[Crazy250]

Hello everyone!


I'm hoping to get a ninja 250 this season to learn how to ride on. It's been tough finding any 250's, i've checked craigslist, ebay, local classifieds :readng: etc. and I've found one. Its a 2005 250r with about 5000 miles on it. That sounds to me like a LOT of miles for a one year old bike. It includes some extras, The value of which i'm unsure (like jacket, helmet, tires). The seller is asking 2500 for it, and I'm wondering what I should aim to pay on it. I checked the NADA for it and it says 1900 for "low retail price" to 2500 for "average retail price". It seems its in good condition, no scratches or dents. Is 2500 a good deal? should I try to get it for less? how much less? Another I've found is also 2005, different color (blue and orange, which I like slightly less), and it has scratches on the lower fairing. It has about 1500 miles and he's also asking 2500.
Also, is there anywhere I can go that factors in mileage to give me a value for this bike? thanks! :twfrox:

PS: If I want to get a bike checked out mechanically should I take it to a nearby dealer? I've heard you should get it checked out by a mechanic before you buy, but I'm not very mechanically inclined and I don't have any mechanic friends.

 

[ne1469]

the new ones run about 2900.00 Kaw 250

 

[R1up0n1]

:welcome: crazyclown1337:twfrox:

I myself ride a lot within a year and put a little over 5,000 to 6,000 miles a year on my bike.

Anyone who is selling their bike is going to stick close to the higher side of the NADA value unless they just really want to get rid of it quick. I stole my R1 two weeks ago for $6500 with 2,000 miles on it and the guy was going to sell it for about $9,000 to anyone else so the deals are out there you just gotta keep an eye out and do the home work.:luck:

 

[No Worries]

If you take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) class, you can practice on most any bike. The old Honda VF500 is a nice bike that I would recommend: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1984...621344398QQcategoryZ50003QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem.

 

[Crazy250]

@ ne1469:
I went to my local motorcycle dealership and the numbers i believe were 3469 before sales tax (another 200 or so bux). I was considering buying new to avoid the hazards of used bikes but with a price difference of around 1k for one model year its hard to justify. (maybe he's gouging me :wbs: )

@ R1up0n1: wouldnt having 3x the average miles expected (I think it was 1200 or 1300) bring the price down from the NADA? or is that not really high mileage... I don't mind the high mileage, I just don't want to pay more than I should. as far as I know as long as it's well maintained 5000 miles is not a big deal.

@ No Worries: I'm definitely taking the MSF. I guess i haven't considered any other options than the ninja 250. something like the one in the link is in the right price range but as I'm not mechanically inclined (yet) I might end up paying a lot for maintenance and mechanical problems on a bike that old.

heres a picture of the scratches on the second bike:

 

[jeeps84]

:welcome: to TWF
The mileage on a bike really depends on where your looking for one. If you look in year round warmer climates. You'll find mileages is almost double what you would find in areas with limited ridding season. I'm also guessing that this little bike was probable used as a commuter. Which generally means mostly highway miles. Easy miles for any vehicle. Now the price I would say is average and you probably would be hard pressed to find one several years old for much less.. If you really like and want the bike. Make a $2000 offer and see what is said. Just be ready to pay if the seller excepts because they might change their mind after you leave.

 

[ebbs15]

go with the scratched one...

personally it depends on the person I'm buying it from... the 250 is USUALLY a learners bike... so more than likely it wasn't ridden to hard... just alot... basicly the same thing your gonna use it on...

I think it's good it has a couple scratches... because when your learning the last thing you need to be worried about is scratching the paint... :2cents:

as for the price... I'd save myself the $ and buy the used one... you don't have to worry about breakin... or the $$$ service at 600, 1,200 and 3,000 (I think that's the intervals)... unless you already know how to do all the stuff... then disregard this point

the gear... well if the jacket fits GREAT... but I would still buy another helmet... especially with the bike having gone down... you never know if the helmet is damaged... even if it's not from a low side... it could hav ebeen from him dropping it... you just don't know... and it's just no a gamble I'd be taking with my mellon.:2cents:

over all... I think it's a decent deal... though I'd offer him $2000 and work your way up... if need be tell him you don't want the helmet... again :2cents:

hope it all works out for you...

 

[Crazy250]

Thanks for the advice guys, I ppreciate it.

@ jeeps84: Well the climate here isn't year round for sure. I suppose he (first seller) does ride year round since the picture of the bike that he sent me was taken with him in full gear and snow on the ground. cool bikes btw, especially gsxr 50, had to google that one.

