- This topic has 17 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 14 years ago by eternal05.
a few questions…
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March 22, 2010 at 8:48 pm #3783sleepr24Participant
Bit of history:
Hey everyone. Not new to the site, just been awhile since I’ve engaged in it. I’m looking at some ’05-’07 250r’s (about 7) to purchase for my first bike (via craigslist). I’ve had my driver’s license for a little more than 5 years and have my 5-speed transmission for about 3 years. So I understand the concept of a manual transmission pretty well ( and I know it’s completely different because gears/clutch operation is reversed on bike or that’s what I’m used to hearing. :p). I have my permit and will be taking the CMSP in the next 2 weeks. The weather is getting pretty pleasant here in Ca (bay area) and I would like to purchase a little ahead of the spring crowd. With that said… here are my questions…
Questions:
One of the bikes I’m looking at has been garaged since July with some minimal riding around the block every-so-often. I’m worried that fluids/oil might be turned to sludge and/or carbs need cleaning/major tune-up. I’ve heard this would run about $400 from a shop. I understand bikes require more care than cars and maintenance is to be expected. Other than that… bike has 7k miles, starts up, runs and is pretty clean.
input please…?Another one has 22k miles on it and has been/still being consistently used. Exactly the opposite scenario. Should I be weary of the miles and anticipate another major tuneup as well?
The rest of them have light cosmetic damage from some lay-down incidents. I’m not worried about looks… I just want to have fun and be safe. Is there anything I should be looking for to make sure none of the mechanical aspects were damaged (besides the obvious bent frame/handle components, leaks)?
Thank a bunch.
March 22, 2010 at 9:44 pm #25055MunchParticipantAs an auto mechanic and bike owner..I would still strongly (underline strongly) suggest you take both bikes to a mechanic to get checked out before settling on the purchase. This is one of the few things talked about in respects to buying used.
Both bikes could have the sludge, crappy fluid problem. Just because one has less miles then the other only means one thing…It got ridden less. You are at the mercy of the sellers honor. Not a good place to be. Take the bike to get looked at… as thoroughly as you can afford. Those “low speed drops” are dependent on what the sellers definition of low speed is and what damage was actually done.
Granted you might be forking out extra money now that you didn’t want to. Which is more affordable though…… $2500+ now and an extra grand or two later in repairs and “I wish I had known that” scenarios… or the $400 now for the piece of mind that you made a knowledgeable decision. If the money for the inspection bites into your purchasing power too much. Make the seller deduct it from the final price.At an auto shop ( an honest one) we have a saying that plays out all too often… Pay me now or pay me twice as much later. You decide.
March 22, 2010 at 10:07 pm #25056sleepr24ParticipantThanks for the advice, definitely appreciate it. Went the path of purchasing without inspection on my first car and it wasn’t a pretty situation. What kind of price should I be looking for from a shop for a inspection/diagnostic?
March 22, 2010 at 11:03 pm #25058Jeff in KentuckyParticipantI agree it is best to have a mechanic check out a used bike, including doing a test ride. The second best is getting someone with a few years of experience coming with you to look at these bikes and test ride them. If they have rode the same bike in good shape before, they will notice less power, strange handling, etc.
At the minimum after buying one, I would at least have the valve clearances checked, check the air filter, replace the engine oil and oil filter, add new coolant and new spark plugs if the bike is more than two years old, add new brake fluid, and add Sea Foam to the gasoline. Tires can have plenty of tread, but if they have sat around a long time the tread can be hard and have a lot less traction than normal- this is more of a concern if you will ride in the rain.
A scratched bike should cost less, and if you drop it you will not feel as bad about any new scratches.
March 22, 2010 at 11:07 pm #25059TrialsRiderParticipantBuy the bike with low miles and seems to run great, assume all the fluids are crap and need replacing and spend the money you would drop at a shop, to enroll in a motorcycle mechanics evening course.
On the topic of fluids, one of the most over looked fluid replacement items is the front fork oil. Even some bike mechanics will say yep, we changed the oil and the filter, but never think to drain the forks unless you specifically ask for that to be done.
…am I right on that one Munch, or am I just speaking from personal experience ?March 23, 2010 at 1:59 am #25081sleepr24Participant@ Jeff: One of my friends has had some riding experience and has a 250 and gs500. [250 is going to his younger brother, otherwise I would have purchased from him]. He’ll be the one riding and looking for any potential “hiccups” that might present themselves, since I don’t have much riding experience at this point.
@ Trials: Definitely will look into the local community college about a mechanics course. I would be willing to invest into something that I am highly interested in. When it does get checked by a qualified mechanic, I will be sure to ask about that front fork oil.
