Buying a NINJA 250R motorcycle?

Question

I'm thinking about a Ninja 250R.

I was hoping to buy it used.. is this a good idea? Or is buying a used motorcycle very risky?

Also seeing as this is my first own bike (the last one i was on wasn't my own) i don't wanna go crashing or dropping a brand new bike, yknow?

What do I need to look for when buying a used motorcycle? What common problems would I come across? What kind of questions should I ask the owner?

Like a car, should I bring it to a motorcycle shop BEFORE I buy it to have someone check it out?

Anything else you wanna add? ^_^

Thanks.

Answer 1

You can get some good deals buying used and also save the depreciation. dont buy one thats been laid down, check it good for scratches, and try to buy low mileage :)

some buyers get tired of them very easy and sell them cheap

Answer 2

I do not agree that all new riders will drop their bike. It's just my opinion, but of all the new riders I know only one has dropped their bike and that was a 5'4" women that had never been on a bike and purchased an 1100 cruiser as her first ride. The 250R is for beginners or those who just want really good gas mileage and/or low purchase and insurance costs. If you want a new bike, get a new bike. No offense to anyone here, but I would take any advice from this site with a grain of salt. YA has more misinformation regarding motorcycles than any forum I've ever seen. As far as buying a used bike because a new one may get scratched up...WTF. Who wants to buy a shitty looking scratched up used bike anyway? And if you buy a nice looking used bike you will be just as upset if it gets scratched up or dented. If you can even find an '08 Ninja 250R they are as cheap as many used bikes anyway. It is your money so just forget about what anybody here thinks and follow your own instincts.

Answer 3

Its best to bring someone with you who is knowledgeable about bikes in general.

Or, have the seller meet you at a motorcycle repair shop that you're comfortable with to have the bike checked over by a licensed mechanic. It'll be worth the $60 investment.

You can also pull a carfax report on the vehicle.

Make sure the brakes all work, and electrics are fine.
Sit on the bike and start it up. Make sure you are comfortable with height, and seat positioning as well as where the shift lever and brake levers are.

Ninja 250s are good investments and are worthy 2nd hand, 3rd hand, 4th hand...heck even 10th hand bikes.

Please do not listen to anyone who says you should start out with anything bigger if they DONT know you personally, or if you have any type of motorcycle riding experience.

A Ninja 250 is as nimble and quick as any 600cc bike out there, ESPECIALLY if you plan on riding on the street often.

Since you state that you are new and want something to get comfortable with, the advantage of a Ninja 250 is that its forgiving and has less torque than a 600 cc supersport bike. You'll find that this will help you in gaining confidence in riding, and allow to learn from your mistakes without disastrous effects. 90% of all accidents on a bike are due to RIDER inexperience, and at intersections, and in parking lots. These situations all represent slow moving manuevers.

And look into your local MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) classes to help you get started.

I've taught MSF classes, and the ones that learned on 600cc bikes prior to taking the class, were always smoked by those who had no experience and learning on our little 250's. ^_^

Answer 4

First off, this is a great bike choice. My female friend is on her third Ninja 250R. She loves the bike. You might enjoy reading this article on that bike, written by a guy who does MC Tours in California.

1.Buy one which is less than 3 years old.
2.Low miles, less than 3-5k.
3.The price should be less than $2800.00, unless it is an 06, with 500 miles on it.
4.Check on Craiglist, they have some on their from time to time.
5.Have the owner of the bike ride it around the block, so you can listen to it run from a distance.
6. Make sure you get to ride the bike before you buy, atlease around the block.
7.When was maintance done on the bike, was it by the dealer?
8.Is their an extended warranty on this bike

Answer 5

The Ninja 250 is an excellent choice for a beginner bike, and it is very wise of you to purchase used. These bikes - the 250 in particular - are bullet-proof. they really are great bikes!

Yeah, if you find one, you might want to take it by a shop to have it "evaluated". Lots of shops will do it for free - just to let you know that it's a good bike. We riders kinda stick together, and shops are no different - if you're just getting into the sport, and you're starting out right, they'll help you out.

There are also lots of sites with boards (such as sportbikes.net) where you can arrange to meet an experienced rider in your area for that rider to check out the bike. That happens from time to time. I recommend at least going to out to the site and getting involved in the discussion board. It was very helpful to me when I was first learning!

You are going about this the right way. You are very wise, and I wish you all the luck!

Excellent choice on a first bike! Don't forget your gear (gloves, because your hands are usually the first thing to meet the pavement, boots with ankle protection (high, motorcycle boots - no steel toes, they're dangerous), a HELMET - preferably full-faced - I have a ScorpionEXO and an HJC CL-14 - both excellent purchases, both very comfortable - and a jacket with CE armor - padding is very important. I even purchased extra armor to put under the jacket.

Again, good luck, be safe, and have fun!

Answer 6

I'd say take someone with you that knows more than the average rider about bikes. Ask if it's been dropped and if so how fast were they going when it happened. When was the last maintenance done on it. Look closely at the tread on the tires and check for dry rot. Look for rust on the disc. Check for modifications made to it (ie, lowered, integrated tail lights, position of the license plate, strobes) and be sure its in accordance with the local/state laws where u are.

Answer 7

Well, Its a horrible bike to begin with, and its cheap brand new, i'd say go with a suzuki Gs 500. Thats a nice beginner bike i rode one and there isn't too much torque so you won't have to worry about lifting up or anything. If your going to get a motorcycle you don't want a 250.

Answer 8

no your best choice is to start out with a 600 because you will regret getting a 250 or a 500 in about a month or so then you will want to get a bigger bike and that will cost you another couple grand anyways you can probably get a 600 for the same price of a 250 if it is used strange how the prices work on these things. It dont really matter if you buy one with scratches because more than likely you will lay it over at a red light or something because i did and every one else i know has. All you have to do is just ride a little pocket bike with gears a couple of times then move on to the 600 dont regret.

Answer 9

Read and learn
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html