Hi All

I have recently wanted to buy a bike for enjoyment and to save money on the rising gas prices. I am going for used to save money and I'm looking for a model thats a 94 or newer(2nd gen). I have put 800$ away for this purchase thus far and wanted to know if you guys/gals think I can pick up a 94 or newer for 800 - 900$?

I have no problem with putting more money away to get it. But I would like to know if you think if its possible to find one for this price.

I have a past with auto body repair and painting so basic cosmetic damage/New Paint job wont be a big problem for me.

Thanks

 

Welcome.

Being your first bike, if you're not too mechanically inclined, buy a nicer 250. Trying to figure out what the last owner did to make it run like chit can be a real hassle. Plan on spending between $1300 to $1700 for one of these. Otherwise, I'm sure you could pick up a crapper for less than a $1000.

Good luck, gear up, and ride safe.

 

Thanks Man

I been riding dirtbikes and whatnot for a while so I assume I can handle a good amount of mechanics now. I have sold off my other bikes a year ago besides a 2001 TTR 90 I kept around for family. It does not get any use anymore so I bet I can get upwards to 800$ for it and that should get me in the range of a pretty nice Ninja 250.

Also another question. I should see almost the same performance across the board for the years 1994 - 2007? (Assumeing anything I buy was kept in good shape)

 

There isn't much of a difference between the years other than color options. In the mid 00's, The Ninja 250 did get a built in rev limiter. But that's about the biggest update I can think of.

 

Check Craigslist in your area. I found mine on there for $1700, and it's in great condition, minus a crack, but no scratches.

 

I looked at several used 250s from the 96 and older age group. The petcocks start to fail about that time meaning an owner could have or still be running the bike on oil mixed with gas. Brake lines and anything rubber even with low miles are due for replacement. Keep that in mind whether you are mechanically inclined or not, if you arent up to the work spend an extra $500+ and get one that isnt so involved.

 

whoa...this makes no sense...how is a failing petcock gonna introduce oil into the gas or carbs? that is impossible, a failing petcock will either just clog up or leak a little gas, a simple $10 rebuild.

 

Aaah young one, you must become more familiar with the oddity of the 250

That said it is fully possible on a 250 to fill your engine with so much gas from a failed petcock that it comes out the crank case ventthat goes into the air box.

Should it technically happen? Not really, but it does.

Dont believe me, thats fine, I really dont care [:-]

BTW I think the kit is $20 but not sure.

 

Possible, but not likely.

 

250 hold value once they hit about $2000. The engines are rev happy but the stroke is short so piston speed isn't as bad as all that. I'd look for one with less than 20k on the odo. Ride a couple of newer ones so youget a feel forwhat they should do.