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Need to get rid of a problem Ninja 250r, or get it fixed... Update p1!
3/22/2012 1:23:26 PM
I bought a needs-work 2007 Ninja 250r, (seller knew there was a problem and gave me a fair discount on the bike.) I took it to somebody to work on it several months ago, and basically it is worse off now then it was when I took it in. I took it to a more reputable shop and basically the cheapest option is to replace the whole engine, and it may be cheaper to just sell what I have and get a different bike...
So, I'm wondering if I should try selling the whole bike, part it out, or try to replace the engine. There is nothing wrong with anything else besides dings and knicks in the fiberglass and tank. What would you do do in my place?
I wish I could have done more than drive it around a parking lot a couple times this last year, but I now know not to just go to some guy who 'works' on these things and take it to a reputable shop instead; buy once, cry once.
I guess being out a few Benjamins isn't as bad as it could have been, but it is mighty disappointing.
So, I'm wondering if I should try selling the whole bike, part it out, or try to replace the engine. There is nothing wrong with anything else besides dings and knicks in the fiberglass and tank. What would you do do in my place?
I wish I could have done more than drive it around a parking lot a couple times this last year, but I now know not to just go to some guy who 'works' on these things and take it to a reputable shop instead; buy once, cry once.
I guess being out a few Benjamins isn't as bad as it could have been, but it is mighty disappointing.3/22/2012 1:37:51 PM
What was wrong with the engine, what did they do to it, and what's currently the problem? Replacement engines are $500 on eBay. How much are used 250rs in your locale?
3/22/2012 1:58:29 PM
Like the guy above says - replacement engines for the EX250 are cheap, even in good condition. Assuming I had the money and patience, I'd do an engine swap if that's what it needs.
And I'm curious, too - what exactly is the issue? Has anyone told you?
And I'm curious, too - what exactly is the issue? Has anyone told you?
3/22/2012 2:15:50 PM
Id look into putting a good running used motor or a new motor in it. Its not like your having to pull the motor out of a engine bay 
It is really simple on bikes.
It is really simple on bikes.3/22/2012 3:09:44 PM
Deffinately do it yourself if you got the bike for cheap and can find a good deal on a used motor.
As others have said, its not like transplanting a car engine. If you still decide you dont want it sell it. 250's are always in demand for new riders. I wouldnt part it out, that's for sure.
As others have said, its not like transplanting a car engine. If you still decide you dont want it sell it. 250's are always in demand for new riders. I wouldnt part it out, that's for sure.
3/22/2012 3:41:12 PM
That's what I was thinking, it cant be that hard. But I have no idea where to find an engine besides eBay and it cost nearly what I paid for the bike with freight. I was told that it could be something wrong with the head, and the piston parts; its a real nasty click that goes with the motor speed. They didn't tear down the engine and that is probably what's needed to diagnose the problem. How hard would it be to detail strip the engine without any experience?
3/22/2012 4:53:25 PM
not hard to disassemble,
imo, easier than working on a car.
IM me if you decide to sell it.
imo, easier than working on a car.
IM me if you decide to sell it.
3/22/2012 5:14:59 PM
If the clicking/knocking is matching engine speed, its probably a valve.
Also check the cam chain tensioner.
If it's not those, yeah you probably need a new motor
How many miles on the bike?
3/22/2012 5:22:48 PM
Originally Posted By Tony-Ri:
That's what I was thinking, it cant be that hard. But I have no idea where to find an engine besides eBay and it cost nearly what I paid for the bike with freight. I was told that it could be something wrong with the head, and the piston parts; its a real nasty click that goes with the motor speed. They didn't tear down the engine and that is probably what's needed to diagnose the problem. How hard would it be to detail strip the engine without any experience?
That's what I was thinking, it cant be that hard. But I have no idea where to find an engine besides eBay and it cost nearly what I paid for the bike with freight. I was told that it could be something wrong with the head, and the piston parts; its a real nasty click that goes with the motor speed. They didn't tear down the engine and that is probably what's needed to diagnose the problem. How hard would it be to detail strip the engine without any experience?
Buy a factory manual, join some forums. search a how to on adjusting valves. Most bike's valves have to be adjusted often.
3/22/2012 5:43:17 PM
Originally Posted By keroppl:
If the clicking/knocking is matching engine speed, its probably a valve.
If the clicking/knocking is matching engine speed, its probably a valve.
Also check the cam chain tensioner.
If it's not those, yeah you probably need a new motor
How many miles on the bike?
Only 5300.