@ ebbs15: I definitely won't need the helmet (tho it is a good match colorwise) because I've heard that your helmet fitting right is pretty important. I've already saved money for gearm but if I strke a deal and he throws it in anyways, I guess I'd keep it (ebay, give it away, passenger?). the jacket might be more useful (more my size). do the same rules apply about jackets (if its been damaged don't use it)?

 

[oldetymebiker]

5K on a modern 250 is not much...well cared for and unabused, with regular oil changes and service, you should get well over 25K before major service needs to be done (by major, I mean cam chains, starters, ect).....even the smaller motors should be good for 50K before top end work is required, AS LONG AS REGULAR SERVICE IS DONE. Any track days or racing can reduce that number considerably.

Modern machining, along with the fact that all the bugs were worked out of the 250 Ninja years ago, have decreased tolerences and upped longevity for these bikes.

Unless this bike has been obviously thrashed, dropped or you find evidence of racing (safety wire, or he offers you "track plastics", or the tires are toast), you should feel comforatble with this bike as a good investment.

The one factor that everybody leaves out, as far as pricing goes, is time of year. I Usually make my best deals during the fall or early winter, when everbody's done riding, and they are looking forward to paying for xmas gifts, or the snow is well drifted, and riding is the farthest thing from many folk's mind, but the payments and insurance are still due. Once the weather warms up, and a young man's fancy turns to visions of twisties dancing through their heads.....the prices go up, 'cause everybody want's to ride and the demand for used bikes is high.

 

[ebbs15]

Thanks for the advice guys, I ppreciate it.

@ jeeps84: Well the climate here isn't year round for sure. I suppose he (first seller) does ride year round since the picture of the bike that he sent me was taken with him in full gear and snow on the ground. cool bikes btw, especially gsxr 50, had to google that one.

@ ebbs15: I definitely won't need the helmet (tho it is a good match colorwise) because I've heard that your helmet fitting right is pretty important. I've already saved money for gearm but if I strke a deal and he throws it in anyways, I guess I'd keep it (ebay, give it away, passenger?). the jacket might be more useful (more my size). do the same rules apply about jackets (if its been damaged don't use it)?

well it depends on how bad the jacket's damaged... like are the seams coming appart? if it's just a little rash... don't worry about it... but if the seams are pulling apart or are cut anywhere... or if there are any holes... I'd use it only for the parking lot... yeah I'd try to sell it on e-bay... people will buy anything... or yes use it for a passenger... though if it's a consistant passanger buy them there own... (though a 250 isn't really a bike I'd have someone ride with me on... not enough umph! :lol

good to see that you've already put away some money for gear... don't worry about color matching... you probably won't ride the 250 for TOO long anyways... I'd say about 2 years at most... then you'll want to move on to something bigger... especially if you wanna carry a passenger.

just a heads up... when you try on your helmet... and think you've found the one for you... wear it arround the shop for atleast 30mins... to see if any "hot spots" or sore spots develop. and remember they break in so you want it sung... but not TIGHT...

I hope I didn't confuse you...

what gear are you looking at? or have you started?

 

[R1up0n1]

:iagree: with OTB, once the weather breaks then the price on bikes will sky rocket.

 

[Crazy250]

k wasn't sure about the mileage that was about the only thing i didnt like about this bike, otherwise i really like the color, and I don't think theres any damage on it (only a scratch on upper fairing). I'm going to see it next weekend anyways (can't wait). I know this is the time of year when prices are inflated but I've been looking all over for maybe 6 months straight. plus right now im sure of my finances, just got a new job, and already have enough saved for gear, insurance (200), bike(2300-2500), maintenance(200), gas(150) (i'm a poor college student).

well last time i went to the dealer i did look at some helmets and tried on a jacket (joe rocket, small size, 150$ :yikes: ) It felt very protective and welll made. It had the right arm length but it was a little too short height wise. I didnt try on helmets or anything else much because i was a) really nervous about being around about 15 awesome 600s b) seeing my dream bike (zx6r in stealth black) in person for the first time and c) seeing all these guys that new their stuff and here i was just a newb. SO i havent really started looking for gear. I plan on getting:
-Some good work boots for riding (I don't see much point in anything riding specific)
-definitely a good helmet, i liked HJC but i dunno
-maybe a jacket if its not too expensive.
I've put away about 300 for gear but i can add more (thanks to my job, yay!)