So besides anything major like drive-train, brakes, leaks or frame related…would I be looking at more than $400 for fluids, valve clearances, spark plugs?
Just thought of something… is anyone located in the bay area who could serve as an intermittent mech?
March 23, 2010 at 2:52 am #25085TrialsRiderParticipant…including the safety test and maybe a new chain. If the tires are bad that could push the numbers up.
When you are looking, grab the rear tire at the back and give it a slow strong wiggle left and right, if the chain goes from loose to tight as you move it each way, that indicates that the swing arm bushings/bearings are worn, might drop the price another 200.
Also look for any signs of oil leakage from the front forks. If the rear swing arm wiggles and the front forks are leakin, walk away.March 23, 2010 at 3:22 am #25089MunchParticipantcan’t speak for everyone…but most likely on the average you are correct. Most places have a set “100+point ” standardized check up …. if it’s not on the list, it will not get checked unless requested. If you do go to any shop…. bike, car , truck or otherwise…ask them to show you what they looked at and question them.
March 23, 2010 at 5:58 am #25097sleepr24Participant… I’m writing this on a index card so I don’t forget important things to look for. Planning on checking some out this week, so the timely responses will definitely be of use. Again, if anyone is in the bay area… let me know. Any other pointers are appreciated as well, if something comes to mind. Thanks.
March 23, 2010 at 1:26 pm #25101JackTradeParticipantThis is a great help when looking at a used bike…read the whole thing before you go.
I did and even printed out the checklist and took it with me with I looked at bikes…helped keep me focused and ensured in the heat of the moment I didn’t forget anything important.
March 23, 2010 at 4:14 pm #25105CBBaronParticipantGood resource for information about Ninja 250rs is the ninja250.com FAQ.
If you buy a used bike just assume that no maintenance has been done and have everything recommended by the users guide performed. Many of the tasks are not difficult if you want to learn to do them yourself. Even valve checks and adjustment doesn’t look to be too bad though i have not done mine yet.
A low mileage bike may need to have the carbs cleaned and the fluids replaced but is likely over all in better shape. If it runs well then you may be able to get away without a carb clean and just replace fluids and run a cleaner like Seafoam through the machine.
Craig
March 31, 2010 at 7:06 am #25318sleepr24ParticipantAppreciate all the advice. Much thanks. The 250r situation’s didn’t work out for various reason’s. I am going to see a 2007 hyosung gt250r tomorrow.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/1666240555.html
I’ve noted the mixed reviews on this bike, so will definitely have those in mind when I go look and be a factor in my decision. But for now…just looking. No rush.
March 31, 2010 at 4:00 pm #25325sleepr24ParticipantMight check this out as well, since I’d be in the area.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/1670037310.htm
Assuming this is the truth… would it probably be battery/cleaning of carbs?
April 1, 2010 at 4:36 am #25337SantaCruzRiderParticipantHey Sleep,
Note sure if you’re still looking, but if you get down to the South Bay, you may want to check out Riders Choice Used Bike Warehouse in Sunnyvale. They have a website, but it isn’t always up to date and there are often a bunch of used bikes on hand that aren’t shown online. They must have 60+ used bikes on display at any point in time, everything from dirt to dresser, so maybe only 1-2 in the class you’re looking for — but it’s fun to browse and they always seem OK with throwing a leg over.One note of mileage for used bikes: In my opinion, it’s a double-edge sword. It’s no benefit to a bike to sit unused, but every mile also adds a TINY bit of wear and tear. The average bike gets something like 2,500 miles per year, so it would probably be ideal if you could by from the anal-retetentive maintenance guy who rode 2.5k each and every year and then did ALL maintenancde on time and has records to prove. In practice, you’re more likely to find a guy who put 10k on it the first year, dropped it the second and got scrared and didn’t ride again for 2-3 years. Then he got it running, but has only taken a few trips and his wife wants it out of the garage.
In my limited experience, if if starts with minimal fuss, stays running, accelerates without hesitation and gets better as it warms, then shows no leaks or fumes, it probably will keep doing so for some time. If not, I don’t care how little the PO says it will cost to fix, I’d walk. Unless you love spending your time wrenching (and I know guys who do — so no dig on them), get one that is running perfect, buy it and ride it. There’s plenty of opportunity to fuss with maintenance down the road.
April 6, 2010 at 9:30 am #25450sleepr24ParticipantI have a question from a friend. I was on his ninja 250 the other day and noticed his bike squeals when moving forward (sometimes w/ throttle at low speeds, but always when scooting forward on the bike… even if it’s off). Why would it do that? Thanks.
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