016 , BI, Nordrhein Westfalen, Germany 2021-'22)
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 -Special ed. '11, ZZR 1400 (ZX14), Honda CB 1100 F Super Bol D'or, TMZ 200. Posts: 153
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Quote:
Would it be too risky not to have the valves checked at the next (42000 km) service, but instead wait for the 48 kkm service? Would the valves normally be expected to change a lot from 24 kkm to 42 kkm? I'm in doubth about what to do? The bike is used for commuting, 80 km (50 miles) every day, running at around 7-8000 rpms. |
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June 29th, 2017, 08:42 AM | #26 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Bill
Location: Port Huron, Michigan
Join Date: Mar 2017 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Kawasaki 250 Ninja, 1982 Honda Ascot FT500 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Bill |
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June 29th, 2017, 09:48 AM | #27 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Kevin
Location: Portland, OR
Join Date: Oct 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R, Tiger 800 XRT Posts: 828
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I never did any wrenching before I got my Ninja and I just finished a valve adjustment a few months ago. It looks intimidating and risky (for the engine) when you're reading up on it, but once I got going I found it to be pretty straightforward, and, if you take your time, not risky. The main threats are dropping things into the engine (go slow and don't do that), and getting the camshafts in with the wrong timing (again, take it slow).
Probably the main thing is to allow plenty of time to get it done. If you have any kind of deadline you might find yourself pressured to go faster, thus increasing the chances of making a mistake.
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