BTW the nice weather "broke" here like 2 days ago and I've been wanting to ride EVERY day SINCE! (which is why i decided to wander aimlessly around the dealer for an hour or 2) :leaving: <--- that smiley perfectly describes me at the dealership GAH I CANT WAIT

So let me know if any of my estimates for cost are off, and also what gear i should check out. Thanks for the help guys seriously this forum is AWESOME

 

[jeeps84]

It really excites me to hear and see someone so pumped about ridding. Especially when they are thinking sensible about how to start.:dthumb: I personally think its the best past time anybody could chose to do. Its so damn fun and it has practical uses to, unlike most sports.

 

[Crazy250]

haha, thanks jeeps, trust me i'm more excited than you.
Yeah, I know I might grow out of the 250 in a while, but I think its more than enough bike for me for at least a year. I don't wanna stunt or go on speed runs, but twisties and track days sound more like what I eventually want to do :drool: . just watched this video: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8091712935422502243&q=ex250
I hope someday I can get that good.
Like I said eventually i'll upgrade to a 600, but I'm still young and insurance on those bikes sucks... bummer.

Well I've been hanging around forums like this for a while now, lurking so I've seen all the tips and all the stories, which is why i might appear sensible ( I hope I actually am sensible). I only wish I had a buddy that was already in to bikes, cuz i always hear advice like: "have a buddy take a look at the bike" or "have a friend help you choose gear". no one in my family even has a stick shift car, tho my relatives overseas (India) ALL have bikes, so thats where I first learned to ride.

 

[Gas Man]

:welcome: Crazy... I won't add much cause they got everything covered... just pull out the :twfrox: smilie for ya!!

 

[ebbs15]

Like both Jeeps and I said... offer 2000 for either... the worst that's gonna happen is he'll say NO... but just be ready to pay then and there... and put the rest you've saved into gear... or some accessories:2cents:

well I'd put away more like 500 for gear... a good helmet is gonna cost ya 150-500... gloves 50-300... jacket 100-600... and boots 50-400...

I personally though HJC was a little on the heavy side for me... but that's me... if it works for you :dthumb:

but definatly get a Helmet,Gloves,and Jacket... if you can some "reenforced" jeans... the kind made by Joe Rocket, Alpinestar, Icon.. they may look like your normal Levi's but they're stiched with Kevlar and re-enforced in the knees and seat with kevlar as well as extra padding.:2cents: as for boots... as long as your boots give you good ankle protection... you should be ok... just becarefull of the laces...

as for being excited? I think I may have you beat though... try having just bought your bike... but can't ride it due to the snow... then finding that you may only have a 2week window to ride before you leave and won't be back till after the first snow fall next winter!

don't be shy about going into the dealerships and browsing arrond... most of the guys in there are morons... and I guarentee that if you tried talking to one... they'd try to talk you into one of the brand new 600 super sports... I'd talk to the Service people... from my experience... 1. more knoledgeable... 2. not driven by commision so they're not gonna push with their wallet.

Your already MILES ahead of most newbies by even LOOKING at a 250 so my props to you!:dthumb: with that mentality... You'll learn faster and better skills than the ones who jump out and get the COOL 600 SS...

good luck man... :cheers:

 

[jeeps84]

:drool: . just watched this video: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8091712935422502243&q=ex250
I hope someday I can get that good.

He is flying on that 250. Ill guarantee that he has years of experience with much bigger bikes.

 

[Gas Man]

If whats his face logged on....the racer from down under... he would be able to tell you lots more about the smaller bikes... I think he owns a 250 along with a few 500's!

 

[Crazy250]

He is flying on that 250. Ill guarantee that he has years of experience with much bigger bikes.

Not sure but i think its a SHE , listen at the end...wow what a babe (and I haven't even seen her :bowdown: :cheers: )

yeah I will start my offer at 2g, we'll go from there, I'm ready to pay in cash as soon as i get a deal (thanks to my dad :wink: , no seriously I'm paying myself). what are some good brands to look at for gear? any sites in particular? I've been looking at http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/ and i found this: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/Combo.aspx?Combo=79, which you guys will prolly shoot down cuz its cheap but I'm just throwing it out there. I wasn't sure about whether to buy pants or not. Also I've heard don't buy online but if i find the right helmet, right size, right fit, would it be okay to order it online to save a couple? It seems that every piece of gear people are like "you can't ride without it" so I guess I'm gonna have to get everything.

my local dealership has one young guy maybe like 19 or 20, and then another guy who looks like 45, the older one is way cooler but i can tell he still just wants to make the sale.

 

[jeeps84]

He/she makes no diff. He/she was flying.
Nothing wrong with buying on-line. Just try to find same thing in store to try on for size. Fit is as important as the gear itself. Then see if store will price match what you find on-line. Don't forget to factor in shipping charges. Nothing wrong with Fildsheer gear either.