I figured it was the valves or cam chain tensioner way back when I got it... I guess I should have just tried to fix it myself rather than have someone else do it.
3/22/2012 5:48:35 PM
Originally Posted By keroppl:
If the clicking/knocking is matching engine speed, its probably a valve.
If the clicking/knocking is matching engine speed, its probably a valve.
Also check the cam chain tensioner.
If it's not those, yeah you probably need a new motor
How many miles on the bike?
Something in the cam drive set up was my first thought.
Get yourself a manual and jump in. If it's a cam chain issue they can get very expensive very quickly.
3/22/2012 6:05:33 PM
Originally Posted By Tony-Ri:
Only 5300.
I figured it was the valves or cam chain tensioner way back when I got it... I guess I should have just tried to fix it myself rather than have someone else do it.
Originally Posted By keroppl:
If the clicking/knocking is matching engine speed, its probably a valve.
If the clicking/knocking is matching engine speed, its probably a valve.
Also check the cam chain tensioner.
If it's not those, yeah you probably need a new motor
How many miles on the bike?
Only 5300.
I figured it was the valves or cam chain tensioner way back when I got it... I guess I should have just tried to fix it myself rather than have someone else do it.
Plenty of videos on servicing valves and the tensioner on youtube. Bike Bandit has OEM parts and they aren't all that expensive.
Does the bike sound like these?
3/22/2012 7:26:21 PM
Sound slike valvetrain to me.
Or a zip tie stuck somewhere.......... Don't ask..
Or a zip tie stuck somewhere.......... Don't ask..
3/22/2012 7:29:46 PM
How much money do you have into it so far?
A Ninja 250 is a good little bike, but you have to consider the point of diminishing returns at some point.
Parting it out might be something to consider. Alot of guys race them, they use up parts quick.
A Ninja 250 is a good little bike, but you have to consider the point of diminishing returns at some point.
Parting it out might be something to consider. Alot of guys race them, they use up parts quick.
3/22/2012 9:00:54 PM
About 1300ish into it now.
Exactly like the first one...
Originally Posted By keroppl:
Plenty of videos on servicing valves and the tensioner on youtube. Bike Bandit has OEM parts and they aren't all that expensive.
Originally Posted By Tony-Ri:
Only 5300.
I figured it was the valves or cam chain tensioner way back when I got it... I guess I should have just tried to fix it myself rather than have someone else do it.
Originally Posted By keroppl:
If the clicking/knocking is matching engine speed, its probably a valve.
If the clicking/knocking is matching engine speed, its probably a valve.
Also check the cam chain tensioner.
If it's not those, yeah you probably need a new motor
How many miles on the bike?
Only 5300.
I figured it was the valves or cam chain tensioner way back when I got it... I guess I should have just tried to fix it myself rather than have someone else do it.
Plenty of videos on servicing valves and the tensioner on youtube. Bike Bandit has OEM parts and they aren't all that expensive.
Does the bike sound like these?
Exactly like the first one...
3/22/2012 10:05:48 PM
Originally Posted By Tony-Ri:
About 1300ish into it now.
Exactly like the first one...
About 1300ish into it now.
Originally Posted By keroppl:
Plenty of videos on servicing valves and the tensioner on youtube. Bike Bandit has OEM parts and they aren't all that expensive.
Originally Posted By Tony-Ri:
Only 5300.
I figured it was the valves or cam chain tensioner way back when I got it... I guess I should have just tried to fix it myself rather than have someone else do it.
Originally Posted By keroppl:
If the clicking/knocking is matching engine speed, its probably a valve.
If the clicking/knocking is matching engine speed, its probably a valve.
Also check the cam chain tensioner.
If it's not those, yeah you probably need a new motor
How many miles on the bike?
Only 5300.
I figured it was the valves or cam chain tensioner way back when I got it... I guess I should have just tried to fix it myself rather than have someone else do it.
Plenty of videos on servicing valves and the tensioner on youtube. Bike Bandit has OEM parts and they aren't all that expensive.
Does the bike sound like these?
Exactly like the first one...
Most likely just valve chatter then. Also check the rocker arms to make sure none are loose or seated improperly. Seems like some people have had this issue and it causes noise from the arm banging against the valve cover.
I'd also go ahead and adjust the cam chain tensioner. It's should be as simple as letting the bike idle and you loosen the locknut, let it reseat, and retighten. Might even consider taking the tensioner off and cleaning it first.
Another thing it could probably use is a carb cleaning and sync. It'll help it run smoother.
3/22/2012 10:49:31 PM
hell if you want to get rid of it let me know how much you want for it. The girlfriend wants to get a bike soon, and I don't mind wrenching.
