I want to buy a new bike (Kawasaki Ninja). What should I look for to make sure it is a good buy? Anything help

Question

I tried to say 2nd hand bike. Sorry.

Answer 1

Don't be in any kind of hurry, shop around and what ever you do, do not pay msrp or whats on the price tag (off the grip or lever). Ask whats the best deal they can give you, tell the salesman you plan to shop around for a good price. Don't be conned, this is what puts food on his table and drains your bank account.

Once you find the deal then ask to throw in that Shoei Helmet (DOT/SNELL) or leather jacket you had your eye on.
I got a $500 helmet with mine but there was a catch. I ask about financing then went to my credit union and when I went back and told the salesman I did not need his help with the finance
I was getting a loan from the credit union. He told me I then could not get the Helmet with the deal. I asked to see the manager and got my free helmet. (77)

Answer 2

2nd hand bikes are tricky but with a good eye and a good price you can find what your looking for. I recently bought a 2000 Kawasaki Ninja and found these things to help me the most:
1. Used from Dealer or Private?
If it is used from dealer you can smuggle things out of the deal. Example: My bike has a 2 year kawasaki warranty because I first bought it with a loan then once the deal was set in stone I went down to the bank and paid it off. I got the warranty and a very mint condition bike for under 4K because I let them think I would have to pay all the finance.
If its from Private seller this can be like making a deal in mexico - you must haggle! The bonus is you wont have to put full coverage on the vehicle because it wont have a lein on it but the disadvantage is walking away with no money and a dud bike.
Check Tires, if they look worn out or if they tell you they havent ridden in a while , get them to knock down the price, the tires could have a cup effect that the eye wouldnt notice but that you would notice while riding. Check electrical wires, make sure no burns or kinks, replacing the wiring harness could be pricey. Make sure the clutch isnt loose or worn, look at the brake pads, and of course most important check farings to make sure it hasnt been laid down or dropped. All these things can be fixed but you want to make sure your getting the better end of the deal. replacing brakes is much less costly than replacing a faring.
Instinct can help anyone make sure they are getting what they want, if you are unsure or feel like its a shady deal - walk away. Its much more likely to get a hold of something you want without waiting a century to find it, the motorcycle industry is still booming and waiting for you to jump on!

Good Luck, GO TEAM GREEN!

Answer 3

Aside from looking at the plastic for signs of drop, look at the foot pegs, clutch and brake levers. Like posted previous look the sproket over good, and also make sure there is tread on the tires. Check the oil in the bike, make sure there is some. If you know bikes, start it up and listen to the engine. If you're endorsed to ride, definately test ride the bike. Anytime you buy second hand assume the machine has been abused, especially when buying a sport bike. Last but not least look up the year/condition/mileage of the bike and make sure you are paying a fair price for it.

Answer 4

Unless you're a professional and know all the things to look for, it'd be worth your $$$ to take it to a Mechanic for a PPI (PrePurchase Inspection). Crashed bikes can have all the damaged cosmetic pieces replaced and yet still have dangerous damage to the frame, or other major parts. A professional will be able to see this. There are also other clues that someone experienced in motorcycles can pick up on.

If you want to risk the purchase, then this is a pretty good guide on what to look for when buying used:

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

Answer 5

just to check, you not getting a 2nd hand bike right.
If it is a brand new bike, try your local dealer (Kawasaki) to find the price they are selling now and maybe you might wanna scout around more to compare. cause something prices do varies a little. Exampe: interest on loan amount (%).
next, if you getting a brand new bike meaning 1st owner. there shouldn't be any problem at all cause the bike is brand new. unless you are taking a 2nd hand bike.

Answer 6

I'd take it to a penguin and let him inspect it. They know a lot about bike prices and mechanicals because they deal with bikes almost every day. They'd be the ones to ask

Answer 7

If it has been extensively modified for performance, that's a sign it's been used hard--for drag racing, stunting, that kinda thing. Another bad sign is bent drive sprocket teeth caused by wheelies. And of course drop/laydown damage usually called "minor cosmetic".