I have been looking for a used ninja 250 for the past few months and I may have found the deal I am looking for. I was hoping some of you guys out there can give me a few tips before I get in over my head.

I found a 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250 for $2500. When I called the guy, he told me that he hardly rode it and is basically wanting to get rid of it and pay off what he owes. He said that he rode if for a couple months and it has been garage kept ever since. Except for needing a new battery, there isn't a scratch on it.

I am going to take a look at it this weekend and could someone give me a few pointers on what to look at or for when deciding on buying a used motorcycle and does this price seem reasonable?

ANY advice will be much appreciated.

 

Welcome to the Forums!!! Make sure the bike starts!!! So many people will buy a bike the doesn't start because the owner said it only needs a new battery...

 

Thanks for the quick rely.

I am assuming that I can jump the bike off of my car just to get it running. Plus, the seller has already agreed to get the battery before selling the bike.

By the way this is my first motorcycle purchase so the more information the better.

 

The best advise for you is to take someone that is mechanically competent and knows there way around bikes... ...make sure you look into getting gear ie. helmet, gloves, jacket to start with...look into taking MSF courses as well...good luck with your purchase!!!

 

Don't worry safety gear is a must. I haven't looked into the MSF courses but I will after I actually get a bike.

 

Welcome to KF

The owner needs that thing up and running for that price. Check things over, kick the tires kind of thing. The carbs are now gummed up, the tires may be weather checked along with the vacuum lines, etc. How many miles on this 250?

 

Do not jump the battery with your car running

 

I believe he said 2000 miles. He had it for 4 months and rode it back and forth to work. Assuming where he lives, I'm guessing it would have been about 30 miles each way on the interstate.

I am going to call him again tomorrow to setup a meeting date and ask a few more questions, so I'll double check and ask him anything else you guys feel is important.