3/22/2012 11:46:03 PM
Sounds like a simple fix, I'd fix it and enjoy the bike.
3/23/2012 8:14:40 AM
Maybe I'll just setup a live webcam and get y'all to help me!
3/23/2012 9:09:00 AM
Originally Posted By coolstuff:
Buy a factory manual, join some forums. search a how to on adjusting valves. Most bike's valves have to be adjusted often.
Originally Posted By Tony-Ri:
That's what I was thinking, it cant be that hard. But I have no idea where to find an engine besides eBay and it cost nearly what I paid for the bike with freight. I was told that it could be something wrong with the head, and the piston parts; its a real nasty click that goes with the motor speed. They didn't tear down the engine and that is probably what's needed to diagnose the problem. How hard would it be to detail strip the engine without any experience?
That's what I was thinking, it cant be that hard. But I have no idea where to find an engine besides eBay and it cost nearly what I paid for the bike with freight. I was told that it could be something wrong with the head, and the piston parts; its a real nasty click that goes with the motor speed. They didn't tear down the engine and that is probably what's needed to diagnose the problem. How hard would it be to detail strip the engine without any experience?
Buy a factory manual, join some forums. search a how to on adjusting valves. Most bike's valves have to be adjusted often.
+1
working on a motorcycle is like 50 times easier than a car. Think of it like working on a scale model of a car, but with big boy toys/tools. Factory service manual is a highly recommended item, and the 250R hasn't been changed for years. Lots of mod items too.
3/23/2012 10:37:57 AM
PM me if you decide to part it out
3/23/2012 11:32:16 AM
On second thought, I'd check the tensioner first. Much easier to get to than the valves. Shouldn't take more than a half hour.
3/23/2012 4:07:13 PM
Originally Posted By keroppl:
On second thought, I'd check the tensioner first. Much easier to get to than the valves. Shouldn't take more than a half hour.
On second thought, I'd check the tensioner first. Much easier to get to than the valves. Shouldn't take more than a half hour.
That is exactly what it sounds like. If my bike were here, I'd check it right now! Argh! Either there is something more to do with it, or both people I've taken it to are incompetent! I hate not knowing these things!3/23/2012 6:02:55 PM
Originally Posted By Tony-Ri:
That is exactly what it sounds like. If my bike were here, I'd check it right now! Argh! Either there is something more to do with it, or both people I've taken it to are incompetent! I hate not knowing these things!
Originally Posted By keroppl:
On second thought, I'd check the tensioner first. Much easier to get to than the valves. Shouldn't take more than a half hour.
On second thought, I'd check the tensioner first. Much easier to get to than the valves. Shouldn't take more than a half hour.
That is exactly what it sounds like. If my bike were here, I'd check it right now! Argh! Either there is something more to do with it, or both people I've taken it to are incompetent! I hate not knowing these things!The only way to learn is by doing. My pops taught me to change a tire and change the oil. That was the extent of his vehicle maintainance ability. Since then ive saved untold thousands of dollars replaceing everything from diesel injection pumps to lift kits, to changing my own motorcycle tires out (its not hard at all). And what better to toy around with than a cheap 250 that isnt your every day ride. Use this opportunity to learn. Once you do, you may find out that yes- people around you may well be that incompetent.
3/23/2012 7:26:43 PM
Originally Posted By Tony-Ri:
That is exactly what it sounds like. If my bike were here, I'd check it right now! Argh! Either there is something more to do with it, or both people I've taken it to are incompetent! I hate not knowing these things!
Originally Posted By keroppl:
On second thought, I'd check the tensioner first. Much easier to get to than the valves. Shouldn't take more than a half hour.
On second thought, I'd check the tensioner first. Much easier to get to than the valves. Shouldn't take more than a half hour.
That is exactly what it sounds like. If my bike were here, I'd check it right now! Argh! Either there is something more to do with it, or both people I've taken it to are incompetent! I hate not knowing these things!Incompetent or taking you for a ride for $$.
I learned the hard way on my first bike a CM400T. I was in the middle of a street tracker conversion and the engine started making noise and wasn't running right. I got frustrated and sold the bike. In hindsight it was a dumb move.
It was my first ever automotive related project and I learned a lot and lost a lot of money
5/11/2012 6:30:42 PM
Why didn't I just do it myself from the start!? I just dropped the engine after a few hours 95% by myself! The replacement is ready to be lifted in, but I didn't have a jack to do the job properly so I'll be finishing it tomorrow morning. So easy and simple, and it didn't cost me anything either!
